Saving the Young.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20361, 19 July 1934, Page 8

Saving the Young.

Value of Bo\s’ Homes Emphasised.

(Special to the •‘Star.-) MELBOURNE, July 3. “JN AN ATMOSPHERE of such

criticism ag has recently been directed at certain boys’ homes in Victoria and New South Wales, people are apt to overlook the solid benefits derived from the work of those concerned with children's welfare, - ’ said the secretary of the Child Welfare Department (Mr J. R. Henry), in a statement issued here. “ In Melbourne banks at this moment are accounts totalling £9500 to the credit of young people under our caje. Only yesterday, a boy from whom I had not heard for some time, came back to me with a cheque for £122, which he asked to have banked in his name.”

Yount; lives broken each year on the wheel of chance—children born into slums, children without parents or neglected bv irresponsible guardians—it is for such that a far-seeing State provides the chance for a fair start in life. It is not only humane; it is an economy. * •

The department has at present 16,000 children and young people under its charge, and records show that thousands of State wards have passed through the stage of dependency to good citizenship. “If people knew these records there would be less hasty talk when some isolated case provides an opportunity for criticism of the whole system,” said Mr Henry. “ I would like to challenge any member of the public to come with me on one of my visits of inspection.”