, because of their criminal and dissolute habits,
were unfit to have the guardianship of their children.

In 1874 a _Naval Training Schools Act_ was passed under which boys of 10
to 14 years of age, convicted by magistrates for reasons varying from
vagrancy to bad associations, could be detained in naval training
schools or on training ships and apprenticed to the sea.

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