Length Of Life Sentences

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 34, 2 April 1948, Page 5

Length Of Life Sentences

W.D.F.F. Remit Favours Prison Until Death A remit that the life sentence for murder be until death from natural causes was brought forward by the Tainui branch at the inter-provincial meeting of the Women’s Division Federated Farmers at Te Puke last week. The remit evoked considerable discussion, dominant note of which was members’ concern at the release of “potentially dangerous persons after serving a most inadequate prison sentence.” Delegates from Whakatane and Tauranga Provincials joined Te Puke Provincial at the conference. Remits brought forward by the various branches were considered, and it was decided to press the problems until some definite results were gained. The Te Puke branch sponsored the remit “That owing to the loss of fruit sustained by the home orchards, the Minister of Supply be asked to release a more liberal ration from November to May each year.” “That the time had come for the manufacture and sale of the old type of preserving jar lids using the

cheap rubber ring, as the substitute tin-cap seals were too expensive,” was submitted by the Awakeri branch. “That wherever facilities existed or could be provided, swimming instructions at school should be provided,” was forwarded by the Katikati branch. “That when purchasing further properties, the W.D.F.F. should consider the merits of a country club in a city,” was a Te Matai remit. This remit was carried, but it was agreed that the proposal was one that could take its place in an expansion programme in the future. “That all W.D.F.F. correspondence from headquarters be sent to the secretary with copies of important matters to the president.” Remit from Whakatane.

Correspondence concerning the provision of adequate housing for teachers in country districts, and an improved railway service was read. These matters had been mooted at the Whakatane inter-provincial meeting a year ago, and although improvements had been promised in both cases by the Departments concerned, things remain very much as they were.