CHAUTAUQUA.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1919, Page 6

CHAUTAUQUA.

SEASON OPENS MARCH It An announcement is made in our advertising columns to-day which will explain to the public what kind of a programme Chautauqua presents. On the opening day, in the afternoon, there will he a short official welcome and a response by the representative, of Chautauqua; after which the Apollo Concert Company will contribute a selection of apollophone music with their wonderful instrument, the like of which has never been heard here, or in New Zealand for that matter until Chautauqua introduced it at Masterton last week. The evening programme will be a grand concert by the Apollo Concert Company. During the rest of the season the programme will be half musical and the other half will be taken up by a lecture by one or other of the famous American lecturers travelling with the organisation.

When details of the programme are read by the public it might easily be concluded that the underlying idea is to furnish amusement or entertainment, but a visit to the tent will make one come to a very different conclusion. The fact is that the entire programme has been i /ully planned and those attending the sessions will be able to detect the patriotic impulse and definite patriotic design. While there is much for the purpose of attracting interest, and for whole-souled entertainment, such numbers not only serve the purpose of bringing together a large number of people, but they create a suitable atmosphere and mental attitude in which the audience are favorably disposed to benefit by the serious presentation of the subjects which constitute the real Chautauqua message for the present hour. When big problems are to be solved then is when the Chautauqua has its best chance —there is needed a living influence which will present matters of outside interest and concern.

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 public of New Plymouth really owe it to some 35 or 40 leading citizens who have guaranteed the expenses that Chautauqua is coming here. It is not a money-making concern (nor has it anything to do with the Prohibition or Liquor parties), all its profits'being devoted to furthering the movement. To cover the guarantee a certain number of season tickets have to be sold. These are 10s 6d each for adults, 6s 3d for pupils of secondary schools, and 4s 2d for primary school children. These tickets admit to every performance or lecture, twelve in all, and are transferable within a family, and they are obtainable at this price only prior to the opening on March 12, after which the adult tickets will be 12s 6d. The ordinary prices for admission vary, but to attend on every occasion, paying each time at the door, would cost about 30s, or 2s 6d a time, instead of lOjd a time with a season ticket. Possibly few would bo able to attend regularly, but of a family of, say, four or live, with two season tickets costing a guinea, two members could attend on each occasion, costing them only 10id each. These season tickets can be obtained now from any of the guarantors or at any of the shops and offices named in the advertisement.