DANCING DENOUNCED.

Wairarapa Age, 12 March 1927, Page 5

DANCING DENOUNCED.

METHODIST CONFERENCE DISCUSSION.

“AN UNSPEAKABLE CURSE.”

AUCKLAND, March 11. Strong condemnation of dancing was expressed by speakers at the

Methodist Conference to-day, when a motion was carried urging the conference to draw attention to the regulation of the Methodist Church against dancing, to its moral and spiritual evils, and to the fact that they were able to carry but their mission without the introduction of dancing.

Vigorous protests were made against dancing in the private home as well as the public hall. Speakers stated that dancing even rivalled drink in the harm it brought to the lives of young and old people alike.

“Dancing: is an unspeakable curse, and the greatest abomination of modern society,” declared the Rev. T. F. Fee, of Christchurch.

The 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 ehockful of temptations, and dancing between the sexes in close proximity, taking into account the scanty dresses of women, is a great influence for immorality. Chivalry and honour among men in these days have been lowered, and innumerable peopla have been lost to the church in recent years through this deadly thing. Ho declared tha , in many resj ects dancing was causing more tragedies than drink. The Rev. E. T. Cox (Whangarei) drew attention, to the conduct of numerous social gatherings held under the auspices of young men’s or young women’s Bible classes, where dancing was always held. “I want to point out that the secular secondary schools and most 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.”—(P.A.)