To Check Moral Delinquency Among Children

Northern Advocate, 25 September 1943, Page 2

To Check Moral Delinquency Among Children

• The most disturbing conditions at present are in the social field, for here it is difficult to resist the conclusion that the moral fibre of the community •s being sapped by the .stresses and strain imposed on it by the impact of war. . . ."

This statement was contained in a manifesto issued by the principal of the Manukau Intermediate School (Mr. H Binsted) which was the main subject of discussion last evening at a very large gathering representative of Jncal bodies, and other organisations in ihe Whnngarei district, called to consider the welfare of children, particularly those of school age. The meeting was convened by the Whangarei branch of the Teachers' Institute, of which Mr. A. D. McDcll is president. He welcomed such a large number from all walks of life in assisting to formulate a scheme for the betterment of the rising generation. “We think.” said Mr. McDell, that with the changing times, it is to the younger generation we must look for the tebuilding of our nation. He considered the school was, to a large extent, what the parents helped the teachers to make it. He read a letter from the Minister for Education in which the seriousness of the position was iea " lised, and that the Minister proposed to call regional and national conferences.

Destroying the Family The manifesto pointed out that the deterioration in moral standards was so pervasive in its ramifications that the tendency to treat it simply as one of nature’s crude methods of safeguarding the birthrate was to ignore the fact that social progress was the result only of the most strenuous and painful experiences, and that democracy would survive only if we had definite ideas about its essential means and conditions, and were prepared to show intelligence, courage and persistence in maintaining those ideas. Drunkenness, sly-grog selling, illicit sexual intercourse, venereal disease, sale of contraceptives, abortion, and gambling were quoted as evils which j were so obvious, particularly in towns where numbers of troops were encamned. After dealing in detail with these, the manifesto stated that these cancers in our social fibre were a serious threat, not only to our physical, mental and moral standards, but extended to the hearths and homes, and their insidious effect on ideals, menaced the stability of democracy. Democracy coulcl be defeated from within as well as by an attack from without and the evils mentioned tended to rot democracy by destroying the system at its roots—the family. The manifesto pointed out the change in family life where many mothers of children were working in factories and elsewhere, and many children played in back streets—a situation greatly accentuated by the allocation of parks and recreation areas to troops in camp. Varied Suggestions During a lengthy general discussion last night. Mrs' Thompson (W.C.T.U.) thought more school shows and exhibitions were necessary to interest children more fully. She also urged a revival of debating classes. Mrs. Teasdale pointed out the problems mentioned were not modern, and the root of the evil must be removed. The president of the Ministers’ Association (Rev. T. H. Burton) said the association felt the root of the matter was that people had got away trom God. There was an attitude of mind amongst some that so long as they could get away with things and not be found out. well and good—some young people got a “set as the lesult oi what they went through in their college career. A sympathetic attitude towards spiritual values was necessary. Half an hour’s religious teaching per week in schools was "insufficient, and was limited in influence.

Drift After Leaving School Mr. Bowman thought the churches put too much responsibility on teachers. “In my 50 years’ experience as- a teacher I have found the average child to be good, and the drift takes place after leaving school,” said Mr. Bowman. The difficulty, lie considered, was in the home, and the churches should do more to educate the parents m their, duty to the child.” (Applause.) Miss J.* Cunningham (Hikurangi) expressed the opinion that we should put ourselves right before attempting to blame the child. We should each examine ourselves. The churches should seek to remove the causes preventing them from giving youth the leadership required. The moral rot that was taking place, if allowed to continue, would be more costly than the war. The soldiers were doing thenduty well. Were we at home doing ours.' 1 she asked. . ... . . Censorship Criticised Rev. Crawford was glad to hear the outspoken criticism of the church. Complicated society was a great iactor, confusing the child’s mind, and this was difficult to combat. As a parent he discussed with his children the pictures shown, but he failed to understand how the censor worked. Pictures frequently advertised as only suitable for adults were quite harmless, and he thought were used for advertising purposes. This aspect, in his opinion, required attention. Part of Sunday Schools A delegate thought Sunday schools =hould be made more attractive. Rev. Geo. Brown pointed out that only a small proportion of children attended Sundav schools, and many of the teachers were hot trained. The children were m the hands of day school teachers for long periods, and he looked for very little change in present conditions until the younger teachers were awakened to their responsibilities in the training of children in the great and higher things of life. The Ministers' Association was extremely grateful for the issue of the manifesto. A lady delegate considered parents failed in not felling their children the full truth. Half-truths caused children to experiment with disastrous results. Another lady delegate pointed out that in England half'-an-hour daily was devoted in schools to Scripture. She expressed astonishment at the lack of Scripture knowledge in New Zealand amongst children. Mr. S. Oldcorn did not believe the teaching of texts in school was beneficial, and might do harm. He considered national control of children should be undertaken until churches regained their hold on youth. Mr. N. Morrell (Puhipuhi) expressed the opinion, that religion needed a stronger push and youth a stronger guiding hand. Idle time was dangerous and he suggested St. John Ambulance and Boy Scout work and knowledge as valuable avenues of profitable occupation. Rev. Brown gave instances where it was found immorality existed among children of 12 years and under. The problem would be greater after the war, and the problem of discipline, both national and otherwise, must be faced.

Rev. Crawford considered many parents would like to do much more, but feel helpless. We must get out of our watertight compartments and make a community effort. Parents must be encouraged to icinch their children in these matters, he said.

Mrs. Teasdale mentioned the industrial side, where young people received such high wages and had so much spare time. Leadership Needed

Miss E. B. Carmell: We have fallen down a good deal on our job. Youth is as good as ever. From 11 onwards is the age when they particularly want a lead. We have not "done all we could. My experience of the past few years as house mistress has convinced me we have not done our duty. If we give our girls and boys a lead they will respond. We, should boost everything regarding youth movements. We want help, money and backing and, if given these, we will see how well youth will respond. , The chairman said the president of the parent-teacher association in Auckland (Mr. H. Binsted) was prepared to come and give full details of the association Sind concrete results of its work./ .

Miss Cannell mentioned that there were 11 of these associations in Auckland and the results were remarkable. On the motion of Mr. S. Oldcorn, seconded bv Rev. Crawford, it was recommended to the institute to form a oarentteacher association and that Mr. Binsted be asked to visit Whangarei and give all details. ' Mr. A. C. Galoin (Kauri) said that as the result of such a large gathering and the high standard of debate, he felt sure far-reaching results would be obtained. He moved the institute be thanked for convening the conference. This was seconded by Rev. Burton and carried. On Rev. Brown’s suggestion, the conference recommended that greater power be exercised in the censorship of radio plays. Pictures and all forms of youth literature.