PUBLIC LECTURE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 24 July 1934, Page 4

PUBLIC LECTURE.

Geographical Conditions and Culture. Tlie influence of geographical conditions upon the development of art. architecture and religion, was traced in an interesting manner by Professor James Shelley last evening, when he gave a public lecture at Canterbury College on ••The Geographical Factor in Human Culture." The lecture was the first of a series arranged by Mr G. Jobberns, lecturer in geology at the college, in an effort to stimulate public interest in New Zealand in the human side of geography. There was a large attenDr James Might, rector of Canterbury* College, introduced the series by a short address. He said that the college was grateful to Mr Jobberns fop his efforts in arranging the lectures, and expressed the hope that they would stimulate interest. in geography. The first example of the geographical factor in human culture taken by Professor Shelley was the domination of Egyptian civilisation by the River Nile. He pointed out how the periodical flooding of the river played a great part in the lives of the Kgyptinns, and had an influence upon their art and re'igion. Professor Shelley concluded his lecture l»y showing a number of lantern