WOMEN VISITORS TO PRISONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11424, 12 November 1897, Page 4

WOMEN VISITORS TO PRISONS.

In no branch of Government is there more intractable Conservatism than in that which deals with the treatment of criminals; in none is it more difficult to introduce a modicum of rational reform. This has been clearly exemplified in the coldshouldering of Mr Taylor’s suggestion in the House of Representatives that women visitors to prisons should possess and exercise the powers of Justices of the Peace in dealing with offences by female prisoners. The reply of the Minister of Justice—that there is no provision for appointing women justices —was a mere evasion of the question ; but the statement of fact contained in it is suggestive of the need that exists for removing many of the senseless disabilities under which one-half of the population still labours. It is to be regretted that the Hon T. Thompson had no word of approval or encouragement to give in the matter under notice, and that Sir Robert Stout, speaking from _ imperfect knowledge of what is desired, should have created a misleading impression on the subject. The letter which we publish in another column states the case very admirably, and we trust it may be found possible, in accordance with the suggestion it contains, to confer the desired powers on women visitors by regulation. We see no reason why the labours of women visitors shouldbe confined to thefemale side of prisons ; indeed the probability is that women would exercise the most beneficial influence among male prisoners. Should it be found impossible to move the Prison Department to adopt this small yet important reform, we should suggest the passing of a brief Act of Parliament, declaring women eligible for the Commission of the Peace. A measure go reasonable and so little liable to abuse would not be seriously opposed, and a few hours at most of legislative labour should suffice to place it on the Statute Book. Since women are eligible to serve on municipal bodies, boards of education and so forth, where the duties are at least as onerous as those of Justices of the Peace, there ought to be no hesitation about removing a disability that deprives the community of the services of a whole sex on the Commission of the Peace.