BOYS’ 161 OFFENCES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18266, 8 December 1933, Page 3

BOYS’ 161 OFFENCES

WANGANUI “FROG GANG” “In all my experience of children’s ieourt-s never have I met juvenile preeosity in crime such as in the present cases,” said Air J. 11. Salmon, S.M., in imposing sentences upon members of the “'Frog Gang” at the Wanganui Children’s Court. The gang, which has been operating for some time, had a list of 161 offences, comprising thefts, wilful damage, arid breaking and entering. Four hoys appeared before the magistrate. Two were committed to tho Borstal .at Invercargill for a period not exceeding three years, while one was sent for a period not exceeding two years. The fourth hoy, who was considerably younger than the others, and who appeared to the magistrate to have been led into the offences, was placed under the supervision of the welfare officer -for a period not exceeding three years.

“This court is not only concerned with the welfare of children, but it also lias a duty to the public,” said Mr Salmon, “and when children prove In he of such criminal tendency as these there is only one thing to be done. If is my duty to the public lo pul these children awav from the possibility of doing further harm.”

There wore many householders, said Mr Salmon, who were under the impression that the offences were the work of burglars, and it was due to these householders to have these offenders put in custody.