sm.—Colin Brogan's article on parents Of the State contains much that is of value, for it shows the ehild'e need of love, a need that is greater than his need for scientific feeding or hygienic footwear.
Children are not removed from the care of their parents because they lack these benefits. The magistrates of the juvenile courts commit children to the care of local authorities because they have sttffered from gross neglect, hecause they have been treated with cruelty and sometimes beeause they are living with parents who are very immoral. Would any Catholic suggest that a young girl should be left with parents who keep a brothel? The Gough case makes it clear that all local authorities should appoint trained and experienced women to find and supervise foster homes for the children committed to their care. It shows the need of suitable Catholic men and women to serve as magistrines of juvenile courts and to take their part in local government as councillors and officers.
The children and young people are the best judges of what is done for them by a local authority that is keen On its job. A girl of seventeen who had " suffered " from such care for eight years remarked recently, " The committee always looks upon us HS individuals."
FRANCES MEREDITH.
21, Lancaster Park, Richmond. Surrey.