FEMALE PRISONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1917, Page 4

FEMALE PRISONS.

ACCOMMODATION OVERTAXED,

WELLINGTON, Oct. 15

The Hon. J. A. Hamm (Dlinister of Justice) is somewhat concerned about tho position in regard to the female prisoners in the gaolsiof the Dominion. Ho has been informed by Mr. C. 12. Matthews, Inspector of Prisons, that at the present time there are more women in. our gaols than for very many years. The daily average for 1913 was sixtv-six, the maximum during the past few weeks has been one hundred and six. Addington was established as a central females in 1913, the intention being that all women with sentences of over six months should be sent there. The policy" was followed for a time, but it was not anticipated that the prison authorities should have such a. number of women sent there Ims lately risen as high as 5-1. The number at present is 50. In tho female divisions at Auckland there are 29, and in Wellington 21, with two at Napier. The long sentence women at Auckland and Wellington, Dir. Matthews says, should be sent to Addington, but the place is already overcrowded. The question arise s as to what is to he done to meet the position. Under present conditions there is no opportunity to carry out even a primary classification,, consequently the yop tig, the old, and women of all classes are associated without restriction.

Upon looking through the list of women prisoners, Mr. TTanan finds that there are at .present 47 prostitutes included among the number—that is, of those with sentences of six months and over. There are probably others among the short sentence prisoners. It can only be assumed, he considers that this large percentage of the unfortunate class is due to war conditions, and to tliu periodical “cleaning up” that is lining carried out hy the police in the main centres. Of the -17 prostitutes referred to there are. 11 in Auckland prison, 10 in Wellington, and 2(1 in Addington. Their ago s range from 20 to 50.