CHAUTAUQUA.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1921, Page 1

CHAUTAUQUA.

The Chautauqua season held on its way again yesterday with large attendances ruling both afternoon and night. 'J’ho Tonians and Ca.pt pnrie were the “programme,” and the hill was filled admirably. The lonians are colonial artists, and they devoted their hour strictly to the rendition of the beautiful music. There was no “padding” with lengthy interlauded .speeches, hut music all the time. It was most acceptable. Miss

Dorothy Baker charmed the audience n> she did a year ago when here with the Newell concert party. A brilliant executant she rendered delightfully several high class numbers and was recalled again and again. The audience were captivated. Miss Lalla Knight sang pleasantly, and in addition to solos, uas associated with Air Cowley in wellreceived duets. Mr Cowley, a. baritone, was likewise well-received in his solo numbers, and the vocal contributions to the programme were really most acceptable. The lady at the piano supplied sympathetic accompaniments, ft was decided a very entertaining hour, which the lonians contributed. Captain Norman Jmrie, a Canadian, lectured on the problems confronting John Bull and Uncle Sam. He chose these two senior partners in the world’s possessions because they represented the English-speaking peoples, who had

sprung from a common stock, and were marching down the avenues of time with burdens somewhat akin calling for readjustment. Air Jmrie is a fluent speaker convering much ground at racc-liorse speed. He graphically raced through the four centuries since Columbus happened upon America and discovered the vast continent, where a great English speaking nation was to arise Ifo dealt with the period of time in stages of one hundred years each, and revived historical memories with his lightning touch of events as they are now embalmed in history. But his review was concise and illuminating, and served to marshal facts we should all he aware of when we come to consider present day trials and tribulations affecting national unity.

Coming to the present he spoke of Uncle Sam's tremendous difficulties with the alien problem being added to at the rate of a million a year; of its racial problem associated with the black race; it.; colored problem summed up in the v( How peril; its native troubles with the Filipinos; its Mexican border trials. All these and more were the troubles of a nation, and there was no ready means of solution just at hand. Still Uncle Sam had a way with him. The lecturer told in tabloid terms how America. had acquired its vast territory, and having obtained it. Uncle Sam would find a way to rule it.

I Tiien turning to John Bull with his J vast Commonwealth the lecturer divided j the burdens into three divisions; those of the United Kingdom itself; of Hie | great Dominions overseas; and of the Crown Colonies and their separate aims and aspirations. The two latter were •graphically dealt with and then Air Im;ri<* returned to the first and most immediate burden of all. the settlement of 'the Irish question. The lecture culminated in a comprehensive review of the

i vexed question. Ihe lecturer traieised j tlit* happenings in Ireland in rapid seiqeenee, detailing here and there difficulties and dangers which beset all who touched the at jiresent insol liable | question. It was an impartial and I very fair review of a critical period in our nations’ history. Mr Imrie did not [ apportion blame, but he stated facts--j facts which though generally known j were just as well restated in plain terms that all might think for themselves what should he done to settle a national I horror. The lecturer took hope from the lastest proposal of Mr Lloyd George that Ireland should begin with a North and South Parliament separate in themselves yet with a Federal Congress overlooking the whole and striving for, a settlement that would accord a unification of parliamentary government—and which arrived at woeld he sanctioned by the 'British Government —defence and foreign policy affairs of course being omitted.

In a brilliant and electrifying peroration Captain Imrie pleaded for the ideals of the League of Nations, indicating how the English speaking peoples might themselves direct such a potent power if they would associate and unite in the common purpose. The lecturer was ovationed at the close of his hour and a half address, and returning to the stage was greeted with cheers. In acknowledging the plaudits of the audience, Captain Imrie thanked the people for one of the best hearings he had ever received.

Th hearty singing of the National Anthem closed a memorable evening’s address. To-day’s programme promises to lie another good one. Miss Root, contralto, and Mr Patton, pianist, will supply the entertainment 'and Air Eastman will lecture on subjects which promise enlightment and learning. On Monday there will be a splendid musical entertainment by the Overseas entertainers a group of fine talented young ladies all of whom by the way had war experience.