TREATMENT OF PRISONERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12617, 30 November 1926, Page 10

TREATMENT OF PRISONERS

INFORMATION DESIRED CONFINEMENT NO LONGER THAN NECESSARY A QUESTIONNAIRE following the inquiry on the subject of the alleged preferential' treatment of prisoners, the New Zealand Labour Party has issued a statement saying that the Act of 1924 particularly referred to young persons, and among other provisions conferred on the Minister the power to release persons serving a term of detention. The Minister must first bo satisfied that there was a reasonable probability that the offender would abstain from crime, and lead a useful and industrious life. A more far-seeing or wiser measure was never placed on the statute book of tho Dominion. Provided that competent, wiso and just persons acted as advisors to the Minister, their advice should be accepted at ouce, and no young j>erson should bo confined for one day longer than was necessary for his or her own welfare. The inherent purpose of a sound .judicial system was to restore the delinquent to the full privileges of social life immediately he or she was fit fot KUch restoration. It was equally important for the sound organisation of tho social life of any community that those in charge of the judiciary should bo above reproach. The Labour Party does not in any way associate itself with the hue and cry which has been manufactured during the past few months; hut in view of the prevalent feeling that there is a possibility of preferential treatment having boon accorded to certain individuals. it is of opinion that the Government should make public the following information:-* (T) Kow many persons have been ordered to be detained under the Prevention of Crimes Act, 1924 ? (2) The length of the periods for which detention was ordered. (3) Mow many persons have been released ? (!) The original period of detention ordered for those already released. (o) The period for which they were actually detained. (G - ) >Vhat reasons wore given to the Minister by those who recommended tho release ? (7) Were any conditions imposed before release was granted? What conditions were imposed, if any? The lath.Hir Party condemned nnv administration of the law according to society statin* or financial considerations, hut would support the Govern incut, in every step taken that will giro to individuals who have transgressed tho. laws the right to rehabilitate themselves, and to once more become responsible members of society.