H.—2o.

8

wise, with those who offend against the laws of the camp. Many instances could be given of prisoners being trusted far beyond the immediate oversight of any warder, and the consensus of opinion of those experienced in dealing with prisoners is that the element of trust stimulates the development of self-respect. Local experience confirms the view expressed by the English Prison Commissioners that " The care of animals on the farms seems to bring with it a sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice quite out of proportion with the effect that such duties have on free men. The convict will devote himself body and soul to nursing and grooming an animal for the showring, and will swell with pride when he hears his charge has carried off first prize." The more enlightened attitude now adopted in dealing with those placed in the Department's care is shown by the reports attached hereto of the controlling officers of the various institutions. These reports are published at length this year, as they admirably portray the consideration and regard shown for the prisoner physically, mentally, and morally. Whilst with certain prisoners it is almost impossible to stimulate any decent emotions, with the greater majority there is better relationship, greater freedom from complaints, and a keener interest evinced in their work. There is a growing recognition that man reacts largely to the manner in which he is treated. The present-day methods involve a careful study of personality and mental make-up of each prisoner, and the exercise of judgment and discretion on the part of those in charge of prisoners. Individualization of punishment is regarded as the keynote of modern prison methods, and by this is meant the personal study of each offender and his response to the treatment accorded, the aim being to distinguish between those who cannot and those who will not conform to prescribed social standards. It is desirable to classify offenders into groups based on sex, age, criminal experience, and personality generally, to enable an appropriate regimen to be devised suitable to the respective classes. Intensive classification and the separation of every class of offender is a practical impossibility, on the ground of expense. The broad working basis adopted in New Zealand is as follows : Youthful offenders, to avoid contamination with older criminals, are sent to the Borstal institutions for training and treatment appropriate to their age ; old and senile offenders are incarcerated at Wanganui, where the milieu is suited to their physical and mental condition ; the more dangerous criminals, and those whose records and demeanour show that they cannot with safety to society be given the liberties afforded at the reformatory camps, are detained at Mount Eden Prison, which is the only purely penal prison in the Dominion ; sexual perverts are segregated at New Plymouth, where there are special facilities for constant supervision, and where the Department now has a mental specialist as Medical Officer. At the Paparua Prison, Wi Tako, and the camps more trusted prisoners are detained. Women prisoners are sent to the Mount Eden Women's Prison or to the Addington Women's Reformatory, while the younger women are detained at the Point Halswell Borstal Institution. The Department realizes that an integral part of the prison system is a system of after-care of prisoners on release. It is becoming more definitely realized that unless a prisoner on discharge is enabled to obtain employment and rehabilitate himself, the efforts in prison to reform him or to stimulate in him habits of industry are likely to be futile and misspent. An English writer recently observed that " A prison habitual must naturally, in the present temper of society, find great external hindrances to recovery. ... A social stigma rests upon him ; the attitude of both employers and workmates make it difficult for him to obtain work." It is this negative attitude, and the difficulties that beset the prisoner in rehabilitating himself, that are responsible for a large amount of recidivism. In endeavouring to quicken a more charitable and helpful attitude it should be clearly understood that it is not desired to excite any feelings of misguided sympathy or sentimentality towards evildoers, but to create a rational attitude which, while in no way minimizing the sense of wrongdoing, will assist in the restoration to citizenship of those who genuinely strive to retrieve themselves. Acknowledgements. I desire to place on record the Department's deep sense of gratitude for the assistance and cooperation of the Visiting Justices who have regularly visited the various institutions, also to Official Visitors, and in this respect I would particularly mention the name of Mr. James Stewart, for his indefatigable labours at Mount Eden Prison, and his interest in forming a special after-care committee to assist discharged prisoners and their families. The thanks of the Department are due to the various Borstal Committees for their interest and help in connection with the work of the Borstal institutions. The Department is also indebted to the Women's Borstal Association and their associate ladies for the after-care and supervision of young women discharged from the Borstal. Thanks are also due to the Workers' Educational Association, members of the Howard League, and the numerous teachers and other citizens who have assisted with regular lectures at the various institutions and the entertainment of prisoners. To the Prisoners' Aid Society, Justices' Association, and the Voluntary Probation Committees grateful thanks are due for their helpful co-operation, particularly in assisting discharged prisoners and providing financial assistance in necessitous cases. The Department appreciates the care and interest, often at personal inconvenience and considerable expense so far as visits to the prison camps are concerned, shown by the various ministers of religion who attend to the moral and spiritual welfare of prisoners at the various institutions. I desire also to take this opportunity of placing on record my thanks to the members of the staff for their loyalty, and the enthusiastic manner in which they have endeavoured to carry out their duties and promote the efficient administration of the Department. B. L. Dallaed, Controller-General of Prisons.