CHILDREN'S COURTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19303, 16 April 1926, Page 10

CHILDREN'S COURTS.

Though it has been known for months they were to be established, the formal inauguration of Children's Courts is deserving of welcome. It embodies a distinct social forward move. While it is true juvenile offenders have not previously been charged in open Court, with all the formal and public procedure adopted for adults, they have, none the less, been taken to the same building and have entered an atmosphere to which they are better not exposed, even in part. Now that is all to be swept away, and the procedure under the Child Welfare Act is to be given full effect. The desirability of doing everything possible to guard the plastic child mind from receiving hurtful impressions needs no emphasising whatever. It is completely self-evident. The senior magistrate in each centre has been chosen to preside over the Courts. In Auckland this automatic selection has resulted most happily. The appointment of Mr. Cutten is an ideal one. For years he has interested himself deeply in child welfare, has given ungrudging personal service to promoting it. He comes to the task with special equipment, and with what is more important unbounded enthusiasm for the cause of bringing back to the right path children who have temporarily strayed from it. Therefore this innovation in dealing with young offenders begins in Auckland under happy auspices.