Crime rate

Press, 18 March 1986, Page 20

Crime rate

Sir,—A selfish and uncaring adult population allowing its young people to be brainwashed from infancy with violent ideas from television is undoubtedly the main cause of violence in our society, but other causes of lawlessness exist. The Maoris have recognised one — the person without cultural roots. The majority of New Zealanders, including Maoris, are of British descent, but younger generations know little about their cultural heritage. Only Maori culture is taught in schools. Young people stare blankly at you if you mention Magna Charta, Shakespeare, Sir Francis Drake, etc. With no cultural self-respect, how can there be respect, between races? How can a population be expected to respect the concept of law and order if it does not understand the culture from which it evolved and the historical reasons for its development? — Yours, etc., I. M. COOKSON. Blenheim, March 13, 1986.

Sir, — The rampant nature of crime leaves society with two options. Does society continue to treat crime in a compassionate vein? Or does society call a halt to compassion and promulgate punishment and retribution as the only pragmatic way of alleviating crime? It would seem that compassion has had its day. It has run a long course with little substantive result. The only solution to crime is the pragmatic one. This entails punishments fitting the crimes. Unless this approach is adhered to society will never fight crime in a realistic and sensible manner. Ordinary decent citizens must urge their M.P.S to fight for the introduction of punishments tailor-made for the crimes. — Yours etc., G. SMITH. March 13, 1986.

Sir, —Since your timely editorial on the rising crime rate, we have read of several horrifying murders. Thankfully, the skill of our police has resulted in the apprehension of the assailants. However, one wonders what sentences will be given these misfits. At a time when the Minister of Justice, Mr Palmer, is giving much time and effort to his Bill of Rights, I feel that his efforts would be much more fruitfully given to reintroducing hanging for deliberate, premeditated murder, and castration for rape. We have unfortunately reached the stage where it is not even safe to remain in our own homes alone, let alone walk to the nearest post box. — Yours, etc., J. C. DODGSHUN. l7, 1986.