CHAUTAUQUA

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1920, Page 1

CHAUTAUQUA

MEMORABLE CLOSING NIGHT.

Chautauqua has grown in favor night by night, and last night was no exception, for there was a record attendance, the tent being crowded, many standing. In the afternoon owing to an unfriendly shower, the entertainment was given in itlic Opera House before a good attendance. The Newell concert party entertained pleasingly and Dr Giesel gave a fine address on “Better Living.” In the evening on Cass Square the 1 proceedings opened with Junior Town. About 100 young folk had been trained by Mrs Richards of the' Chautauqua party to sing, speak and act their part. Master Rutland was the Mayor and he had a Town Council and various Committees as well as a body guard of loyalists. Loyalty was the keynote of the proceedings, and law and order were enforced rigorously. The theme was that by all working together, each playing a part, the town would be just what the people made it. It should first of all be clean ; industry should find a, place; the laws should be obeyed; flowers should-grow profusely.; play should not be neglected, and out of this would spring “some” town, yet it was not the town; it was just YOU. The juveniles did admirably. Miss Heenan presided at the piano, and a twenty minutes entertainment was given which did credit to all concerned, and very hearty was the applause. Following canto Dr Caroline Giesel in a “health talk.” This talented lady speaks with great earnestness and conviction. She has had worldwide travel from whence to draw her knowledge of life, and her experiences are told in a manner which hold the audience with intensity. Environment shapes destiny, she said, and it was the duty of a community to see that everything round about it was clean and healthful. The lecturer drew an example from Junior Town, and told the story of Chester town in America, the unhealthiest town for its size in the world, reformed in a short period to the healthiest. It was an interesting story illustrating .how nil could help in the good work, from the child upwards, if properly organised. Other examples of unhealthy condi tious about towns were given, showing bow disease and epidemics bad settled on places which with foresight might have avoided a heavy doatli roll. Tile lady was fully master of her subject, and continued in a most convincing manner to instill her message into the minds of the people before her. She closed with an inspiring peroration in regard to Christian faith which had a moving effect on the large audience. Floral tributes and great applause were accorded this most gifted of speakers whom it was the greatest delight to hear.

The Fenwick Newell concert party brought the entertainment and the season to a close. This pleasing trio of artists supplied a most enjoyable programme, and won rapturous applause. As in other cases during the evening, the ladies of the Company received ■many very handsome bouquets. Before the singing of the National Anthem, the names of a number of local ladies and gentlemen, were given in as guarantors for a visit of Chautauqua nest season.