BROAD ARROW TO GO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16876, 30 October 1922, Page 9

BROAD ARROW TO GO.

PRISON REFORM IN ENGLAND. By Telegraph— Prwi Association—Copyright Australi&u and N.Z. Gable Association. (Received Octol>er 30, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON. October 28. The annual report of the Commissioners of Prisons states that sweeping changes are being effected in the prison system, including the abolition of the ‘■broad arrow,*’ the substitution of ordinary haircutting for “ convict crops,” the transfer of prisoners from prison i to prison in civilian clothes ; no wires I or bars between convicts or prisoners: ‘ improved cell furniture, permission tor ■ prisoners to talk at work, the provi- j sion of more concerts, lectures, debates j and dramatic- entertainments, the sup- i ply of a weekly summary of news, and : increase of library facilities. PRISONERS NOT PAMPERED. j The .’Commissioners deny that the ; prisoners arc pampered, and say that j unless their minds are fed aud exercised . they will be restored to the keen com-J petition of the outside world torpid in j mind and nerve, and quite unfit to re- ; muiio their places in society. Nevertheless the year’s record shows an increase J in crime. CAUSE OF GRIME INCREASE. ! The increase of the receptions into prison are attributed to the trade depression and to other effects of war. The Commissioners point out that more Than half of the increase is accounted for by the increase in debtor prisoners, chiefly for wife maintenance and income* tax arrears. Many men will not maintain a wife who. l ightly or wrongly, i.i considered undeserving.