REFORMING PRISONERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 August 1922, Page 5

REFORMING PRISONERS.

NOTABLE CASE CITED. SALARY OF £lOOO A YEAR. Speaking of the work of the New Zealand Prisons Board, Mr. William Reece, a member of the board, explained the system of considering the cases of prisoners and letting them out on probation for the rest of their term if such a course were thought advisable. Of between 5000 and 6000 prisoners so dealt with since the board came into existence, he said 74 per cent, had not come back to gaol. Mr. .Reece told the story of one man, one of the most expert safe-brsakers in New Zealand, who had gone before the board. He had said he had come to the conclusion that his past methods were a “mug’s game,” and expressed his willingness to turn to the good of society the talents which he had been using against it.

“We thought it a good offer” said Mr. Reece, “and let him out. To-day that man is earning £lOOO a. year. He came to us a little while ago and asked us to let a certain young man out that he might try and reform him too. That shows what a little will power used in the right direction can do.”