Mayor hopeful on gang meet

Press, 12 October 1988, Page 9

Mayor hopeful on gang meet

PA Wellington A proposed Mongrel Mob convention in Wellington at Labour Day Week-end could see the gang move in a more constructive and positive direction, said the Mayor of Wellington, Mr Jim Belich yesterday. “I can’t help but feel that this group wants to move in more constructive directions. This hui could therefore be important. “There is a risk, I can’t predict what the outcome will be, but I can indicate some positive direction or at least a desire on the part of the organisers. That’s my feeling about it. “I wish we could wave a wand and they would not come, I think saying no to their request is somewhat in that category, because they have indicated they will be coming. The police have said that if we close the

door they will come anyway. “It is better to have it in a place they agree to where the organisers feel they can exercise some control,” he said. The Wellington district police commander, Chief Superintendent Brian Daw, said he, with other police officers and Maori wardens, had met Mongrel Mob leaders for two hours yesterday. It was usual for police to liaise with all interested parties before a gang meeting. The success of the talks depended on gang members’ attitudes, he said. “The Wellington leaders (of the Mongrel Mob) have shown a willingness to establish dialogue with the police.” The gang meeting and the Nissan 500 motor race would mean more work for the police in Wellington during the holiday week-end.