REFORM OF CRIMINALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20339, 21 August 1929, Page 12

REFORM OF CRIMINALS.

USE OF MODERN METHODS.

GREATER PRIVILEGES GIVEN.

TRUST DEVELOPS SELF-RESPECT,

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER. ] WELLINGTON. Tuesday.

A distinct departure has been mado in recent years from tho original idea of retaliatory or retributive justice and it is now generally accepted that tho main purpose of imprisonment is to protect society," says Mr. B. L. Dallard, Con-troller-General of Prisons, in his annual report presented to Parliament to-day. "This can be best achieved by endeavouring to reform tho offender and as far as possiblo by inculcating habits of industry to engender self-reliance and selfrespect. It is said that the severest punishment is the stigma of conviction and the deprivation of liberty. Experience shows that tho greater privileges now accorded prisoners aro bearing fruit in the shape of bettor discipline and greater industry. "Much has been done in recent years to improve prison conditions in tho matter of dietary comforts and general conditions of work. At tho same tiino, in modern penology, it is recognised that while reasonable conditions ,are essential to contentment, tho hope of reform lies not so much on good conditions as upon tho development of self-discipline and self-respect and a sense of corporate responsibility. Tho object of all prison treatment and training should bo not solely to make them good prisoners, but if possible good citizens. Around this idea hinges the development of the honour system and the reposing of a greater degreo of trust in the prisoner. ".As a concrete example of this may bo cited the holding of the Invercargill Borstal summer camps, when some 60 lads were under canvas for ten days entirely on their honour. Another is the establishment of social committees of prisoners at the farm camps, which organise regular sports and entertainments, and even deal by way of fines of tobacco or otherwise with those who offend against tho laws of the camp. Many instances could be given of prisoners being trusted far beyond the immediate oversight of any warder and tho consensus of opinion of those experienced in dealing with prisoners is that tho element of trust stimulates tho development of self-respect. While with certain prisoners it is almost impossible to stimulato any decent emotions, with tho greater majority there is better relationship, greater freedom from cornplaints and a keener interest evinced in their work."

The report goes on to refer to the separation of different types of offenders. Youthful offenders, to avoid contamination with older criminals, are sent to the Borstal institutions for training and treatment appropriate to their age, while old and senile offenders are sent to Wanganui. The more dangerous criminals, and thoso whose records and demeanour show that they cannot with safety to society be given the liberties afforded at tho reformatory camps, aro detained at Mount Eden prison, which is the only purely penal prison in the Dominion. Sexual perverts aro segregated at New Plymouth, where thoro are special facilities for constant supervision and where the department now has a mental specialist as medical officer. At tho Paparua prison, Wi Tako, and the camps more trusted prisoners aro detained. Women prisoners arc sent to the Mount Eden women's prison or to tho Addington women's reformatory, wliilo the younger women aro detained at the Point Halswcll Borstal Institution.

Tlio report continues: —"The department realises that an integral part of the prison system is a system of after-caro of prisoners on release. It is becoming inoro definitely realised that unless a prisoner on dischargo is enabled to obtain employment and rehabilitate himself tho efforts in prison (o reform him or to stimulate in liini habits of industry arc likely to bo futile and mis-spent."