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Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2567, 5 September 1867, Page 3

DuniNd the sittings of the Supreme Court which yesterday afternoon w.cro brought to a dose, Mr Justice Johnston, in reference to certain of the prisoners convicted, whose antecedents were of the worst, expressed an opinion that there wore in this colony a class of persons who, whether in or out of gaol, were always a burthen on the country, aud who passed the least miserable existence when undergoing sentences of imprisonment. His Honor also took occasion to point out the necessity of legislation on the subject of prison discipline and the interior economy of gaols, and expressed a hope that before long, criminals to whom disgrace was no punishment, would

be made to regard imprisonment, of whatever duration, in a different light than at present. It is not the first time his Honor has had occasion to make a similar observation, and the evil of which he has so frequently and justly complained, every session becomes more and more apparent. It is patent to every clasß of society that, to persons such as those convicted at the recent assizes, an existence lightened by genial companionship, made pleasant by a plentiful supply of good wholesome food, by indulgences in j smoking, by warm and not too crowded apartments, and by only a few hours very easy work, offers many attractions. It is evident that to the vagrant and the thief I there is no punishment in a bed, regular meals, clothing, and laziness, and it is also very apparent that while such a class ! are enabled by their conduct to obtain such comforts, the criminal statistics must every year be higher and higher. ! As the gaol regulations at present in ( i force stand, governors and, wardens of j prisons are almost powerlesß, especially as regards the classification of criminals [ and the management of the wards of their establishments set aside for female prisoners, who, consequently, obtain plenty of food, rest, and comfort without the trouble of doing even the ordinary work which attaches to housewives in respectable circumstances. Such being the case there is no wonder that Mr Justice Johnston so emphatically deplores a system which pays a premium for vice, and earnestly expresses a hope ' — in which we cordially join — that the General Assembly will take immediate step 8 to make an improvement in the interior economy of the gaols of the colony.