DELINQUENCY IN JUVENILES

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27443, 1 September 1954, Page 12

DELINQUENCY IN JUVENILES

EARLY PRESENTATION ' OF REPORT

EVIDENCE HEARD IN CHRISTCHURCH

“The utmost urgency is being given to the preparation of our report.” said Dr. O. C. Mazengarb, Q.C., chairman of the committee inquiring into moral delinquency among juveniles, in Christchurch yesterday. The Government Wished the problem to be dealt with promptly, and the committee intended to make its report in time for early'consideration by the present Parliament.

The committee made good headway when its Christchurch sitting opened yesterday. Evidence was*' heard from 15 persons (including two from Otago, as all South Island witnesses are being taken here) and 10 more will appear today. “That is a pretty solid schedule,” said Dr. Mazengarb. % A considerable volume of evidence had already been received in Christchurch, Dr. \Mazengarb said. Written submissions had saved time and permitted witnesses to be questioned fully by the committee. In all cases, the material presented had been useful. The committee will resume sittings in Wellington on Thursday and Friday, and will be in Auckland for the whole of next week. The members of the committee, with Dr. Mazengarb, are: Mrs R. Bloodworth, Mrs B. O’Brien, Mr J. Leggat, Dr. D. L. McLeod, the Rev. J. S. Somerville, and Mr F. N. Stace.

GOVERNMENT ACTION APPROVED

RESOLUTION BY WOMEN’S COUNCIL

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, August 31. The following resolution was carried unanimously by delegates to the conference of the National Council of Women of New Zealand after hearing an address on juvenile delinquency few the Commissioner of Police (Mr E. H. Compton):

“That this conference expresses its appreciation of the action of the Government in setting up a committee of inquiry into juvenile delinquency. “We believe the trouble to be deep seated and that it has evolved gradually through the years. “We are also confident that the problem can be overcome by parents assuming their rights and responsibilities for the well-being and happiness of the children in their homes. We assert the belief that the greatest deterrent to juvenile delinquency is the building of character; and this can only be done in the first place in the home of parents who themselves have a high moral standard.”