PRISON AND REFORM WORK.

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 218, 18 August 1913, Page 15

PRISON AND REFORM WORK.

Dear Sisters,—Since my appoint' merit to this department, 1 have been making enquiries and securing information relative to prison conditions, which might be helpful in securing some beneficial reforms.

This week, in Christchurch, 1 have been favoured by an interview with Mrs Cunnmgton, a well-known reform worker, whose experience is not only an extended one 4 but one with exceptional opportunities for ascertaining the actual conditions by personal visitation as a Government inspector, of various prison.-, in New Zealand, with a considerable opportunity also of visiting institutions of the kind in Great Britain.

Mrs Cunnmgton pointed out the desirability of having all women prisoners (fortunately, they are comparatively few) in one central prison foi the Dominion. Then lady doctors could attend them. Also, lady visitors could be appointed as inspec tors. At present the few lady official visitors have powers only of suggestion and recommendation.

At. present, since the women prisoners are in different places, it is desir able that a lady inspector be appointed for both the North and South Islands respectively. Jn Mrs Cunnington’s opinion, such lady inspectors would be preferable, if honorary, rather than stipendiary, and for two reasons. First, that being honorary, the position would not be sought after b} undesirable persons for the sake of the salary. Second, that an honorary inspector would not be so likely to pass over details which needed remedying, to make things smooth-sailing, so as to keep the position.

Special qualifications are needed, i’ is obvious. (A suggested honorarium, ay of £2 5, to provide assistance in the home of lady undertaking ihe work, and also travelling ex penses would be necessary.) It is desirable, too, tliat in the case of women prisoners some technical instruction (in dressmaking, typewriting, etc.) should be given, that there should be a chance of a respectable livelihood on release from prison. The fact of learning something new is of a reformative tend° ’cy also.

1 hope to be able to give other suggestions later on, and in the meantime to leave these points to your consideration. If your Union is favourable, the reform will be much advanced by your passing the following, or some such resolution, forwarding it promptly to Mr Herdman, M.P., Wellington, the Minister for justice:— Resolved : “That in the interests of reformative work among the women prisoners of th*' Dominion, this Union of wishes 10 bring before the Minister for Justice the desirability of arranging that all such prisoners be located in one central women's

prison, where lady doctors could be engaged to attend them; and that a lady Inspector, with special powers, be authorised to visit all such women prisoners, whether in North or South island, with a view *0 securing the interests of reformative influence, and the advantage of society generally. “Also, that technical instruction in cooking, dressmaking, typewriting, etc., be given, so that women criminals, 011 release, would have a fair chance of honest livelihood.” SISTER MOODV HELL, Supt. Priori Work.