CHAUTAUQUA IN AUCKLAND

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1540, 30 October 1919, Page 34

CHAUTAUQUA IN AUCKLAND

Chautauquans were welcomed to Auckland at a very pleasant little gathering in the Town Hall concert chamber last Friday afternoon, preparatory to the opening of the season. Mr. A. J. Entrican (Deputy-Mayor) presided, and expressed his conviction that the visit would further cement the friendship between America and New Zealand. Mr. W; J. Napier added a few encouraging words, and Mrs. F. E. Baume spoke on the value of community work from a woman’s standpoint. Judge G. D. Alden, on behalf of the visitors, thanked the speakers for their cordial welcome. A dainty afternoon tea was served and a social half-hour or so was spent in mingling with the: American guests, who impressed, everyone with their characteristic, aliveness. Mr. M. E. Paget, who has been in New Zealand for the past few months stimulating interest in the Chautauqua, was mainly responsible, with his wife, for establishing a delightful camaraderie. The main work of the session commenced on Saturday, the Lyric Quartette (the well-known local combination) supplying the musical portion, and Judge Alden, in an arresting lecture on “The Needs of the Hour,” catered to the educational side. Miss Helen Carson made a charming little introductory announcement. Monday’s programme consisted of lectures by Dr. Arthur D. Carpenter on “The Energy of the Universe” and “Worlds in the Making.” The Lyric Quartette. were again in popular evidence, and. proved their value on the Chautauqua, list. Tuesday had a strong fillip in the Zedeler Symphonic Quartette, a. highly-artistic combination headed by Nicolai Zedeler, formerly solo ? cellist of the Symphony Orchestra of Stockholm. Their items included grand operatic excerpts interpreted with true musicianly genius, and an addi-. tional attraction was" Miss Hel'crr“ Fortune, a brilliant soprano from Chicago, whose colourful singingmade a deep impression.