PRISON REFORM

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 10

PRISON REFORM

WORK OF THE BOARD

CLASSIFICATION OF PRISONERS.

The report of the Prisons Board for 1914 states that the number of distinct persons who came under the jurisdiction of the boar das habitual criminals was sixty-nine, and. as undergoing reformative detention 190. These were dealt with as follows Fifteen habitual criminals wore recommended for release on probation, and were released; 101 persons undergoing reformative detention were recommended for release on probation, and were so released; four habitual criminals w-ho had been released on probation were, recommended for discharge, and were discharged; and two persons on probation under reformative detention were recommended for discharge, and were so discharged. The results of these releases on probation and discharges were that out of the total of those who had been under reformative detention fifteen were returned to prison, and five failed to report themselves and may possibly have left the Dominion-. Nine who had been declared habitual criminals were returned to prison, and the whereabouts of three is unknown. Of the habitual criminals and offenders, the total number released on probation during the years 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914 was and of these twenty were convicted of fresh specific offences —namely, in 1911, five; in 1912, six; in 1913, four; and in 1914, five. Considering their past history in the large number of previous convictions against them —some having over thirty—the result may bo considered satisfactory.’ , A DIFFICULT TASK. “The classification of prisoners is ever difficult, as the crime committed, or even the frequency of convictions, is not always a test of criminality/’ states the report. “Efforts have been made, however, to classify the prisoners, and it is understood that a more complete scheme is dependent on buildings how in course of erection.. Suitable, firstoffenders, to .whom the courts were unable to give .probation, have been sent to Waipa, where, residing •in cubicle huts, living and working in the open air at tree-planting and gardening, their physical condition has been mucji improved. Kaingaroa is also a treeplanting camp. Here the prisoners have been selected from other prisons because of their good conduct, and live in the same conditions as at Waipa. Waikeria is a large prison farm, and a class similar to those at Kaingaroa has been sent there. Youthful prisoners are sent to Invercargill, where they are taught the habit of industry. At Koto Aira there is a road-making camp, mainly of habituals, who, it is believed, have improved and can be trusted, and after they have spent some time in Koto Aira the board hopes to be able to recommend them for release on probation. A prison farm is being established at Templeton, near Christchurch, on a considerable area of land, and it is hoped that these new prisons will server similar purpose to those at Waikeria and Kaingaroa. An open-air and industrious life are two of the main means that can he employed to lead those who have erred to walk in new paths. APPEAL TO THE NATION. “If, however, we are to look for improvement in the conduct of those who come out of prison, something irioro must lie done by society lor the re-' leased prisoner tfian has yet been done. The burden that he carries lias to be remembered. H© has a dishonoured name. Even his own relatives nave often lost confidence in him, and he is generally without character or credit. He looks for work and sometimes finds it, and the kindness of his employer often helps him m his struggle to live well. All employers are not always considerate. He sometimes gets out of work and loses heart. To whom can he turn for assistance? There are prisoners’ aid societies in larger towns who help those just released from gaol, and considering the small funds they have to expend in assistance they often do good work ; but it is hardly their function to keep in touch with men or women who have boon for some time free. Other associations connected with some of the religious organisations help, but the released prisoner wants some additional help. His fall, when he again falls, arises often from two causes—first, want of suitable employment; second; indulgence in alcohol. “Could society through its organism, the Government, help ? We venture to suggest that there should be some Government farms—pastoral, , agrioul-. tural, horticultural, or fruitgrowing—to which every prisoner would know that when he-was out of work he could go and get lodging, food, etc., on his giving a 'satisfactory return in workHe would also be entitled to. some wages, but as the institution would not be a place for any but casual work be would have to .be content with less reward than is obtained where work is;of a permanent character. If such an institution were founded it would be self-supporting, and it would give no excuse for a man relapsing into crimo through lack of the means of subsistence or lack of work. Care would have to be taken that the manager of such an institution would be possessed of strong common sense, coupled with kindness. of heart and demeanour. There are institutions in other, countries akin to what we suggest, and they have been successful in helping many who required assistance.”