H.—2ob.

Adjutant Y. D. Wood, Probation Officer for Women,» Christchurch. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 29 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £37 Os. sd. We have passed through a very strenuous year, in which the probation system has proved its worth. Assistance has been given in many cases, with good results. The great majority of probationers have made good and appreciate the opportunity given. Mr. H. Cole, Probation Officer, Palmerston North. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 59 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £71 2s. lOd. The prevailing depression has made it difficult to find suitable occupations for the probationers, and the lack of employment consequently renders it hard for offenders to make restitution of moneys due. Conduct has, generally speaking, been good, and reporting, with the exception of one or two, has been carried out faithfully. Mr. M. Cussen, Probation Officer, Nelson. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 47 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £7 lis. During the year the conduct of the probationers on the whole has been good. My thanks are due to the Probation Committee, who are always willing to give assistance. Mr. G-. Mcßessar, Probation Officer, Timaru. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 51 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £20 10s. A greater number of probationers have been dealt with this year. In reviewing their conduct lam more than satisfied that the Offenders Probation Act has justified its existence. The majority of offenders have made good, and in most cases they have given little or no trouble. Mr. C. G. L. Pollock, Probation Officer, Invercargill. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 91 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £48 Bs. 2d. Crimes Amendment Act: Total number dealt with, 22. I have to again express my appreciation of the assistance given by the officials of the Labour Department, through whom practically all labour is now engaged ; also to the Chairman of the Probation Committee for the sympathetic interest taken in those admitted to probation, and to Dr. Burns Watson, who very kindly furnished medical reports where required. Mr. W. Dineen, Probation Officer, New Plymouth. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 44 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £56 4s. 9d. During the year two men convicted of bookmaking were released on probation under special conditions. Up to the present they have given satisfaction to myself and the police. Of the cases still remaining on the register, two are probationers who, owing to their inability to meet their monetary obligations, must continue to report. Mr. E. Ching, Probation Officer, Wanganui. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 70 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £89 9s. lid. Probationers, generally speaking, have made an honest attempt to do right and appreciate the chance given them. Again it is my pleasure to thank the Honorary Committee for their assistance. During the year 15 persons were placed on the register of those discharged from Prison Institutions. All have done well except 2. The conduct of this class of probationer has been very good. Mr. H. N. Richardson, Probation Officer, Gisborne. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 66 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £82 15s. 3d. The past year has not been an easy one as far as employment is concerned, but, thanks to the members of the Voluntary Probation Committee I have been able to place most of the young probationers on country stations. Mr. T. Stocker, Probation Officer, Napier. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 60 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £20. It is becoming increasingly difficult to collect restitution-money owing to the continued and widespread unemployment and to the fact that the majority of probationers are employed on relief work. The general results of the probation system in this district are very gratifying, very few of the probationers failing to comply with the terms of their probation. Thanks are due to the Voluntary Probation Committee for their assistance in providing work where possible. Crimes Amendment Act: The number dealt with was 25. The conduct of these probationers has been good.

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