The Chautauqua.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 March 1919, Page 4

The Chautauqua.

THE SECOND DAY. At Chautauqua yesterday, Dr Johnsou was the great attraction The second day opened to a large audience in the afternoon, the musical part of the programme being furnished by three New Zealand young 'ladies — Miss Bartlett, vocalist; Miss Symons, violinists, and Miss. Larvey, piano. This trio gave a very pleasing and varied musical prelude to Dr Johnson's lecture, the singing being good, the violiniste's work excellent, and pianistc Was remarkably successful in her renditions.

Dr Johnson is a natural born orator, and many will wish that his inspiriting lectures could be continued, and everyone who heard him yesterday will quite understand why he is the highest paid lecturer in the United States.

In the evening the huge tent was well filled; the afternoon lecture had raised Dr. Johnson's mana to the point of greatest enthusiasm, and he fulfilled all that reputation claimed forhim. Both the afternoon and evening lectures were profusely punctuated with stories leading up to the point the speaker wished to make, and sparks of wit of the most brilliant character flashed where not expected, giving life and interest, and precluding any possibility of a single dull moment. Dr Johnson is a body of humour, for his very first appearance raised a pleasant consciousness, and when he smiled the huge audience smiled, excepting several, who laughed outright.

The musical programme rendered in the evening by the Artists' Trio was of considerable merit, every item being encored. The honour of delivering the most enjoyable oration ever heard in Taihape is certainly earned by Dr Johnson. The proceedings were brought to a close by the immense audience singing the National Anthem.