H—2ob,

7

The number of probationers who came before the Court charged with other offences or with breach of the probationary conditions was 18. Added to this there were 9 probationers who absconded and were not traced, 3 of whom are still on the register. The total defaulters, therefore, numbered 27, this figure being approximately 8 per cent, of the total number dealt with during the period, a result which closely approximates that shown over the last three years' working. The amounts paid in as restitution and costs of prosecution during the year were £576 2s. Bd. and £177 19s. Bd. respectively, a total of £754 2s. 4d. This amount is about £90 less than last years' figures, but in view of the continued and prevailing unemployment it may be considered very satisfactory, as much of the amount paid represents a very genuine effort, under adverse circumstances in many cases. • There has been little change in the situation at this centre in so far as the unemployment is concerned, and the remarks in my last annual report relative to the effect of this condition on the conduct of those who again come before the Courts are reiterated. While there are those who would fail in any circumstances, it is undoubtedly the case that many of the failures during the past two years can be attributed to the lack of employment. Efforts to obtain employment for probationers out of work were not very successful generally, but in some cases positions were obtained. The members of the Voluntary Probation Committee have given every assistance in this respect, and my thanks are due to the committee for their efforts to place those who sought employment. Throughout the year the majority of probationers have done well, being of good behaviour and abiding by the probationary conditions, taking full advantage of and showing their appreciation of the chance given them to make good. Crimes Amendment Act Probationers.—The average number in this category reporting during the year was 49. Of these probationers 22 completed their term of probation, 1 left the Dominion by permission, and 10 committed fresh offences, for which they were sentenced to terms of imprisonment. Their probationary licenses were also cancelled. Three probationers absconded, and their licenses were consequently cancelled. The number remaining on the register at the end of the period was 60. Those who completed the term did so in a satisfactory manner, with four exceptions, who, while their conduct was sometimes open to question, nevertheless completed the term without further offence against the law. As in the previous year, conditions regarding employment were not good, and many of these men released from prison faced considerable difficulty in obtaining employment, this condition having a very considerable bearing on the conduct of those who lapsed, the failure in many cases being due to the inability to obtain steady work. There is a class, however, lacking in mental balance, who automatically drift into old grooves and associations, and on whom warning, advice, or expostulation appears to have little effect, and who apparently would drift whatever the conditions. The majority of those who were returned to prison or absconded were in the habitual-criminal class. Those probationers remaining on the register, with a few exceptions, are doing well, and it is gratifying to note that so many of the youths licensed from the Borstal institutions are working steadily and doing well. While fair comparison may not be quite possible, due to the differences in age, mental attitude, and outlook, between those released from Borstal institutions and those older offenders who are precluded from these institutions, one cannot but remark, when dealing with these men from year to year, the difference in bearing and tone. There can be no doubt as to the good effect the disciplinary term spent in the Borstal institutions has had on the majority of those who come under my jurisdiction from these institutions. In concluding my report I again desire to acknowledge the very kindly interest and courteous treatment which it has been my privilege to experience from the Judges of the Supreme Court and the Magistrates of the Auckland centre. The interest taken in the probation work by these gentlemen, and the confidence shown, proves very encouraging. Mr. C. Gr. L. Pollock, Probation Officer, Invercargill. I have the honour to submit the following report on the working of the probation system in the Southland District for the year ended 31st March, 1929 : — Offenders Probation Act Probationers Males. On register at the beginning of the year .. .. .. .. 28 Admitted during the year (1 for one year, 10 for two years, 3 for three years) 14 Received on transfer from other districts .. .. . . . . 19 Total dealt with during the year .. .. .. 61 Completed probation during the year .. . . .. .. .. 13 Transferred to other districts during the year .. .. .. .. 24 For non-compliance with probation terms — Committed for two years to Borstal .. .. .. .. 1 Sentenced for three months (false pretences) . . .. . . 1 Sentenced for four years reformative detention on original charge .. 1 Total removed from roll during the year .. . . . . 40 The total number dealt with (61) is 2 in excess of the previous year's total, and includes no female probationers. In 11 cases costs of prosecution amounting to £54 6s. lOd. were ordered to be paid. Towards this the sum of £43 9s. 4d. was received, of which £22 2s. was lodged to the credit of the