H.— 208.

As in previous years since the inception of the Voluntary Probation Committee, the members have done anything possible to assist, and my thanks and appreciation are due to the committee for their assistance. Crimes Amendment Act: The average number reporting under this heading was 83. There were twenty-one defaulters. In this connection I am of the opinion that lack of the steadying influence of assured employment has had a very considerable bearing on the conduct of many of those who defaulted. The majority of probationers in this class are employed on relief works, some locally, and many in Public Works, Forestry, and other relief camps. Mr. T. P. Mills, District Probation Officer, Wellington. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with 236 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £314 lis. Id. Only a few probationers were unemployed at the close of the year. Outside those who were fortunate enough to obtain award wages, many have been absorbed in relief work in town and at camps. Some have sought work such as scrub-cutting and are making fair wages, but the fact cannot be disguised that there is much hardship at the present time. However, a large proportion are making earnest efforts to overcome their weaknesses, which is borne out by the fact that barely 4 per cent, of the year's probationers were brought before the Court for subsequent offences. As may be anticipated, some difficulty has been the collection of costs and restitutionmoneys. Self-denial is often evident in the efforts of the probationers in this respect, and credit is due to those men who will minimize their " smokes " in their endeavour to meet the financial obligations endorsed on their licenses. Crimes Amendment Act: The numbers dealt with this year were 177. The majority have done well, and many of them will not be heard of again. As usual, the members of the Voluntary Probation Committee whenever called upon have been most willing to assist. Mr. W. H. Dabby, District Probation Officer, Christchurch. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 193 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £233 Is. sd. It is pleasing to be able to report that the majority of the single men under supervision are in steady employment. On the other hand, there is very little change regarding the married men, most of whom have restitution money to pay, but in the present circumstances it is difficult for them to do so. Perhaps in the near future some consideration might be given by the proper authority to the suggestion that the burden be lifted from them. The successful carrying out of this work would have been impossible had it not been for the loyal and generous support given by members of our Voluntary Probation Committee and other members of the community, who have been assisting us for some time past. Crimes Amendment Act: The number dealt with under this heading was 125. Mr. J. Garbutt, District Probation Officer, Dunedin. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 125 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £103 7s. The relatively low criminal statistics for this province would indicate a satisfactory moral tone in its community aspect, and justify continuity of the probation system as a distinctly humanitarian and economic measure. The sum recovered comprises a unity of individual efiorts, often made under circumstances of extreme difficulty, towards a personal objective of reparation and moral uplift. Crimes Amendment Act: Number dealt with, 57. Dischargees from institutional control still find their reception into an economically anxious world conditioned by a retributory attitude more realistic than even the rigours of prison life. To soften their attitude and reaction to social ostracism, much understanding and practical sympathy is required. Our association with the Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society provides practical expression along such lines, and it is expected that our interests will continue collaterally to be characterized by reciprocal service and good will. Lastly, may I pay a tribute to the work of our Voluntary Probation Committee for their unremitting efiorts in providing practical evidence of their interest and good will in our work. Major Gordon, Probation Officer for Women, Auckland. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 61 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £23 Bs. 3d. The work during the year has been encouraging, and I found the majority of the probationers responsive and appreciative of the interest taken in them. Only one probationer failed to respond to the probationary conditions, and was eventually sent to the Borstal Institution. The lack of home training and discipline accounts for much of the waywardness of so very many of these girls who come under our notice. Miss A. J. Simpson, Probation Officer for Women, Wellington. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 60 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £31 19s. 2d. In spite of the prevailing unemployment, the majority of the girls have been in regular situations, but owing to the small wages the collection of restitution-moneys is very difficult, and as the married women are nearly all existing on relief wages, it is hopeless to press them for payment. 2—H. 208.

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