CHILD DELINQUENCY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 122, 18 February 1944, Page 4

CHILD DELINQUENCY

Problem Discussed At Conference (By Telegraph.—Press association,) AUCKLAND, February 16. Glaring examples of child delinquency in Auckland and strfing expressions of opinion that the problem had reached such dimensions that urgent action was necessary were given at a conference held by the Auckland Education Board. The conference was attended by the Director of Education, Dr. Beeby, and representatives ot the Child Welfare Department, Headmasters’ Association and Auckland School Committees’ Association. “Auckland is in a shocking condition so far as child delinquency is concerned,” said Mr W. J. Campbell, chairman of the board. “It is a very serious matter and one which has concerned the board for some time.”

Numerous examples of child delinquency were quoted. “It is easy to get an exaggerated view of this matter," said Dr. Beeby. “The actual numbers of child delinquents coming before the Court had ineerased only about 3 per cent, up to March, 1943, in cases where the child was to blame. All the factors exist which could be expected to lend to a rise in delinquency. There is no crime wave, but there is a steadily growing problem. The figures are not nearly ns bad as those from overSCtl “f have great faith in the moder >. youngster, who is fnced with greater difficulties, temptations aud-strains that 1 ave had to face. I find he has stood up ro it very well. The mothers, also, are doing a very good job under difficult conditions, and we should not condemn a«. of them.” ~ After tracing what the Government had done .to meet the problem., such. as raising the school leaving age, increasing lhe powers of attendance officers, increasing the child welfare staff, appointing vocational guidance officers, and endear ouring to establish children's holiday centres. Dr. Beeby stated that this wan not sufficient. The Government should not-'he expected to do everything, and 1)|(« best results would come from voluntary efforts. In the .city, the greatest need was for more leisure activities for children, particularly, those between L> and 18, The churches also would have to step up their activities. A motion was passed that, as the evi deuce pointed to marked lack of parental control, parent and teacher associations should be set up in every school.