honest life possible and less difficult: that it is in the fulfilment of this latter duty that they have in the past been able to avail themselves of the assistance, warmly proffered and gratefully accepted, and in very many cases zealously and effectually rendered, of certified Societies for the Aid of Discharged Prisoners: that these Societies now form a network of charitable and philanthropic effort spread throughout the country and working in connection with each prison: that their work, though due to private initiation, and mainly supported by private subscriptions, has nevertheless such public importance and value, that it is becoming more the duty and concern of the Government, not indeed to fetter and harass their free and independent action by the imposition of binding official rules and regulations, but to encourage and stimulate their efforts, to offer direction and guidance, and it is in this spirit, and not with any desire to override or control the free play of benevolent action, that the Commissioners desire to suggest, for the guidance of each Society, the methods which they believe to be the most effectual." The Scheme was as follows:-- (1) That the Governor and Chaplain should, in all cases, be members of the Committee, and should act with, or as, a Sub-Committee under the larger body, for the purpose of dealing with small cases, and those under short sentences. (2) That the Visiting Committee should, if possible, in all cases be members of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, and take an active share in its management, _especially in cases where they are also Trustees of the Prison Charity_. (3) That a Sub-Committee of ladies be appointed for the assistance of female prisoners, and that they act under instructions prescribed for them by the Commissioners. (4) That for both male and female prisoners, Agents should be appointed in all cases. (5) That the Society should establish relations with any Labour Homes or Institutions for men and women that may exist in the county or district, and shall arrange for the charge of cases by payment of a capitation grant. (6) That the Society should appoint corresponding members or committees, _e.g._, Clergymen, Police Officers, private individuals (male and female) in districts remote from the Prison with the object of (_a_) paying gratuities; (_b_) following up a case; (_c_) securing care and superintendence in a deserving case; (_d_) furnishing information with a view to employment.