DISCHARGED PRISONERS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 130, 29 November 1932, Page 12

DISCHARGED PRISONERS

AID SOCIETY'S WORK

"The twenty-seventh year of "'the society's operations experienced more than ordinary difficulties, .with increased demands and a diminished income, yet the value, of work was never better demonstrated," states the annual report of the Wellington Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society presented to the annual meeting yesterday. Mr. W.G. Riddell presided. Compared; with last year, over 100 more persons received practical assistance, 120 more beds "were supplied, 500 more meals were given, and twice the number of families assisted. This Was made possible by the reduced cost of living, the charges for the principal items of expense, meals and beds having gradually dropped 50 per cent. -

The following is a brief summary of the year's work:—Persons/assisted, 610; beds supplied, 816; meals provided, 1S40; boots repaired and bought, 45; fares paid, 42; clothes and tools found, 127; families assisted, G3.

The receipts for the year totalled £211 and the expenses £295, .a draw on the Savings Bank deposit partly meeting the deficiency. . " .

The'problem'of employment was, however, the gravest trouble. Unfortunately there was distinct objection amongst single men to go to relief camps, their reasons, and to them-cogent ones, being the lack of facilities in obtaining permanent employment elsewhere and the low wages , paid; It was almost useless at times to point out to them that such an attitude would land them nowhere. Some' tried the cauips, and it: was rare that there was any dissatisfaction expressed. The following were:extracts from three of the many letters received:—(l) "This is a decided change for the better to roaming the city aimlessly. I am enjoying the life, though well' in the baclcblocks I expect to save £20 if here for 12 months." (2) "Camp maintains a full complement of fifty men, and I have no complaint to make as to conditions. We are well cared for." (3). "I am quite satisfied with the camp, and I shall stay here for a good while." The letters were received from men at different camps. ■ The society gratefully acknowledges the efforts of all those who assisted it duringthe year: In this connection the T. G. Miicarthy trustees, with a grant of £100, and the Prisons Department, with a subsidy of £25, called for special recognition. All the officers for the previous year were re-elected as follows:—President, the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers; vicepresident, Mr. W. G. Riddell; executive, Messrs. F. P. Hay, A. Longmore, JP and E. Page, S.M.; secretary and treasurer. Mr. T. P. Mills; lion, solicitor, Mr. P. .J. O'Regan; lion, auditor, Mr A Whitakcr.