Ball-Room Etiquette.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 47, 8 July 1890, Page 2

Ball-Room Etiquette.

[We do not in any way hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our. correspondents.] ; >

TO THE EDITOR., ' Sir,—You have already published two excellent letters oh the subject of public dance parties in Havelock..One of these written by a gentleman who playfully assumed the name of “ Bushwhacker, ” (I. think this rose called by any other hame would smell as sweet.) the other bya—la, hold hard pen, where are yon going I These letters give us true pictures of a society intowhich young girls are. allowed, perhaps encouraged to enter. In older and' more organised society than we have here social life is governed by unwritten laws, which cannot be violated with impunity._ So there do not occur those misunderstandings, jars, and better feelings which are sure to happen when men act on the mere impulse of individual feeling. Society moves more easily and more smoothly, more gently and pleasantly under the influence of accepted law, than without any , such guide, it is liable to be embittered by sudden, very likely unreasonable caprice of any of its members. Will you be our censor morum, and. suggest some easy rules, which shall; govern the conduct of ■ our future assemblies ? If I were to usurp the office which I desire you to accept, I should absolutely insist upon two. things. First, that no man shall presume to address a lady unless he has been presented to her by one of her own friends. And ■ that no man shall show that he is offended if a lady has declined his request for a dance, even though he should see her with another partner in the next set. Are men alone to have a choice of partners ? Manly gallantry forbid! Whether ladies have any such preference, of course neither you nor I know, and it is much too dainty a question for our rude conjecture. But let us bashfully and reverently assume that they have some modest choice—‘lf we’re lords of f he creation, Are no. they its ladies too ?”

And we are bound by manly, generous courtesy to submit ourselves entirely to their pleasure. This is an inexhaustible subject, and I must ride my pen on the curb. Borne very charming young ladies bring grace and beauty to these dance parties, will they allow me to assure them that their delicate modesty and quiet self respect are more valuable, and more valued ornaments than any which are bought with money, and displayed by vanity. lam &c., An Admirer of your Paper and an Obliged Correspodent.