GAOL DISCIPLINE.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13413, 10 May 1912, Page 6

GAOL DISCIPLINE.

[United Press Association.]

Christchurch, May 8. Speaking of prison reform, during the of an interview, the Hon. J. A. •Hanan said that this question was be--ing considered. Som© changes would be made to bring about a better classification of prisoners, to secure a higher standard of efficiency, and better administration of prisons. Ho expected •to be able to make an .announcement concerning this matter later on.

There was need, in tli-e face of what had take place recently at Lyttciton Gaol, that prison •discipline should be stiffened up. While he was quite- in accord with the idea that prisoners should be fairly treated, h© wc\s very firmly of opinion that_ they should be made to realise that, in prison, they could not do as they liked. Obediencemmst be strictly enforced. A number of th© prisoners possibly wore influenced by the very free public discussion of the -question of prison reform, and had evidently construed it to mean that they were not to be interfered with in anyway or be subjected to discipline whi'e?in gaol. The construction of. prison buildings, and the scarcity,of yard accommodation, made it exceedingly difficult to carry out as/stem of, classification, but he hoped to be able to do something in that tfnwctiqn in the near future.