LABOUR PARTY ASKS FOR INFORMATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18016, 29 November 1926, Page 5

LABOUR PARTY ASKS FOR INFORMATION.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 29. The New Zealand Labour Party, in a statement regarding the alleged preferential treatment of prisoners, praises the legislation in question as wise and far-seeing, and proceeds:—“The Labour Party does not in any way associate itself with the hue and cry which has been manufactured during the past few months, but in view of the prevalent feeling that there is a possibility of preferential treatment having been accorded certain individuals, it is of the opinion that the Government should make public certain information, if there is ground for suspicion that the power given is to be used preferentially. If social and financial influence can be brought to bear on persons responsible for administration, then the judicial system will become a byword of reproach, and the evil effect on the life of the community will be far-reaching. “ In view of the suspicion and the dangerous possibilities mentioned the Labour Party requests that the Government make public the following inf ormation: (1) How many persons have been ordered to be detained under the Prevention of Crimes Act, 1924? (2) The length of periods for which detention has been ordered. (3) How many persons have been released ? (4) The original period of detention ordered for those already released. (5) The period for which they were actually detained. (6) What reasons were given to the Minister by those who recommended their release? (7) Were any conditions imposed before the release was granted? (S) What conditions yrere imposed if an3*? “ The Labour Party will unhesitatingly condemn any individual, or body of individuals, who administer the law according to society status, or financial considerations, but at the same time assures the Government that they will support evfcry step that is taken that will give individuals who have transgressed the laws the right to rehabilitate themselves and once more become responsible members of society.”