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New Zealand Listener, Volume 14, Issue 352, 22 March 1946, Page 16

Sir,-When I first came here with my husband, a New Zealander, people, on hearing I had come from China, seemed very interested and I was repeatedly asked whether we had electricity and movies there. At that time this amused me, Yes, we had electricity and we had movies; we also had weekly symphonic concerts (being spared, incidentally, interpolation of "pretty" songs in symphonic. music), we had ballet seasons and grand and light opera as well as an amateur dramatic company. But the significant point which escaped me then

was that no one asked whether we had those things. Now after six years I understand the reason and that is that to the majority of people in this country, electricity and movies symbolise civilisation, whereas music and art mean very little indeed. What a pity that is so, in a new and modern minded country but the fault is not with the individual but with the educational system. It has become apparent to me in these years that the majority of those educated here have no love or knowledge of literature or art; there is no room for it in their lives and though they will comment on scenic beauty, have no appreciation of beauty created by man in words, music, or pictures. And the reason is lack of education in appreciation. Art, music, and literature should be given the place they deserve in schools here. A country with a system of education which can produce otherwise intelligent adults who will pause in front of my reproduction of a worldfamous Van Gogh and say "Did you paint this also?" (this was not an isolated instance and my style dodes not resemble that of Van Gogh); which makes it possible for 75 per cent of its women to take in a flow of "serials"; and which limits the conversational abilities of 95 per cent of its men to gardening, sports and’ politics, should see that something is done quickly for the children now in its schools. Those who have talent and the ability to create are fortunate indeed, but an education to make appreciation possible is the birthright of every child. My own ability to settle down contentedly here could possibly be traced to family background, later influences, and unsettled life. But this is more than a personal situation, because in England, the U.S., Australia, and China I found ample facilities for cultural and intellectual dévelopment. Having seen many originals of masterpieces of art, from ancient Chinese to very modern, can I be blamed for experiencing the sense of desolation which comes over me in the Auckland Art Gallery? When the beauty of Epstein’s sculpture has been experienced all other is dwarfed in comparison and when one has seen plays and ballet presented with pomp and decorum can one be blamed for wilting within the precincts of local theatres? Even my hitherto seemingly inexhaustible love of my fellow-creatures is being gradually destroyed by the inexplicably bad manners of so many here, So I am another one of those eager to escape, to have the chance to learn while still young and possessing the will to do so, to mix again with people who do not distrust the unconventional but who accept the classical and who would discuss T. S, Eliot or Gerard Manley Hopkins now and then as well as gar-dening-for if we must talk of cabbages let us also talk of kings. Therefore in spite of the kindness shown to me, in spite of the hospitality extended in this country of peace, temperate climate, and a plenitude of all things requisite for healthy living, I remain

ONE WHO WANTS TO RUN AWAY

(Auckland),