PROBLEM OF YOUTH

Evening Star, Issue 19838, 11 April 1928, Page 6

PROBLEM OF YOUTH

STRICT DISCIPLINE NEEDED

COMMITTED ON FATHER'S SUGGESTION

Given every opportunity by his parents to make good, a seventeen-year-old boy, who appeared beioro the Police Court this morning, has let the opportunities go by and had got out of control. The problem of what should be done with the lad was solved by Air J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., who, on the suggestion of tho father, ordered the boy to be detained in the Borstal Institution.

The lad pleaded guilty to being found by night without lawful excuse in a building situated at 49 Main North road, tho property of John M'Callum, but under circumstances that did not disclose the commission of or the intention to commit any other crime. Senior-sergeant Quartcrmain said that the lad had been found sleeping in a motor car in the shed. The case had been remanded to allow of lire father being called. Tho father gave evidence that his son had passed the proficiency examination at school, and had been away from his home for five months, working on farms. Tho boy had run amok, and had spent his money foolishly. Ho could not get his son to tell the truth, although he had tried every method of control.

“ What do you suggest should bo done with him?” asked tho magistrate.

The Father; Could he go under tho probation officer? The Magistrate: You must understand that the probation officer would only have tire general supervision of him. Some work would have, to bo found for him. .

Senior-sergeant Quartcrmain mentioned that the boy had been admitted to probation for three years in 1925 on a charge of theft. The Magistrate: How long has he been beyond you ? The Father: Two or three years.

When asked by the magistrate ii' lie would take his son home if the lad were admitted to probation, the father replied that perhaps it would be better to commit him to tho Borstal.

Mr J. Garbutt (probation officer) said that from what he had heard it was not a ease for probation.

“ What ho wants is proper discipline which is only obtainable in a home?” asked the munis Irate. Mr Garbutt; Yes. Constable William Harvey said the father was not able to look after the hoy. Tho child welfare officer had had difficulty with him. He was most untruthful. Not one word of what he said could be believed. When lie was charged with tho theft of cigarettes ho had placed the blame on other bows who were innocent.

George Maiison, a merchant, said that the defendant was lacking in something. _ Ho did not seem to bo able to keep himself under proper control. His mother and father had done everything possible for him. The Magistrate: Do you think he is mental P

Mr Manson: There is something wrong.

“ Ho seemed to ho of normal intelli genco, as he has passed his proficiency.” said the magistrate. “ It would he futile to place a case like this on probation. Ho is only a youth, and ho cannot be controlled at home. Re is in need of proper discipline in an institution, and will ho committed to tlie Borstal for two years. An order is made suppressing publication of the name.”