CHAUTAQUA

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 599, 14 January 1921, Page 2

CHAUTAQUA

(To the Editor). Sir, —The “Chautauqua Lady” has arrived, bringing with her the glad tidings of another season of “moral uplift’’, entertainment, inspiration, and all sorts of education. She has already, per medium of “Free Ginger Pop, etc.,” endeared herself to the kiddies, and leaves a trail of smiling young faces and “Chautauqua” hats everywhere. On every hand we sec “Chautauqua” on banners across the streets, in posters ; in fact, our little town is completely metamorpborised through the efforts of the energetfiic “Chautauquists.”

But why all this display, this fuss ? What is “Chautauqua ?” lam informed that it is a Society (registered in New Zealand under the Incorporated Societies’ Act, 190S), run for the “uplift,” education, and general benefit of the public, at the rate of 10s per season ticket, or 3s per night, single admission, and isnot established for pecuniary gain. In fact, the poster tells us that should there be any surplus, which perhaps would scarcely be possible at the meagre prices asked, it will not go to any individual or any group ; it will be used solely for the betterment of the Association.

in fact, ask some of the guarantors who pallet out—it was rather an expensive bit of “uplift” for them. Of course, it was only right that such a super-entertainment should be retrieved of the responsibility which must be faced by ordinary entertainers in the matter of a loss ; It must have been right or the guarantors would not have signed up. Nowi Mr Pukekohe, 1 won t trespass on your time any longer, but simply -ask you this : Why is it possible for you to spend £3OO on six rights’ “Uplift,” supplied by ap organisation which comes from the natfion which “chews gum and wins wars,” while our local orchestra and band are sorely in need of a little support and practical “uplift ?” I am. etc., I. ASKYOU.