Coping with gangs

Press, 11 August 1979, Page 14

Coping with gangs

Sir, — I read (“The Press,” August 8) that a group of teen-agers is leading a group that is hoping to reduce “juvenile lawlessness” in Whangarei. They intend to achieve this by forcing the parents of children in trouble to attend “defensive” parent education classes. I think this is a bad idea as the parents are not altogether to blame. If they forced the parents to go they should make the teenagers go to a special class too. Another idea suggested to me is to run a 24-hour consulting centre where the teen-agers can drop-in or call to discuss their problems and receive advice on what to do. — Yours, etc., CARL PAINTER. August 8, 1979.

Sir, — I deplore violence, as A. H. Gardner (August 8) does. The fact remains that it is already too late to educate parents and teachers to produce responsible citizens. Therefore, arming the police is essential and long overdue. A. H. Gardner must not only concentrate on the United States. In all countries in Europe except the United Kingdom, the police are armed and respected. New Zealand Police have to be trained how to use guns, their attitudes and that of the citiz ns have to change drastically. — Yours, etc., E. WEBSTER. August 9, 1979.

Sir, — Surely it is time gangs were prevented from forming. These youths should be living with their own people, preferably in the country, working for the Forestry Service, or on farms, and not living in old houses in the city that landlords are foolish enough to let to them. Too much of their time and money is spent on drinking in hotels especially at the week-ends. Drink is the chief cause of violence. If they were not all living together they would not have the money to spend on booze. — Yours, M. J. WRIGHT. August 8, 1979.