J.J. had, however, tackled problems earlier than that. In 1886, following discussions with the city clerk, an amendment to the Municipal Act was enacted to provide for licensing and regulation of newsboys and other children in street trades.
While J.J. tackled problems before 1886, he took action in that year by working with the city clerk to enact a change to the Municipal Act that allowed for licensing and regulation of newsboys and other children involved in street trades.