■ , : i MINISTERS AT HASTINGS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 195, 12 May 1908, Page 7

MINISTERS AT HASTINGS.

PRISQN REFORM DISCUSSED. (lir XELEGKAriI-'-riXESS ASSOCIATION.)' , Hastings, May 11. Tlio Hon. G. Fowlds v>'iis interviewed by deputations from several districts requiring schools. jEfis. .replies!: were--,unsatisfactory, from tho. pqint ofview, qs ho .fay-. ourcd : the conyeyahco of, children to centres •in_proference tq;'establishing small schools. , The Chamber of Commerco waited on Mr.' Fowlds, urging tho. importance of grants for a new,railway station , and post office, .which ho approved. . 1 , Replying to' a' request for a grant for th'o making of Elsthorpe Road, the, Minister replied that if the Government subsidised the road tho value : of the land would bo so increased that the Government would have to take it for closer settlement. '." •/ ' 1 After the deputations had withdrawn 'tho Minister drove to tho residence, of the Rov. •J. Kayll, to discuss the lattcr's proposals for the reorganisation of penal institutions, upon the basis of .scientific penology, 'They considered the various methods of different countries for dealing with criminals' of all classes, Mr. Kayll explaining that it was now; possiblo to make such provision as would enable tho' authorities to deal effectively with all phases of criminality.' ' At' the conclusion of tho interview, tlio Minister expressed himself very pleased with all he had heard, ; and added that ho was assured ;it would ho the best policy for the' Dominion ,tov mako use of expert knowledgo, and thus bring its institutions to tlio .greatest • possible efficiency.. , ' ." . , 1 ;,. / '• . The Hon.' J. A: Millar alsoj .-went, into the subject with Mr.; Kayll, and; speaking afterwards, the Minister expressed himself ■ much pleased with Mr.. Kayll's exhaustive' knowledge regarding reform of the prison system upon scientific' lines. Reform 'was >much to bo desired,: a,nd he dicl not think it was very far off. ■ V ' 1 " Napier, May .11. ' The Hon. G. Fowlds to-day received several private deputations, and visited tho : hospital and all tho. local'schools.'