The Advocate. [Established 1888.] [PUBLISHED DAILY.] OLDEST ESTABLISHED PAPER AND GUARANTEED LARGEST CIRCULATION IN THE DISTRICT. THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1910. PRISON REFORM.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 64, 17 March 1910, Page 4

The Advocate. [Established 1888.] [PUBLISHED DAILY.] OLDEST ESTABLISHED PAPER AND GUARANTEED LARGEST CIRCULATION IN THE DISTRICT.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1910. PRISON REFORM.

CIRCULATES IN Dannevirke Mangatoro Tamaki Ngapaeruru Mangahe Weber Ti Tree Point Waione Wimbledon Herbertville ■•«. Akitio Horoeka Oringi Kiritaki Maharahara Woodville Umutaoroa Matamau Piripiri Makotuku Ormondville Norsewood Takapau Whetukura Awariki Otanga Kumeroa Rangitane Raumati Rua Roa S. Norsewood Tiratu Tipapakuku Mangapuaka Mangatuna Makaretu

Dr Findlay's long-looked for scheme of prison reform has been adopted by Cabinet. vThis matter has been under consideration for years, but it is only since Dr Findlay has been in office that something practical has been evolved, and a real effort has been made to improve matters in regard' to the working of our gaols. The necessary legislation, required to give fiilll effect to the scheme will be introduced next session. Meanwhile, it is intended to mould the existing system mpon the lines of the new proposals with a view to the complete scheme being placed in operation; within a reasonable time. In a note upon, the subject, Dr Findlay writes: "I am satisfied that the scheme, when in full operation, will show a great saving over our present system, and also cause a great reduction in the average recidivism as indicated in the returns for the last ten years. I feel sure that if New South Wales can achieve the, splendid results shown by their present system, which follows similar up-to-date lines to. those 1 shown in the present scheme, New Zealand can achieve results at least as good." It is not pleasing to find that in all the movements New Zealand has been making in other directions, she has been neglecting this important matter of prison reform. The intimation that New South Wales is ahead of the Dominion in this respect appears to imply a charge of neglect, and the thanks of the community are due to Da- Findlay for having removed this reproach. Speaking generally, it may be said that the new method makes provision on humane and up-to-date lines for the carrying on of gaols and prisons. Efforts are to be made to give the criminal a chance of reform, and while wo take it to be no mere coddling of those who break the law, a convicted person may not necessarily feel disposed to ahandon all hope when once he has crossed the threshholcl of his prison. The now scheme provides for (1) penitentiaries for male prisoners ; (2) an. institution for sexual perverts and criminals of unsound mind; (3) an institution for

incorrigible drunkards; (4) prison camps; (5) a. reformatory camp; (6) a penitentiary and reformatory for women. There is to be an extension of the probation system, and dealing with occasional and habitual drunkards. Privileges are placed within the attainment of prisoners; but these can be gained only by industry and moral improvement. Concessions are granted to those physically or mem tally afflicted when, such concessions aire necessary in the interests of humanity. Indulgences are never granted. The disco plane provides that tbroughmit his whole waking time the prisoner is kept employed at industrial or educational work or at proper exercises. The standard, of effort must compare favorably with that of the free laborer before any privileges or favorable recommendation for release can be gained. The j hope of reward is the main stimulus to improvement. Then ample provi- : sion is made for tho classification of prisoners and also of institutions, and for the review of indeterminate sentences. A new marks, system has been devised. It is intended to employ all physically capable men on remunerative works, the industries suggested being stonemasonry, ironmoulding, tinware, making book covers, bootmaking. The men will gain an industrial training which will be useful to them upon their release, and the products of their labor will be utilised by the public departments, and will not compete with the outside market. Ediucation is to be provided for illiterates, enabling the fourth standard requirements in reading, writing and arithmetic to be passed. The reform of the drunkard has been given special attention, and there aire, important regulations dealing with the alcoholic subject. Provision is made for the establishment of reformatories, and at the agricultural reformatory farming will, be carried on in all its branches. There is to be one central prison for the detention of all females sentenced to impriioinment. in which the hopeful oases will be kept separate from those deemed habitual and incorrigible criminals. Finally, there is to be an extension of the probation system, under which approved private agencies of reform will be registered and receive persons committed to their charge by the courts. Probation is to be of three classes entitled "simple probation," "night detention," and "close detention." A consideration of the details of the scheme show that it has apparently been carefully thought out, and that it represents a genuine attempt to deal with the criminal class, or those drifting backwards, on humane principles.