THIS CHILDREN'S BILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14358, 30 October 1908, Page 5

THIS CHILDREN'S BILL

A POPULAR MEASURE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON. October 29. (Received Oct, 29, at 11.37 p.m.) The -Children's Bill was received in Lord Lansdownc's words with a chorus of approval, and was read a second time in the Houso of Lords. The Children's Bill seeks to codify Iho numerous laws relating to children. ]|, m divided into five parts, providing—(l) fnr the protection <.f infant life (embodying and amending the act of 1897): (Z) reenactment and amendment of the Prevention of Cruelly to Children Act of 1901: (3) measures against juvenile smoking; (4) ccmolidafion of the law relating to reformatories and industrial schools; (5) the establishment- of children's courts. Under flic bill, overlying, which is responsible for an annual loss of 1631 infant, lives in Gi«it Britain, is constituted an offence where it is proved that the person who lias been in bed with the child was in drink. Parents will bo similarly liable in the case of burns or ski-Ms arising from -unguarded fires. The sale of cigarettes and cigarettepapers to children under 16 is prohibited. Children smoking jn the street will lvo liable to punishment. Any "home for children" supported bv charitable contributions will have lo submit to Home Office inspection. The iriiorcsls of vagrant children a;e to be protected. Juvenile courts of justice are to bo established throughout the country and the police are to provide special placer, for lompora-ry detention. In this matter the principle is affirmed that i,h? imprisonment of children most lie abolished altogether. The death penalty is to be abolished. but, provision is made, for the detention of juvenile murderers (under 16) in such place and under such conditions a? the Secretary of State may direct. Provision is also" made for the clearing-of the court when a young person gives evidence in cases of offences against doeency or morality, and it is rendered obligatory on persons furnishing an entertainment, for a gathering of children to provide a. number of adult attendant.*, properly instructed as to their duties, lo ensure the safety of their young audiences.