THE STREET TIN-WHISTLING BOY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12393, 1 July 1902, Page 3

THE STREET TIN-WHISTLING BOY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln _ your Saturday's issue a correspondent rightly calls attention to tho street tin-whistling " musician "—the paralysed boy in the little woodetveart. I understand the authorities of the Society lor the Protection of . Women and Children liavo interested- themselves in that boy—providing him with a comfortable cart, repairing it at considerable expense, and am told it is their earnest wish to do more, even, to put tho unfortunate urchin in the way of learning some kind of handicraft and to shepherd him ajong; but am told that, in face of the opposition of those to whom ho belongs, tlioy are helpless. It seems to mo (and to many others who have spoken to me about it) a scandal that he should bo left to continue his waif-liko life when.lie might be taught to mako proper use of his hands and sharp wits, and so be enabled to carhis living honourably, and more to his comfort and trub well-being. Barring his legp, lie is a clear-headed, intelligent, capable fellow, and something might be mado of him. If, however, tho lad must bo left to continue his mendicant life, it would bo well if some sort of friendly supervision could be maintained over him and the alms ho receives. Only the other week, in a case in which a family liad been awarded a lump sum as compensation for the accidental death of the bread-winner, his Honor Mr Justico Williams decided that, for obvious reasons, the Public/Trustee" should take chargo of tho fund to ensure proper administration. So, on like grounds, with this boy and the proceeds of his begging. But it would be hotter still if the civio or State authorities could intervene lor his sake and the public good.—l am, ctc., June 29. Hcu.ANiTr.