THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2412, 29 January 1909, Page 5

THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE

AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW.

[Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 28. Dr. Findlay, Minister of Justice, arrived in town from Wellington this morning, and attended the social gathering tendered to Air. G. W. Russell. M.P., this evening. THE POLICE E EG- UL AT lON S. In conversation with a “Truth” representative. Dr. Findlay stated tba-t at present lie was engaged upon revising the police regulation, -which were now a good nlmy years old, and had never been renewed since they •were originally gazetted. Changes in pbc system occurring through” the process of years had necessitated bringing the machinery of the regulations up to dale. Hi.s object was to make the system more workable and effective, and be thought tbut and would be achieved hy the alerations lie proposed to make. THE PRISON SYSTEM. The Afinister stated that bis visit to Lyttelton gaol to-morrow was the fust of a scries of inspections be intended making of the different prisons, as the opportunity offered. As' most- people would be aware, the question of prison reform mid criminology had engaged a good deal of his attention during the last- few years. The system in Now Zealand had been (working satisfactorily and, while it might be possible to" make improvements bore and there, he did not intend to advise the Government to make any experiments or changes that, were not justified by the experiences of other countries. The new branch of the system (tree planting camps) had answered very well, and not only bad good work been done, but tbc reformative influence had been c.f very great vailue. Possibly that branch of the system might- bo extended in principle as far as could be contrived. The system should be reformative rather than punicive. INEBRIATES’ HOALES.

Dr. Findlay said lie was also giving careful attention to the question of homes -for habitual drunkards,und was considering several amendments of the law with a view to giving a wider and more effective sphere to the present J tomes and other reformatory establishments. Asked how it was possible to,guard against the escape of .persons proceeding to inebriates' homes, such as had occurred on one of the coastal steamel's recently, the Minister said he had been approached by the authorities of some of the homes that were doing the best work, either to effect an alteration of the law so that when a person has to go into a home he or she might be conducted by a policeman, or. in the alternative, it was suggested that the State should defray the cost of some officer of thehomo selected to take charge of the person until the home was reached. He -was submitting the matter to the Government for consideration. PRISON OAAIIAS. Dr. Findlay said he intended to visit the prison camps in [Valid, and go into the • esfcion. of the future development with Colonel Hume. The question of classification and selection of prisoners for the camps was a matter involving great difficulty mid cave. ANOINTMENTS—JUDICIAL AND •MAGISTERIAL.

The Alinister stated that the appointment of a Magistrate to till the position declined bv Air. Kirk von. a he made almost immediately, «nu Inter on further appointments would be made when found necessary. Asked regarding the loeoummmlatlons of the Wellington Law_ society us to the. appointment -1 cxiua JfdDr Find lav said Hurt he had nothing to add to the adverse report of the Chief -Justice in Hie matter. The appointment of now Justices of the Peace would be ! considered by Cabinet within the next few weeks. 7 The appointment of new f.ouce inspectors wou-ld be announced wJhm tlio week, and proba>bly oy next.