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Evening Star, Issue 19276, 15 June 1926, Page 4

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MORE THAN NAIF LAPSE AGAIN

PLEA FOR WIDER PROBATION SCHEME

[Per United Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, June 14

The wider use of the probation system and bettor methods of dealing with mentally defective prisoners were advocated by a deputation from the Howard League for Penal Reform that mot the Canterbury members of Parliament today. The deputation consisted of Misses B. E. Baughan and E. Hunt and Messrs R. M. Laing and G. R. N. Marine.

Miss Baughan pointed out that at present there, was no examination of criminals as to their mental state. The separation of mental defectives from other prisoners had boon found to result, she said, in a great decrease in crime in England. There bad been an immense drop in crime owing to the operation of the Probation Act and the different treatment of mental defectives. The question was not merely a financial one, but a racial and humane one. She suggested that in the case of mental defectives separate colonies should bo established. In the case of mental disease the position was difference and very different treatment was called for. There was no institution in New Zealand to deal with the position. Mr Mackio dealt with the probation system in both America and Britain. He said good results had been obtained, and putting men on probation had been found to be much more successful than sending them to gaol. The present system" in Now Zealand was not reformative and was not helpful. _ In New Zealand 60 per cent, of the prisoners were sent to gaol again. In _ America 95 per cent, of the probationers did not come before the court again. New Zealand did not have an adequate probation system, and the magistrates should bo more careful in sending men to-gaol. Full-time probation officers, an effective staff, and effective aftercare wore needed. Mr D. G. Sullivan, who presided, thanked the deputation for the information it had supplied to the members.