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Thursday, September 20, 1973
"The attitude adopted is often one of 'never mind how the money
was obtained, only that it should continue! It reflects a lack of parental
responsibility not only to the children but also to society."
Mr. Garner agreed that crimes of violence called for "stiff
sentences" and in some cases "the full penalty under the law." But
the aim within prisons must be rehabilitation, for only by working towards
this could the Prison Service do its job effectively, he said.
By putting prisoners to productive work and giving them some
form of training plus supporting facilities, there was some hope that
some would become useful citizens on their release. He warned, however,
"they do not become angels overnight when they enter prison.
Mr. Garner said the "short, sharp shock" detention centre system
set up 15 months ago, had been a success.
"The programme is designed to induce in young offenders a sense
of responsibility as citizens, a sense of pride in themselves, an
awareness of their neglected abilities and to teach them how to live
with people and respect the rights of others," he said.
Steady progress, he went on, was being made within the penal system
of Hong Kong to effect change within prisons so that in addition to their cus
role, emphasis was also placed on reformation.
todial
He emphasised, however, that prison reform did not mean "making it
soft for prisoners,
Note to Editors:
Copies of the full text of Mr. Garner's speech are boxed for collection.
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