TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18235, 31 October 1922, Page 7

TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.

NEW METHODS IN BRITAIN. INCREASE OF CRIME'. A. and N.Z. LONDON, Oct. 29. The annual report of the Commissioners of Prisons states that sweeping changes are being effected in the prison system, including the abolition of the broad arrow, the substitution of ordinary haircutting for convict crops, transfer from prison to prison in civilian clothes, no wires Or bars between convicts and other prisoners, improved cell furniture, permission for prisoners to talk at work, provision of more concerts, lectures, debates, and dramatic entertainments, supply of weekly summaries of news, and increase of library facilities. ' '

The Commissioners deny that prisoners are pampered. They declare that unless their minds are fed and exercised they will be restored to tho keen competition of the outside world torpid in mind and nerve, and quite unfit to resume their places in society.

Nevertheless, the year's record shows an increase in crime. The increased receptions into prisons are attributed to trade depression and other effects of the war. The Commissioners point out more than half the increaso is accounted for by an increase in debtor prisoners, chiefly for wife maintenance and income tax arrears. Many men will not maintain a wife who, rightly or wrongly, is considered undeserving.