PRISON POPULATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22615, 31 December 1936, Page 13

PRISON POPULATION

Sir, —Appeals by B. E. Baughan, "Overseas" and "Cygnet" have recently been made through your columns to the National Council of Women in respect of the need that exists for the reduction of our prison population. B. E. Baughan's appeal is for the scrutinising of departmental statements with a view to discounting "eyewash." The solution recommended by "Overseas" is in the direction of adopting Bible study in schools. In this connection may one quote the Rev. Dr. A. Hodge, in an address recently broadcast by him, that the first duty of the Christian is to testify to the truths of religion, and that the second duty is to get into the arena of life and do something to help the weak and the oppressed? "Cygnet's" appeal, on the other hand, appears to combine both aspects, having reference to a suggested national scheme of prevention of mental and moral disability b3' means of physical education, psycholological attention, correct nutrition and spiritual training. Is it not time that all those who are appalled by the large numbers of New Zealanders now under the care of the prisons and the mental hospitals' departments should make an effort to unite in a national scheme of prevention of mental and moral disability by the combined services mentioned; and will not the National Council take the lead in this vital work? Progressive.