DISCHARGED PRISONERS' SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 17, 23 August 1913, Page 9

DISCHARGED PRISONERS' SOCIETY

A Meeting of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society was held on Thursday la-St in Dr. M' Arthur's Room, Magistrate's Court. Dr. M'Axthiir presided, and there were also present— Mr. T. S. Lambert, J.P., Mr. E. Arnold, J.P., Brigadier Br&y, and Mr. B. Cummings, secretary. The report _of the year ending July, 1913, embodied a tribute to the late Governor, Lord Islington, who at all times took a. very keen interest in the work of the society in. all its details, and while here requested to be informed of its progress in ; ts most beneficial and humane work. The committee recorded its appreciation of the favour of His Excellency Lord Liverpool, who has accepted the position of patron to the society. Thfr committee has lost one of it* best workers in the person of Mrs. Richmond through her bereavement, and expressions of deep sympathy were tendered. The- executive committee has met in Dr. M'Arthur's Boom, Magistrate's Court, every Tuesday for forty-six weeks, and has reviewed aJbout 600 cases of prisoners to be released. It has received many letters from prisoners in gaol in other parts of the Dominion seeking help and work, the Prison Board having granted release on. condition if suitable work is found, first. Special mention, was made of Mr. Arnold's energetic work in visiting the prisoners in the gaol as Visiting Justice, getting full information from prisoners of their friends, and sending to them for help. In many cases he had been the means of getting help for probationers and placing them in work. Several wives of prisoners have applied for help to find their husbands, and mostly have found them in gaol, and the wives have been assisted for the time being. 'A lot of wearing apparel was sent to the gaol for female prisoners. At Christmas the women prisoners in gaol were entertained with music and refreshment*, permission being granted by the Minister of Justice, som*.thirtyone greatly enjoying the music and highly appreciating the good cheer. Also a number of wives of prisoners in. very straightened ciTcum&tancee were provided with groceries, coal, and meat. During the winter several wives of prisoners have been supplied with small quantities of coal. The secretary calls earnest attention to the fact that the greatest hardship of the punishment of male prisoners falls on the wives with families to support as best they can. One gentleman, in. response to the secretary^ appeal, kindly promised a weekly contribution) of meat to the value of 2s. fid. The committee thanks all those ladies and gentlemen that have so kindly contributed to the society's funds. The number of men and women helped is as follows:— l 63 men, 331 beds, and 245 meals supplied; 14 'men, fares to various places to work ; 32 men, food other than above; 17 men and women, groceries, coal, and meat; 24 men, clothes and releasing swags; 24 men, telegrams and advertisements for work; 128 men, with cash; 31 women in, gaol. Total cases, 333. Employment was found for 38. The income of the society was £85 10s Id, and expenditure £66 lls, leaving a balance of £18 19s Id.