ARAPOHUE.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 222, 3 November 1893, Page 10

ARAPOHUE .

(From our own Correspondent.)

Mr Serpell was here on Sunday last and gave us a most earnest and impressive discourse from the text “ I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me.” The day was rather wet and threatening, in consequence there was a small congregation. In the course of his discourse the preacher touched on a matter which has exercised my mind a good deal in the past; he said people frequently asked him if he thought it right to go to balls and the opera. If it were a question, he said, of you shall not, he would be inclined to reply I will. “ But he said he considered that those who frequented the public ball rooms and opera houses were taking the straight read to hell.” Chauning has said ‘ that a truth strongly felt cannot be tamely expressed.’ No doubt Mr Serpell has had experience or evidence to cause him to so express his aversion. The burning question at present is how are we to control the liquor traffic. Yet I question if there is not an evil in the public dances, that is eating the vitals and corrupting our young people* Public houses are compelled to close at ten o’clock, but ball rooms are open to all hours. Too many have not the moral courage to stand out; they go with the crowds and though they know that their means will not afford the expense, they continue to go if they have to part with their last sixpence. For one benefit derived from midnight dances I believe there are a dozen evils to be sot against it. Take the average of those who most frequent public dances and are they religious minded people who would pay all they owe. even should they have to deny themselves ? I fear the ball roam in many instances is sapping the moral and physical health of our young men and women. It would pr®b - ably be for the welfare of the community if a law were passed requiring all public halls and dance saloons to be closed by 12 o’clock.

I lately heard of a young man who works at a saw mill, who sent to town for a fancy costume for the last masque ball, the hire of which was to cost him £1; this and three tickets costing him another 10s. One evenings amusement probably amounting to £2. He would probably say what of that, he can do as he pleases with his own money. Yes ; but should he meet with an accident or fall sick, I and other ratepayers would have to contribute to his support. I think it would be wise of the government to require all young men over 21 to contribute to an assurance fund; provided they have not property and otherwise. From the foregoing it may be thought that I have a dead set against dancing. Such is not the case. People are all free to do as they like in such masters, and my only desire is to see all happy and prosperous. Many a woman neglects her household duties, runs her husband into debt, and injures her health, I doubt not, by frequenting public balls. Mr Serpell, at the chapel last night, speaking on the coming election, said ‘ Don’t vote for the man who paid 2s 6d in the £ and failed twice.’ There will be a close contest for the Count}' election between Messrs Jones and New; Jones will probably win, G. Clark not being in it.