DANCING AND THEATRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2112, 21 June 1907, Page 3

DANCING AND THEATRES.

DENOUNCED BY METHODISTS. The question of church discipline ind amusements was discussed by the Methodist Conference, report's the Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald. The Rev. W. Halse Rogers moved: ‘That the members of our church are expected to avoid all the amusements “hat are out of harmony with the spirit of the New_Testanient, and .the .tsage of our church. 11l view of the. perils connected with some of the amusements that are fashionable and fascinating, we should discourage them for our own sakes and that of others. Ve would earnestly urge attention to she general rule which forbids taking such diversions as cannot be taken in ;he name of the Lord Jesus Christ, believing this to be in harmony with :he principles laid down in the New testament, departure from which lowers the tone of devotional feeling, and mpairs the influence of tho Christian profession.”

Tho Rev. W. Morley moved an amendment to the effect that the motion be not put. Ho said it would mean that they would reaffirm what ..hey did three years ago. They would jo consulting their own dignity and promoting the best interests, of their ,;hureh il they did so. They would not alter the conduct or attitude of one member of the church if they passed half-a-dozen resolutions. He had ict heard of any serious grievance arising out of the legislation of three >cars ago.

Mr, J. Blanksby seconded the amendment. He thought it was a pity the tune of the conference should tie taken up in discussing an abstract resolution that would lead them praccicalty nowhere. The Rev. E. W. Nye moved as a further amendment: “That in view of the grave moral and spiritual peril attaching to dancing, theatregoing, and other amusements of a questionable character, our members and adherents are strongly and affectionately urged to abstain entirely from such ’.museiuents, and not to allow themselves or encourage others in any practice, however, alluring or fashion-d-le, which tends to lov. or the tone ot • cheir Christian character, or lessen ;hoir influence for good.” ■’ He said i.here Jiad been a very strong expression of opinions as to the necessity for legislation against those particular kinds of amusement. In the face jt tho present state of society, and in thp face of the kind of dancing engaged in, and the places that were most frequently used, it was wise for nhem to enter a most earnest protest igainst it. A remonstranco against these things from such a lody, embodied as a prominent manifesto in cheir books of laws, would have far more influence than if they simply said, “You must not do thfes or that.” Thero were multitudes of young peopie who needed tho guidance of the conference in those things. Mr. T. Delahunty, who seconded the amendment, said that dancing had a disastrous result on spiritual life. Mr Robson, M.L.C., said they could not fail to see that they wore face to face with a very difficult problem. The practices referred to should bo discountenanced by the church. He could not vote for Mr. Nye’s proposal. It either went too far or did not go far enough. There was not only 'ho theatre; there were dozens of ither diversions which -might be put ii the same category. Mr, Judkins said lie believed they had a crisis in the church. Feeling hi Victoria was aflame over that matter, and if it had happened that it had "one by without discussion there would have been something in tho nature of a revolution in the St-nte. a referendum were taken in Victoria there would be an overwhelming majority for the restoration of the rule. If he commenced going to dances every jockey boy would have the right to laugh at his profession. He maintained that unless some standard was aised it would be impossible for a superintendent to deal with any member of the church who began to uat•onisc dances and the theatre. They ■vanted to keep their standard high. There were hundreds of young peoplo n their midst who were down on a level on account of those things. The, Rev. ’vV. G. Taylor said that if ever there was a time when they should be' true to their standards it was now. The Rev. Mr. Nye’s amendment was eventually agreed to by 85 votes to 12. The Rev. W. Morlcy moved an amendment to the effect that the words “other amusements of a questionable character,” and "that are alluring and fashionable,” be pmitted. The amendment was negatived.