PRISON REFORM

Press, Volume L, Issue 14975, 23 May 1914, Page 11

PRISON REFORM

WHAT TEffi GOVERNMENT IS DOING. (special to "mc runs.") WELLINGTON, Miay 22. Sinco they caino into offico iho present Government havo tackled tho subject of prison reform in earnest. Tho Hon. A. L. Herd man has given it a great deal of personal consideration. Tho general idea seems to bo to get tho prisoners out of tho towns aud into tho country, where they can lead a more healthy life, and Do employed to better advantage. As was intimated by Mr Herd man last year, it is intended to close the present Lyttclton Prison, which is obsolete, and eroct another prison for the Canterbury district on a moro suitable site in the country. The Department hiie not yet decided upon a «ito, pending further departmental information that has to be received.

The Welliugton Prison, which, has been out of date for years, Ls also to be shifted as soon as tho Waikeria buildings aro ready. Most of tho prisoner> now in tho Terrace Gaol hero trill be shifted up there. Tho new prison jk an excellent actuation, and has lOc. acroe of land attached to it. The work there, Mr Herdman informs mc. is petting on splendidly. "VThen tho building is completed it will enable the authorities to establish quite a Bmall prison Kuncwhwe near Wellington, where only some 70 or 80 prisoners vrili be detained. This prison will bo need for short-sentence prisoners and those awaiting trial.