"Decent Youths Are In The Majority”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29691, 8 December 1961, Page 27

"Decent Youths Are In The Majority”

It was difficult today to speak dispassionately and objectively about modern youth, but it was a subject that forced itself upon the attention of all whose work was the training and education of the young, said the acting-rector of St. Bedes College (the Rev. L. R. Evatt) at the annual prize-giving ceremony. “It is impossible to deny that there are reprehensible trends, or to shut one’s eyes to evidence of selfishness, self-indulgence, lack of selfrestraint, excessive pursuit of pleasure, a measure of resentment of legitimate authority, •even of parental control; to 'Evidence of too much money •in the hands of the young and inexperienced, of early I introduction to drink, and of la character-corroding bore- ■ dom that comes, perhaps, (from the monotony engendered by a purely materi ialistic outlook and atmosphere,” he said. i He considered this class of • youth the exception. “We do •not see much of it here. • though it is not absent. I am 'prepared to accept that this class is the exception elsewhere as well; that, gener- ; ally, among the young, the ] decent are in the majority. I “I may perhaps remark on • the general soundness of the 'majority of our youngsters—a judgment that is probably i true of the country generjallly,” he added. “In this age, with materialism and selfishness as its dominant themes, our senior boys have been, in the main, as fine an example as anyone could wish of the qualities we strive to inculcate. I “In spite of their being ex- | plotted as a special new mar- • ket for commerce, in spite of a mistaken educational philosophy which gives them a special status with democratic rights as though they were not in statu pupillari, subject to parental control, they are normal healthy boys ] with the interests and ideals i that have always been those ' ] of boys of their age. j “Industry And Energy” | “They have industry and ! I energy and enterprise, which ■;need only be directed to j worthy objects,” he said.

“They are more assured than were earlier generations, and perhaps better able to take a measure of responsibility. In their studies they do work and pass examinations in matter that was formerly considered to belong to the university. They play games with zest and skill and break tile athletic records set by older generations. Many find themselves work in the holidays and help to pay for their education. “They are flowing in steady numbers into the professions and the newer positions for those of ability in the sciences. There is every evidence of the strength of their faith. In all these qualities here is solid ground for hope and confidence that the future of our country will not be jeopardised by the misdemeanours and waywardness of the few,” said Father iJvatt.