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67
The subjoined statement deals with 2,000 consecutive admissions in 1937 according to sex
and age group. It will be observed that there was a steady increase in admission rate in succeeding
age groups in females, but in males there was a sharp decline in the 15th year. While there is
no single explanation for this, it is thought that one factor is the fresh interest in, and the new
outlets of, the life which begins on leaving school. The boy has not yet become dissatisfied, discouraged
or apathetic. The uniform increase in succeeding female age groups is accounted for
by the large number of female offences associated with puberty.
Age Males Females
Less than 8 years 20 6
8 - 9 „ 22 6
9 - 10 „ 50 2
10 - 11 „ 110 11
11 - 12 „ 140 12
12 - 13 „ 182 14
13 - 14 „ 251 33
14 - 15 „ 170 58
15 - 16 „ 274 97
Over 16 „ 397 145
With but few exceptions, every case was examined physically in considerable detail. The
aim of this examination was threefold. The state of health was determined in order to exclude
the introduction into, and spread of infection in, the remand home, and to increase the personal
welfare of the individual examined. A decision was reached as to fitness for approved schools,
and (in the case of males) for training in a nautical school. The influence, if any, of the physical
state as a factor in the disordered conduct was assessed.

The group of disorders of the endocrine glands, though small in number, is of interest, in
that in several cases the condition was a factor, direct or indirect, in the aetiology of delinquency.