Coping with gangs

Press, 21 August 1979, Page 16

Coping with gangs

Sir, — Almost too late, mankind is starting to realise that the worship of the machine and economics has alienated men and women from their humanity. The formation of gangs should be viewed, therefore, as an attempt, however fumbling and unaware, to reassert the primacy of human fellowship over the mechanisation of human relations revealed in bureaucracy, and “law and order” where it encroaches on the personal domain. Mindless, vicious gang violence is an elemental reaction to deprivation of human warmth — a deprivation engendered by our social mores, laws and way of life. Channelling street violence into sport only produces more violence in sport. Violence is thwarted loveenergy. The warning must be spelt out, to Parliament especially, since it lags behind public opinion: “Stop your social repression, wasting precious time, repeal socially oppressive laws, stop obstructing groups who clearly understand the direction in which society must go — or watch violence in society grow.” — Yours, etc., PAUL MALING. August 18, 1979.

Sir, — In reply to Alistair Gardner’s claim (August 18) that the Bible is not relevant today, we query the depth to which he has researched his statements. If the “superstition” is false, why has it been carried on so long by so many people? However, if it is true, as we and many Christians have personally experienced, then it must have meaning for the 1980 s. If Jesus met the needs of

the unlearned “middle eastern fishermen” in a real way, then, because the Bible says that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He can meet the needs of all people today, gang members or otherwise. The only real way of discovering if the Bible and all its claims are relevant today, is to swallow your pride and try it for yourselL — Yours, etc., E. ROVEKAMP, H. ANNAND. August 18, 1979.

Sir, — I was astounded to hear that the Government is going to pay the fares of gang representatives to go to a “round table conference” in Wellington. Many deserving New Zealanders who are feeling the economic pinch would give their eye teeth for a holiday trip to Wellington at the Government’s expense. What is the answer? Do we all arm ourselves with weapons and go out and set upon someone? If so, here I come, with my garden rake studded with six inch nails. ■— Yours, etc., (Mrs) C. F. BROWNING, Hanmer Springs. August 16, 1979.