CULTURAL SOCIETY

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25610, 27 September 1948, Page 2

CULTURAL SOCIETY

INTERESTING PROGRAMME

Vocal and instrumental music, dramatic sketches, and a stimulating address comprised the programme presented at the monthly meeting of the Christchurch Cultural Society at Begg’s concert hall on Saturday evening. The president (Dr. G. Jobberns) presided. Songs were sung by Mr Claude O’Hagan with Mrs E. J. McEachen as accompanist, a scherzo and a ballade by Brahms were played by Miss Alison Edgar, and three character sketches were given by Mrs Enid Frye. The speaker was Dr. Francis Bennett, who, from his experience of life in every continent of the world except Antarctica, supported the belief that in the instinctive, elemental things of life, all races .were similar; differences lay in later acquisitions—in language, ways of life, and general culture. Dr. Bennett said the instinct of selfdefence and the desire to live were inherent in all living creatures. He described the struggle for life that he had seen amongst the poorest and most wretched classes in Aden, West Africa, Bombay, and amongst the “river Chinks” of Hong Kong—people who would appear to have nothing to live for. Yet they fought for existence. Other basic characteristics, Dr. Bennett said, were the desire for selfassertion and the need felt by all races for religion of some kind, for a belief in a Supreme Being that controlled their destiny. Dr. Bennett related many anecdotes in support of his contentions and his experiences in peace and war? Mr Will Hutchens thanked the artists and the speaker.