CHILDREN'S COURTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 80, 1 October 1938, Page 18

CHILDREN'S COURTS

WORK IN AUSTRALIA

5 MRS. GOLDSMITH'S VISIT

"I. availed myself of every opportunity to familiarise myself with social conditions in the two large cities of Sydney and Melbourne," said Mrs. J. I. Goldsmith, J.P.; when addressing- a large gathering df members of the Wellington Honorary Justices' Association.

Mrs. Goldsmith recently returned from Australia after spending some time studying child welfare work in that country and her address was particularly interesting. She stated that she had observed the governmental methods in dealing with juvenile delinquency, the "operations of children's courts, and the reformatory school system. The children's courts and Royal Park, in Victoria she found of special interest. In Melbourne she had been privileged to sit on the bench with the presiding Magistrate of the children's court, Mrs. Rapke, who had occupied the position for many years. It was unlike an ordinary courtroom, said Mis. Goldsmith, Mrs. Rapke's kindliness of manner, her gentle questioning and understanding dissolving the usual atmosphere of formality and severity. There were no uniformed officials present and there was, therefore, no indication that, the Police Department was connected in arty way with the. business of the court. Mrs. Rapke always, made it a rule to : givd helpful advice to as many of the parents of the delinquents as possible. In addition to its usual work the court had the responsibility of deciding what should be. done with neglected childreti.- This, however, was not. considered -altogether desirable as such children had not. offended against any law of the State, and.the Justices of the Peace were themselves anxious to find some other method of dealing with these children.

Royal Park, in Melbourne, was where children from the courts were received, and Mrs. Goldsmith was given the opportunity of seeing what was being done for the inmates, who were, admitted' from the age bf one month to twenty years: The system followed was that of promoting affection and trust Locked doors, either by night or day, were unknown. The children responded to this "honour" system and only one, during a 'considerable number of years, had run away. The children were healthy and sturdy which was amazing considering the slum districts from which they were usually taken. The grounds of Royal Park were ten and a half acres in extent. There were fields for all kinds of games and fully equipped play areas* : r the younger children, Mrs. Goldsmith, who was thanked for her instructive address by the chairman, Mr. Herbert Short, was accom r panied by Mr. Goldsmith, Miss Diana Goldsmith (who accompanied Mrs. Goldsmith on her trip, returning to Wellington this week by the Wanganella), Miss Evelyn Goldsmith, and Mr. Goldsmith, jun. Other guests included Miss Sewell (superintendent of the Borstal), Mrs. Thomas (secretary), Miss Simpson (Wellington Probation Officer), and Miss Coventry (Wellington Protection Society). . , The evening's programme included a number of items, the contributors being Mrs. T. G. Foughy and Mr. Paul Magill (pianoforte solo), Mrs. P. Doogan, Mrs. J. D. Wiltshire, Mr. J. Murphy, and Mrs. Martin Little (songs). Miss Evelyn Goldsmith (recitations) , Mr; K. Magill (violin solo), and Mr R. Cheyne (elocutionary item). The accompaniments were played by Mrs. FUOhy and- Mr. P. Magill.

The members of the V.M.C.A. ladies auxiliary spent a. very pleasant afternoon on Thursday in the association rooms. There was a large gathering and Mrs. 8..5. Maunder presided. Final arrangements were made for the "Snrin^ Fair" on Wednesday, which will be opened by Mrs. Knox Gilmer. An interesting talk was given by Mrs. W L S Britton on her recent travels and experiences -in Czechoslovakia. Mrs. Maunder expressed the thanks of all present for the address, and afternoon tea was served.