THE PRISON SYSTEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 15

THE PRISON SYSTEM

Sir, —Dr. Bernard Adler, writing recently in-the London Spectator on this subject, points out, what is true of New Zealand as well as England, that though it is often "smugly asserted that the primary object of the imprisonment of an offender is reformative, in fact the whole routine of prison life tends to cause it to assume a solely punitive aspect. . . . Perhaps one day we will evolve a more rational treatment. When we chuckle at the Erewhonian .ludge passing a heavy sentence on a consumptive because of his "criminal" indisposition, we might remember that our own treatment of sexual perverts is hardly more rational. It is hopeless for us to look forward to an ideal reformative system by the mere slight amelioration of the buildings or routine, while we entirely ignore the psychic element which often impels the commission of a crime, and which no more calls for punishment than would a physical infirmity. . . . If we are sincere in contending that our aim is to reform the erring citizen, it is imperative for us to remember that, wherever possible, medical or educational treatment should receive preference to mere punishment in our dealing with offenders." B. E. Baughan. Akaroa.