Tuapeka Times. AND GOLOFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1875. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 429, 27 January 1875, Page 2

Tuapeka Times. AND GOLOFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1875. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

The problem of dealing with ourcriminal population, so as to render the penalties inflicted by law reformatory of the criminal , is a very important one, and not easy of solution. The proper classification of prisoners is an important means. We have again and again urged the utilization of our Lawrence prison as a depot for first offenders. This seems to be suggested by the class of crimes usually tried at Lawrence. We are not, however, going into this subject at present ; but to call attention to the direction this matter is taking in reference to those children in which the State is forced to assume the place of parent. There are unnatural and criminal parents, who either abandon their offspring to their fate, or do what is worse — actually train them up to crime. The children are actually sent out to steal, and their reception at home with unnatural parents is dependent on the amount of plunder they may be able to secure. They are beaten into dishonesty. Well, such waifs, when they fall into the hands of the police, are at present either sent to prison, where they may have their education in crime still more perfected, or to the Industrial School, where the likelihoods are that they may infect with their criminal propensities the children of the unfortunate poor and orphans, vvho are only there aa the consequence of poverty or misfortune. There is much need of classification here. Wise legislation is very much needed to effect a proper separation of those whose only claim on the State arises from adversity, and those who have come under its power because of their crimes. There is no doubt but that Christian beneficence is the best means that can be employed with the orphans and the children of the unfortunate poor. The efforts of Mr. Miiller's Orphanages on the Bristol Downs have been singularly successful in providing homes and the right sorb of discipline for destitute children. Perhaps no State arrangements could have done for them what he has through Christian principles accomplished,. Another effpyt is now

going on iv London on similar principles for the Arabs of London streets. These are collected into homes, where they are fed and clothed and taught, not only .in useful secular subjects, but- trained in religious knowledge by those who are themselves "practical examples of religious principles. After a period of probation these are removed to homes in Canada, where they are offered for adoption to those who have no children of their own, or who have roora notwithstanding, for one who may serve and yet be cared for as a child. The parties who act in their interest, see to it that those receiving them are likely to fulfil their duties properly, and the youth is encouraged to look to the home as a house of counsel, and also to expect its aid if re-engagement is required. From specimens of the correspondence kept up by the protege's with the home, the plan works admirably, and many a one is rescued from inevitable crime to become a useful member of society. Now it would bo difficult for any Government arrangements to do the work with equal efficiency The State is so bound to its various subjects, that as a rule, in the matter of religious training it is hampered, and it is, we believe, to the religious training, that in both of the above instances the success is mainly due. Our Industrial School in Dunedin is an admirable institution, though subsidised by the State, it is left very much in the hands of those benevolent persons who subscribe liberally towards its support. The reports submitted again and again by Mr. and Mrs. Brittan, show these persons to be admirably fitted to the place they occupy. Si.ill, we want very much another institution in the country, viz., a reformatory that criminals of the juvenile class may be kept away from prison and still under a reformative discipline. Our neighbours in Victoria are moving in that direction. They are advocating what they call the boarding-out system with regard to the dependant poor ; the object is, on the part of the Government in loco parentis, to secure for orphans and destitute children, not of the criminal class, the advantages of a home influence. As far as we can learn, the plan will bear some resemblance to the old system in England previous to the institution of union poor houses. When every parish supported its own poor the overseers were in the habit of apprenticing out boys and girls to those who would receive them. In some cases life-long attachments sprung up between the apprentices and their masters and mistres3es, vvho became like foster parents ; iv other cases it was the reverse. Who that has read tho life of Dr. Kitto but has had his indignation aroused against the monster in human shape, whp beat and bruised his poor dumb apprentice, and who thought he might indulge his vicious humours unchallenged on a friendless boy. We say Lot these things to stay the scheme in Victoria, but to insist on this classification, and to see to it that it is done under proper provisions. It is a pity that we have not more benevolent institutions, as we feel persuaded they do the work efficiently and well.