THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVI, Issue LVI, 29 January 1909, Page 7

THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

[PBESS ASSOCIATION.}

CHRISTCHURCH, January 29. 1 Dr. Findlay, Minister of Justice, arrived in town from Wellington this morning, and attended the social gathering tendered to Mr G. W. Russell, M.P.j this evening. In conversation with a Truth reporter, Dr. Findlay stated that at present he was engaged upon revising the 'police regulations, which were now a good many years old, and had never been reviewed since they* were originally gazetted.

The Minister stated that his visit to Lyttelton gaol to-morrow was the first of a series of inspections he intended making of the different prisons as the opportunity offered .

The new branch of the system (treeplanting camps) had answered very well, and not only had good work been done, but the reformative effect had been of very great value; ■ Possibly that branch of the system might be extended in principle as far as could be contrived. The system, the Minister felt, should be reformative rather than punitive.

Dr. Findlay said he was also giving attention to the question of homes for habitual drunkards, and was considering several amendments of the law with a view of giving a wider and more effective sphere to the present homes and other reformatory establishments.

The appointment of new Justices of the Peace would be considered by Cabinet wit Kin tne next few weeks.

The appointment of new police inspectors would be announced within the week, and probably by Saturday next.