NEGLECTED CHILDREN.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 168, 16 July 1921, Page 7

NEGLECTED CHILDREN.

TWO SAD INSTANCES. LITTLE OXBS IX WAST. There were too sad illustrations at the Children's Court this morning of the pitiful plight in which children are sometimes placed by the misfortune or mis-r-enduct of parents. The first case outlined was that of the five children of a wharf labourer residing at Onehunga,' the eldest of whom was only six years of age. The mother was expecting another child, and was not mentally strong. As a consequence the home was neglected and the children uncared for, excepting by the husband when he was home from work. The family lived in one room, for which 10/ a week rent was paid. "The trouble is that I cannot get other accommodation/ , said the husband. "I know," replied Mr. Poynton, S.M. "It is quite impossible. Owners will not let you a house with all those children." "Can't the police help a man to get a house," asked the man. "Vm afraid not/ said the magistrate, shaking his head. An order was made committing the three eldest children to the Receiving Home until such time as the mother's health improved and better housing could be found for them, the father being ordered to contribute 7/6 a week each towards their maintenance. The second case was that of six children from Panmure —the mother in this instance also expecting another, though the age of her youngest was only one year, the eldest being 10. The. husband (who appeared before the magistrate carrying the baby) was described as "an absolute waster, who did very little work and spent most of his time about the hotels." The constable who intervened on behalf of the children said that all the had known the family they had been in more or less destitute condition, living in a small house without proper furniture or clothing. This was due to the habits of the husband', who either would not work or could not work. The family had been receiving charitable aid since 1917. They were now receiving 20/ a week in store* and 7/6 for rent. They had resided in a house, at I*anmiire for two years, during which time they had never paid one penny rent. The mother did well by the children, whom she cared for as much as the circumstances would permit. For the husband, it wa.« stated that be was now in work '"milkinfi 30 cows and getting 14/ a day." "That will be all right if he sticks it, and gives his wife the money," said the magistrate. <~bu% will he? He =;.'rr.s to :.- :i man of vast beginnings'—it remains to be seen how he will now progress. Tlie wife put up a plea for her husband, saying he was now in better health, and had promised her to remain at work, refrain from drinking, and give her hip wages. "I'll see that he does."" said Mr. Poynton. "Til keep thiseehiirge of failing to provide for them hanging over his head. These rl ililren imift lie coce'id"red." The case was adjourned for six months to allow of the father coming to a proper understanding regarding his responsibilities towards his family.