PRISON SYSTEMS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 172, 7 August 1937, Page 3

PRISON SYSTEMS

■ 1 » — 9 . ii .. Reformation the Goal in England AUCKLAND CHAPLAIN'S VIEWS ''In England the law puts reformation before punishment in dealing with prisoners," says the Itev. G E. Moroton, Anglican chaplain to the Mount Eden prison, in an article on his recent tour abroad, published with the annual roport of the Bischarged Prisoners' Aid Society. "Several visits were paid to Wormwood Scrnbbs. with 1000 prisonors, and to -Maid stone prison, containing 250 'star' convicts," Mr Moreton oontinnes. "In both T found that trust and reformation wero muc(i in evidence. The warders liad no guns, all prisoners wore collars and tics and warm clothing. and inuch was being dope to preyent them from losing selfre§pect. "'Classification was carried out, sc that first offenders were not in close oontact with those eonsidered to be hardened criminals '1 he honotir system was an experiuient which seemed to bo giving exceilent results. a patrol lei'd•r with a distinguishing red band on his arm being responsible for the behaviour of those in his seet.'on." In the cell blocks were rerroation rooms with llowers in vases. Nurscs were on duty in the hospital, aud the prison doctor was qualified as n psycJiologist. Vocational guidante was i

given in order to help men to rehabilitate themselves after felease, Both prisons liad social halls, used for concerts, lectures and debates, which the prisoners entered into with keenness. A. weelcly paper was published, containing uews of topical interest and some articles supplied by prisoners, while crossword puzzles were much in evidence. Tl.ere were large libraries, which the men were encouraged to fise. Mr Moreton found the warders to be of a good type. Before appointinent every man had to pass a ''personalit.v test" in an interview with one of Ihe prison commissioners.. Many of them took nine months' courses at the training college at Wakefield, an excellent institution. "I hope that an effort will be made to enable officers from the Dominion to go there for intensive training and experience," adds ■ tlm writer. Jn Wornnvood Scruhhs, office.s wero provided for the chaplain, a Chur h Arrny officer, whosc work was aniong the yotithful' deliuquents, aud two ofiicials of the Discharged Prisoners1 Aid Society. The Governmeut made substautial grants toward all these ae tivities.