HABITUAL CRIMINALS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2809, 15 January 1908, Page 31

HABITUAL CRIMINALS.

THE ESTDETERiMINATE SENTENCE. i (Fbom Oub Own Cobkbspohdsnt.) I ' "WELLINGTON, January 9. ' Regulations under "The Habitual Criminals- and Offenders Act, 1906," &fb gazetted to-night.- It -is provided that there shall be a consultative comniittee for each reformatory prison, consisting- 'of- the stipendiary magistrate residing in the district in which the reformatory prison ia situated (who shall -visit the institution once at least in every month), the visiting justice, and the manager. The committee will be required to consider carefully- the case of each prisoner, to deal with any specific matter referred to it, and to advise the. Minister thereon. The stipendiary magistrate shall preside* at each meeting of tho committee, and shall arrange for holding regular quarterly meetings and such, extra, meetings as may be found necessary. _ Two members shall form a quorum, and 'minutes shall bo. kept of tlhe proceedings of each, meeting. At the regular meetings punishments which have taken, place since the last meeting shall be reported^ together - with particulars of marks and money - awarded to each prisoner, Tesult of appeals, outstand-^ ing requests in. request book, and other necessary details of treatment. Everjr prisoner shall be brought singly before the. 'committee "at its; regular meetings to ensure that no case is overlooked. In regard tothe_ treatment of habitual criminals, every prisoner will have » separate cell, in- whicn he will sleep, have his' meals, and keep such of his belongings a& may be sanctioned by the manager. Indulgence will b« granted on/account of, good conduct and industry, and such indulgences will "indud* postage stamps, tea, coffee, cocoa,, tobacco, cheese, fresh" strain; newspapers, pipes, but< ter, jam, milk, extra, lighting, extra issaf of books, 4ind any other such privileges at the .manager may' sanction*. No prisones shall take indulgences or extra articles ; oi food outside -his ceU,.msr share them wits* '■others without being liable to punishment, including forfeiture of marks and privileges. There are provisions for " earning; marks" in connection -with employment, " deduction of fines," " privileges," aaid " petitions for release." Ration- scales ore also gazetted. - .