SOCIAL PROBLEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23208, 30 November 1938, Page 17

SOCIAL PROBLEMS

SUGGESTED REMEDIES STATE CARE OF CHILDREN DRINKING AT DANCES [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] NEW PLYMOUTH, Tuesday Believing that the temptation to women to submit themselves to the practice of abortion would be largely removed if there were provision for their care by the State and the adoption of their children afterward, the Taranaki Association of .Justices of the Peace, at the annual meeting at NewPlymouth, urged an extension of the Social Security Act provisions to cover the need.

The justices admitted the difficulty of the problem and its serious repercussions 011 the population, hut the feeling was expressed that Parliamentary action alone could not supply a remedy Besides education of the young on the subject, a change of attitude among the parents was necessary before an attack 011 the evil could be successful. it was contended. The following remit is to be sent to Timaru for consideration by the annual conference of the Dominion Federation of the Justices of the Peace Associations: —"That with a view to preventing or minimising the evil of abortion tht* Social Security Act should be amended to provide that for a period of three months ante-natal treatment and maintenance in an approved home be provided for voluntary acceptance by unmarried women or deserted wives, followed by maternity benefits already therein; that the child of such a woman be, with her consent, adopted at birth by the Slate and any proceedings taken bv the State for maintenance of the child he without publicity to the mother."

Stringent penalties, including £'.">() lines or three months' imprisonment, for those who supply liquor to any girl under 21 are sought by the association, an amendment to the Licensing Act or the Police Offences Act being suggested. -Moral and constitutional evils arising from drinking at dances and in motor-cars were deplored, it being considered that the position was serious enough to warrant drastic measures. Phrased in the form of an amendment to the Licensing or Police Offences Act, a remit received unanimous endorsement for submission to the annual conference of the Dominion federation.