TREATMENT OF PRISONERS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11360, 12 April 1915, Page 2

TREATMENT OF PRISONERS

ANOMALIES IN SENTENCES. STANDARDISATION SYSTEM SUGGESTED. [From Oun Correspondent.] AUCKLAND, April 10. At a meeting of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, Mr A. S. Holmes in the chair, there was an interesting discussion on tho inequality of sentences passed upon offenders, especially those- dealt with in tho higher courts Tho members present, some of whom have had fifteen or twenty years' experience cf prisons and prisoners, gave instances of tho unequal treatment meted out to men now serving long sentences. The general desire expressed was not for milder or moro lenient sentences, but rather tor some sort of ''standardisation of sentences." Among those who participated in tho discussion were tho Rev E. C. Budd, tho Rev F. .It. Jeffrys, Mr \V. liraekenrig, and Mr 0. Little. It was stated that a very noticeable feature, quite capable ot proof, was that much lighter sentences had been passed during tho last two or two and a half years than formerly. As examples the following comparative instances' were quoted, tho older cases being given first:— In a caso of .shooting with, intent to do grievous bodily harm under great provocation, and recommended to mercy by tho jury, fifteen years; shootiug at father-in-law with intent, three months. Incest (two charges), twenty years; incest (six charges), a shocking case, seven years. Burglary (first offence), seven years' hard labour and seven years' reformative treatment; burglary (old offender and many charges), ten years' reformative treatment. Pickpockets, five years, throe years, two years; three months, six months, and two months.

In reference to those comparisons the opinion was expressed that some relief might h"> given to those prisoners who received the long sentences prior to the last two and ;i half years, in view of the undoubted fact that much lighter sentences have been given in more recent years. The honorary secretary, it was stated, had already written lo the Governor on the. question and hsic'l also communicated with tho Justice Department, but the question was very large, very difficult and very delicate. It was stated, also, that it was not merely tho length of sentence that caused concern There was tiio difference, of treatment whilst in prison, if sent to a tree-planting erunp, a man receives twenty-six days remission over ami above tho ordinary remission ot three months in the year. if sentenced to reformative treatment he will be paid three or four shillings a week, lie might be an old offender and. put in tiie -.mo prison, doim: the same work as a . ; rst offender, getting r.lireehali'pencc per week. This a.noinil!,'.", it was said, would probably ho reiae'ved m tho ne :t session of Parliament.