FOR DISCHARGED PRISONERS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22491, 27 August 1938, Page 11

FOR DISCHARGED PRISONERS

GRANT TO SOCIETIES

MORE LIBERALITY URGED

[From Our Parliamentary Reporter. 1

WELLINGTON, August 26.

A plea for. increased Government grants to discharged prisoners aid societies in New Zealand was made by Mr F. W. Schramm (Government, Auckland East) during the consideration of the estimates of the Department of Justice and Prisons in the House of Representatives to-day. Attention was drawn by Mr Schramm to the grant of £2OO for prisoners' aid societies. There were at least four such societies in the Dominion, said Mr Schramm, and the grant appeared to be miserably small. It could very well be increased to at least £SOO. The societies did exceptionally good work, particularly the organisation in Auckland, and they deserved every assistance from the Government.

The Minister for Justice (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) said that it was the practice to pay gratuities to prisoners in accordance with their conduct marks when they were discharged from prison. The assistance given in that respect meant that the burden on the prisoners' aid societies was considerably lighter than it was in some other countries.

Mr Schramm's remarks were supported by Mr R. A. Wright (Independent, Wellington Suburbs), who said that the societies were performing a notable service in assisting in the rehabilitation of prisoners.

"Many prisoners do not receive wages while, they are in prison," said Mr Schramm, "and very few of them receive gratuities on their discharge. I would like to know the number of prisoners discharged last year, and of that number how many received wages, together with the total amount, and' now many received gratuities. It should not be forgotten that the shortterm prisoner deserves consideration. He has no opportunity to obtain reasonable wages or gratuities, and if he comes out of gaol after a month's sentence he often finds it harder to obtain work than the ■ man who has been serving a term of several years. Details of his offence are still remembered, and he is in real need of assistance. With conditions as they are at present I should think the Government could make a grant of £SOO, or even £IOOO. It would be money well spent." _____„„_»„__«_

To celebrate Arbor Day, a flowering cherry tree was planted in the grounds of-the Gape's Valley School last Tuesday. Mr R. Mackenzie (chairman) and Mr Donnithorne, of the school committee, and several parents were present. A display of handwork and sewing was on view in the school, and afternoon tea was provided, _.