PRISON REFORM.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13907, 19 May 1909, Page 5

PRISON REFORM.

VLEWS OF AID SOCIETY, Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, May IS. The Hon. Dr Findlay received a. deputation this morning- from the Auckland Prisoners' Aid Society. The Rev. Mr Budd said the Auckland Society had assisted 200 prisoners each year. The reform in flic, prison system was chiefly needed in the treatment of young men and boysi They advocated secular and religions instruction in gaols. Beferring to tree planting stations Mr Budd urged the need of single, cells and complained of the lack of discipline and morality. Sundays were spent in n. disgraceful wav ab Waio-t-anu. The men wore sporting, fighting, swearing and loafing all day in th" homes. As much, harm as good had been don" bocnuso of convicted women being placed beside youn" r'r's, who had fallen to the first temptation. Th" Hon. Dr Findlay replied that the treatment of prisoners, after leaving prison was of: prime importance. He agreed that they.must steadily imsystem of classification and lie hoped shortly to separate, first offenders from hardened criminals. On tree planting statjons. the sinrde cell svstem would be introduced, and other imorovemerts made. Five thousand nersons had been sent to gaol in New Zpr'ind i" a. vear, and.the matter of dealing the question in a scientific M-oy would reecivc : serious"-attention.