The transition from school to work is a highly significant event in the lives of all young people. For adolescent boys, especially, it warrants thoughtful planning and preparation, since the type of work a man does will have far-reaching effects on his life as a whole. The amount of planning and the nature and extent of his preparation, in the form of education and training, will be major factors in determing his status in one of the main occupational categories -- professional, technical, semi-skilled or unskilled. At the same time, many youths do not plan or prepare themselves because of lack of ability or opportunity, and are thereby at a disadvantage in striving to attain higher occupational status. The limitations to individual ability and opportunity are grouped under "Personality Inadequacies" and "Labour Market Inadequacies". This study is concerned primarily with the occupational adjustment problems of the "disadvantaged" adolescent boy. The sample selected is a group of former young offenders -- "graduates of the New Haven "Community" and the B.C. Borstal system. The advantages in selection of this group are the high incidence of employment problems, to which a remedial program has been applied, with some members achieving occupational adjustment (Group I), and some failing to do so (Group II). Reasonably complete records are also available. A limiting factor is the delinquent behaviour of youths in the sample, which distinguishes them from non-delinquent, "disadvantaged" youngsters. However,since all persons in the sample have been delinquent, the findings in terms of occupational adjustment of both groups should not be affected. To investigate the reasons for achievement and non-achievement, the "Determinants of Occupational Adjustment" were applied to the sample in order to establish which of three factors might explain these differences in eventual occupational adjustment: differences in the pre-New Haven period, differential treatment; or differential response to treatment. These "Determinants" are: economic status and stability of family; amount of education; wise or haphazard choice of occupation; character of first employments; and character of significant relationships. These do not exhaust all possible factors but are representative of the major influences upon a man's "working life". It must be emphasized that this is a small sample, which can, however, serve for illustrative purposes. On the basis of the "Determinants", characteristics of youths in both groups in the pre-New Haven period would contra-indicate eventual occupational adjustment. Young men in both groups received equal treatment at New Haven and on parole. Therefore groups differ in their response to treatment. These differences are closely linked to relative capacity for satisfactory interpersonal relationships with staff and sponsors. This conclusion is corroborated by the eventual successful social adjustment of Group I and the unsuccessful performance of Group II as evidenced in few marriages, unstable marital relationships, and a high incidence of recidivism. Psychiatric reports indicated more severe personality disturbance in Group II. Thus, Borstal treatment emphasizing interpersonal relationships, "work therapy", vocational guidance and job placement was not effective for Group II because the degree of personality disturbance of young men in this group constituted a barrier to response. Therefore alternative specialized treatment is required. But the Borstal program was effective for Group I. Since there are many similarities between this group, the high school "dropout" and other disadvantaged adolescents, a similar approach, combining opportunity for positive relationships with adults and help in planning, preparation and job placement, should be helpful to these other troubled adolescents as well. A comprehensive youth employment program would contribute to prevention of occupational maladjustment and its effects in terms of both individual and national welfare. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

Logging has proceeded continuously since 1915 in the Nimpkish valley. The cutting has been of the old-growth Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia (Poir.) Britt, western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn.), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (RAF.) Sarg.) and balsam fir (Abies amabilis (Bougl.) Forbes. Many of the areas cut have become restocked naturally with various species of trees which are classified as second-growth. The excess of low-value trees and the slow rate of regeneration are not economically satisfactory. Since 1924 various plantations have been established. A study of the results of this natural regeneration and this artificial regeneration indicates practical methods for future procedure. Additional information comes from experiments that have been completed, and from those that are still in progress. The synthesis of the collected material and the silvicultural discourse form the basis for recommendations for future management of forestry operations in the Nimpkish valley. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate

Before the eighteenth century, several mariners—especially mariners from Spain—visited what is called the North West Coast of America, but brought back little knowledge of it. Some legendary Spanish voyages resulted in claims of the existence of a navigable passage connecting the northern ends of the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. After 1719 the Russians and, later, the British and the French carried out voyages of exploration along those coasts, intent, primarily, on finding the inter-oceanic passage. Spain, which had traditionally claimed sovereignty over all of that coast, also carried out voyages of exploration organized from the Viceroyalty of Mexico. Around 1760 the port of San Bias was founded, in Mexico, to serve as the centre of Spanish shipping to the Californias and the rest of the North West Coast. Gradually the myth of the inter-oceanic passage began to fade, but a new incentive (the fur trade) brought Russian, British and, later, American shipping to the coast. Some British trading ships voyaged under foreign flags in order to circumvent the onerous monopoly duties. In Chapter I a number of these early exploratory and trading voyages are described, especially insofar as they refer to Nootka Sound which became a favourite halting-place for shipping along that coast. For all practical purposes, the discovery of Nootka Sound has to be credited to Captain James Cook, whose expedition stayed there in 1778 and gave the place its name. However, the Spanish claimed afterwards that it was this same port which their ship, Santiago, had approached four years previously, when a storm had frustrated the attempt to land and take formal possession of that area. This Spanish claim is discussed in the light of all the evidence available, but the question is left unsolved. (Chapter II.) In 1788 Captain Meares led a British trading expedition to the North West Coast, with ships flying the Portuguese flag. He established his headquarters at Nootka and built a house on ground which he claimed to have purchased from the natives. Subsequently he accused the Spanish of appropriating that land and structure when they occupied the place in 1789. This became one of the main points of contention in the subsequent controversy between Spain and Great Britain, over Nootka Sound. The point is fully discussed (Chapters III and IV) using, in part, statements from the records of the American trading ships Columbia and Washington which arrived at Nootka Sound in 1788 and made a long stay. Their officers witnessed several events in the story of Nootka, and their reports are of considerable value as evidence. Following Meares' voyage, his firm was reorganised by amalgamation with another one which had obtained permission from the two companies which held the British monopoly, to trade on the North West Coast of America. The new concern prepared another expedition to the North West Coast, under Captain Colnett. He was to voyage to Nootka with the Argonaut and the Princess Royal—both under the British flag. They would be joined by the Iphigenia and the North West America, which had participated in Meares' expedition under Portuguese colours, and had subsequently wintered in the Sandwich Islands and were expected, to return to Nootka. Colnett would set up a trading-factory and erect some sort of a fortification there, for which purpose he carried a number of Chinese artisans. (Chapter V.) The Spanish were disturbed by "foreign" movements on the coast, which they considered as their own. An expedition was dispatched in 1788 to ascertain what the Russians were doing there. It was reported that prosperous Russian establishements had been set up on the coasts of what is now Alaska, and rumoured that the Russians were planning to occupy Nootka. This information, together with the news that two American ships were on their way to the North West Coast, prompted the Viceroy of Mexico to effect at least a token occupation of Nootka. In 1789, an expedition was dispatched for the purpose, under the command of E.J. Martínez. Details about its equipment and its voyage are given. (Chapters VI and VII.) In the meantime, the American ships had wintered at Nootka and the Iphigenia and the North West America, still under Portuguese colours, had returned there. Martinez arrived in May and had friendly meetings with the captains of all those ships, as well as with the native chieftains of that area. (Chapter VIII.) As commander of a. Spanish port, Martínez requested the credentials of all non-Spanish ships there. Finding objectionable points in those of the Iphigenia, he seized her, but after re-consideration he released her on a dubious bond. (Chapter IX.) As for the American ships, Martínez had been alerted about them and instructed to beware of their moves. He duly checked their credentials but, finding nothing objectionable in them, he did not interfere with the vessels and actually made friends with their captains and officers. (Chapter X.) At that time, the North West America was on a cruise. When she reported to Nootka, Martinez appropriated her, claiming that her crew had abandoned her as unseaworthy. After having her repaired and re-christening her, he dispatched her to explore the entrance to the Juan de Fuca Strait. (Chapter XI.) When the Princess Royal, of the Colnett expedition, arrived at Nootka, Martinez examined her trading documents and allowed her to proceed, undisturbed, but warned her captain not to trade along that coast. (Chapter XII.) Some days later, the Argonaut, commanded by Colnett, arrived at Nootka and, on the insistent suggestion of Martínez, was moored in Friendly Cove where the Spanish ships were at anchor, and where a fort and establishment were being started. When Martínez asked Colnett for his credentials, the two men engaged in. a heated argument which resulted in Martinez' seizing the Argonaut and placing her crew under arrest. A detailed account is given of the various versions of this incident. (Chapters XIII and XIV.) The treatment of these prisoners and their subsequent transportation to Mexico are discussed in Chapter XV. Unmindful of Martínez' warning, the captain of the Princess Royal brought her back to Nootka, where Martinez promptly seized her and imprisoned her crew. Again, various versions of the incident are given. (Chapter XVI.) The Argonaut and the Princess Royal, manned, by Spaniards and carrying most of their original crews as prisoners, sailed for San Bias. Martinez arranged for the crew of the North West America to be carried to China in the American ship Columbia. (Chapter XVII.) Chapter XVIII gives a detailed account of life in the budding Spanish establishment at Nootka: building activities, everyday events, the acts of taking official possession of the area for the Spanish crown, the arrival of ships with supplies, Martinez’ reports, requests and suggestions to the Viceroy, and other matters. Soon after the Spanish, expedition sailed from San Bias to accomplish the occupation of Nootka, Viceroy Flores issued an order to Martínez to abandon Nootka and return to Mexico before winter set in. This order was carried by a ship bringing supplies to Nootka, several months later. By then, Martínez had already established his forces there and sent for extra supplies in the conviction that he was to remain there indefinitely. Events had convinced him that the British were intent on occupying the place. So he appealed to the Viceroy to cancel the evacuation order. While waiting in vain for word from the Viceroy on the matter, Martínez curtailed or cancelled, some of his building schemes, and soon afterwards he began to prepare for evacuation by careening and re-equipping his ships. His relations with the natives had been very friendly, at first, but deteriorated considerably as a result of his rash shooting of one of their chieftains. But after some time apparently friendly contacts were renewed. (Chapters XIX and XX.) Miscellaneous matters are brought together in Chapter XXI: impressions as to the possibilities of developing Nootka as a Spanish outpost, details about the Indians and their ways, and a few comments of some interest which could not conveniently be included in other chapters. References in some papers suggest that Martinez started building a schooner, and perhaps a second fort, at Nootka. These unimportant points are discussed for the sake of exhaustiveness. (Chapter XXII.) Reluctantly, Martínez completed the dismantling of the fort, pulled down buildings, hid materials for possible future use, and made arrangements with the Indian chief about property which would be left there on his departure. His men carried out some explorations around Nootka, and he seized an American trading schooner which had called at Nooka in distress. This ship was taken to San Bias under escort when the Spanish force sailed wouth from Nootka, on November 13, 1789. (Chapter XXIII.) Viceroy Flores was about to relinquish office when he received news about the Nootka incident. He hastened to send a full report to the Spanish Government, and. to consult his successor-to-be (who was already in Mexico).as to what should be done about the captured ships. Count Revilla-Gigedo took office as Viceroy. The Spanish Government protested to Great Britain about Colnett's attempt to occupy Nootka, and this started a diplomatic dispute. (Chapter XXTV.) Viceroy Flores had given orders to send supplies to Nootka, apparently forgetting that he had already issued an evacuation order. When Martinez and his force returned to San Bias (December 1789) there was much surprise and alarm, and orders were issued to speed up the dispatch of ships to re-occupy Nootka and start a fairly "solid" outpost there. Extra personnel were posted to the Naval Department of San Bias, and a distinguished officer, Bodega-Quadra, took over command and proceeded, to reorganize it and to complete preparations for the new expedition to Nootka. (Chapter XXV.) This expedition arrived at Nootka in April, 1790, and began the erection of a fort which was garrisoned by-troops. Several huts were built, and a schooner—in-frame (removed from the Argonaut) was assembled. Vessels were sent from the new establishment, on exploratory cruises and two ships arrived with extra supplies. (Chapters XXVI and XXVII.) Several reports and. notes about relations between the Spanish and the Indians, during the first months of the new establishment, and the scant information available about life there during the second part of 1790 are brought together in chapters XVIII and XXIX. Chapter XXX describes what happened to the seized ships and their crews; the early release of the American schooner; negotiations between Captain Colnett and the Spanish authorities, and the subsequent release of the Argonaut and its crew. The Argonaut set out for Nootka, where Colnett expected to recover the Princess Royal. Upon reaching the vicinity of Nootka, Colnett sent a few men in a boat to request supplies from the Spanish establishment, but they met a tragic and mysterious death. Another party which was sent to enquire about them was handicapped by bad weather and some time elapsed before it was able to make contact with the Spanish. The Argonaut reached Nootka Sound on January 1, 1791, and stayed, there for three months, during which time she was repaired with the help of the Spanish. (Chapters XXI and XXII.) The Spanish had used the Princess Royal for the re-occupation of Nootka. From there she went on an exploratory cruise and was expected to return to Nootka, but-a stormy sea prevented her from re-entering the port and. she was obliged to return to San Bias. In due course, she was sent to the Philippine Islands and from there to Macao--where she was due to be returned to her owners. They refused to accept her, however, and were eventually paid compensation for her. (Chapter XXXIII.) A number of sick men were taken from Nootka to Monterey in the Princesa. This voyage saw the climax of a series of quarrels between a chaplain, the commander at Nootka and another officer. The story is recounted, for all its pettiness, because it sheds light on aspects of life at Nootka. (Chapters XXIV and XXV.) Some reference is made to the various levels of authority over the Spanish establishment at Nootka (the King's Government, the Viceroy, and Naval Headquarters at San Bias), and the procedure for reporting events (with particular emphasis on the Anglo-Spanish incident and how the news was communicated to the Spanish and British governments). A brief account of the controversy is given, with a reference to the effect that it had on the remote Spanish outpost. (Chapter XXXVI.) The winter of 1790-91, like successive ones at Nootka, was uneventful and dull. Things came to life again in the following spring, when supplies arrived. As a result of a false alarm, the establishment was placed on a war footing for a few days. More buildings went up, contacts with the natives (who always removed their dwellings to a more appropriate place for the winter) were renewed, and an exploratory cruise was made to the Juan de Fuca Strait. (Chapter XXXVII.) This chapter also includes an assessment of one year's record in the life of the establishment. The Aranzazú brought supplies and was dispatched to Monterey to bring further supplies—but her captain finally decided not to return to Nootka. The Viceroy was annoyed about what he considered unreasonable requests for supplies, and insufficient care in keeping stocks in good condition. (Chapter XXXVIII.) Between April and September, 1791, there were more frequent and friendly dealings between Indians and Spaniards at Nootka, the Washington (Captain Kendrick) passed through, and. building and gardening activities continued. (Chapter XXXIX.) A highlight in the history of Nootka was the visit of two Spanish ships, under Captain Malaspina, engaged in a scientific and exploratory voyage around the world. These ships made a two-week stay at Nootka in August, 1790, and visited the various Indian villages along the Sound. Officers made notes of scientific data, and. wrote several very interesting accounts of the populations of Nootka, and also a report about the possibilities of Spanish development of that area. (Chapter XL.) All references to life at the Spanish outpost at Nootka which are to be found in these papers have been quoted in full, and relevant drawings and graphs reproduced and commented upon. Together they provide a sketchy but fairly complete picture of the appearance of that place, and what was achieved there during the one and a half years of re-occupation. (Chapter XLI.) This work is not concerned with the anthropology and sociology of the natives, but a few points are made about them, insofar as they relate to the Spanish establishment. Some notes are added about the fate of some of the natives who were purchased by the Spanish and taken to Monterey or Mexico. (Chapter XLII.) The few details which are available about life in the Spanish establishment during the autumn and winter of 1791-92 are given in Chapter XLIII, and this study stops on the eve of a very important event; the arrival of Bodega-Quadra, and his subsequent negotiations with Captain Vancouver regarding the outcome of the Anglo-Spanish Convention. / Arts, Faculty of / Central Eastern Northern European Studies, Department of / Graduate

This study was undertaken in an attempt to provide Information regarding the attitudes of beginning teachers toward teaching in B.C. schools. The information obtained is relevant to the more general problem of the shortage of teachers in B.C. The study sought to: 1. Describe the beginning teacher biographically 2. Describe her teaching situation 3. Describe her attitudes toward teaching 4. Describe her attitudes toward her teacher training In order to achieve a most representative sample, all beginning teachers in 1958 - 59 were sent a questionnaire. This study analyzed the first 80% of the returns and comparisons were made between the attitudes and opinions expressed by: 1. B.C. and U.S. beginning teachers 2. Men and women beginning teachers 3. Elementary level and secondary level beginning teachers 4. Urban and rural beginning teachers 5. Beginning teachers trained at the U.B.C. College of Education and at Victoria College. Some 591 beginning B.C. teachers in 1958 - 59 answered 91 questions, thereby providing a broad base on which to build future studies concerning related problems in this area. It is felt that the findings obtained in this study can be useful to further research. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate

The purpose of this thesis is to study some aspects of the relationship between religion and politics in the province of British Columbia. Three facets of the problem are considered. First, the attitudes of clergymen to their role in political affairs, as well as their attitudes towards practical political issues, and their voting behavior. To obtain information on these subjects, a questionnaire approach was utilized. The second facet studied is the history of a religiously based pressure group within the province. The temperance movement was chosen. Research material utilized included minutes and letters of the temperance organizations; letters of governmental officials; newspaper reports; and personal interviews. Third, the religious affiliations of members of the British Columbia Legislature, and the relationship between religion and cabinet appointments are considered. This work is not a comprehensive study of the relationship between religion and politics in British Columbia; but it does stress the inter-relationship between the two, which must be considered in interpreting our political history. Some suggestions are made towards improving the techniques used by the religious community in attempting to exert positive political influence. / Arts, Faculty of / Political Science, Department of / Graduate

There have been alarming declines in the number of California bighorn sheep in the Similkameen region of British Columbia since the latter part of the nineteenth century. Present conflict for food supply with domestic stock makes further herd reduction imminent. This study was initiated to gather sound ecological data on which to base management and conservation practises for the California bighorn sheep in British Columbia and to determine population status of the Ashnola herd. The Ashnola herd was studied in the field from May 1960 through June 1961. The study area is described on the basis of broad soil and vegetation patterns. Line point transects were employed to determine botanical composition of important winter ranges. The sheep population is analysed from age and sex ratios and age structure data. Age structure was determined by collecting remains, in the field, of sheep which died of natural causes. Natality and mortality rates from the above sources indicate that the herd is relatively stable. Census data substantiates this observation. Factors limiting population increase are evaluated with emphasis on competition for food. Predation, accidents and hunting are not considered to be presently limiting herd increase. Incidence of parasitism in the herd was investigated by post mortem examination and fecal analysis. No deaths directly attributable to parasitism were noted during the study. Grazing by cattle appears to be the primary land use presently threatening the welfare of the herd. Bighorn sheep-cattle competition involves spring and fall utilization by cattle of sheep winter ranges. Direct and indirect observation of animal distribution, food habit analysis and exclosure plot technique have been employed to evaluate the competitive interaction. Although competition was slight in 1960, food shortage resulting from cattle grazing and occasional severe snow conditions is suggested as the factor limiting herd increase. Aspects of herd biology and behavior such as rutting, lambing, migration and social organization are also described. Management considerations and recommendations are briefly discussed. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

Hawkesbury Island is in the Skeena Mining Division of British Columbia. It is underlain by Coast Intrusions, younger lamprophyre dykes and older metamorphic rocks. The latter form part of the Ecstall septum or roof pendant. The metamorphic rocks are mainly amphibolites and quartz-feldspar gneisses. A few bands of quartzite, crystalline limestone, kyanite-staurolite-almandine mica schist and other rock types are present. These rocks have been formed by dynamothermal metamorphism of the regional type. They generally have assemblages indicative of the staurolite-quartz and kyanite-muscovite-quartz subfacies of the almandine amphibolite facies. Shear zones are strongly sericitized. Small percentages of sericite and chlorite are common throughout the metamorphic rocks. These minerals have been formed during retrogressive metamorphism. Apart from a few small metamorphosed igneous bodies, these rocks were originally a thick eugeosynclinal sequence consisting mainly of tuffaceous sediments and semi-pelitic or arkosic sediments. The metamorphic rocks have probably undergone at least two periods of deformation, so that their structure is complex. However, the foliation has a general trend of north 50° west to north 70° west in the northern part of the septum and of north 20° east to north 55° east in the southern part. The Coast Intrusions have reached their present positions by The Coast Intrusions have reached their present positions by intrusion. They have not been formed by granitization in situ. Some assimilation of the country rock has occurred but this is a marginal feature. The Coast Intrusions have had little affect on the grade of metamorphism of the metamorphic rocks. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate

The goal of hospital treatment is the return of its patients to their community in a healthy, happy condition. This can be a particularly difficult objective to achieve in the case of mental illness because of traditional hospital isolation, and fear and misconceptions about on the part of the public. More and more it is being realized that if there is to be effective rehabilitation of the mentally ill, there must be greater understanding and acceptance of mental illness by their communities. This study examines the recently-developed volunteer programme at the Provincial Mental Hospital, (Essondale, B.C.,) sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association. It describes the programme's organization, and its activities aimed at bringing the community to the patient, as well as interpreting hospital and patient needs to the community. The method used in the study began with a review of professional and other literature in order to learn what volunteer services were being offered in mental hospital settings elsewhere. A questionnaire was then completed and interviews with key people in the volunteer movement conducted, in order to compile details of its development, organization and acceptance by hospital management and staff as a "treatment extra". In order to illustrate volunteer activities and potentials in detail, the focus was then narrowed to the study of one particular ward (Chapter 3.) Types of patients were described experimentally as belonging to behavior groups observed on the ward, such as "attention seekers" and "rescue seekers." (The possibility of a ward classification according to the various categories of mental illness such as chronic brain syndromes, psychotic disorders, etc., was considered but discarded because the required information was not available.) Ways in which volunteers can help the patients in the various behavior groups when visiting and assisting in occupational therapy are discussed, using two case examples for illustration. The study confirmed the general thinking that the volunteer programme is contributing a very useful service to the hospital treatment programme. In the concluding chapter some suggestions are offered towards increasing the effectiveness of this growing volunteer service. These are related to a problem common to all volunteer work, namely, sustaining the interest of volunteers. In addition, suggestions are made as to some ways in which the volunteers could work with the Social Service Department in this hospital setting. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

The Deer Horn property lies astride the contact of the Coast Range batholith and a group of siliceous and shaly sediments of Jurassic or Lower Cretaceous age. The contact strikes westerly and dips about 50° to the South. The southern three fifths of the property are underlain by granitic rocks, the remaining northern part consists of slightly metamorphosed sediments striking approximately west, dipping about 70° south and believed to form an overturned syncline. The rocks are cut by two albitite dykes and several minor trap dykes. The granitic rocks are divided into two main types, "porphyritic" granodiorite and hornblende granodiorite. The latter contains the main part of the mineral deposit, and is further subdivided into several varieties produced by tectonic movements and hydrothermal alteration. Alkali metasomatism has affected both the granitic rocks and - to a lesser extent - the sediments. Some metasomatic features are discussed in detail. Two veins or vein systems, the Main and the Contact, lie in the hornblende granodiorite and in the contact zone. They strike westerly, converge towards the west and dip towards each other, forming a shallow troughlike structure. Both carry sulphides and minor tellurides with gold and silver. Scheelite occurs sparsely in the veins and in bands of epidotegarnet skarn in the sediments, being somewhat more concentrated in two areas of fine talus in the western part of the property. The Main vein is shown to be a replacement vein formed in a thrust fault. The shearing angle of the fault flattened in the more brittle contact zone, and the fault terminated in a series of complementary shears. The combination of these two factors produced the curving trough-like shape of the vein. The narrow Contact vein was formed in a later gravity fault. The zone of intersection of the two veins was highly sheared and thus rendered more permeable to the mineralizing fluids. This accounts for the numerous high-grade stringers present near the intersection. In view of the known and inferred limits of the two veins it is not expected that the ore will continue either laterally or in depth. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate

The purpose of this study has been to review desertion legislation; and to examine social work participation in the administration of desertion laws. The key question posed is: Does legislation work in dealing with cases of desertion? In order to gather answers to the key question, pertinent legislation is reviewed. Included is: (a) The Canadian Criminal Code; (b) maintenance legislation of the provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia; (c) common law remedies; and (d) certain English and American laws which pertain to desertion. To gain an understanding of the policies and problems of administering desertion legislation, interviews were held with those who are working daily with eases of desertion and non-support. Interviewed were; Judges of the Family Court, Magistrates, police, probation officers, provincial and municipal social welfare administrators, and social workers. The Family Court is the acknowledge authority in dealing with problems of desertion. Because of this, its policies were used as a guide in reviewing the procedures followed by other social welfare agencies throughout British Columbia. This study suggests that; (a) certain minor revisions would strengthen the British Columbia Wives' and Children's Maintenance Act; (b) desertion Is as much a social problem as a legal problem; (c) social workers would be well advised to consider taking a more active part in court cases involving desertion; (d) in the final analysis a man cannot be forced to support his dependents if he wilfully refuses; and (e) skillful social work help can assist many deserters to assume their maintenance responsibilities. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate