ORGANIZED GAMES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 199, 11 May 1918, Page 3

ORGANIZED GAMES

FOR' PKEVJSNTION Off YOUTHFUL OPFENCES.

An official statement issued recently says that efforts are being made, by lue formation oil juvenile organisation committees throughout Britain, to reduce juvenile offences by providing additional means of healthy recreation for young people who, owing to the war, are without adequate control. The statement 'ccalls the fact that the Home Secretary in December, 1916, appointed a Standing Committee of representatives of various organisations concerned in providing recreations and occupations for girls and boys to consider how this important work could bo extended and encouraged, particularly with a view, to reducing the number ot juvenile offences. This Standing Committee has recommended the establishment of juvenile organisation committees in all large towns, and li>«t vear, in over 50 lar"e towus, committees were appointed consisting of representatives ot all the voluntary organisations working in these towns, together with delegates irom the local education authorities, juvenile employment and after-care committed school teachers.'' associations, magistrates, and probation officers. Many of tho new-ly-established committees have been able to open new clubs or to reopen old ones, which, owing to shortage o£ workers, 'had been closed since the outbreak ot war and their experience lias already shown the value of united action in preparing and developing schemes ot recreation for boys and girls. The Standing Committee is now promoting similar local bodies in other municipal boroughs and urban districts in England and Wales and Scotland, and hopes that soon the vtholc country will be covered by committees active in iorwarding schemes for providing healthy recreations and fostering a good public spirit among young people. There is evidence that one of the causes ot the recent serious increase in juvenile delinquency is the diversion to war duties of the services of men and women who, bv means of evening clubs, sports, endet corps Scout troops, and similar organisations, provided outlets and right guidance for the urgent impulses and enem of vouth. -A call is made for volunteers to carry on this work of vital national importance.