GAOL DISCIPLINE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1434, 8 May 1912, Page 6

GAOL DISCIPLINE.

MINISTER WILL STIFFEN IT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, May 7. Speaking of prison reform, during the course of an interview, tho Hon. ,1. A. Hunan said tlwt this question was being considered. Some changes would be niado to bring about n better classification of prisoners, to secure a higher standard of efficiency, and better administration of prisons." He expected to be able to make an announcement concerning tilis matter later on. There was need, in tlie face of what had taken place recently at Lvttelton Gaol, that prison discipline should be stiffened up. While he was quito in accord with tho idea that.prisoners should be fairly treated, ho was very firmly of opinion that tliey should be made to realise that, in prison, tlie.v could not do as they liked. Obedience must be strictly enforced. A number of (lie prisoners' po'siblv were influenced by tho very free public discussion of the question of prison reform, and had evidently construed it to mean that they were not tn be interfered with in any way or ho subjected to discipline while in gaol. The construction of prison buildings, and tiie scarcity of yard accommodation, made it exceeding dillieult to carry out a system of classification, hut he hoped to )ju able to do something in that direction in the near future.