THE CASE FOR CONVENTION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17190, 6 November 1923, Page 11 (Supplement)

THE CASE FOR CONVENTION

For a long time it has been the fashion to dLespise convention. Wherever we go. we meet- people who do not mind how much discomfort they bring tipOn themselves so long as they are “ unconventional.” Conventions would not be so much a j part of life if they had not their root iin reality. As a matter of fact they j are. for the most part, very wise, i It may be irksome to call on people, i and he punctilious in the matter of rej turning visits; but how otherwise are j we to get to know cu r fellows? ’ It may seem far more -thrilline to I live a life of our owi, apart from • others, and be a law unto our selves ; ! but. in so doing, are we really fulfilling anything? ■ Courtesy, goodwill, dignity which is I a sign of good breeding, are all out- | ward expressions of convention—if | thev are lost, something very valuable ; It is true convention can be carried 1 too far. The laxity of to-day is just | reaction from the rigid laws which ; held sway in Victorian times. I But such laws are not likely to re--1 turn, for the present generation has I learned freedom and sinoeritv. Our ! very wovwardliess —onr dislike of auth- ! ority are more to be commended than 1 the iron rules which used to cramp the j lives of women, much as their dresses j used to cramp their bodies. The pendulum ha« swung too far. i When* it has righted itself, and we i 1 eve ceased to he impressed with our I own disdain for convention, society will j he a truer thing than it has ever been. ! We shall have learned then that i there is an unconventional attitude : .yhich can exist side bv side- with courj tesy and gentle manners.