MAORIS IN PRISON

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31088, 17 June 1966, Page 2

MAORIS IN PRISON

Community’s Apathy <N.Z. Press Association) HAMILTON, June 15. Maori communities are generally apathetic towards their people in penal institutions, prisoners feel neglected and unwanted, and this feeling of neglect can lead to a rebellion against society on release, Mrs T. L J. Sage, Dominion president of the Maori Womens’ Wetfare League, said yesterday. Criticising the lack of personal contact in prisoner rehabilitation services, Mrs Sage appealed to the Maori people to help in the adjustment of Maoris, particularly youths, on release from institutions. Mrs Sage, an executive member of the Maori Women’s Welfare League and two Maori ministers recently visited several penal institutions in New Zealand.

Mrs Sage said: “It opened my eyes to what the Maori women can do to help these people and give them a feeling of being wanted.” Mrs Sage says there is little hope for a youth released from borstal to retain a good job and keep out of trouble if he is not helped and guided.

The league can play a big part in this by providing the form of community life the Maori once had, she said. She later hopes to establish post release hostels where Maori adults will guide and try to rehabilitate Maori youths.