MINISTER OF JUSTICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2434, 24 February 1909, Page 5

MINISTER OF JUSTICE.

POLICE REGULATIONS AND PRISON REFORM.

[Press Association.l WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. The Minister lor Justice (Hon Dr. Findlay) -and the Commissioner (Mr W. Dmnie) arc busily engaged at present in revising the police regulations, which date back from 25 or 30 yeans. One immediate effect of the revision was the promotion of a. chief detective (Mr. McGrath) to-the position of sub-inspector. “I propose to treat the two branches of the service as one,” said the Minister in conversation with a “Post” reporter. “A chief detective has the necessary qualifications. His promotion to a isub-jnspectorship will bo as possible as the promotion of a mian in the other branch of the service., I am not saying,” lie added “that the practice previously in vogue of treating the detective branch as a separate entity entirely imposed any hardship. I do not .know whether any hardship resulted, but it is only fair to the Commissioner to say that he himself recognised the fairness and advisability, of this course being taken.” “The subject of prison reform is taking up a" large portion of ray time at present,” said the Minister for Justice (tlio Hon. Dr Findlay) to a “Post” reporter; He added that lie had now made a careful and exhaustive inspection of the prisons in the four centres, and is now devising a scheme of classification which be proposes to have thoroughly criticised by exports, and filially submitted to the Government for confirmation. Ihe Minister formally acknowledges that the problem is a most difficult one. bin be is busily engaged in making himself familiar with the system in vogue in England and America and o s - where, and with the theoretical ■and. historical literature on tho subject.