Sydney, New South Wales, and in fact all Australian prisons were of
the congregate system, free association. The recently introduced
system of restricted association among prisoners is being gradually
extended, though distasteful to the habitual criminal. Those seeking
to reform, rejoice to be cut off from the degrading companionship.
Captain Neitensteen, the Controller of New South Wales Prison, says:
“There is every reason to hope the new departure will improve the
moral atmosphere of all the jails, and will lead to the reformation of
many prisoners. Already the number committed has decreased over 600,
and the more serious crimes have received a check. Female prisoners
have decreased to 180 prisoners last December, the lowest number in
twenty-five years. The prisoners make all the clothing, boots, etc.,
for the officers and inmates, beside last year they earned £20,000 in
work for the various Government departments repairing buildings, etc.,
outside the value of labor employed in the domestic work of the various
jails.
“At Bathurst a complete marble-cutting and polishing plant has been
erected, occupation to a large body of men. The waste lands attached
to jails are now being cultivated, giving healthy out-door work of
reformatory character, and supplies the greater portion of the food.”