REJOINDER TO GAOL CHAPLAIN.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 893, 12 August 1910, Page 4

REJOINDER TO GAOL CHAPLAIN.

BY DR. FINDLAY. Regarding the telegraphed comments, made by the Rev. E. C. Budd, gaol chaplain, Auckland,, in connection with the Habitual 'Criminals and Offenders Act, the Minister of Justice (Hon. Dr. Findlay) was interviewed by a Dominion reporter yesterday. ■ "If the statements credited to Mr. Budd," said Dr. Findlay, "are made by him then I am bound to say that his observations are either reckless or absolutely inaccurate. , Mr. Build refers to the release of habitual criminals under the present system, and adds that 'their release does not depend upon their re-formation,-but upon their importunity, or outside influences or a promise to' leave i the" Dominion.' I presume Mr. Uudd' is aware that no habitual, crinir inal can be released without the recommendation of a judge of the Supreme Court. Threo of the judges from time to time visit the New Plymouth gaol for the purpose of inquiring into these cases. : •/'••Mi; Budd's reference to 'outside influence' at least implies a reflection upon the judges. who make the recommendations for the release of sucli prisoners upon which the Government advises his Excellency the Governor to' act, I believe lam correct in saying that only three such prisoners have to this date been actually released," although some recommendations lately made are under.consideration. ~ ~.._• "As regards the suggestion that habitual criminals are released 'on _ a promise to leave the Dominion, this statement is either extravagant or untrue. One of the.. judges, on grounds which .he considered sufficient, recommended under the Crimes Act the release of a habitual criminal. lam aware that this man's friends had invited him to go to England, but the su=»estion made that any condition about leaving New Zealand was imposed either by tho judge or by the Justice Department is wholly and recklfessly . inpccurate. Of course, when a habitual criminal is released there is nothing ui the present ..law to prevent him going where he pleases. . "With reference to Mr. Budds opinions on prison'reform, he is, of course, entitled to,hold any view he likes; I am only concerned to see that ho does not reflect upon either the judges of the Supreme Court or the Justice Department by inaccurate statements. .