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the close of the year. Five prisoners serving sentences of reformative detention were recommended for discharge and were so discharged during the year. Eight habitual criminals who had been released on probation were discharged during the year on the recommendation of the Board, and 4 persons with sentences of reformative detention who had been released on probation were recommended for discharge and were so discharged. Of the 99 persons undergoing reformative detention who were released on probation, 33 satisfactorily completed their terms during the year, 17 were returned to prison for fresh offences or for failing to observe the conditions of their release, and 1 absconded. Thirteen of the 34 habitual criminals released on probation were returned to prison during the year for fresh offences or for failing to comply with the terms of their release, and 2 absconded. Prison Buildings and Work. Great progress has been made at Waikeria with the permanent buildings, which are now nearing completion. The way in which almost all of the prisoners have worked on these buildings is worthy of praise. The road across the Waimarino Plains, a most useful piece of work, is nearing completion. The work done by the prisoners in all the gaols is satisfactory, and there are few complaints. In this time of "strain and stress" it is not fitting that demands should be made on the Executive Government save the needs are clamant, and members do not think it therefore opportune to refer to some requirements that will have to be met when the din of battle ceases. On the whole the Dominion has much reason to be satisfied with the administration of its Prisons Department. Signed on behalf of the Board, Kobert Stout, President.

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By Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l6.

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