In 1882 the Industrial Schools Act was passed making better provision for the control, maintenance, education, and training of children under the apparent age of fifteen years who were found to be destitute, neglected, uncontrollable, living in a detrimental environment, or associating with persons of ill repute, and also for children who had committed offences against the law.  Prior to the passing of this Act several homes, orphanages, and schools had been established in various parts of the Colony by religious organizations and benevolent societies.  They received financial aid out of a vote for charitable institutions administered by the Colonial Secretary.

The Private Industrial Schools Act of 1900 was introduced as a result of public resentment against the treatment of boys in a private school.  For the protection of inmates a right of inspection of these private schools was given to Judges, Members of Parliament, and other named persons.

The Industrial Schools Act of 1908 was mainly a consolidation of the law up to that time but the age of children subject to the Act was increased to 16 years.

The Child Welfare Act of 1925 and the amending Act of 1927 made substantial changes in the attitude of the State towards children who had erred.  They gave legislative expression to a new world-wide desire for a more scientific approach to the social problem of dealing with children who had manifested anti-social tendencies.

The new features provided for in these Acts were: 

(a) A special branch (later renamed a Division) of the Department of Education to be known as the “Child Welfare Branch” was established.  The Branch or Division consisted of the Superintendent of Child Welfare, who, under the control of the Minister and the Director of Education, was charged with the administration of the Act; a Deputy Superintendent; and such Welfare Officers, managers, etc., as might be required.

  (b) Power was taken for the creation of Children’s Courts.

=(2) The Children’s Court=

The idea of treating children who misbehaved as “delinquents” rather than as offenders against the law arose in Illinois in 1899.  This experiment in social welfare was followed in other States of America, and the principle was introduced into New Zealand in 1925.

There has been, and still is, much misunderstanding concerning the procedure in these Children’s Courts and the duties of Welfare Officers.  As some recommendations about to be made by this Committee could not be properly appreciated without a knowledge of the procedure of that Court, and the way in which Welfare Officers perform their duties, it is desirable to make the following brief explanation: 

Under the Act of 1925 it is the parent and not the child, who is summoned to appear before the Children’s Court.  Section 13 (1) of the Act reads: