THINK DANCING BAD.

North Otago Times, Volume CVII, Issue 17748, 14 March 1927, Page 6

THINK DANCING BAD.

Press Association.)

METHODISTS HIT OUT.

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AUCKLAND, Friday. Strong condemnation of dancing was expressed by speakers at the Methodist conference to-day when a motion was carried urging the eonference to draw attention to the regulation of the Methodist Church against dancing owing to iis moral and spiritual evils and to the fact that they were able to carry out their mission without the introduction of dancing.. Vigorous protests were made against dancing in private homes as well as in public halls, speakers stating it even rivalled drink in the harm it brought to tbe lives of young and old alike. "Dancing is an unspeakable curse and the greatest pbomination of raodern society," declared Rev. T; F. Fee, of Christchurch. Rev. H, Ryan, of Remuera, who moved the motion, said: "Dancing in general has been deadly to the highest interests of spiritual life. Whether you believe it or not it is in these days simply chock full of tempta^ions, and dancing between the sexes in blose proximity, taking into ficcount the scanty dresses of women, is a great influence for immorality. Chivalry and honour among men in these days has been lowered, and innumerable people have been lost to the church in recent years through this deadly tliing." He declared that in many i respects dancing was causing more tragedies tban drinlcj Rev. E. T. Cox, Whangarei, drew attention to the conduct of numerous social gatlierings held under the auspices of young men's or young women's Bible class movement where dancing was always held. "We want to point out that the secular secondary schools and most of the church schools teach dancing, and encourage it among boys and girls," Mr Cox continued. "There are dangers attached to dancing to-day and I know it; but I want you to consider these questions."