INDETERMINATE SENTENCES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 414, 23 July 1908, Page 2

INDETERMINATE SENTENCES.

An interesting portion of the annual report of Captain Neiteusteiu, Comptroller-General of New South Wales Prisons, is that relating to what is called the progressive stage system, and the indeterminate sentence. The former has now fully developed and has not only promoted good order and industry, but has largely reduced the punishment list. A prisoner practically determines his, or her, own treatment under this system, and the result is that there is little inclination to shirk work, or to misbehave. Not more than two per cent, received punishment during 1907, and the offences were for the most part of a trivial character. There were no floggings, ironings, or other severe forms of punishment, and dark cells were abolished some years ago. During the year there were 11 persons who, in addition to being sentenced for their offence, were declared habitual criminals. There are now 25 of these prisoners, three of whom have entered upon the indeterminate portion of their sentences. Some new regulations have recently been brought into operation providing a progressive period, and this allows them to earn certain privileges by bard work and good conduct, including a certain monetary remuneration. This latter enables the men to purchase some extras in the way of tobacco, papers, butter, and so forth, and will also provide a fair sum to assist them on discharge, should they at some future time be considered fit to be again entrusted with liberty under the safeguards set forth in the Act. This new departure in criminology forms a powerful deterrent as regards the professional criminal and should add to the security of life and property.