AIDING PROBLEM FAMILIES

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28128, 17 November 1956, Page 2

AIDING PROBLEM FAMILIES

ADDRESS BY CIVIC OFFICIAL

Problem families in Christchurch were in the minority, but they were a hazard to their own health and to that of the community, said Mr A. P. Millthorpe, assistant chief city inspector, in an address to the Christchurch branch of the National Council of Women. A definite attempt should be made' to face the issue, he said. The standard of living of these people was shocking, according to Western standards, he said. Parents made little or no effort to improve their living conditions; they were lazy and shiftless, and neglected both themselves and their children. There was no order in their homes, and filth accumulated until it overwhelmed the visitor.

When dealing with these people, it was necessary to keep the family together as a unit anti aim at rehabilitating them in society, said Mr Millthorpe. Breaking up the family by sending the children to homes would not solve the problem.

A remit from the Home Economics Association, recommending that the law prohibiting after-hour trading in licensed hotels should be enforced, and that a licensee convicted of an offence should have his licence to sell intoxicating liquor cancelled, was considered by the meeting. After a discussion, the remit was withdrawn.

Delegates expressed their pleasure that a pilot project of screening special children’s films in Christchurch on Saturdaj r mornings will begin this week.