PENAL REFORM IN N.Z.

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 960, 1 May 1930, Page 7

PENAL REFORM IN N.Z.

RECORDS SHOW SUCCESS OF EFFORTS MINISTER REVIEWS WORK Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. Notwithstanding that the expenditure on penal reform in New Zealand is largely curtailed on account of more urgent calls for money to be spent in other directions, the Aiinister 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 yesterday, lie pointed out that New Zealand prison methods were in line witli modern practice in other countries, and quoted figures to show the effectiveness of the system. Sir Thomas said he thought it could reasonably be claimed that in the evolution of the New Zealand penal system t 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 I am safe in saying that New Zealand is in the forefront of the world in its extramural prison programmes.” The modern trend was for the ruralising of all correctional institutions. It was realised that farm life and broad acres provided the freedom and the healthful physical exercise which were so essential to impart resistance necessary to break anti-social habits, and at the same time to inspire a feeling of confidence and promote expansion of those higher qualities which must develop in the processes of reformation. New Zealand 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. “It is recognised,” the Minister continued, "that any classification based entirety on age anil criminal experience, instead of on personality, is incomplete. The department aims at individualisation as far as is practicable by studying tlie peculiar traits of each offender, where necessary, seeking the advice of mental specialists. Relative to the question of classification, I notice from earlier remits that have been passed that the league has advocated that every prisoner and probationer should be mentally examined. I am advised that it is neither necessary nor practicable to have every prisoner mentally examined. The greater percentage of prisoners show m> indication whatever of mental impairment. English prison commissioners do not attempt to have every prisoner examined. Their practice is to have such an examination made only where there is some manifestation of a mental defect. In New Zealand prisons the department follows a similar course and cases are frequently referred for examination by psychiatrists.

"In connection with the general trend of crime in New Zealand it is satisfactory to note a gradual decline in the prison population. The figures lor 1929, though not yet finished, show a still further downward trend. When due allowance is made for the stringency of finance and the amount of unemployment, which undoubtedly have a bearing on this question, the position must be regarded as* satisfactory. "The greater use of alternative methods of treatment of offenders, such as the extended use of probation,” said the Aiinister, "was a matter which rested primarily with judges and magistrates. While he was in accord with the fullest practical use of probation, ha was satisfied that the most careful discretion was exercised by the judiciary in that, matter. "The best test for the effectiveness of our methods of prison treatment was Lhe number of offenders who were returned to prison after release; With regard to the Borstal men, the number v.'ho subsequently appeared before the courts was less than 10 per cent., the lowest in the world. In England, 55 per cent, of successes was regarded as satisfactory. In regard to other forms of imprisonment, the aim of which in recent years had been essentially reformative, it was interesting to note that over a period of 17 years past, 79 per cent, of all persons sentenced to hard labour or reformative detention, and released on the recommendation of the Prison’s Board, had not lapsed subsequently, thereby showing that imprisonment had had a salutary effect.”