CHAUTAUQUA.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1921, Page 1

CHAUTAUQUA.

The Chautauqua season opened at tile Opera House yesterday 'under very favorable circumstances. At both afternoon ancj evening sessions the ehtertainments ami lectures were greatly enjoyed. There was a large attendance in the alternoon, while at night the commodious building was crowded, which augers well lor the remainder of the season.

Before commencing last night the Mayor (Mr 0. A- Perry, 0.8. E), extended a welcome to the representatives of Chautauqua and wished the season a success, air Perry praised the aims and objects of Chautauqua and ’loped to see the visits annually recur-

ring events here as elsewhere where Chautauqua has ta' en a-very firm root. Mrs ohort, the directress of the Hokitika season then introduced the performers. In doing so the lady praised Iho local committee lor its activities, ami thanked one and all for the reception given They felt very much at home in this town so typical of the Golden West Coast where the people had hearts of gold. Mrs Short regretted that the hall was not larger, hut for succeeding nights they would provide more seating accommodation, as no dcuht it would lie required. The lady bespoke the proposal regarding the

erection of a municipal opera house in Hokitika, and urged support for such a project as something very desirable. If it. were provided, Chautauqua, would come and fill it year after year. The entertaining portion of the programme was assigned to the Parnells, a gifted lady and gentleman who amused very greatly the large audience. Mr Parnell is possessed of a rich baritone voice, hut iir the only classic he sung la t night too little use was heard of it. In the darkie songs he rendered ouaiiit and novel items, and in the character recitals he was very clever.

Mrs Parnell’s child impersonations were very meritorious, while her talks and playing pleased everyone. Thq instrumental duet with which their season closed was specially appreciated, and the audience parted with the performers with regret. Mrs Parnell was the recipient of a handsome floral tribute. The lecturer last evening was Miss Sumuyeh Attiyeh. The young lady took the audience into her confidence and told the people she was not yet 25 years tit age. She is a 'Syrian by birth, who w nt to the United States for education in medicine. During the war period she lost her father and mother, and she became the “mother” of her

brothers and sisters (six in number). The lecture was largely on the Orient, with interesting comparisons with the Occident. Having lived and moved hath East and West, the lady was able to contrast the conditions, and very apt were many of her illusralions of life and manner. She takes pride in her own country, which produced the greatest Man the world lias ever known, and talks of its interesting life and people with pride-and pleasure. Last night she had a good deal to say also of Mohammed, who was horn in Mecca (Arabia) away hack in the sixth con-

t!iry. She sketched Ins birth and life, and Ids devotion to Ids. own people. She told of his writings now embalmed in tin.- Koran, and of the wondorfnl power he exerted in establishing Mohomedanism which was now embraced l.y millions of people. The lecture itself covered much ground and was always engrossing, turning the thoughts to subjects often heard of, but little understood in detail. The references to the Turks were interesting because they were so topical now, and altogether the whole discourse was out of the beaten track and it was informative and full of enlightment. Miss Attiych had a most cordial hearing, and was trihnted with flowers at the close of her bright address. The performers spoke a few words of thanks for the kindness extended to them during their stay in Hokitika. They had enjoyed very greatly the run to Lake Kanieri, whoso beauty was praised very highly. Miss Attiych was delighted with the opportunity afforded of inspecting the dredge in course of erection at Jtimu Flat. The proceedings closed appropriately with the singing of the National Anthem.