PRISON REFORM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13543, 16 March 1906, Page 4

PRISON REFORM.

The Minister of Justice gave a sympathetic reception on Monday- afternoon to the deputation which, representing the Dunedhi Prisons and Industrial Schools Reform Society, directed his attention to various matters in connection with the prison system that, in its opinion, admit of improvement. Mr M'Gowan has already, by issuing the instructions which have borne fruit in the establishment—not yet authorised, certainly, by enactment—of special courts for the trial of jftvenile offenders, shown in practical fashion his interestin the subject of reform of the system, and the remarks he made to the deputation strongly encourage the belief that his administration of the Department of Justice may yet be. marked by the introduction of other changes of an important character. He frankly indicates that he lias become more favourably impressed with the arguments that may be advanced iii favour of the adoption of indeterminate sentences than he was when the question was under the. consideration of Parliamentlast year. As a. man of the world, be cannot fail to have been struck with the absolute impotence of the present system to effect any reformation of members of the hardened criminal class: they come out of gaol, after having served their sentence, merely to prey upon society and, upon conviction, to return to prison, and so the performance goes on. And he must recognise, for this reason, that to a large extentthe system fails of its purpose. But he is inclined to question the entire •vrisdom of the Elmira system, the merits of which were urged by Mr Gilkison. He is apparently disposed to feel that under the Elmira system there is such a pampering of the "inmates," as they are called, as to render their life highly comfortable. Clearly, it would he a mistake so to treat a person who has been convicted of crime as to make him, save for the loss of his liberty, better off than the honest bard-working man. It does undoubtedly seem to be one of the defects of the Elmira. system that it doe? not sufficiently offer the deterrent effect which the maintenance of a rigorous regime may be supposed to exert, But the Elmira system must not be confounded with the idea, of indeterminate sentences. It is? true that the inmates of the Elmira Reformatory are made to understand that the period of their detention depends upon the maimer in which they conduct themselves ■ just as prisoners to whom the indeterminate sentence system might be applied would be made to understand that it would rest with themselves to earn their liberty by their good behaviour. The Elmira system is not associated, however, with the principle of indeterminate sentences. On the contrary, a maximum term of detention is fixed in the' case of all " inmates" of the Reformatory. 'Die movement for the introduction of the principle of indeterminate sentences is not, therefore, to be necessarily connected with the consideration of the Elmira methods; it is strong enough, moreover, to stand entirely by itself. It has received the support of many judges and leading penologists, and the arguments in favour of it' are so cogent that we are not surprised to find Mr M'Gowan, who has, we doubt not, been familiarising himself with the literature on the point, hinting at the likelihood of the State experimenting on the lines of the system. The Minister also undertook to give consideration to the suggestion of increasing the amounts that are credited to prisoners for the work they perform while undergoing sentence. We are afraid, however, that he has misapprehended somewhat the argument adduced by the deputation upon this matter. He apparently thinks that, if effect were given to the suggestion, the ctonger might arise of persons leaving prison much better off than at the time of their conviction. Besides, "many of these men," he says, "do not care to do anything for their wives and families." Wo imagine, however, that what the deputation desired is that prisoners should be made, even when in gaol, to contribute towards the maintenance of their legal dependents—that of the amounts credited to them for their labour in gaol a substantial proportion should be made available for the support of their wives and families outside the gaol. As it is, it frequently happens that the dependents of prisoners become a charge upon the Charitable Aid Board. MlgM'Gowan will, we are sure, see upon reflection that the representations made by the deputation upon this point are not to be lightly disregarded,

Steady progress is being made with the work of cutting the new channel at the Heads. Mr .T. Blair Mason, the harbour engineer, visits the work frequently, and under his superintendence no special difficulties are being .encountered. Under fair weather conditions the channel sliould be put through within three or four weeks from now, but naturally ft great deal depends on the weather.

The official scrutiny and examination of tho rolls and ballot papers in eonneotion with th§ 'Cayerjbiro Licensing Cssimittc*

election will be commenced at South Dunodin Town Hall tin's morning. Tlio scrutiny was to have tron commenced yesterday, but was postponed until to-day as more convenient.

Tlio Steward Settlement, of 21,345 acres, in North Otago, lies boon subdivided into 42 farms and five small grazing runs, and is now open for [--election. Particulars of the subdivision will be found in our advertising columns, and intending applicants ara directed to the. Lands and Survey Office, Dunedin.

Councillor Lawrence, chairman of the Water Supply Committee of the Oily Conn. nil, has requested us to correct some of the figures that were us?d at the meeting of tho council on Wednesday night in the discussion on the Waitati-Lcith extension scheme. Mr Burr's estimate of the cost of the undertaking was, lie says, £46,691, and ho believes that, when allowance is made .for increased cost of labour and material, this estimate will be reasonably justified. It was said by Councillor Loudon ttint, beside* £31.198 for labour and material and £13,263 paid for compensation for land taken, thcro had been an expenditure of £7062 on engineering and legal expenses. Councillor Lawrence has analysed this expenditure of £7062; which, added to the other amounts mentioned, brings the total expenditure on tlio scheme- lo £51,528, and he shows that it- comprises tho following items:—Payment to Mr 11. M. Ban-. £1946: fees to engineers other than Mr Barr. fifiO (Mr Reynolds £131 and Mr Hay £549); payment to Mr .T. A. Pari:. £373: legal charges, £1951; cost of arliil rat ion proceedings. £106; wit-m-'sse.s' expenses. £743; payments to professional men other than engineers, £703; printing and advertising; interest, insurance, ami sundries. £559. These payments, ho points out. cove, a- period from 1829. and include ail the expenses in connection with the laud resumption. Further, he says tlio payment to Mr Ban under his coiilract with the corporation to carry out the water extension scheme has been £845, ll'.e balanre of the fees paid lo him consisting of £666 prior lo the commencement of this service, and £444- for reports, extra work, and services rendered in connection with compensation claims, surveys, plans, etc.

Passengers by yeslerdny morning's train from Oamaru were just upon two hours late in arriving at. llunedin. The cause of the (rouble was the serious leakage of tho tubes of the engine into the fire-box, and the consequent difficulty of maintaining sufficient pressure ot steam. After a delay of thrc?-(|uarters of an hour at, Waitnti the long hill on this side was successfully negotiated, but at Sawyer's Hay further procedure lva.s found impossible, and tho driver and his assistant ceased their arduous duties. The passengers transferred themselves to the 2.15 p.m. train from Port Chalmers, the delinquent, engine being; also then brought on to town at the same lime.

The new Duncilin railway station m to be healed by hot-water apparatus of the moit modern and np-10-date- design, and this work «bas been contracted for and carried out by Messrs A. and T. Hurt. The installation, is very extensive, and probably the largest of the kind in (lie colony, and at a trial of the system given yesterday a. number of architects, contractors, and other local gentlemen interested were present at Messrs Burt's invitation, and had ainplo opportunity of judging the results arrived at. Kaeli floor of (lie building- lias been provided with a separate system. The radiators, which are a prominent feature of the installation, are made in what is described as a Romanesque style, and arc by no means unornamental.

A youth named Joseph Michael Davidson was arrested yesterday at. Tuapeks Mouth on a charge of breaking into the dwelling of Mr Wilf.on, at Raiknrai, and stealing a. small sum of money therefrom. Ho will be brought before the court, here to-day, and finger-print, identification will play a prominent part in the evidence to be adduced against him.

The police received information yesterday that George Slatiiesoii. a railway portci, had broken into the shop of Elisabeth Clements at I'almerslon at 4- a.m., and had been arrested on the premises.

A boy, 15 years of age, will come lofu;* the court at, Milton today on a charge of committing an assault upon a- little girl of 12 years.

At s. sitting of the District Court, ot Invercargill on Tuesday last occasion wis taken by counsel present to show their appreciation of the courtesy and consideration shown during his long period of service by Judge Ward, who will shortly relive. It will Ikj interesting to learn (remarks the Southland Ncwe) that Judge Ward, who was a barrister at Home, came to New Zealand in 1854, and, having I hen been only a. short time in the colony, was elected to the General Assembly, cud shortly afterwards was appointed Chairman of the Court of Sessions of tho Peace and .ludgo of the Magistrate's Courts of Wanganui, Wairarapa, and Hawke's Bay. From 1861 t01565 his Honor was Resident Magistrate at Wellington, and was then raited to the position of Judge of the District Court, Ho is 79 years of age, and has served tho colony for over 50 years.

Good progress still continues on theOtago Central railway works (remarks the Alexandra Herald). The rock cuttings are well advanced, and shifts are only being worked in two cutting'.!, one near Alexandra and another near the Jlanorbmn. The services of two gangs of workmen have been dispensed with during the past week, and somo of the men arc being; transferred to the Law-rence-Roxburgh line. Pile-driving at the Manorbtirn viaduct is finished, and tho girder work is now in hand. It is expected that this will bo completed about the end of the present month. At the upper end of Galloway Flat a large number ot men are engaged in the rock culling, which should be completed in a few weeks' time. It is anticipated that the formation work between Chatto Creek and Alexandra will be finished about the beginning of .Tune, when plate-laying will lie taken in hand. Ballasting on the Chatto-Omakau section is going on apace. I\o material has yet arrived for tho Manuherikia bridge (third crossing), near Alexandra, although tho pier work has been finished for some, timo past.

Dr Greenwood and Mr F. A. Hornibrook have been making an examination of tho publio schools in connection with the inquiry into tho methods of giving physical drill to children. They examined two schools in Kelson, and addressed tho Nelson Boys' College. They also addressed over 700 people at a public meeting in Nelson, and nearly 600 women at a meeting open to ladies only. In Wellington and Christchurch they also examined a number of schools. Mr Hornibrook. who is n Sandow medallist, will give the first of a series ■ f lectures at the Choral Hall this evening o.i "Physical Culture among the Ancients.'' The lecture will be illustrated by a. number of lantern views of Greek statuarv.

The hoy who was recently arrested in connection with tho placing of an obstruction on the railway line at Waiwcra some lime ago was brought More Mr Cruickshank, S.M., at Balclntha on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty, and an order was mado that he be chastised by the father. The boy is only seven and • a-half years of age. Detective Hill prosecuted, and Mr Crisp appeared for the defendant.

Tho usual monthly meeting of tho Society for Protection of Women and Children, held in the Town Hall on Thursday, wa? attended by Mr R. Chisholm (president, in the chair), tho Rev. W. Curzon Siggcrs (vice-president), Mesdames Withers and Fry, Staff-captam Blincoc, Miss L. Cohen, and Mrs A. Ansell. The correspondence was read, and tho secretary given power to act in several cases. The treasurer's statement proved satisfactory, and all accounts duo were Jj&sscd for .

Miss Hughes, a temperance lecturer fro* Kcw Zealand, is conducting a campaign in Australia. According to the Melbourne Argus, the following story was told by her at Fitzroy. Miss Hughes stated that a gentleman left half a sovereign with a resident of a certain district in New Zealand, who was authorised to give it to any poor person who could not afford to take a trip to Christehnreh, where two temperance lecturers were creating a stir. The local Presbyterian clergyman and his wife went over ilie whole of his flock, and could not disrover one who was poor enough to claim the half-sovereign. Ths coin was pasted on \o tho Primitive Methodist parson, but he, ;00, was unable to find one poor man. He hit upon a happy idea. Tho Salvation Army captain would surely bo in touch nith a ease where it would bo acceptable. A,(tor two or threa days he Teturncd, and said. " I really don't know anyone here who would be glad to have it. If you like I will tend it to Chri.stciiurch, where our ~eopic no doubt will be able to make uso of it." The secret of this unique exemption from poverty was said to lie in the fact that tlpre was not a single hotel in the district. All were, as a consequence, happy and prr/morou*. Mr Harold F. Wyatt, who will l>c remembered as the touring commissioner of tlio Navy League, had one of tho funniest experiences of tho general elections in England. At least ('ays the London correspondent of the Age), it was funny fa the public. In the Unionist interest he stood for tho Kusholiffp division of Not is, which had Ixvn represented by a Liberal member for more than 20 years. A section of llie elector; had got tired of the old member, and, as his majority had boon steadily diminishing, it was thought that a new man would have a good chance of ousting bill). One niuiit Mr Wyatt and his agent arrived at Xcllierford, a. small town in the cniifijii"ncy, to address a meeting which kui li-fii arranged for them in advance by local members of their party. They pushed their way through a waiting crowd, entered a brilliantly-lighted hall, and mounted tho platform. Mr Wyatt advanced, bowed in bis be=t Mayfair manner, and was about to begin bis promised speech when a yell of resentment mingled with hisses and cries of "Turn 'em mil!" came from the audience, and while tho astonished candidate was wondering what, tho sudden explosion was all about the platform was rushed, and h-i and his agent were plucked oh* their feel, carried out, and deposited in ll'.e middle of the street. They had blundered into the wrong ball. It was the opposition candidate's meeting. The Liberal electors a* first interpreted the mistake as ?, piece of deliberate impudence. Mr Wyatt explained and ap:i]ojri--ed in the course of his ftrugjhs with his captors, and so they let him off without ilie nailing kicks which otherwise they wotdd probably have hestowed on him when they got, him outside. The Liberal candidate was re-elected by a inajoriiy of over 3000 voles.

Me-srs Alex. Harris and Co. will hold a clearing sale nf oil paintings, water colours, cli\. it their rooms to-day.

Mr D. 51. Sr.eddbig will sell fancy goals plated v/ 310, etr., jij. his rooms to-morrow.

At their roam o to-day Messrs Jsmes Samson pnd Co. will rcll by unction tlis Unity Gold Dredging Company's {in liquidation) dredge at Clvde: also, id the ssuie time, nroncrlies in Di'incdiu ami fnburln.

Hv T. M. Jackson (in conjunction with Messrs TV. Fialcr and Sons) will offer [or

<--;;le hv mibtic auction at Auckland ou T/hm'F<lny, March ?j). the Meadowbank Kstalc. I'e.imiera, eoniaming over "16 acres, subdivided into idlohiie'ils.

Messrs K. AVnrd and Co. notify a postponement of their "lock sMo at Portobello from Saturday next to Tuc-clay. April 11.

The amnial melting of the Xew Zealand Drug Company will be hold in the Agricultural H--M IJiiiidinas on Tuesday, March 20,

Frid'iy, M'neh C-1, being Anniversary Day. will be observed as a, public holiday at the vsi'-iniH bankii throiigbcut Oiago.

The druv.ir.g of the art union in aid of ibo Presbytery P.uiklirg Fund, etc., at Omakau, hr= been postponed till June ■!.

The annual meeting of the Zingari-Picbir.oml Fnotk'l (Hub will he held in the Stock Exchange Hall on Monday evening. 19th inst.

A'lplioaiions are invited for the petition of honorary iiulioViisl at the Duv.edin Hospital lor the. remainder of the current year.

The sinmiid meeting of the Dunedir, Harriet Club will be held at the Palace Tea Rooms, Moray place, tlii", evening.

A iufc-liiiT of creditors in (lip bankrupt estate of .Ir.mes "Robert Parker, of Outrun, -will lie held p.! the office ofi the efficin! assignee on Thursday. March 22.

A mission ?orvice will be conducted in St. Tsui's Cathedral this evening by the Rev. J. 3!. llewmand. Tenders, to be addressed "Executive Commissioners." Xow Xeslaml lirternatitme.l Exhibition, are invited for the simply of bedding plant") for the exhibition gardens. Nomination!! for principal ercnta af the fevihroming Clyde sports meeting close with ib? secretary, Civile, at 10 a.m. on Saturday next. Tender.* otp invited for the supply ami delivery o! printed forms and stationery for the various departments of the Duncdin City Y.W.C.A.—Mr Kvnic's new music-reading elates commence Monday evening; fee, as.— Advt.

Autumn Show.—Our first exhibition of autumn and winter importations will bo made this week, when we shall have on exhibition the latest novelties in all departments. Mollipo-- = (Ltd.)--Advt.

The Anglo-New Zealand Cycle Company's cio?hig-nvi =alc a greßt success. Everything going riuickly. The prices tell, still further rcucessicn-. Customers who have been unable ta receive attention owin» to the rush are invited to call again. Shop to let; early delivery.-Advt.

" Kojore" is a decided success in cases premature greyncss,—THill particulars from Mr Hcndv. hair specialist; sole agent N.Z.— Advt.

You can't do better. Come at once and see our new jackets and millinery; new goods in every department.—At Dallas and Watt's.— Advt.

Mfs.'ra Myers, dentists, are back in their new buildings, comer Octagon and George strejf.-Advi.

Tcurists in search of mementoes ore recommended to inspect the magnificent selection ot b?iter-claca C-reenslone Coeds at Messrs (i. and T. Young's showrooms, SS P,•:.-,.„ <tr?f!.-Arl"t.

If bsdly sprained, or suffering from overexertion, rub in "Kcolibah"; 2s. A favourite embrocation in rheumatism.—Advt.

Who is Petek Pick?— The most reliable Watchmaker asd Jeweller. opposite Coffee Palac;. Horny place, Dimedin. Charges strictly moderate.—Advt.