Church money as bail surety

Press, 12 February 1981, Page 4

Church money as bail surety

PA Palmerston North!. The National Council of Churches decided yesterday to set aside $lOOO to be used as bail surety for first offenders who appear before the courts. The money will, be allocated to the five main' citie and be used for first bffen ders who remain- in custody when the court decision, isi' delayed. | The council also resolved, to make a list of names of those willing to stand surety ; in person for young first of fenders. . »? J The proposal came about I after the N.C.C.’s Church ' and Society Commission’s J investigations on racism * after a plea by the Aucklan I Maori Missioner. the Rev. : Hone Te Kaa, that ; churcil people become involved with,! the court system. !.< The original motion, pro-*! vided only for surety fori’

Jnon-pakehas. in Auck- : land, but after discussion was extended. The resolution was a “cop-out,” Mr .Je Kaa said afterwards. People would give .money and stand back from' the,-, situation. They were " not prepared io commit themselves and risk 'feeling the pain of the Maori 'people. - I “The Church not only has ito make its voice heard but also its presence felt,” he said. . ■■■-■ ■•■ In many' Maori and’. Pacific Island homes it was difficult for parents to find surety when they had 10 mouths to feed, Mr Te Kaa said. ' Mr Te Kaa agreed there was a risk involved if a young person jumped- bail but said it was a risk the surety had to take. He called Christians to take that “step of faith” and come forward with sureties. • ; • •