Warning about Paremoremo

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32564, 25 March 1971, Page 1

Warning about Paremoremo

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 24. The Auckland Prison at Paremoremo will very soon have an even worse image than the Mount Eden Prison of old, according to Captain S. R. Banyard, founder of the Church Army in New Zealand.

Captain Banyard, who was awarded the M.B.E. for his welfare work at Mount Eden Prison during the 19505, told a meeting of the Auckland branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform that an .unfair burden of responsibility had been placed on the Paremoremo superintendent and his staff. “With Paremoremo we are drifting into the old position of little real knowledge of what is happening there, gradually growing public suspicion, and criticism and doubts that its construction was a wise move,” he said. Only about 15 per cent of inmates at present at Paremoremo were “bad enough” to be there. These were the more “intractable, stubborn,

perverse, dangerous or mentally unstable men.” “In view of the nature and purpose of Paremoremo, it is natural that the other 85 per cent feel this atmosphere acutely, and that slowly but surely a deep resentment is built up within them,” he said. “Explosive behaviour is bound to occur.”' Captain. Banyard suggested that an independent body of civilians be established to take an interest in the prison and its activities. Such a committee, would be comprised of the superintendent, an officers’ representative, the chaplain, and representatives of welfare organisations, the church, justices of the peace, service organisations and penal reform organisations.