BOY ASSETS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 236, 4 October 1940, Page 8

BOY ASSETS.

EXPERIMENT PAYS.

CLUB IN AUCKLAND.

MAGISTRATE'S LENIENCY.

These boys, end indeed the community in general, should be grateful to those responsible for this interesting experiment in the method of dealing with juvenile delinquents," said Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., in addressing a number of boys who appeared before him this morning in the Children's Court. Six months ago nine lads appeared before Mr. McKean on a considerable number of serious charges—charges which would ordinarily result in remands to reformatory institutions. On that occasion the Court took the unusual stand that it was prepared to grant a six months' adjournment, provided an officer of the Child Welfare Department would assume reeponeibility. for the conduct of the boys. Thus 'wae initiated an experiment entirely new to thie Dominion and a notable advancement in juvenile court methods. Just how the experiment had worked out was told in Court thie morning at the close of the six-month period. Mr. E. J. Stanley, child welfare officer, into whose hands the case had been entrusted, told how a club had been established to cater for tliese boye, all of whom were under the age of Hi. Basketball, boxing and gymnastic activities had built up the iboye* physique and a most interesting experiment in club control by selfgovernment had made an impression on the lads which, as he pointed, out, wae visible even to those who had not known them six montlw. ago.

The club had been built up from its initial email group by additions from among the boys' own friends, and by boys who had appeared before the Court subsequently.

Reference was made this morning to the fact that the State had been saved the very considerable sum which would have been involved in the cost of supervision of twelve boys; but even more important wae the gain to the corn-

niiuiity by the rehabilitation of these lads who now give every indication of developing into useful citizens. Liabilities have been converted into assets.

"You have built up your bodies," eaid Mr. McKean, "and in the process your outlook towards the law and its relationship to other people has also undergone a change—a change which is undeniably apparent in your appearance this morning. For six months you have kept free from trouble and I know vou will continue to do so. You will find that there is much more pleasure to be gained from the type of activities in which you have been engaged during recent months than in that which you called pleasure before, and which was gained at the expense of other people. I hope that you will appreciate the interest taken in you by the welfare officer and particularly the interest shown and the help given by Mr. L. S Abbott."

Those responsible for the initiation of the club speak enthusiastically of the co-operation extended to thenTbv the boye themselves. They have been so encouraged by the success achieved during this initial period that thev propose to expand the activities of the* club. A yaned schedule along the lines of thought in operation in oversea* bovs' clubs has been planned and will "be given effect to as opportunity and progress among members demands