PRISON FARM LABOUR

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 June 1916, Page 3

PRISON FARM LABOUR

Tie Stat« of Aew South Wales as a farmer has established what is called a i risoii -l' «iriu oil the .Nepean river. J t is situated, in a fertile district, and comprises 107 acree, on wmcli some 20 prisoners, who have guou conduct records, are at present working. It is intended to add another 20 workers, and, ol course, in order to oocupy the time ol such a large number of workmen, small industries will be started ..which require a lot ol labour. J)'ruits will be raised, but'apparently most of the farm will be devoted to raising vegetables. An irrigation plant has been put in, and, with sucn a fine .supply of cheap labour there is a groat chance of the area being made exceptionally productive, ihe men are well housed, under observation, and they receive Is Gd per week while they behave themselves. The farm i.s regarded as inuch in the light of an experiment, with the object of testing: the effects of healthy open-air occupation on prisoners, and for the purpose of carrying on the farm. it the management is successful, and quantities of fruit, and vegetables are raised, ; t ie intended to set up shop in the metropolis foi- the sale of the products. • r I"lit? Premier is the author of the scheme, and he has certainly been actuated by a strong desire to attempt sonic new and rational treatment for prisoners which might have Hie effect of creating a healthier frame of "mind that could possibly be expected while the men were in close confinement. Curiously enough the dnstrict in which the farm is situated has many old convict, associations. Oonviots built the road out weet through J3mu Plains, and many of them worked on the farms Occasionally rusted leg-irons and handcuffs are turnedi up when the soil is ■worked. Certainly the new treatment for prisoners is in very striking, contract to that under which the convicts suffered in the old times.