Gang praised by P M.

Press, 14 December 1982, Page 19

Gang praised by P M.

PA Wellington The Prime Minister. Mr Muldoon, was a guest at a hangi organised by the Black Power gang's Te Waka Emanaaki Trust in Wellington on Suunday. a spokesman for the trust and Black Power leader. Mr Ray Harris, said Mr Muldoon had been invited because of his continuing interest in the trust's efforts and its progress. "He made sure work was available. We have always been employed over these last months. If there is no work—about a week and someone's in jail." Mr Harris said. Mr Muldoon talked to a group of former "street kids" now living in a community house administered by the Whanganui-a-Tara Maori committee. After discussion covering work prospects. Labour Department schemes, space invaders, and the house. Mr Muldoon's verdict on the young people's future was: “They'll be right." He said it was important that Maori elders realised the young people were part of the whole of Maoridom and they could not say. "These are not our kids." "Once the kids realise they are not outcasts it will give them back a bit of dignity." Mr Muldoon said. He praised the efforts of Te Waka Emanaaki Work Trust. “I have known them a long time. They are gradually getting there." he said.