THE ELEVATLNG.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 207, 30 August 1905, Page 10

THE ELEVATLNG.

(To tho Editor.) Sir, —It has been said that the character of a nation or people may be estimated by the usual quantity of their popular amusements. If this be true, let it be hoped that Auckland will not be judged by the chiefly silly tomfoolery which was enacted last Saturday at thr Alexandra Park. In their place outdoor sports are beneficial as well as in dispensable, but special care needs to be taken that such are not of that clasr which ten_ to lower what is rational in man, or pervertive of sound taste. To raise public tone or taste in ever so small a degree is infinitely more to be desired than to lower such. To cultivate that which is refining, elevating, and in measure instructive in all public amusements is the goal which should be aimed at, and especially so if it is desired that our youth should grow to be noble men, and noble women. Mental welfare ought never to be sacrificed, or even only injured, by what is merely animal in taste or character, for if so then' the demoralisation of the nation in bound to follow. May it, however, be hoped that ere long Newton, Mount Ros__ll, and Parnell wiU each see their "Leys Institute" in existence, though such were on a reduced scale only.—l am, etc., N.Z.