Scandalous Neglect Of Young Children By Callous Mothers

Grey River Argus, 20 March 1947, Page 4

Scandalous Neglect Of Young Children By Callous Mothers

AUCKLAND, March 19. A decision was made at the annual conference of the United Fire Brigi;ades’ Association to bring to the notice of the Child Welfare Department, and the Society of the Protection of Women and Children, the urgent need for publicity drawing attention to the practice of leaving children unattended in dwellings and cars thus subjecting them to the danger of uncontrolled fires. Instances were quoted of children left while parents attended dances and a case was cited in which a mother gave her child dope so that it would sleep for several hours. Another mother it was stated left her child in a drawer when she went out. "In a fire that is the last place a fireman would look for a child,” stated one delegate. Members also expressed concern at the fire danger in motor camps because of the congestion of tents and caravans.