DANCING AT BORSTAL

Press, Volume C, Issue 29657, 30 October 1961, Page 15

DANCING AT BORSTAL

Experiment “Sensible” (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct, 29. The mixed dancing class under supervision for inmates of the Invercargill Borstal about to be released was a sensible experiment with a direct relationship to the improvement of standards of conduct, said the Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) yester. day. He said he had studied a report from the Secretary for Justice on the question of mixed dancing and the public would be familiar with these experiments from the details already published. From conversations he had had with experts from overseas, he was satisfied that New Zealand was lagging behind in penal developments, said Mr Hanan.

It was therefore absurd to say that the zeal for penal reform had been carried to excess in New Zealand in recent years. It had also been said in recent criticism that the protection of the community was basic, but a little reflection would surely show that the best protection for the community was for the administration to do its best to reduce the chances of further offences by Borstal inmates. The emphasis in Borstal administration had always been on reform and the Minister said he expected his department to get ahead with a determined effort to reduce the rate of further offending. He was satisfied with the department’s programme and had complete confidence in Mr R. G. Brown, the superintendent of the institution. He was most grateful to the citizens of Invercargill for the constructive interest they took in the Borstal and f:r the help that so many of them gave to ensure the success of the institution, said Mr Hanan.