THE MODERN CHILD

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1930, Page 3

THE MODERN CHILD

STRICTER CONTROL ADVOCATED. DUNEDIN, October 15. “That this Synod recommends that parents keep control over their children, and that if they do not go out with them in the evening, they should at least know where they are going.’’ This resolution, presented to-day at the meeting of the Anglican Synod of Otago and-;' Southland t by the i Social Questions Committee, provoked rather a sharp discussion. Archdeacon Ftchett said they had all tried to keep control of their children. if they had means of ascertaining where they were going at nights it would be very useful. (Laughter.') The Rev. K. D. Andrews-Baxter said that the children of to-day were ruling their parents instead of the parents ruling the children. He thought that instead of boys and girls being sent to Borstal institutions their parents should be sent there instead. . ’ The Rev. S. J .Cooper said the resolution,was a very important one, and should be treated seriously. Boys and girls could be heard going home at all hours of the early morning. He thought parents should warnthqir daughters not to accept drives in motor-cars occupied by. men, and not to accept drinks from pocket flasks. ;Mr L. D. Richie argued that the neglect of Synod tO' treat matters of this kind earnestly and courageously was reflected in the dwindling church attendances. He saw no cause for levity in the report, and the Synod shouldlie prepared to > discuss it seriously On the reception given to that report, the general public, Anglican and other* wise, .would base its judgment of the value of the Synod’s deliberations. Archdeacon Fitchett, making a personal explanation, said he had no opinion on the report one way or another. It was a pity that it should go out to the newspapers that the Synod had treated the subject with contempt. After some further discussion the debate was interrupted by the time for the adjournment being reached.