HELPING PRISONERS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 137, 6 December 1935, Page 11

HELPING PRISONERS

WELLINGTON SOCIETY

INCREASED ACTIVITY

Nearly 500 discharged prisoners were assisted by the Wellington Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society last year—the largest number in any year. This was rendered possible by an increase in the society's income, according to the annual report, which was presented at the thirtieth annual meeting of the society yesterday. Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., presided.

The report stated that 496 persons and 28 families were assisted during the year, while clothing and tools were found for 109 discharged prisoners; also, 1670 meals were provided and 511 beds supplied, while fares were paid for 48 persons.

"The number assisted is the largest so far in any year—not that there is any increase in prison population or discharges, but that owing to the allocation of £250 from one of the art unions the society has been able to cover a larger field," continued the report. "This, supplemented as usual by the Justices' Association, has made the way easier for a much larger number. The full effect, however, will be more evident during the incoming year.

'"The moral effect of improving conditions is noticeable —it is to be hoped, as a permanency. A strong moral lead, whether due to an improved outlook or through personal contact, is, of course, the best thing for men of this stamp. Charity is far from being a good substitute. In many cases it, and indiscriminate charity especially, tends to lower the morale. It is always better for a man to strike out and endeavour to win, than to resort to temporary relief and look again for it at the next time. There are some men, however, who will not succeed unless helped the seven times; unfortunately such are not few, and often the experiment is v/ell worth while.

"Always the society's big difficulty is the non-normal worker who fails to face the exacting demands of heavywork. Where youth is left behind, a canvassing job is all that offers and a hard struggle follows. If times brighten definitely there will be much more hope to such men, but dearth and defeat are almost inseparable. It is the aim of the society to hearten such men, and its efforts have not been altogether in vain.

'The receipts were exceptionally large, totalling £425, and expenses amounted to £223."

The. report was adopted, and the following officers were elected: —President, Sir Michael Myers; vice-presi-dent, Mr. W. G. Riddell; committee Messrs. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., A. Longmore, and E. P. Hay; secretary and treasurer, Mr. T. P. Mills; honorary auditor, Mr. S. Greenbeig