CHAUTAUQUA

Taihape Daily Times, 5 March 1919, Page 6

CHAUTAUQUA

USEFUL INSTITUTION

For more than a generation has the Chautahiqua filled a place of great usefulness in the lives of our American neighbours. It has proved itself to bo easily adapted to the changing conditions, and has a most important part in making the public information which rules the country to-day. It has contributed much to gfenuine 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 wo learn the real function and influence of Chatauqua there w T ill be no cue who will not welcome it. When big problems are to bo solved then is when the Chautauqua has its best chance. W,; 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 loaders 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 Aemocracy whefie ooople will come and listen to the discussion of our most pressing problems by' experts who oan /i-nswer rheir 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 flmiteenv’nt docs not indicate that they do not think seriously; in fact, it is all the more necessary in times of stress and strain to furnish omo 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 chose of ns who need encouragement and cheer. The many splendid musical number® will serve to lif tin; above the tur-

moil and stress of our own strenuous life and help us to get new vision, new hope, and greater courage.