Centre Alternative To Imprisonment

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31725, 8 July 1968, Page 12

Centre Alternative To Imprisonment

The new periodic detention centre to be opened in Christchurch today would be an alternative to short-term imprisonment for any offender aged over 21, said the district probation officer for Christchurch (Mr L. A. Brown) yesterday.

The maximum sentence would one year, he said. The centre, which was gazetted as an institution on Friday, is at 84-86 Brisbane Street Sydenham. It consists of two old houses divided by a brick partition which will eventually be pierced to make one house. Mr Brown said the centre differed from the youth centre in that it would be nonresidential. Offenders would work only on Saturdays, although they could be called back during the week for infringing rules. Industrial Site

Although the youth centre was in a residential area and neighbours had not complained, the siting of the adult centre in an industrial area was a good idea. It was close to Cathedral Square which would be of benefit to such persons as disqualified drivers who were required to attend.

“People will be kept in circulation. The married man will still be able to support

his wife and pay taxes, so it will be cheaper all round. Offenders will first get the centre in order and later will be engaged in matters of community restitution, such as charity work.” The centre will be under the control of Mr D. J. MacLeod, warden of the centre for youths. Mr J. Moreton, who has had previous experience as an assistant warden at a periodic detention centre, has been appointed deputy warden. More Soon

The Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) said on Saturday that two more centres would be opened, in Dunedin and Wellington, on July 29. A Hamilton centre would be opened early in August. Auckland already has an adult centre.