CHAUTAUQUA

Taihape Daily Times, 28 February 1919, Page 3

CHAUTAUQUA

USEFUL INSTITUTION

For more than a generation has the Chantanqua 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 Iras a most important part in making the public information which rules the country to-day. It has contributed much to genuine 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 Chatauqua 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. Wle need a living influence which wdll present matters of outside interest and concern. The Chautauqua platform affords m 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 polities. Certainly we need such a forum in a (iftmocracy wherte People will come and listen to the discussion of our most pressing problems by experts who gan fonswer theif 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 of strain and anxiety. The fact that the people crave entertainment and amusement does not indicate that they do not think seriously; in fact, it is all the more necessary in times of stress and strain to furnish ome proper and 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.