CO129-527-13 Treatment of Juvenile offenders in Hong Kong 25-9-1930 - 13-12-1930 — Page 15

EXTRACTS FR. H. KONG LEG. CCIL. MINS.

19 JUNE 1930.

QUESTIONS.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL asked:-

1. Will the Government give the following information concerning Juvenile Offenders in respect of the year 1929:

(a) The number of boys and the number of girls, both under the age of 16 years (European reckoning), who were brought before the Magistrates.

(b) The respective numbers of such boys and girls who

were convicted, with a classification showing-

(1) the number sent to prison;

(2) the number of previous convictions;

(3) whether the convictions were for felony or for

other offences;

(4) in the latter case, the number of convictions

under the Hawkers Regulations.

(c) The number of boys on whom the punishment of whip- ping was inflicted by order of the Magistrates, showing the number who received such punishment more than once during the period with a classification showing the type of offences for which the punishment was inflicted.

2. Will the Government also state:

(a) Whether or not children under the age of 16 years (European reckoning), while being detained at the Police Court or at the Gaol or in the precincts thereof awaiting trial, are so detained in company with adults who are charged with an offence, and who are not the relatives of such children.

(b) Whether or not such children, on being tried by a Magistrate, are placed in the dock with adult defen- dants who are not charged jointly with such children.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied:-

1. (a) Boys

Girls

..985

.137

(b) Boys (1)

.131

(2)

.172

(3) & (4) Felonies

..268

Hawking

..377

Other offences

.340

Girls (1)

5

(2)

5

(3) & (4) Felonies

7

Hawking

73

?:37

Other offences

57

(c) 433 whippings were inflicted on boys of which 177 were for felonies, 125 for hawking and 131 for other offences.

There is no record of how many boys received this punishment more than once.

2.—(a) and (b) Yes, except in cases where bail has been found, when the juveniles charged are not detained and, when brought before the Magistrate, are not placed in the dock.

ISEND