THE REFORM OF THE CRIMINAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81917, 24 January 1907, Page 4

THE REFORM OF THE CRIMINAL.

"lieformation rstiier than punish-' ii.eut'' is to be in future the motto ot judges, magistrates, and prison directors in Knglaud. This, in elleet, is the outline on which the Home Oliicv. is likely to proceed in its future action in regard to the treatment of lirst offenders. •Sir K. Ruggles-Brise, the Chairman of the Commissioners of Prisons, has lately visited America and carefully studied the working of the probation system for the reformation of criminals. With his fellow commissioners Ve is now strongly in f tvour of its gen eral adoption. Under the probation system first offenders of previous good character are, after conviction, given an opportunity to reform without punishment. The existing First Offenders Act does uot always meet the case or effect reform, but under the American plan the prisoner gives a promise, reports each month to an oflicer that he is getting an honest living, is closelv watched all the time, ami then, should there be any further relapse into crime, is charged again and sentenced for both offences. In 12 months, according to the latest returns, 70,099 men and 11,810 women who had not been previously convicted were received into tlie various prisons, and the cost of maintaining them while under sentence works out at over 10s per week a head. It is estimated tliat about £200.000 a year might be saved, and !I0 per cent of these offenders reformed.

The probation system corresponds to the supervision of prisoners released on ticket-of leave, and it has b en found in practice that the lesson thus learned is effective, and that the offender does not again willingly break the hue.

"It is an excellent system." said a Home Ollice ollicial to an Express representative. "tt is premature to discuss what our action will be, but you may take it for granted that we are in* favor of this scheme.

"Hasty judges and magistrates now exercise their discretion' wisely, and endeavor to spvif those whom thev consider deserve it, and if this extended probation system comes into opera tion it wil give them far wider opportunities in attempting these reformations."

In the twelve months ending last March, 15,878 hoys and 22-fS girls wider 21 years of age were convicted and imprisoned, and 40 per cent of all tie indictable offences were committed by juveniles, though the persons between 10 and) 21 amount to only 23 per cent of the population.

That .these youthful offenders can be saved is proved by the report of the medical ofiicer of 'Penlonville pitson, who says:— "Jiy getting at the young prisoner while still in'the plastic stage, when it is possible to give him regular habits of work, and to brace iiis moral and physical tone, you can prevent the development of "the, professional tramp, and check the evolution of the professional criminal."