GISBORNE DANCES.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 924, 24 June 1903, Page 3

GISBORNE DANCES.

(To the Editor of the Times.)

Sir, —Uuder tho above heading I read a letter in the Times of Friday last signed by ono “ Katti Banner," and with your kind permission I should like to say a few words on the subject. I quite agree with your correspondent in regard to tho roughness displayed in the luiieers by tho gentlemen, bub L think that sho might have gone a stop further and included tho ladies, who are, in my opinion, more to blame than tho gentlemen. At several dances that I have attended lately, tho ladies were the first to broak away from their own set and run tho whole length of the hall, heedless of the confusion and discomfort of many of the dancers in tho adjoining sots, who gathered up their tattored garments as best they could. The gentlemen had perforce bo follow tho ladies, and tho result was that there was an inolegant spectacle, reminding one of a scrimmuge on a football field. In polito society young ladies and gentlemen should romomber that iu the lancers each set is supposed to keep to itself, and in no way interfere with their neighbors. “ Katti Banner ” was rather severe in regard to tho deportment displayed by tho majority of tho fair sex, for t think tho young ladies of Gisborne carry themselves with far better style than

do the ladies in the larger towns. I ant sorry that I cannot say the same for the young men of Gisborne, who " roll ” along the streets iu a most slovenly manner, and invariably, when walking with a lady, take the inside instead of the outer sido of tho footpath. They also appear to find it difficult to lmow what to do with their hands, which, from forco of habit, they kec-p in their pockets. It has been well said by a French writer that one is apt to neglect tho question of manners as something trifling, and yet they are often the criterion by which people will judgo one. Young men should remember that it is no use being well dressed if they are badly mannered. Apologising for taking up so much of your valuable space. —I am, etc., Belli: Biltox.