CHAUTAUQUA.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1924, Page 6

CHAUTAUQUA.

SEASON IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

NEW FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.

Chautauqua will include New Plymouth in its itinerary again this year, but the visit will be made on a different (basis from those of previous years. Commencing on June 12, concerts will , be given in the Empire Theatre once a month until November.

The new proposals for the. visit were explained <to the New Plymouth branch of the Australian and New Zealand Chautauqua Association on Tuesday evening by Mr. C. W. Abbott, organiser, of Sydney. There were present: Messrs. H. L. Bradbury (chairman), A. Veale, H. J. Grayson, W. C. Weston and C. E. Bellringer. Mr. Abbott said the whole organisation of Chautauqua had been changed, and that finance and arrangements for concerts and lectures had been put on a most satisfactory basis. He outlined the procedure in Australia, stating that everywhere over there the greatest enthusiasm had resulted over the concerts.

Under the new arrangements the guarantee by the local association has been considerably reduced, and by the

new conditions all profits will be taken by the local association, which has absolute control of the finances.

It was suggested during the meeting that the profits accrued from the concerts might he allocated to institutions such as the Plunket or Red. Cross Societies, Joy perhaps to the sportsground, and it was hoped that the help of these bodies in the sale of tickets and arrangements for the concerts would be obtained.

An executive consisting of Messrs. C. E. Bellringer.. H. L." Bradbury, and H. J. Grayson (secretary pro tern) was set up. Mr. C. E. Bellringer was appointed president, and it was decided to approach Mr. F. J. Hill with a view to procuring his services as secretary. St is confidently hoped by the executive that now Chautauqua is placed on a good footing that excellent concerts will result, and that substantial profits will be available for distribution to worthy objects. Admission prices were fixed by the committee at 3s and 2s, tax.