PRISON REFORM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12067, 24 July 1917, Page 4

PRISON REFORM.

ADDRESS BY SIR ROBERT STOUT. Speaking in tho Brooklyn Baptist Church, Wellington, on Sunday, Sir Robert Stoui- gave an interesting and instructive address on' '•Prison Reform." Sir Robert said that nearly one-third of the offenders who came before the Courts were abnormal. They might be physically 100 weak to control themselves, or they might be mentally or morally Aveak,* or all throe. All the training in tho world would not make moral defectives any better. Their only hope Avas the '' impulsive power of a new affection." The Probation Act, introduced in 1886, had proved a great success. In Auckland, the probation officer had shown that fully 00 per cent admitted to probation became reformed. The reformatory detention system also gave prisoners every encouragement "to reform. Men sentenced to two vears might be released after six months, and by taking care of them, and placing them under certain restrictions, they frequently Avero saved from a, criminal career. At tho present time the Prisons Board Avas alloAving some te enlist, and of a number who recently left for the front the reports were very favourable, except in one case. Tho best prison for reformatory detention was in lnvercargill. Ho had seen the men at work, healthy and cheerful. They had lectures, a debating society, amusements and concerts, and were given schooling and taught useful trades where possible. They were reclaiming land in lnvercargill, which would prove a useful asset to the State, and the knowledgo that they were engaged on useful Avork. of that kind gave them a certain interest in if. Sir Robert also referred to the tree-planting camps. At- Waipau especially, tho situation, climate and surroundings Avere all that could be desired. Then at Te Awamutu, farming wa-s carried on successfully, over 600 acres being under cultivation, and the men working in the open air, amid pleasant and natural surroundings, thrive Avell. Another farm at Paparoa, near Christehureh. also gave congenial employment under good natural conditions to many who could not look after themselves.

Habitual criminals were next referred to. Their sentence was indeterminate, but the Prison Board had power to release at any time. These prisoners were allowed to earn at least Gd a week, and compelled to save it till £2 accumulated ; the balance might then be spent. Some of "them saved all the earnings, and when release came had something to start on. Esprit do corps among the men was not wanting, as thev sometimes gave part- of their savings to a fellow prisoner going out to make a. fresh start. Sir Robert said the men must have hope held out to them, or they could never be redeemed oven the worst cases would not bo without some hope of release. If prison reform were to be effectively dealt with, limy had to go away back to remove the causes. Tt was just as we lived, the hereditary influences and environment that wnul.i create the type of human being that would appear in the world. He exhorted his hearers to have high social and moral ideals, to act that their actions could be. a rule for humanity. They should know their duty in .regard to the drink problem. Quito one-third of the prisoners in our caols could trace their fall to drink. If people recognised their duty in this matter alone they could render n- service to humanity by abstaining from drink for the sake of their weaker brothers, and frying to have the temptation removed. Another effective preventive of crime was cleaner municipal life; better sanitation, and .a better moral atmosphere. The form of amusement and the frequency of attendance at such places allowed to children did not tend to their elevation, either mentally or morally. Higher ideals should bo set before them in regard to the use of their time, and cultivation of their habits and tastes. The world would be a different place, said Sir Robert, in closing, if we were more simple in our tastes and habits, mora honest in our dealings, and cultivated more love and beauty in our lives.