fl.—2oa

2

Thirty-one habitual criminals were recommended for release on probation, of which number 29 were released during the year. In one case the recommendation was rescinded owing to the prisoner's subsequent misbehaviour. Two men who had been favourably considered by the Board during the previous year were also released, making a total of 31 for the year. The number of prisoners undergoing reformative detention who were recommended for release on probation_was 11.7, and 102 prisoners were so released during the year. In two instances the recommendations were rescinded owing to the subsequent misconduct of the prisoners concerned. Two prisoners serving sentences of reformative detention were recommended for discharge. Two habitual criminals who had been released on probation were discharged during the year on the recommendation of Board, and 4 persons with sentences of reformative detention who had been released on probation were recommended for discharge and were so discharged. Ol' the 102 persons undergoing reformative detention who were released on probation during the year, .'SO satisfactorily completed their terms during the year, 13 were returned to prison for fresh offences or for failing to observe the conditions of their release, 2 were discharged from probation, 1 died, and 1 was committed to the Rotoroa Inebriates Home, leaving 55 still on probation at the close of the year. Six of the 31 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 died. Very gratifying reports have been received of some of the men released on probation who enlisted and went to the front. The tree-planting camp at Waipa (Rotorua) was closed in December last, and the prisoners were sent to Kaingaroa. The Boa id was pleased to find evidence on its visits to various prisons that the prisoners on the whole were working well, and the staff generally assisting to get the best results from the system. Whilst there are many improvements still to be- introduced much has been done, and it is hoped that after the war further progress will be made towards completing the solution of one of the most difficult State problems. Signed on behalf of the Board. Robert Stout, President.

Approximate, Cost, of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (70(1 copies), £1 Ids.

By Authority : Marcus E. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l7.

Price 3d.]