Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1923, Page 2

The Chautauqua season opens to-mor-row. The months quickly roll by. but, that is a way time has when the years have multiplied. The present will ho be fourth season of Chautauqua in Hokitika; which began in 1920, and was made specially memorable by such fine lcturers at kludge Aklen and Dr. Geisel or such popular artists as the Lyric quartette and the Fenwick Xewell Company. Those combinations set a standard for Chautauqua which patrons have looked always to he sustained. The season which opens to-morrow will bring fresh faces from across the seas. The lecturers hail from different lands—including our own. So, also, too, the

makdru OTitfelodies, for the number in-1 eludes a New Zealand concert party. It will be interesting to have the artists | ill contrast. The press notices in advance of the visitors are impressive, indicating that there should be an entertaining array of artists. Chautauqua brings refreshment and enlightenment to the mind. It is a sugar-coated way of administering an intellectual entertainment. There is something to please and something to carry away in the mind. There is an educational value about Chautauqua which is insinuating, i and patrons in every programme will have the opportunity of learning something at this a green I ile form of entertainment. Chautauqua helps to mould the national spirit lor its programmes bring to the open mind something to be assiinulated which is of personal value, and w'hich realised, helps to create the better citizen. It is a good clean healthy form of entertainment, lifting the mind into a fresh line of thought, and in that sphere the attentive student can find something new to acquire. Chautauqua is something different from the average line of entertainment, but apart from its novelty it has merits distinctly its own, and these appear to be altogether praiseworthy. Chautauqua supplies a useful as well as a pleasant break in the year’s round.

Tim large and enthusiastic, gathering at the Municipal Baths last night fully justified tho enthusiasm and enterprise of those responsible for the restoration of the baths to their normal use. In this connection too much praise cannot be given to the Electric Power Cov. for their very practical help in the matter, for without it last night’s success would have been impossible. The public rolled up in force and were Inuiled to a fine exhibition of the natatorial art. It was a delight to see the young folk disporting themselves ami competing vigorously in the youthful even Is. The display by the seniors was quite a revelation, and a belter night’s sports could hardly lie expected. for which a special measure of praise -diould he awarded the hnndicappor. r I he diving competitions excited great interest among the spectators, and were frolicsome interludes for their " water nymphs and Iliads who revelled in their feats. \ cry special interest centred in the relay race which bruiighi out several learns and a very spirited contest. The progress of the rare aroused great exnit cimetit among 'the spectators. Altogether the gathering was a very pronounced success. The occasion for reference to the matter hero, is to appreciate what has been done and to encourage those who have the matter in hand to go farther by an effort to secure a tepid water supply, and later to cover the enclosure with a roof, rendering the baths a popular place of utility all the year round. It is manifest old and young will derive much pleasure from the useful pastime if full facilities are given for its indulgement, and it is in the public interests to encourage every attention to the cultivation of the art of swimming.