These immoral practices have been organized in a way that was not evident before.  For example, a boy of 17-1/2 years, trusted by his parents with the charge of their home, abused the trust by arranging sexual parties on three successive weekends for groups of several girls and boys.  There was also the case of a girl of 14 years who invited a girl of the same age to her home during the absence of her parents for the express purpose of having intercourse[1] with her brother aged 15.  This improper use of a parent’s home has also occurred in other districts.

=(4) Recidivism=

The second outbreak of Hutt Valley cases revealed that two boys, one girl, and one family had become involved in misbehaviour within eighteen months of their previous offences.  In another district three-quarters of the boys concerned had previously been before the Court as delinquents, though not all for sexual offences.

=(5) Changed Mental Attitude of Girls and Boys=

Perhaps the most startling feature is the changed mental attitude of many young people towards this evil.  Some offend because they crave popularity or want to do what their friends are doing.  Some assert a right to do what is regarded by religion, law, and convention as wrongful.  It was reported that some of the girls were either unconcerned or unashamed, and even proud, of what they had done.  Some of the boys were insolent when questioned and maintained this attitude.  The Committee has not overlooked the fact that in some cases this attitude may have been due to a defensive reaction.

The recent disclosures caused one headmistress of a city college to arrange for sex instruction to be given by a lady doctor to various forms.  The girls were invited to submit written questions for the doctor to answer.  Having read the questions, the doctor commented that she must have prepared the wrong lecture—­it should have been for an older group.  A transcript of the questions was produced to the Committee.  They were inquiries which one would assume might be made by young women who had married or were about to marry.  Whether these young girls were sincere in their questioning of the doctor, whether they wanted to exhibit advanced knowledge, or whether they were endeavouring to create a sensation, the fact remains that they had in mind aspects of sex which were well in advance of their years.

This change in the mental attitude of offending children was further exemplified by evidence that, in one series of cases in Auckland, records were kept, and there was some competition between girls concerning the number of immoral acts in which they were involved.  The Committee were shocked to hear from the police that one girl claimed a total of 148 instances in her favour.

=(6) Homosexuality=

The Committee has read reports from Great Britain of an increase in homosexual practices there.  Recent New Zealand happenings might be taken to indicate a similar increase in this country.  The Committee has made no investigation of these matters, but considers it wise to remind parents that sexual misbehaviour can occur between members of the same sex.