PRISON REFORM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9630, 23 October 1909, Page 4

PRISON REFORM.

Speaking in the Legislative Council, yesterday afternoon, the Attor-ney-General (Dr. Findky) made an interesting statement in regard to what the Government intended to do in the matter of prison reform, Zeaalnd was the most backward of countries in this respect, and the time had come to make a forward movement. Hitherto retaliation had been the dominant feature of the penal system, but the aim of modern reform was the protection of society rather than the punishment of the criminal. Under, the system he contemplated there would be less punishment, and more encouragement given to prisoners to reform, but where the criminal proved hopeless he would remain under restraint for the rest of his life. There were two main principles to be adopted. One was the indeterminate sentence. There should be a minimum penalty, but a prisoner should not be released at the end of his term untii the judge of the Supreme Court was satisfied that it is safe for society to release him. Then there should be classification in the gaols, and encouragement held out for reform. Under the system proposed they would be able to send out men" qualified for farming and various other occupations. By introducing certain industries into the prison tne cost of maintenance could be reduced, and if a prisoner chose to work a little harder than was required he would receive some remuneration.