PRISON REFORM .

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1930, Page 1

PRISON REFORM .

A N.Z. CLAIM

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 30

The third annual conference off the Howard League in New Zealand fdr Penal Reform, was opened to-day by the Minister of Justice, Sir T. Sidey.

Delegates Were present from all parts of the Dominion. Mr Justice Stringer was unanimously elected president. Notwithstanding that the expediture on penal Reform in New Zealand is largely curtailed on account of more urgent calls for money to be spent in other directions, the Minister of Justice (Sir Thomas Sidey) regards the results that are being achieved as very satisfactory. Addressing the annual conference of the Howard Prison Reform League to-day, Sir Thomas Sidey pointed out that New Zealand prison methods are in line with modern practice in other countries, and lie qnoted figures to show the effectivenes sof the system. He thought it could reasonably he- claimed that in the evolution of the New Zealand penal system, an effort had been made to keep in step with developments abroad. “From what I have been able to read and from the opinions expressed by those who, have visited prisons abroad,” he said, “I think til atn safe in saying that New Zealand is in.the forefront of the world in extra-mural prison programmes.” The modern trend was for the ruralising of all correctional institutions. It was realised that farm life and broad acres provided freedom and healthful physical exercise, which was so essential to impart the resistance necessary to break anti-social habits, and, at the’ same time, inspire a feeling of confidence, and promote the expansion of those higher qualities manhood which must develop in the process of reformation. We had a system of classification whereby youthful offenders, to avoid contamination with older criminals, were sent to Borstal institutions for training and treatment appropriate to their age. ‘‘lt is recognised” the Minister continued, “ that a class ification based entirely on age and criminal experience, instead of on personality, is incomplete. The Department aims at individualisation as far as is practicable, by istuding the peculiar traits of each offender, and. where necessary, seeking the advice; of mental specialists.”