FLOGGING FOR SEX OFFENCES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22409, 24 May 1938, Page 5

FLOGGING FOR SEX OFFENCES

ro ra» editob of ra» ***BB Sir, —Miss Baughan’s news that an English Ju,dge has opened a London clinic for the scientific treatment of delinquency is good news indeed, l am convinced that hogging and other forms of unjust punishment will cease when the trained psychiatrist is\ given an opportunity to deal with delinquency. and explain to parents and guardians the fundamental truths underlying bad behaviour. The first fact with which we must reckon is the importance of eany teaching and training. Although thPbulk of the soft tissues of the body are constantly breaking down and being renewed, this.- is not so with the brain and nerve cells. The pattern for these is laid down in the first seven years of life, during the time that the thymus gland is active. After this, unless the person is able to make the mighty effort of self-regeneration, those cells do not change much. During these early years of life we have the plastic changing cells, which are instantly acted upon by thought and emotion, and so the guardians of the children can mould them as they wish. It was this fact that made the Great Psychologist utter words to the effect that the kingdom of heaven is in the children. It also explains this text; “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Moloch.” , , , . Surely, when these fundamental truths are recognised, man will see that there is a better way than the present of administering the law. It is well to remember that in condemning others man is usually most severe on those who have given way to his •own particular vice. He knows most about this and so condemhs accordingly. etc.. M & DAVIES , May 20. 1933.