CHURCH & DANCING.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10473, 31 December 1927, Page 6

CHURCH & DANCING.

WHY A BISHOP WAS' TAUGHT

“The saddest tendency in the country-side to-day is the diminution in the population,” said the .Lisbon of .Lincoln, a striking figure with snow-white hair, at the Church Congress at Ipswicli. “Life in the country seems, nevertheless, more cheerful than it was in my boyhood days. There used to be a sad sullenness which I do not find in the- same measure to-day. Dancing is. as popular in the country villages as in the towns, and 1 do not regrci. it. On the whole I believe in dancing, for it is for the good of the young people. t “When I Was a boy I was made to dance, much against my will, because my mother said she would not have her sons growing upi like stable hoys. I was made to dance to improve mv manners, and 1 take it it has had almost that effect on country lads. The hoys and girls I see coming m for Confirmation' are sturdy and sometimes strikingly handsome. In that respect they compare very favorably with the towns. They arc well mannered, too, and I have been struck by the seriousness of their demeanour. * ‘ “In the older days they were loutish and they showed a tendency to niggle on any possible occasion. They don’t giggle in that way now. lb° have gained poise, manners, and self-respect.”- ■- ''