Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 2. 7th March 1973

Race Report Criticised

Race Report Criticised

The Editor Salient

Dear Editor,

I write with regard to the article in the first issue 'Justice and Race'. Firstly, it was shown in 1970 and 71 that Maoris did receive significantly greater sentences, but one 'establishment' reason for this was swept aside as 'doubtful' and 'unproven' i.e. 'Maoris have longer lists of convictions'. Contrary to what the article implies, it is common knowledge that a person with a long list of convictions, Maori or otherwise, will receive a greater sentence than say, a first offender. Therefore, if the writers were so sure of themselves, why was no study carried out of Maori and non-Maori offenders with particular regard to previous convictions and subsequent sentences.

Secondly, I don't believe this article has shown conclusively that discrimination has been occurring against Maori offenders. Looking at table 4 it can be seen that counsel representation for Maoris rose tremendously from 18.1% in 1970 and 71 to 79.2% in 1972 and the subsequent sentences were indeed lighter. This is only natural as every person would be better off if they had a lawyer or some professional counsel.

Now looking at table 2 it can also be seen that in the year 1972 there was a marked difference in percentages of Maoris and non-Maoris going to prison. The position had reversed and there were less Maoris going to prison and from table 1, in 1972, Maori representation was greater than non-Maori by nearly 25%. This suggests to me that this reversal was due to the competence of counsel and indicated there was no reasons to think that racialism existed in previous years.

Furthermore, I stress that if articles of this nature are to be taken seriously, much more reasoned and thorough research will have to be carried out.

I remain anon as a student.