CHILDREN’S COURT

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29892, 4 August 1962, Page 13

CHILDREN’S COURT

More Serious Traffic Cases (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 3. Children’s Court appearances had shown a slight decrease in the year ending March 31. states the Child Welfare Division’s annual report presented in Parliament today. However, this was not significant if account was taken of the fact that traffic offences,, except for the most serious cases, were not prosecuted in the Children’s Court after December 1. 1961. The number of court appearances had to be considered also in conjunction with the number of cases dealt with by the Juvenile Crime Prevention Section of the Police Department. The total number of Children's Court appearances counted only if guilt is established, was 4917, 159 less than in the previous year. More than one appearance in court was made by 463 children compared with 468 last year. Theft, vandalism and conversion of motor vehicles were among offences that showed decreases. There were 154 offences against good order, such as drunkenness compared with 150 in 1961 and 90 in 1960. More serious traffic offences. such as reckless driving and failing to stop after an accident, showed a considerable increase. There were 75 cases during the year as against 51 in 1961 and 59 in 1960. Other offences such as exceeding the speed limit decreased sharply, however from 830 in 1960-61 to 644 in 1961-62. There were 555 in 1960.