Delinquent Child Problem Discussed At Edgecumbe Meeting

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 29, 24 August 1949, Page 5

Delinquent Child Problem Discussed At Edgecumbe Meeting

The first of the regular monthly meetings of the Edgecumbe ParentTeacher Association was held in the school last week.

There was a good attendance of interested parents and teachers, who gathered to hear a lecture by Mr C. A. Bell, tutor-organiser for the Adult Education Centre in Auckland in his experience as a Welfare Officer, his theme being The Delinquent Child. Very shocking conditions were revealed to be existing in the large centres where children suffer from neglect while both parents go out to work.

In most cases of child delinquency, as pointed out by Mr Bell, the fault lay entirely with the parents, the children being the very unfortunate victims of neglect. Musical items of a very high standard were given by Mr H. Lopdell and Mr A. Blake (piano and Violin). Mr Lopdell also convulsed the audience with his humorous black board sketches, among his subjects being “the. delinquent child” (revealing himself as master delivering the punishment, “The Edgecumbe Bridge” (which collapses as the headmaster cycles across), “Personalities Present” and so on.

A tasty snpper served by women members brought a very successful and enjoyable evening to a close.