FLOGGING URGED.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 938, 12 February 1917, Page 8

FLOGGING URGED.

OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN. GRAND JURY'S RECOMMENDATION. Presentments by grand juries on the subjects of sexual crime and of offences against children have been frequent of late. In the Supreme Court this morning, the grand jury made a presentment similar to those recently made in other centres. It stated:—

"That the grand jury is strongly of opinion that the cases of indecent assault oit children are of such frequency that they consider that corporal punishment should be inflicted in addition to any other penalties the court may impose. "Further this jury also desires to express its regret that similar representations from other grand juries have apparently been disregarded." His Honour: Do you suggest that in all cases? The foreman: I think that could be quite well left to your Honour. His Honour: You are very general in your terms. There is no class of offence in which there are more variations of degree than this. There are cases of indecent assault that have no sexual suggestion. There are those of such a vile nature that you cannot describe them. There are all degrees. Unfortunately that is not always recognised. . . . But you will find that the tendency is to give very severe sentences in aggravated cases. I rather think the cure is to be found not necessarily in sentencing but in a better training and education. His Honour promised that the jury's presentment would be referred to the proper quarter.