PARENTS' LATITUDE CAUSES JUVENILE CRIME

Chronicle (Levin), 26 July 1947, Page 5

PARENTS' LATITUDE CAUSES JUVENILE CRIME

NAPIER, July 25. "This is pernaps the worst case of its kind we have had in this town," commented the Magistrate (Mr. J. Miller) in the Children's Court when seven youths appeared on charges embracing conversion of ears, motor cycles and bicycles, theft and mischief. Described as the ringleader, one hoy was sent to .Borstal, two otners named as subleaders were sent to the Boys' Training Centre, Levin, and the others were placed under Child Welfare supervision. The ages of accused ranged from 14 to 17. Tne ringleader laced 33 cnarges, two others 11 charges, the fourth five charges, the ttfth four charges and two others one charge each. The total value of motor vehicles appropriated was £2865 and damage totalling £52 was caused to the vehicles. The hicycles taken were valued at £39 and the property involved in the series of offences was valued at £188. Tne iviagxstrate said tne ottences committed hy the leaders of the gang had been carried out with ruthlessness and cunning and with utter disregard for the law." In his opinion overmuch latitude hy parents contributed to the incidence of child delinquency. "Through gang infiuence decent hoys brought up in good homes becorne contaminated by their associates, succumhing to temptation and entering crime without their parents knowing anything about it," said Mr. Miller.