In the absence of comparable statistics from other countries, the Committee can merely quote from some of the reports received in New Zealand at about the same time that the Hutt Valley cases were reported.

(a) England

In Monmouthshire last year there was an increase of 88 per cent in sexual offences.  The biggest increases recorded were for indecent assault on females—­132 in 1953, compared with 75 in 1952—­and for offences against girls under 16 years of age.  In his annual report the Chief Constable states that this shocking record is a further indication of the general lowering of moral standards ...—­The “Police Review” (London), 19 February 1954.

(b) New South Wales

        POLICE UNCOVER WILD TEENAGE SEX ORGIES

    Detectives have uncovered evidence of an amazing sex cult in
    which a bodgie “high priest” and a number of pretty teenagers
    indulged in wild orgies in a Sydney suburb.

    It is alleged that the “high priest” made the girls participate
    in lewd rituals, swear a profane oath on “the bodgies’ bible”
    and worship at a “bodgies’ altar”.

Following these sensational allegations, four men were arrested.  Police expect to arrest another seven.  Disappearance of the 15-year-old daughter of a respected Erskineville family started the police investigation which uncovered the sex cult.  Both the girl and the “high priest” undressed, and, as she lay on a bed, he compelled her to engage in grossly obscene acts with him.

    Then, while the “high priest” performed a gross act of
    indecency, the girl swore the “widgies’ oath” on the “bodgies’
    bible".—­Sydney “Truth” 27 June 1954.

(c) South Australia

        ADELAIDE POLICE SEIZE TEENAGERS IN SWIFT RAIDS

In a series of lightning raids Port Adelaide police have arrested six teenagers who they claim are members of a sex cult.  Vice Squad detectives say the cult indulged in sex and drug parties.  The Port Adelaide Police Chief Inspector, G.E.  Mensfort, said that when the cases came to Court he suspected revelations similar to those in the Hutt Valley, which recently shocked New Zealand.  A number of teenage youths have already appeared in Port Adelaide Police and Juvenile Courts on carnal knowledge charges ...—­Telegram in the “Dominion”, 30 July 1954.

(d) London

        MANY GIRLS IN BAD COMPANY

One black spot in an otherwise more optimistic report by the Police Commissioner on crime in London is a disturbing increase in the number of 17-and 18-year-old girls who are coming under the notice of policewomen on their beat, says the Daily Mirror.—­N.Z.P.A. to “Evening Post”, 2 September 1954.

=(3) A World-wide Problem=

There have been waves of sexual crime in various countries at various times.