PRISON REFORM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2762, 17 March 1910, Page 2

PRISON REFORM.

DR. FINDLAY’S SCHEME. [Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, March 16. The Hon. Dr Findlay, Minister of Justice, gave particulars of his (prison reform scheme to a “New Zealand Times” reporter last night. The provisions of the indertermmate sentence are extended and made applicable to all cases, though the detominate sentence will be retained in all proper cases. The following institutions are provided for: Penitentiaries for male prisoners, institution for sexual perverts and criminals of unsound 1 mind', institution for incorrigible drunkards, prison camps, reformatory for women. Provision is made for the extension of the probation system, and for dealing with occasional and habitual drunkards. Prisoners are to be classified on a double basis, first as to type; secondly, as to conduct and improvement. The case of every prisoner sentenced to indeterminate sentence will be reviewed every three months. Every prisoner, by .performing his task, will earn credit marks having a definite monetary value. The relief of dependents of a prisoner will be a first charge on his earnings. Ail physically capable prisoners will be employed on remunerative works, such as stoneinasonrv, iron-moulding, tinware, making book covers, and brickmaking. Education, will be provided for illiterates, enabling fourth standaid requirements in reading, writing, and arithmetic to be passed. An extension of the prison caiinp system, is proposed, taking in occupations other than treeplanting. Special provisions are made for the classification of drunkards. Dr Findlay considers that the scheme, when in full operation, will show great saving over tile present system. The scheme is adapted' to meet present and prospective requirements of this country; also to utilise •is far as possible the building, equipment, and administrative machinery already existing. Besides State institutions, official recognition is given to the work of private agencies, and their assistance is requisitioned wheresoever available and adaptable. When an indeterminate sentence is applied the release of a prisoner depends upon Himself. The conditions of release are determined by a tribunal of suitable experts, except in the case of any person convicted 1 of a crime punishable by hard labor for life. Power to release shall be exercisable by the Guvor-nor-in-Council. Privileges are placed within the attainment of prisoners, hutcan be gained only by moral and industrial improvement. According to the first classification prisoners are distributed to divisions of various institutions and agencies-. According to the second they arc graded within those institutions. In the classification or criminals at work care is exercised to direct the -minds into channels which arc out of sympathy with their former manner of life.* Prisoners may allow their earnings to accumulate and receive them on discharge. It is intended to employ all ip-hysically capable men on remunerative works. Tims men gain an industrial training that is useful on release. The products of thc-ir labor will be used by the department, and not -compete with outside labor. In the extension of the camp, system, camps for quarrying building stone, manufacturing ec-ment, and making bricks are to be situated in such parts of the Dominion as will enable their products to be easily loaded into scows and distributee!. The agricultural reformatory is to be on .a site which has been selectedl near enough to means of transit to avoid the cost of carriage becoming a weighty expense. It is to-' be far enough away to avoid intercommunication, laxity o.f discipline, or facilities to escape. It will contain -about 1200 acres, possibly more. Farming will be carried out in all its branches.