Figures of juvenile offenders for
1930-1931.
Homes of Refuge in Hong Kong.
56
Again we concur in Mr. Schofield's recommendation but as young persons above the age of sixteen are not covered by the provisions of the Juvenile Courts legislation we can only forward this recommendation like the first one for the consideration of Government.
We attach Appendix III, a list giving the number of juvenile offenders dealt with in the Police Courts of Victoria and Kowloon respectively during the year 1930 and this year up to the end of the first quarter. The total number of cases dealt with by the Courts in 1930 was 1432 and in the first quarter of 1931-336. These figures prove that there is undoubtedly scope for the proposed Courts and that their early establishment is highly desirable. It must however be borne in mind that many of these offences are of a minor character only and their number could be largely reduced by the proposed Courts as they will be empowered to deal with parents (under Sec. 11) in the numerous cases arising out of bawking offences by children which are often aided and abetted and incited by parents or guardians. Compared with the total cases the number of offenders sent to gaol is small but no doubt in many cases cautions and warnings (which at present pass unheeded) are given owing to the natural reluctance of Magistrates to commit juvenile delinquents to prison except for the most serious offences.
Appendix IV contains a list of Homes of Refuge in the Colony for boys and girls.
We consider that provided the necessary legislation outlined in our report is adopted and passed and the very reasonable expenditure sanctioned there is no reason why Juvenile Courts should not be in operation before the close of the present year. The Industrial School for Boys will not be ready but much can be done by remands, probation of offenders and detention up to 6 months in aggravated cases until such time, which we hope is not far distant, as the Industrial School for Boys at Aberdeen is established and is functioning satisfactorily.
Before concluding the Committee desires to acknowledge the valuable and able assistance which Mr. T, M, Hazlerigg, a member of the Committee, has rendered to it in the preparation of the draft legislation, already dealt with in this report, and also to record its appreciation of the efficient and capable manner in which Miss Angus has discharged her duties as Secretary to the Committee.
E. D. C. WOLFE,
Chairman.
R. E. LINDSELL,
R. A. C. NORTH,
T. M. HAZLERIGG,
R. H. KOTEWALL,
Committee.
M. K. LO,
6th July, 1931.
R. RAINS,
D. HOURIGAN, s.c.
Page 60Page 61