CHAUTAUQUA.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1923, Page 2

CHAUTAUQUA.

.Mr Ward, of Auckland, advance representative of the Chautauqua organisation was in town yesterday, and met a nttmhor of the local glia ran tors at the Town Hall to discuss arrangements for tln> Hokitika season. .Mr I). .1. Kvans was voted to the (hair. The Hokitika .sonson has been fixed for four days (two sessions each day), from February 14th to 17th (inclusive). .Mr Ward explained that the lecturers would include four vary capable lecturers. each with distinctive subjects, and all of great public interest. The musical side would also lie a strong one. vocally and instnimeiitally. including a quartette and an instrumental trio. The programmes would »;• well varied, and include an inf ere.- ‘.mg playlet. Altogether patrons would find the entertainments agreeably entertaining as also with an instructive side. It was decided to arrange for the sessions at the Westland Opera House much on the lines of the previous sessions. ]t wa.s arranged to sell season tickets for eight entertainments its MM plus tax, the tickets to hi interchangeable. The usual concession tickets will he offered to the public also. It, was resolved to arrange for 'the pre-sale of tickets, and to limit the sale of tickets at the doors accordingly. .Mi 1 Ward, who has toured already the Fast Coast of the South Island, indicated that the general support was very .satisfactory. There was no profit to the Association or any individual arising out of the tour. All the proceeds'went in securing artists capable of giving the best entertainments for patrons. The local guarantee was (fL’iXI. and the cost of the season in Hokitika to the Association would lw £lB5. which left a very small margin for Dominion management. I he Chautauqua movement was now thoroughly established in New Zealand, which was the headquarters also lot Australia, and was quite separate and apart from any American organisation. All contracts with the artists were made direct from New Zealand, and this season would indicate the advantage of this local control. Advice or suggestions were invited in rogard to future sessions, and several ideas were put forward, which -Mr Ward will put before »be executive at Auckland,