BRITISH PRISONS

Evening Star, Issue 19197, 13 March 1926, Page 4

BRITISH PRISONS

EFFEGT OF HEW METHODS REPORTS FAVORABLE Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 12. (Received March 13, at 9.45 a.m.) The prisons report shows that there are 55,61.9 inmates of the prisons, 2,597 fewer than in the previous year. Their maintenance cost £1,034,000. The regimen lias been transformer] through the introduction of more humane treatment. Interesting work, helpful training, attractive concerts and lectures, less rigid rules, and permitting conversation have already had good results. It is noteworthy that tho prisoners are better educated than formerly, hut they are softer and more inclined to whine.

The governor of Dartmoor Prison savs that neurasthenia and nervous breakdowns, which were formerly rare, are now fashionable, and there are frequent requests for aspirin, sleeping draughts, and nerve tonics. The governor of Cardiff Prison savs that unemployment is producing a heavy crop of young prisoners. The governor of Brixton Prison declares that the authorities must sooner nr later, in the interests of society, face the problem ol the segregation of sexual perverts.—Sydney ‘ Sun ’ Gable.