NEW ZEALAND PRISON SYSTEM-

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3194, 20 May 1909, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND PRISON SYSTEM-

REFORM URGED. By Telegraph—Pres3 Assoication. AUCKLAND, May 17. Dr. Findlay received a deputation this morning from the Auckland Prisoners' Aid Society. Rev. Mr Budd said the Auckland Society assisted 200 prisoners each year. Reform in the prison system was chiefly needed in the treatment of young men and boys. He advocated secular a.id religious instruction in gaols. Referring to the tree planting stations, Mr Budd urged the need of single cells and complained of lack of discipline and morality. Sunday was spent in a disgraceful way. At Waitapu the men were fighting, swearing and loafing all day. In the Homes as much harm as good was done because of convicted women being placed beside young girls who had fallen to the first temptation. The Minister replied that the treatment of pisoners after leaving the prison was a matter of prime importance. He agreed that we must steadily improve .the system of classification, and he hoped shortly to separate firts offenders from hardened criminals. On tree planting stations the single cell system would be introduced' and other improvements made. Five thousand persons were sent to gaol in New Zealand each year, ai;d the matter of dealing with the question in a scientific way would receive serious attention.