Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1905.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42773, 2 September 1905, Page 2

Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1905.

This above all—to thine own self be true, And it must follow as the night the day Ihou const not then be false to any man Shakespeare.

We live in an age of entertainment and pleasure seeking, and even our snug little township of Te Aroha is getting a thorough chance to benefit to the fullest extent by the exhilarating effects of a visit to any of the varied entertainments which are being produced for our wholesome appreciation. From the days of the Roman gladiatorial displays, which demanded more realism than is feasible nowadays, some form of spectacular diversion has always been considered and recognised as a necessary amusement. To this day a reflection of the old gladiatorial fights is seen in the bull-fight, still prevalent in some countries, notably Spain, but, happily, slowly and surely dying out in face of the irresistable spread of humanitarianism. Since the time of William Shakespeare, and the production of his immortal works, which form the basis of all modern stage plays, the theatre has been always a recognised institution serving the purpose of amusement, whilst at the same time developing and enlightening the public mind. The educational value of the historical play has long been admitted, and there is every leason to believe that this very graphic method of presenting details of histoiy carries with it powers of a very impressive and convincing nature. The problem play too, has its uses in indicating to the mind, the uses of alertness and the' need for caution against the duplicity of purpose of individuals, so- prevalent in this world. But lor taking a person out of himself, making him for the time being, forgetful of his cares,- his worries, and lighting up his face with the happy smile of freedom, the stage production containing a certain amount of wholesome humorous element, is ofttimes the equivalent of a fine tonic. Humour has lived through centuries, at one time the stock in-trade of the court jester, now loudly demanded by all civilised peoples. And it is well that it should be so, for life in this dull world needs all the brightening touches that man’s hand is capable of imparting to it, and to such perfection has the theatrical art now been brought, that for a trifling sum any individual may witness that which has cost thousands of pounds to produce. At the same time the stimulating effects of hearty laughter, and the elevating tendency of the study of high ideals, must be of great value to all, and indeed, can undoubtedly in some cases be of direct benefit to health; for each pleasing variety of thought or action introduced into our every-day lives brings a wealth of possibilities in its train, and it is only by seizing on every opportunity for change of thought and action that we can, by constantly striving, and keeping our object in view, improve ourselves.