CHILD WELFARE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1930, Page 6

CHILD WELFARE.

Experienced social reformers often maintain that public complacency is the most serious obstacle to progress. Because nothing of a startling nature is made public people are content to believe that New Zealand is in the forefront of those countries that take social amelioration as the most important part of their administration, whereas it may be true that while the Dominion has marked time other nations have found better ways of dealing with similar problems. On the whole, this country has felt satisfied with the manper in which orphaned and destitute children have been cared for by the State. > The principle of the legislation governing the matter has been care of children by individuals rather than in institutions, though some of the latter in the hands of various religious denominations are utilised and are doing excellent work. In many cases, however, the wards cf the State are left to the care of foster-parents, under the supervision of the State, and it was usually assumed that this had proved successful. Recently some sweeping statements were made to the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore, by a women’s deputation, to the effect that unkindness to children was common and methods of discipline in use included the flogging of girls of 16 years of age. Naturally the Minister admitted the seriousness of the charges and promised immediate investigation. Within a few days another deputation of women has

assured Mr. Atmore that excellent work is being accomplished and has deprecated the alarming statements made. The Minister was able to say that inquiry in one instance had proved an allegation untrue, but the public will.await with some interest a full statement when the inquiries have been completed. Whatever their outcome it is good for the system and the community that public interest in child welfare should have been aroused. In a system depending so largely upon individuals it is almost certain that a few misfits may occur, and every school teacher knows how exceedingly difficult it is to handle children of peculiar temperament. One thing is certain, the use of force in child training must be most sparing, and it is upon the allegatiohs of criielty that public opinion is most inquisitive. If the system can be improved this or any other Government knows full well it will have the country behind it in any endeavour to do so. Even in these hard times taxpayers will not shtxtk frotn expenditure necessary for the assistance </ those who are too young or too weak to look after their own interests.