24 OCTOBER 1908, Page 2

The Report stage of the Children Bill was finished in

the House of Commons on Monday. The chief amendments were moved by Mr. Rawliuson. He desired that any person under sixteen should be allowed to buy cigarettes when sent to do so bone I fide as a messenger. Mr. Herbert Samuel thought this would lead to evasions, and the amendment was rejected. Next, Mr. Rawlinson objected to the exclusion of the public from the proposed Juvenile Courts. Mr. Samuel argued that it was enough for the Press to be admitted, as it was essential, if the new Courts were to serve their purpose, that a criminal atmosphere should be avoided. It was rather an unsavoury public which attended the ordinary Police Court. Moreover, children were easily frightened by a large audience. On the other hand, the Press would be admitted, because publicity was absolutely necessary in spite of all other con- siderations. We cannot help thinking that the Government compromise is the best possible. Mr. Rawlinson's amendment was rejected. In the end the Bill was read a third time without any important change of principle having been intro- duced, and Mr. Akers-Douglas justly complimented Mr. Samuel on the skilful manner in which he had handled it.