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66
Larceny and allied delinquencies remain by far the most prevalent type of
juvenile crime, and account for over one half of the total amount of charges.
The number of juveniles charged with " being suspected persons " shows a
great increase on the 1930 figure. This charge is noted chiefly amongst boys over
15 and shows an increase since the age of court jurisdiction was raised. The number
of " care and protection " cases also shows an increase and accounts for a large
percentage of the girl admissions.
Physical
examination.
Crimes of violence and the carrying of firearms appear to show a definite increase.
In 1930 and 1933 no cases were reported. In 1931, one case was reported, but in 1935
the number of cases had risen to 14. This number is still small, but the appearance
and growth of such crime amongst juveniles must be viewed with some uneasiness.
A detailed physical examination was carried out in almost every case. The
detailed results are shown below :—

As regards nutrition, 9 per cent, were noted to be " poorly nourished." This
compares favourably with the 22 per cent, of the 1930 admissions. Personal cleanliness
also shows a very decided improvement on the 1930 figures.
Skin disease was noted in 4.6 per cent. of cases. This shows a very satisfactory
reduction if compared with the corresponding percentage of 16.2, recorded in 1930.
Evidence of early rickets shows a comparatively high percentage (4.2). This is
as observed in previous reports, and would appear to offer practical evidence of
faulty home environment.
A very careful watch was kept on all cases for signs of stigmata of congenital
syphilis, but out of 2,420 cases only 3 (.1 per cent.) presented any signs.
Under the heading of minor deformities, flat feet (15 per cent.), knock.knees
(4.9 per cent.), and bow-legs (1.3 per cent.), were responsible for most of the cases
noted. The majority of cases, however, were slight, causing no inconvenience in
ordinary life, and were of interest only when the question of a sea.faring life was
considered.
There were 21 cases (.86 per cent.) of enuresis.
Under the heading of functional nervous diseases are included not only all cases
that showed definite physical manifestation of nervous abnormality (e.g., hysteria,
various muscular spasms and tics), but also those that presented marked nervous
tension or a high degree of instability. This rather wide interpretation of the heading
accounts for the high number of cases recorded (472, or 19.6 per cent.). Behind such