THE PENAL SYSTEM

Evening Star, Issue 23383, 28 September 1939, Page 16

THE PENAL SYSTEM

GENERAL INQUIRY RECOMMENDED [Fuom Ouu Paiiliamentauv Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 27. An investigation of the whole penal system of New Zealand by a parliamentary Committee was recommended by the Public Petitions Committee, reporting to the House yesterday on several petitions containing this suggestion. One was from C. 11. N. Mackie and other Christchurch petitioners, and F. Sampson, of Invercargill. The latter also requested that the right of appeal he granted in the event of persons being removed from the list of official visitors to the Borstal institutions and nii inquiry into the system of appointment of prison visitors. The committee declined to make a recommendation on these matters Mr Nordmeyer, chairman of the committee, stated that evidence was obtained from several witnesses and departmental officers showing that there had been an improvement of prison conditions in recent years, but it was still considered that there was sufficient evidence to justify recommending a general inquiry. Such questions were raised as whether too many offenders were sent to prison, whether the authorities made adequate use of the probation system, and whether the Borstal institutions should be under the Education Department’s control. Mr Denham (Invercargill), who surveyed the development of the Borstal system at length, criticised the Invercargill institution’s cold cells and dispiriting conditions, adding that the Department seemed to regard proposals for reforms .as unwarranted intrusions on its sphere. However, improve ments had been made on which he congratulated the Minister. 'Classes where inmates were taught civics, economics, fecial history, and technical subjects were excellent, while the interest taken hv the public in the bnvs’ welfare was very commendable. Women visitors were doing useful social work, their services being indispensable. Replying to a suggestion by Mr Hargest that the committee’s report involved want of confidence in the Minister, Mr Mason (Attorney-General) declared that all human institutions could show room for improvement, but ho was not disposed to agree that there was any obvious need in respect of the Borstal institution. _ Though it would be a confession of, failure if he ignored obvious grounds for improvement, in fairness to his. officers, lie must contend that there was no widespread diquiet over the position.