CHATAUQUA AT HATAITAI

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 25, 29 July 1927, Page 5

CHATAUQUA AT HATAITAI

Lieut. Gordon Bnvt, one of tlie officers of tho Commander Worsley Arctic expedition in 1025, was tho lecturer last evenii)<; at the second of the "Chautaqiia" evenings now being held in the Methodist Church Room, Hataitai. Mr. T. Forsytli, M.1?., occupied the chair, and the hall was full. the evening Miss Myra Sawyer and Mr. Boardman rendered musical numbers.

Lieut. Burt, in a racy account, dealt briefly with the history of Polar exploration, and showed views of liis ship and its company. He said that the commander was v New Zoalander with an ambition to plant the New Zealand flag "furthest north." The value of the scientific and biological research work was briefly referred to and the adventurous side of the expedition in its encounters with pack ice, blizzards, and polar bears, was dealt with at greater length. Some fine views of the ice fields and o£ the bears were shown, and a very close interest was maintained by the skilful interweaving of hair-raising escapes and amusing incidents. The skull of an Bft polar bear was exhibited, and amongst the pictures was one of an 11----foote>\ The enormous strength of these beasts) and the destructive power of a blow from their paws were vividly described. The pictures were all of a high order, and the lantern was efficiently manipulated by Mr. M'Cunc. In conclusion, the lecturer dealt with the question sometimes asked as to the value of such expeditions. The audience were reminded of the scientific! data, meteorological and otherwise which, often purchased at great risk, was accepted as a matter of course, but even apart from this aspect, anyone who had participated would sa}with conviction that in the cultivation of comradeship and endurance alone, was a sufficient answer, as instance the inspiration of the moving story of Captain Scott and his party and many others. Appreciation was voiced by Messrs. M'Laren and Fear.

The concluding event of the series will, be Mr. Johannes Andersen's lecture on bird life, to be held on Monday, but it will be repeated on the following night (Tuesday) especially for young people.