CHANGED METHODS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9990, 9 March 1910, Page 4

CHANGED METHODS.

Nothing cou!d better illustrate the changed methods of prison treatment than the efforts that are made to instruct and amuse the unfortunate inmates of gaols, as well as to discipline them, says the Sydney "Daily Telegraph"). Lectures, missions and services of song are held in the gaols at different periods, in some cases as frequently as once a month, and these are highly appreciated, as the prisoners strive for the privilege of attending them. For the lectures, such subjects were chosen last year as "Faust," "Conscience and Character, *' "Oratory," "Travels in South Africa," "Botany," "Indian Mutiny,' "Coal and its Products," "London," "The Depths of the Sea," "Some Crises of the British Empire," "Wit and Humour." At the services of^ong,which were frequent, large parties of ladies and gentlemeD, . in some cases numbering thirty and forty, gave their services. Missions were conducted by Protestants and Roman Catholics, the latter being very attentive in this connection. Writing with respect to these lee-

I tures and addresses, the Deputy \ Controller aays . that it would be difficult to over-estimate their value. The lectures and the services of song are always well received, and they are a powerful stimulus to good conduct, as only prisoners with a satisfactory record in gaol are allowed to I attend.