PENAL REFORM.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19945, 23 July 1936, Page 8

PENAL REFORM.

OVERHAUL OF SYSTEM. PRESBYTERIAN RESOLUTION. Penal reform was the subject before the fortnightly meeting of the ‘United Presbyterian Discussions Club in St. Andrew’s vestry last night, Mr H. M. McGibbon presiding. Mr F. A. de la Mare moved “that the time is ripe for a complete overhaul of the penal system of New Zealand.” The speaker dealt with theories of punishment, contending that in the modern view the greatest importance is placed upon the reformative element. The New Zealand system was reviewed in detail and the official defences considered. The speaker referred to the Prisons Board, reformative detention and the borstal system, contending that the appearances of reformative outlook were entirely misleading and frmisory. There was only one road to better things—diagnosis and treatment. The psychological work at present creeping slowly in, in special cases where the need of examination was obvious to a judge or magistrate, was merely touching the fringe of the question. A complete system including diagnosis, treatment in or out of institutions, with the encouragement of aftercare by both official and unofficial agencies, was strongly urged. The motion was seconded by Mr P. Wells. A discussion followed and the motion was carried uuaiiimouely.