SAFEGUARDING GIRLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1922, Page 5

SAFEGUARDING GIRLS.

DEFECT IN THE LAW. PREMIER PROMISES A REMEDY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Nigh’t. A deputation, representing the women’s | branch of the Social Hygiene Society, wait•cd upon the Premier to-day with the object of securing an alteration in the Crimes Act in order to provide better protection for young girls. Speakers said sexual offences against young girls were far too numerous and the society desired the removal from the Act of the provision which allowed a man to plead reason to believe a girl was over the age of consent. They also considered the preesnt six months’ limit in which a charge can be brought allowed a way of escape for many guilty men. Mrs. Robertson stated several cases in the past year of girls becoming expectant mothers whilst suffering from venereal disease. Mrs. Henderson Begen asserted that many of the offences were premeditated and committed by men. Mr. Dickson, M.P. (chairman of the Committee which heard the evidence on the subject last year), stated that the committee was unanimous that the law should be amended. Mr. Wright, M.P., said he wanted to protect girls, but did not want to make criminals of young men. Mr. Massey, in reply, he was convinced an amendment in the law was necessary. There was no doubt the law at present gave guilty persons an opportunity to get off. He also the period in which information could be laid was too short. The Hon. E. P. Lee said records would show a number of cases where the defence was reasonable cause to believe a girt was over the age of consent. The Premier said he would confer with the Minister of Justice on the subject and personally . would make a remedy more drastic.