DANCING IN SCHOOLROOMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12587, 23 August 1901, Page 6

DANCING IN SCHOOLROOMS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The meeting held at Tai Tapu t<l consider Mr A. E. Lowe's action in connection with the use of the . schoolroom in) that township for dancing, appears, by the number of side issues that cropped up, to have strayed from what was Mr Lowe's original objection, that is, that 'he considered schoolrooms should not be let for dancing owing to meetings for that purpose causing immorality amongst the young people. I have lived considerably longer in Canterbury townships than Mr Lowe, und can endorse hos statement, as it is a matter of general knowledge in country townships - that dancing classes lead to many unfortunate young girls being led! astray. But there is a worse evil even than dancing- classes, and that is Temperance Lodge meetings. These-are opened and closed with prayer, therefore parents allow their daughters to attend them, as they think with safety, but find when too late, that they have quickly been led from the paths of virtue. Let anyone in, a township do as Mr Lowe has done, although it is an open secret who the betrayers and betrayed are, and they will quickly find themselves in hot water, and 1 am sorry to say even the local clergy and tradesmen will not back *he<m up. in any effort to bring about a better state ci affairs. I have no personal knowledge of. Tai Tapu, but have of many other townships, and do not suppose that particular place is the one white sheep in a black fleck. —I am, etc., PRO BONO PUBLICO.