CHAUTAUQUA

Taihape Daily Times, 24 February 1919, Page 5

CHAUTAUQUA

USEFUL INSTITUTION

For more than a generation has the Chautauqua filled a place of great usefulness in the lives of our American neighbours. It has proved itself to be easily adapted to the changing conditions, and has a most important parf in making the public information which rules the country to-day. It has, contributed much to g/enuinic patriotic opinion, and has been a Clearing house for new ideas, and a , steady positive force for increasing intelligence, promoting religious tolerance and democracy, and for uplifting life and making it more wholesome and joyous. When we learn the real function and influence of- Ohatauqua there will be no one who will not welcome it. When big problems are to be solved then is when the Chautauqua has its best chance. We need a living influence which will present matters of outside interest and concern. The Chautauqua platform affords a. forum for the free discussion of our latest problems by leaders of thought from all walks of life. Any man with a real message may then get an opportunity to deliver that message without denominational restraint or the suspicion of partisan politics. Certainly we need such a forum in a democracy whertj '•ueoplo will come and listen to the discussion of our most pressing problems by experts who 3.ain pimwer their There is no doubt as to the ability of the Chautauqua to enter sympathetically ino world movements and to minister to the needs of the people in times ofi-strain and- anxiety. The fact that the people crave entertainment and amusement does not indicate that they <Io not think seriously; in fact, it is all the more necessary in times of stress and strain to“ furnish ome proper arid wholesome form of diversion. The varied programme of our Chautauqua is designed to appeal to all classes of our people, and also to the different moods of those of us who need encouragement "and cheer. The many splendid musical numbers will serve to lif tus above the turmoil and stress of our own strenuous life and help us to get new vision, new hope, and greater courage. If wo are not to become morbid from brooding over our ■ own trebles and the world’s sufferings and losses, we need at times to be-lifted to greater heights and to be given mountain-top' glimpses of things we do nof usually see. This is the message of Chautaqua.