SIXPENNY DANCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21132, 15 March 1932, Page 6

SIXPENNY DANCES.

PROBLEM IN SYDNEY. LOW RENTAL OF HALLS. Municipal councils in Sydney which are hard-pressed to earn a few honest pounds have reduced the rents of their halls for dancing purposes. It has occurred to one of them, Paddington, that the terms have been too favourable, and it would appear from the nature of recent complaints that the council is justified in that belief. " Sixpenny dances" are held in the town hall. A correspondent says:—" Anyone knowing Paddington will understand that some of these dances are of the 'Paddy's market' variety. There is much unrestrained action that may not benefit the walls or any part of the hall which it is possible to damage. 'Tap' dances are the rule there. 'Tapping' leads to happenings of a sensational character. The partner of a good-looking- girl is tapped rather too often than seems just, especially if he has brought her to the dance, and impromptu stadium work often follows, with participation by the onlookers. " It is in these circumstances that the Paddington aldermen have gloomily considered the effect of proclaiming that no dances may be held at a lower charge for admittance than one shilling. Revenue may suffer, they think, but there will be less damage to the hall, and that should be sufficient set-off. Aldermen, however, have to think of personal popularity. Ihey cannot afford to discriminate against the most numerous section of their supporters." •