LEGALISING MUSIC AND DANCING IN PUBLIC HOUSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1433, 20 June 1868, Page 7

LEGALISING MUSIC AND DANCING IN PUBLIC HOUSES.

To the Editor of the Hebald. Sib,—l think that thero can bo but 0119 opinion < entertained by well dispensed citizens with respect to the proposed law to lioenee dancing houses. A-β it is a subject of grant importance to our morality, wil you allow me to stato eonie objeo'.ions tj the prol posed scheme. .... Objections against a law for licensing dancing 1. Our Resident Magistrate and the Commissioner of Police alike condemn them, and shall their testimony have no weight with our legislators ? 2. All thoughtful parents object to them. Tho independence of our colonial youth at a period of hie when they are unable to judge for themselvea is but too evident, yot it is proposed by pul lie enactment to increase the temptation to filial dieohodience, and to make the task of domestic government moro difficult. , . , . ■• 3 Music and dancing are the most fascinating amueements, and the irresistible attractions of our proposed saioona muet draw into a hurtful snare many 0. heedless youth. 4 It ia impossible to bring the two sexes into such association where bad women will bo looking out for Iheir prey, and bad men -will be lying m wait to deceive the unwary, without a great increase of impuritv. , , 5. Music and dancing bo benevolently proffered for the amusement of our young people will neceesonly increase crime and criminale. 6 Music and dancing ia public assemblies are to bo licensed for money to be paid into our Provincial Treasury. Now if music and dancing are moralities, they ought surely to be encouraged, and to be confened upon the people without money and without price. Why not erect at the public expense rooms for the purpose ae schools of virtue? But a fig for morals. The plan will pay. Th° Provincial chest will bo enriched. That is surely argument enough. Dancing and mueio will help to pay our debt, so let us dwell in peace. . I write, eir, in sorrow, not in anger. My objections to the plan ara not exhausted. I have abstained from entering into general questions such as : " Whether music and dancing are in themselves lawful or unlawful good or ovil." It appears to spy mind that a comin'inity which Tofusee eduoation because it is expensive, and givee amusements because they will bring money to the chest, has done iteelf no honour. I iay nothing of the difference between nisaic and dancing under the domoetio roof and in pubhebouses. Surely every sane man can distinguish Detwist the two ? 1 "When our legislators have licensed these saloone, . they have only to go a little further and license the ' Btewe, and then we may eing " La. Belle France. — F June 18,1868. J. JP. ManmHO.