H.—2ob.

Crimes Amendment Act Probationers : There were 2 probationers on the register at the beginning of the year, 15 were received, .making a total of 17 dealt with. Five were transferred or completed probation, and 2 received further terms of imprisonment, leaving 10 on the register at the end of the year. With the exception of the 2 men who were returned to prison, the conduct of these probationers was very satisfactory indeed. There was no difficulty experienced in helping them to fulfil the terms of their release. Mr. M. Cussen, Probation Officer, Nelson. Offenders Probation Act: Total number dealt with, 27. Total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys paid, £18 15s. 6d. The conduct of the probationers has been very good on the whole, considering the difficulty of securing permanent employment. I feel grateful and desire to tender my sincere thanks to the " Toe H," St. Vincent De Paul Society, Salvation Army, and the honorary committee for the valuable assistance given me during the year. Mr. W. Dineen, Probation Officer, New Plymouth. Herewith my report of the working of the Probation Act in the New Plymouth district, for the year ended 31st December, 1934. The number of cases on the register brought forward from the previous period was 21. Twentyfour probationers were received from the local Court during the year, and 5 were received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 50. During the year 12 were released from probation, having completed their term satisfactorily, 9 were transferred to other districts, and 1 absconded during the Christmas holidays after issuing false cheques to the value of £70 on Christmas Eve. It is supposed that he has gone to Australia. Twenty-eight, remained on the register at the end of the year. Eleven offenders were ordered to make restitution in the sum of £104 3s. 5d., of which sum £22 14s. 9d. had been paid before the end of the year. Six probationers were ordered to pay costs of prosecution in the sum of £68 10s. 3d., of which £9 7s. 4d. has been paid. One of those who was ordered to pay costs amounting to £55 13s. lid. was transferred to Auckland. Twenty-eight probationers were dealt with under the Crimes Amendment Act, and their conduct has been quite satisfactory. Mr. H. Cole, Probation Officer, Palmerston North. Offenders Probation Act: Total dealt with, 63 ; total costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £66 19s. 5d,. The still prevailing depression makes it difficult to find suitable employment for probationers, and those who have to make restitution find -it a very hard task, as most of them in this district are on relief work. Conduct generally speaking has been good, also the reporting, with one or two exceptions. My thanks are due to the Honorary Justices' Association of this district for monetary assistance to help those who come under my jurisdiction that are in dire straits. Mr. G. McKessak, Probation Officer, Timaru. I have pleasure in submitting the annual report as under in connection with the working of the Offenders Probation Act in this district for the year ended 31st December, 1934. During the year the total number of cases dealt with in this district was 64, which number is slightly in excess of the number dealt with during the previous year. This total is made up of 19 who were on the register on the Ist January, 1934, 19 admissions from the local Court, 21 transfers from other districts, and 5 persons who were released from prison. Of the total number dealt with 4 were females. During the year 21 persons were transferred from this district, 3 were sentenced to terms of imprisonment for further offences, and 11 completed their periods of probation. However, one of these latter was immediately brought before the Court on a charge of breaking, entering, and theft, and was admitted to a further period of probation. A total of £14 4s. 6d. was paid by way of reparation by various probationers, this being a decrease of approximately £9 as compared with the amount collected last year. The conduct of the majority of the probationers reporting during the year has been very satisfactory, but many have been unable to pay the restitution ordered by the Court in view of the fact that they have had only relief work to rely upon for livelihood, and many have families to support. With the exception of a very small proportion, these probationers have appreciated the leniency of the Court in granting probation, and have honestly endeavoured to rehabilitate themselves as decent citizens. Mr. E. Ching, Probation Officer, Wanganui. I beg to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1934. At the commencement of the year there were on the register 34 males and 2 females, and at the end of the year there were 30 males and 4 females. During the year there has been placed on the register 30 males and 5 females, being 2 males less and an increase of 3 females over the previous year.

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