SPARING THE ROD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 11

SPARING THE ROD

YOUNG OFFENDERS

DIVERGENCE OF VIEWS BIRCH AND PSYCHOLOGY The birching of youthful delinquents by a Court order these days is not such a drastic procedure as is popularly supposed. The use of the actual birch —a number of twigs bound together—is in the limbo of the past, for the old maxim of "spare the rod and spoil the child," officially, at least, has fallen into disrepute with the increasing recognition of psychology (theoretical and applied), psycho-analysis, inferiority complexes and the "problem child."

Some controversy has been aroused by the order of a magistrate at Hastings for five boys to be given six strokes of the birch "as the only effective way of dealing with the gang spirit." Tho ages of the boys ranged from 12 to 10 years, and their escapades involved seven charges of receiving stolen goods, 16 charges of theft, and one of being in possession of an unregistered revolver. Cane or Strap Used It is explained that under the Justices of the Peace Act, 1908, such offenders could be ordered to be privately whipped, with not more than 12 strokes of the "birch," by a constable in the presenco of a police officer of higher rank, and also in the presence, if he or she desires, of the parent or guardian. The whipping is carried out with a cane or strap. "It is a lot of 'bosh'," said a magistrate of long experience, referring to opposition to corporal punishment of youthful delinquents. Ho added that in the old days it was the custom to order a bad youthful offender to be soundly "spanked" by his father, in the presence of a probation officer —a process which generally had a salutary effect. "Some young 'beggars' take advantage of leniency which thoy translate into weakness," he added. "Kindness is all right in the right place." Two Opposing Views

The opinion that there was "too little strap, and too much misapplied psychology," was expressed by an official closely in touch with the conduct of youthful offenders. He recalled his own schooldays, and the "good beltings" inflicted by the master. "The young fellows do not know they are alive these days," he remarked. "The fellow who has had a hiding at least once in his life is a better chap, generally, than the one who has not."

Diametrically opposite views are held by some educationists actively concerned with juvenile misconduct. One pointed out that the general attitude toward young offenders was now much enlightened, and that in many quarters whipping was considered a relic of barbarism. It was recognised that correctional methods —and not punishment —should be the basis of approach to the problem. Children had their own particular difficulties which were now being examined in the light of psychology, and within a few years a radical change should occur in the attitude of society toward young wrongdoers. Evidently an official biroh is still used in Guernsey, in the Channel Islands. In a recent issue of a Guernsey newspaper is a report of a Police Court case, in which two boys, charged with pilfering flowers, were ordered by the magistrate to accompany the sheriff to the local prison, "to see the birch and how it was applied." The magistrate, it was reported, threatened to give the boys the birch "good and hearty" if they appeared in Court again.