PROTECTION OF CHILDREN.

Ashburton Guardian, Issue 1980, 26 October 1888, Page 2

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN.

Early In the Autumn Session a Bill, whloh Is backed by Mr Mundella, Mr John Morley, Sir Stafford Northoote, Sir Henry James, Mr Srmael Smith, and Sir Robert Fowler— thin representing all sections of the House of Commons — will be introduced int,o J*»rljatnent having for its objdot the better prevention of oraelty to children. The provisions of the measure are very sweeping, and will give rise to controversy amongst that large section oi the pablto whloh objects to tbe State becoming too paternal, or In any way lessening the responsibility of a child's own parents. The BUI makes the neglect or the exposure of any child under 14 to unnecessary suffering a misdemeanour ; makes the employment of a child m begging or m receiving alms ander any pretence of singing, playing, performing, or offering anything for sale a miaderceanopr; stigmatises with the same word tbe right of exhibition of any child under 14 In any place other than a pla.ee lloenned for entertainment, and prohibits from performing all phl}dren under 10. No child under 10 Is to' be served with eplrltnouß Jiqa'or and no spirituous liquor may b~e given, even by a parent, to a child aatll that ohlld Is 16 years of age. The maximum fine is £100 and the maximum Imprisonment six months. This fine may be doubled if, where unnecessary suffering has been Inflicted, tho torturer Is proved to be Interested pecuniarily m the death of the ohlld. Constables are to be instructed to take offenders under this Act Into custody upon the testimony of eyewitnesses, and a ohlld may be sent out of the custody of its parents who are proved to have illtreated It.