New Zealand prisons 1880 - 1909: the administration of Colonel Arthur Hume

Abstract

This thesis is divided into two parts. The first comprises a brief introduction, two sociological essays, and an analysis of the New Zealand situation before and after Arthur Hume was appointed Inspector of Prisons in 1880. The second part deals with a number of topics in the history and management of prisons during the period: classification of prisoners, prison labour, new legislation, moves toward reform, and so on. One of the sociological essays deals with prison society, the second with the ways in which public attitudes limit prison administrations. Both of these draw on a wide variety of sources. In doing this I have, I think, rightly assumed that prisons give rise to common pressures. Although there have been no sociological surveys made of New Zealand prisons, I have used New Zealand writings wherever possible, particularly Dr A.J.W. Taylor's work on the effects of confinement on personality. Similarly, the chapter on public attitudes assumes that the instinct for retribution and belief in deterrence are common to Western countries. New Zealand sources have again been used where possible.