H.—2oa.

made good in 1924 was 72-7. An equal percentage was found in 1925. The number of habitual criminals remaining in the Dominion not proved to have further offended was 24-4 per cent, in 1925 and 24-8 per cent, in 1924. To test in another way the result of granting probation to habituals it was found that out of every 100 habituals that have been released on probation since 1911, 51-4 were up to the end of 1924 returned to prison for various breaches of the law, and at the end of 1925 the number so returned was 52-6 per cent. In the 1924 report the Board pointed out that voluntary efforts should be made to aid and guide the prisoners who had been released on probation or discharged from prison. It has ever to be remembered that, as was stated in the 1924 report, the offenders against our laws are weaklings, many of them physically, mentally, or morally, and considering the temptations in our- social life, it is not surprising that many fall and cease to be good citizens. It is not charity nor gifts they require, but guidance and training, so that they may be strengthened for the duties of life. They must be trained to see that if they desire to enjoy life they must be honest, industrious, and thrifty. The old maxim " Honesty is the best policy " should ever be remembered. We may well ask, seeing the vast number of good and altruistic citizens in our midst, are there not many who would be anxious to assist them ? Such help would, it is believed, not only redeem many of our weaker sisters and brothers, but would aid in a fuller development of personality and of high aims in those who thus performed a great public service. The givers of such services do by such actions receive their reward, for they themselves are lifted to a higher sphere and become ennobled. If our civilization is to be preserved and extended, the after-care and guidance of our offenders cannot be neglected. Robert Stout, President. Wellington, 6th January, 1926.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not give a; printing (750 copies), £6 58.

Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 926.

Price 3d.]

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