Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), Tuesday 11 February 1913, page 12


THE STATE CBGlLIXREN'S

COUNCIL.

A RECORD OF GOOD WORK.

At a meeting of the State Children's Council on Monday, when there were present Sir Charles Goode, Lady Bonython, Lady Way, Mrs. Crompton, Mrs. Wragge, Miss Stirling, Mr. James Marshall, Dr. C. W. Hamilton, and Mr. Thomas Rhodes, the secretary reported that in December four members Lady Bonython, Lady Way, Mrs. Wragge, Mr. Thomas Rhodes had retired by effluxion of time, but had been reappointed by the Government. Dr. R. S. Rogers had resigned and Mr. James Marshall had been appointed in his place. Sir Charles Goode moved that Mr. Rhodes be elected president, and this was carried unanimously.

The President took the chair, and said:

This month completes 24 years of work

in connection with the State Children's Council. Our revered colleague, Sir Charles Goode, is the sole survivor of the first council, formed in 1886. My appointment was to the second council, in 1889. The retrospect of the council's work may not have been a record of any varying success. Considering the conduct tions from which many of the children, came into our hands, this can be

scarcely expected. If, however, after careful analysis we can show, as we did in 1902, that 82. percent, of young people have done well, we have much to be thankful for. In 1910 and,

1911 there were even better results. The work of the department has greatly increased since 1889. At that time there were 855 children; now there are 1,530. Then the office staff consisted of six officers; now it numbers 26. This increase may seem unduly large, but it must be remembered that the scope of the de-,

partment's operations has largely increased.

The supervision of lying inhomes, and foster-mothers, the- collection of maintenance under the Police Court orders, in addition to the collection of maintenance for the council's wards, and latterly the supervision of all illegitimate children under seven years of age, have been added to the responsibilities of the department. The carrying out of these additional duties may appear costly. However, many unfortunate young lives receive a right inclina-tion, character-building is the council's objective, and endangered infant life is s.il*-**uarded. These essentials to a wholesome national life cannot be partchased too dearly. My relations with the past and present members of the council have been ob- the most pleasant character. To have been privileged to associate with such eminent friends of juvenile unfortunates as Miss Clark and Miss -- Spence, and to have been a close observer of their splendid work in this council, has been an inspiration. Their efforts have given the council a world-wide reputa-tion, and formed an object-lesson wher-ever the betterment of dependent children has been sought after. I fain would hope that the memories of Miss Spence and-Miss Clark may be perpetuated in some permanent form in the new office of the department. It is in pleasing duty to welcome hërcHci-day as the successor of our friend, Dr. R. S. Rogers, our new member, Mr. James Marshal'. We all hope that Mr. Marshall's connection with this council will be a source of gratification to him, as we are sure it will be of assistance to us. Mr. Marshall's well-known character bespeaks for him our sincere welcome. (Applause.)

Mr. Marshall acknowledged his horsetion. The council

passed a cordial vote of thanks to Dr. Rogers for his assistance during the thirteen years he had served on the council, and for the real interest--., that he has manifested in the council's -work. The secretary was instructed to convey to Dr. Rogers the council's appreciation of his work, and its regret at losing him as a member.