PARLIAMENT

Southland Times, Issue 19367, 18 August 1904, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

(By Telegraph)' From Our Special Correspondent. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. * WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A SOCIAL SCHEME. i This afternoon the Hon. W. BEKWAN | moved that the Government bo asked to consider, during the recess, the advisableness of setting apart bush and other land in suitable localities for the purpose of drafting well-conducted prisoners from the gaols on to the said lands, so that they may be taught how to fell and clear bush iands, and also be taught agricultural and pastoral pursuits, viticulture, poultry farming, etc. ; temporary gaols to be erected, with the view, on completion of their sentences, to settle suchj persons on the land. Mr Beehan urged that a considerable number of young men were in gaol who, ll . tau s bt an occupation, would not appear there again. The Hon. C. C. BOWEN said the question was a difficult one. He thought that if the proposal were carried into effect the mover would be astonished at the results. He pointed out that very frequently the best conducted men in gaols were old hands ami hardened criminals. He thought the proposal was not practicable or advisable, but at the same time he was in favour of prisoners being taught occupations in gaol to eq.'uip them for the time of their release. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL* thought there was small fioj}a Ui iKe O-oysmmont doing anything. He endorsed Mr Bowen'a Viewß and added that at present as many prisoners as could be safely engaged outside the gaols were occupied in tree-planting. After some discussion the motion was carried on the voices. TOWN DISTRICTS. This bill was read a - third time and passed. HOUSE OP REPRESS VT* r I VES.