PRISON REFORM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume C, Issue 11665, 23 August 1898, Page 2

PRISON REFORM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I think it is Emerson who warns us very earnestly against consistency. How pleased that great writer would have been with “Eovo’s” letter on “Prison Keform.” “Eovo” would flog folks; he would make things “ hard to bear.” In the same breath he is sorry if people who have been brought up in evil surroundings give way; he would improve them mentally, raise them socially; he would give them pictures, animals, flowers, tools, music. Now, myself, I had not even ventured to hint that stringed, and, I suppose, wind instruments, might be acceptable, though most seriously I admit that music should take an active part in helping to soften the hard-hearted, and arouse the divine that is shrined in every human being. As a matter of fact, “ Eovo’s ” mind is touched by the spirit of the age; his mind is opening to progressive ideas, though perchance he does not fully realise that this is so. Instead of being against mo in this matter, he is really with me ; indeed, I have a good mind to turn round on him and say that he is very nearly a “benevolently-dis-posed ” gentleman. If I could persuade him to. cast off, any remnant of the old revengeful idea of punishment, and adopt the newer thought of mercy and reform and education, 1 should be glad.—l am, etc. LOUISA BLAKE.