THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1950 PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4352, 6 November 1950, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1950 PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

There is nothing against which public feeling in general so quickly revolts as cruelty in any form, and particularly where children are the victims. Several cases which have come before the Courts in recent months, including that of the child murdered in North Auckland after what appeared to have been almost continuous ill-treatment, must have provoked much searching of the public conscience. It is a question, however, whether there is even now. a sufficient awareness among the people as a whole as to their responsibilities in this matter. Are cases of cruelty to children reported to the authorities as promptly as they ought to be? There is a natural reluctance by most people to interfere in what they may regard as family affairs, but cases have come to light in which disciplinary measures taken by parents have far exceeded what is necessary for any child, however recalcitrant. Such conduct, which sometimes extends over a fairly long time, is to be strongly condemned, but because of hesitancy to interfere by those who observe it, or because of their reluctance to inform the authorities, it is allowed to go on to extremes. It has to be recognised, regrettably, that even in an enlightened country such as this there are some parents who have to be kept .in check because of undue harshness in the treatment of their children. Perhaps they are not many as figures go, but Court cases have revealed negirct and cruelty to grave lengths. No one likes to be classed as an “informer” on his fellows, but in cases of cruelty of any kind, and especially to children, there is a duty which transcends other considerationfs, a responsibility to defend the young and the weak who are unable to protect themselves. So far from “interfering,” people who become aware of neglect of or cruelty to those of tender years will perform a service to society by warning parents or guardians concerned to mend their behaviour, and if that does not suffice, by informing the police.