MINISTERIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14681, 12 May 1908, Page 8

MINISTERIAL.

[Per Press Association.] HASTINGS. May 11

The Hon G. Fowlds was deputationised by several districts requiring schools. His replies were unsatisfactory from the settlers’ point of view, inasmuch as he favoured the conveyance of the children to tho centres in preference to establishing small schools. The Chamber of Commerce waited on the Minister, urging the importance of grants for a new railway station and post office, which ho approved. Replying to the request for a grant for making the Elstliorpe Road the Alinistor replied that if the Government subsidised the road the value of the land would be so increased that they would have to take it for closer settlement.

After the deputations had withdrawn the Minister drove to the residence of the Rev J. Ivnyll, to discuss the latter’s proposals for a reorganisation of penal institutions upon the basis of scientific penology. They considered tbo various methods in different countries for dealing with criminals of all classes, Air Kay 11 explaining that it was now possible to make such provision as would enable, them to deal effectively with all phases of criminality. At the conclusion of the interview the Alinistor expressed himself as very pleased with all he had beard, and added that ho was assured it was the best policy for the dominion to make use of expert knowledge, and thus bring its institutions to the greatest possible efficiency.

The Hon J. A. Alillar also went into the subject with Air Kayll, and, speaking afterwards, the Minister expressed himself as much pleased with Afr Kayll’s exhaustive knowledge. The reform of tho prison system upon scientific lines was much to be desired, and he did not think it was very far off.