THE PRISONS BOARD.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19725, 16 September 1929, Page 11

THE PRISONS BOARD.

TO TBS EDITOB OT THB PR* S3 Sir, —In reply to your correspondent, C. R. N. Mackie, writing under the above heading in Saturday's issue of The Press, I hare no brief for the Justice Department, or any officials connected with it; yet I desire to be fair. As I stated in my first letter, I hare found how little reliance is placed on the word of an ex-gaolbird; but I have endeavoured at all times to give a strictly impartial answer to enquiries about my own observations and experiences while in prison. Therefore, Sir, T must state I quite agree with your remarks in reference to the functioning of the Prisons Board. To Mr Mackie, I would say: "Come, let us reason together.'' In dealing with figures in connexion with meetings held by the Board, he states that during th© month of.April three meeting were held, and at one of these no' fewer than '241 Borstal inmates were dealt with, and in one of the November meetings 310 miscellaneous cases were considered, when 71 were recommended for release on probation, 203 were deferred, 21 petitions declined, and the rest disposed of in different ways I quite agree with Mr Mackie that a half-an-hour is not an excess of time when the future life of the lads is taken into consideration; but we must look _ at these Scores froui s different view. Is the case of everv inmate brought before the Prisons 'Board at each meeting? If so one could quite readily understand' the number deferred; for when tc-rros range from twelve months to five vears, it must necessarily follow that a reasonable portion of the sentence should be served before serious consideration is given to release. fHlw«rwi«e. the whole system would become a farco. and fetters would be flooding the papers, calling attention to the fact. I ask this question on account of my own experience, as I nave known men

to be sentenced to long terms of reformative detpntion, vet confident to expect release within six months of admission to prison. The trouble is that relatives, friends, and at times even counsel for the unfortunate prisoner just sentenced endeavour to lighten the blow by holding out hopes of a speedy release, and promise to do their utmost to this end. Such promises have been fraught with 6erious consequences on more than one occasion. An unfortunate prisoner's confident optimism gradually gives place to the bitter realisation that, in spite of the assurance from those interested in his behalf, others in authority are not so easily moved, and he finds himself but one of many He imagines an injustice is being done him, and in conseqtience becomes callous and bitter. Once desperate, he may decide to try to escape. Liberty is short-lived, and he earns only an addition to his former sentence Thas another confirmed criminal is made. Rumour has it, states Mr Mackie, that the Board releases in batches on the recommendation of warders and superintendents, that the fate of the inmates is decided before the Board interview cases petitioning release, and that the "good prisoners" more often than not are recommended for release. I agree with Mr Mackie as to the "good prisoners" being more often than not "old offenders," who know the ropes; but after meeting such men as the late C. E. Matthews, Mr A. Ironsides, and Mr M. Hawkins, I can assure him that 1 firmly believe each case stands oti its merit.

In my own case, I did not even petition for release, thinking too little of my chances, as no one could term me a "good prisoner'' by any means; neither did friends outside work on my behalf Yet I was amazed to find the Chief Warder (now retired Superintendent) Mr C. Knight, the late Un-der-Secretary for Justice, Mr C. E. Matthews, and Mr Ironsides all had a word to say in my favour; and further, through these officials. I was found employment.

Tt is but just that I should speak frankly in defence of such officials, and Mr Mackie will, I am sure, appreciate my motive in doing so, as I honour him for his interest in such a worthy cause. Reforms are needed; but we must be impartial or our case will not advance. Personally, I have nothing to gain from either side. Mv one desire is to secure a tolerant, broadminded interest for other unfortunates on their release from prison.—Yours, etc.. EX 99.