TROOPS IN PACIFIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 126, 29 May 1944, Page 4

TROOPS IN PACIFIC

LECTURES AND STAGE SHOWS KEEN INTEREST. SHOWN Recently a panel of lectures on various subjects closely related to rehabitation, a professional concert party, and a small professional repertory party left this country to visit the New Zealand Division in the Pacific. The Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) said that the visit of the lecturers and entertainers was agreed to by War Cabinet in response to a request from the Division, and the scheme was organised by the ArmyEducation and Welfare Services, in conjunction with the National Broadcasting Service. “For various reasons it has been necessary to hold comparatively large numbers of men in the base area in New Caledonia, and it was to meet the needs of these men that the present arrangements were made,” continued the Minister. “As the majority of these men are amongst those selected for return to essential industry, it.was decided to select lecturers who could deal with various problems of rehabilitation and post-war reconstruction. There are six lecturers. LECTURERS AND THEIR SUBJECTS I “Professor H. Belshaw, of Auckland, p. speaking on industrial and economic [conditions-in New Zealand, with spe-j Icial emphasis on reconstruction probJems. Dr. J. Nicol, of A.E.W.S. head- • (quarters, opened with four lecture.--■giving a general outline of rehabiiitaI 1 ion, and these will be ' followed by ■lectures on literature and science. (Three lecturers from the Department j of- Agriculture—Dr. C. S. M. Hopkirk, I Mr. C. Walker, and Mr. J. P. Duncan i- were chosen 1o deal with subjects closely related to lhe primary industries. Dr. Hopkirk began with subjects of general interest concerning L’l-ock reproduction and sterility and 'certain animal diseases, and will later leal more specifically with aspects of farm animal husbandry. Mr. Walker's series cover pastures, crops, and dairyfarming, and Mr. Duncan is dealing with sheep and wool. Lieut. M. Lee (A.E.W.S. headquarters) opened with a lecture on heredity in human beings, followed by a talk on housing. He will conclude with a series of lectures on national and current affairs. “The series of lectures began in earnest on Monday of last week. A preliminary report states that the interest of the men is obvious, and that attendance, which is voluntary, is excellent. at all sessions. Through lack of suitable accommodation for Ihe large numbers attending, many lectures have been given in the open air. Discussion groups formed in conjunc-' tion with Ihe lectures have also been well attended. “A concert party ofM3 professional performers, and a rept%cy party, consisting of a producer (Mr. Bernard Beeby, Supervisor of Production, National Broadcasting Service) with five professional players, and Mr. Henri Penn, pianist, have also been sent. Besides providing stage entertainments of a high standard, the concert party members and lhe repertory players are organising music, choirs, and playreading, and drama groups amongst the soldiers. “The lecturers and artists have alreadv made an excellent start, with the work they were sent to do," concluded the Minister. “In addition to obviating boredom, which can have serious I nffeefs on the morale of men nol en- i aged in active operational duties, the i ’ecturers and entertainers are a.lso ] providing the soldiers with a wide | variety of cultural and practical study i courses of considerable value.” “ .