Chautauqua.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 27 August 1918, Page 2

Chautauqua.

COMING TO LEVIN

Chautauqua, is a movement so typically American that only those well versed in the history of our newest and greatest Ally can understand either its marvellous growth or its great influence oil the national character. It has now broken national bounds, overrun Canada, and is at present invading Australia and New Zealand. Therefore some information concerning what- may become with us also a nation-builder is of interest just now, especially as Levin will be one of the centres of its operations. So absurd a. name needs the explanation that- the idea oyigiinatod at Chautauqua. Lake, in the State of New York; where a stationary camp sought to inculcate a mixture of religion, temperance and education. Almost all that remains of the original institution lvj noirte, which now covers a. nation-wide- institution so effici- ! ently organised that it is able to bring to the people the best that is ofliering' in intellect, art, music, oratory and" entertainment of the better' sort. Theodore Roosevelt has called it Tim People's Univer'"sity. It is. run by the people for , the people, and last year twenty I million Americans were, patrons of the lectures, coneerts and dra--1 matic recitals given throughout i the States.

| s Australians and Zealanders visiting' America, have all marvelled at? the effectiveness of the systclm, and from many places requests were made that America should endeavouit to carry the good work to tlieai?, lands. This year the request was acceded to and the pioneers of the movement have iust completed a tour of Australia and are now' in New Zealand. ; Yest-erday Levin was visited by one of the advance guard in the person of Miss Young, who interviewed local residents and addressed a meeting of citizens in the afternoon with the result that the necessary guarantee was quickly forthcoming, and unless something' unforeseen occurs Levm will be hit about March or April next by a combination. of talent, the like of which has never before come to these parts. As Miss Young explained, a party of forty lecturers, mlusicians, vocalists and dramatic artists will tour the "North Island Chautauqua system composed of fifteen cent-res, spending a, week in each place and giving two double performances ■each day, consisting of a lecture and either an orchestral or vocal entertainment or a dramatic recital. All the performers and (entertainers will be picked from America's best talent. The performances are given in a specially constructed tent capable of seating 2000 people, and th e whole of the work of- organising and running the Chautauqua, will be in the hands of skilled men from the States. The profits, if any, from j (he New Zealand venture, will be used as they an? iu Amierica, in extending the system and making it more efficient.