PRISON PROBLEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 November 1933, Page 6

PRISON PROBLEMS

CAOLS IN NEW SOUTH WALES CHANGE IN POLICY ANNOUNCED SYDNEY November 2. The increased number of gaol admissions in recent years is a problem, born of tlie stress of the times, that is causing tlie New South Wales Government grave concern. In the four years preceding the present economic slump, the number of people committed to prison per 100,000 of the general .population averaged 280 ; in the last four years the average has increased to 372. The accommodation at the various gaols lias become severely taxed and some of the gaols are now overcrowded to a degree that would not be permitted in ordinary circumstances. It would appear that the time has arrived for the construction of more gaols, but that is not the policy of the Minister of Justice. He says that so long as he has authority to decide, not another gaol will be constructed in this State. Instead, he will extend the policy of establishing prison camps.

The Minister, Air Martin. recently visited all the gaols of the State, and he encouraged the prisoners to' exercise their right to interview him. At one gaol lie sat for more than three hours listening to complaints, requests and representations of the prisoners, and he claims that he- has now a greater insight 1 into the character of the men who are confined in the 'prisons. lie says be is convinced that the increase in the prison populations is due .very largely to the “accidental criminals”—the men who have slipped down through pressure of circumstances. He expresses the conviction that many of tlie men who have been sent to prison in recent years are not “bad” men.

Out of the knowledge lie has gained, Mr Martin .has made .an important change in prison policy. It has been the rule that before a prisoner is sent to a prison camp, he should be sent to an ordinary prison for at least six months so that lie would realise all that it meant That rule has been “scrapped,” and in all cases where prison camp treatment is thought desirable, there will be no delay. “I do not want men to go to gaol,” said Air Martin. “I do not want even the shortsentence men to go to gaol. I. want to save them from having the stain of gaol upon them, and to that end 1 will establish a camp close to the city where these men can be sent.”

Speaking of prison camps, Air Alartin said: “They are cheap, useful and entirely satisfactory in every way. In them the prisoners live under the healthiest conditions, which give them an opportunity of building themselves back to physical and ,nervous strength. I am convinced that not a few. cases to-day are cases of sheer nerves. We cannot allow people to break the law, but having broken it, we...want them to believe forever" that they are enemies of society, or that we regard thin as such.

“AVe will never build another gaol in New South Wales. AVe are now considering the ideaextending the system which provides for the payment of fines by instalments. Time to pay is granted in many cases now, and has saved many a man from the stigma of serving a gaol sentence. The policy has been a great success.”