Gang may be taught music

Press, 26 June 1987, Page 1

Gang may be taught music

By

DAVID CLARKSON

Christchurch gang members may be taught music under an employment Access scheme planned by the Polynesian Performing Arts organisation. The Regional Employment Advisory Council had approved the proposal if some conditions were met, said the council’s chairman, Mr Frank Crothall. He would not disclose the conditions being imposed, nor the cost of the course which he said was confidential. He would not say which gang was involved and the director of Polynesian Performing Arts, Mr George Kahi, would make no comment

Mr Crothall said the arts organisation, the work provider, had organised several schemes

in Christchurch, including training in life skills, acting and music. : ’

But this was the first, scheme organised for gang members alone. It was planned to teach them only music. , Although he would not give details of the course, Mr Crothall said the advisory council had asked for the length of the course to be shortened.

The work provider, which accepted responsibility for the course, was administered by trustees who were prominent business people in Christchurch. But Mr Crothall said no final approval had yet been given, and unless the group agreed to the conditions it would not get the grant to allow it to go ahead.