CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I was in hopes that some answers would be made to my questions, so I must thank Messrs. Adams and David for their letters, but I am sorry that the former thinks I am unfitted to be chairman of a juvenile court, though I was specially chosen for the job by my colleagues, some of whom have a wide experience of social service.
One phrase in my letter seems to have caused misunder- standing ; I do not think that Gloucestershire differS from the rest of England, except perhaps in being rather more law-abiding, in spite of the notoriety recently caused by the Haw Bridge, but I do think that the mentality of the children in country villages and farms differs from that of those in large towns. It is quite' true that we hardly ever get a case of dishonesty, unless the taking of apples or mushrooms comes within this category, and even this is generally done by town dwellers. And this is the reason why we feel doubtful about the wisdom of sending our lads to approved schools, where they inevitably meet young thieves, and are taught to be discontented with farm life, for which they are really best fitted. Of course, if the parents are unsatisfactory the problem is easier, but otherwise it seems a pity to send them to another home.
I fear that my critics overestimate the effect of reforming influences. In spite of having read the reports recommended by Mr. Gilford, and of having spent seven years in London and twenty-five years in judicial work abroad, as advised by Mr. David, unfortunately I still cling to " discredited ideas of punishment and deterrence " in what seem to me to be suitable cases. And it really is not fair to say that I speak slightingly of the probation officers, for whom I have the
highest admiration.—Yours faithfully, J. H. PERCIVAL. Kinubury House, Gloucester.
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