FROM GAOL TO £l,000 JOB

Evening Star, Issue 18052, 21 August 1922, Page 7

FROM GAOL TO £l,ooo JOB

A REMARKABLE RECOVERY. PRISONS BOARI/ SYSTEM DISCUSSED. [Special to the ‘ Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, August 21. Speaking of tho work of tho Prisons Board, Mr William Reece, one of its members, explained tho system of considering the cases of prisoners and letting them out on probation for the rest of their term, if such course was thought advisable.

Of between 5,000 and 6,000 prisoners so dealt with since tho board came into existence ho said that 74 per cent, had not come hack to gaol Mr Recce told tho story of one man, one of tho most expert safe-breakers in New Zealand, who had gone before the board. This man said that he had come to the conclusion that his past methods were a “mug’s game,” .and had expressed his willingness to turn to the good of society tho talents which ho had been using against it. “We thought it a good offer, Mr Reece, “ and let him out. To-day that man is earning a thousand a year. Ho came to us a little while ago and asked us to let a certain young man out that ho might try to reform him, too. That shows what a little will power, used in the right direction, can do.”