Post-Release Hostel To Open This Year

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 11

Post-Release Hostel To Open This Year

The prisoners’ post-release hostel in Christchurch should be opened this year, says the president of the Prisoners’ Aid and Rehabilitation Society of Canterbury and Westport (Mr B. Cosgriff) in his report, to be presented to the annual meeting of the society in Christchurch on May 20. Mr Cosgriff says that the hostel, for which $20,000 was being set aside, would increase the responsibilities of the branch, but also its effectiveness. Accommodation on release has always been a

major concern, he says. He also envisages the appointment of an assistant field officer and a further increase in personal work, such as finding and advising on accommodation and employment, counselling, negotiating with other departments for the released man or his wife, or just friendship. He also hopes to see an Increase in the prison visits scheme with more men and women, including members of the Maori community, volunteering for this task. Gifts of $4OO from the Canterbury University capping committee and an extra grant of $6OO from the New Zealand Prisoners’ Aid and Rehabilitation Society have enabled the branch to build two new rooms at the rear of its office building. One of these rooms will be used for a caretaker and the other as a night-shelter or temporary accommodation, for released men.