H.—208.

A review of the list of those probationers who completed the term shows that the majority were of good behaviour, showing by their conduct due appreciation of the earlier liberty granted to them bv the Prisons Board. It has to be recorded, however, that there were 10 probationers in this class who, while they completed the term without again coming before the Court, were subject to censure and warning for questionable conduct, warnings which, in the main, were heeded. I have pleasure in again placing on record the kindly understanding shown, and the very valuable assistance given, by the Chief Placement Officer and his staff in placing so many probationers, particularly those released from prison, to whom the question of employment on release means so much' Concluding this report, I have again to express my appreciation of that kindly and courteous treatment which I experience from the Judges of the Supreme Court and the Magistrates at this centre, nor must I omit to once more record my thanks for the kindly assistance given by the Discharged Prisoners Aid Society, the Salvation Army officers, many social workers, and the police, whose valuable help contributes in no small degree to the measure of success shown. Mr. W. H. Darby, District Probation Officer, Christchurch. In presenting my annual report for the past year I think it would be quite safe to say that it has been the quietest year since taking over my duties here a little over eleven years ago. By quiet, I mean that the work has gone along so satisfactorily and the conduct and industry of all the men coming under my supervision has been so good that there has been practically no need for any drastic action whatever. Problems there have been, but only ones that will be with us for all time, chiefly in respect to those men who are unemployable and those who will not settle down to honest work, although it may be there for them to do. During the past year we have again had placed under our supervision for the purpose of collecting the restitution ordered a large number of men who have obtained moneys from the Employment Fund by false pretences and false statements. This has given us a good deal of extra work, but in the majority of cases the men have responded well, and I have very little cause for complaint. I may mention that the Court has indicated very definitely that in cases where the frauds have been committed since the Ist January, 1938, quite a different and more drastic policy will have to be adopted. Once again we have to thank the officers of the Government Placement Service for their very valuable assistance in placing many of our men in work. The service which is rendered is a very valuable one to the community. The work also of the City Missioner and the officer in charge of the Salvation Army Men's Home at Addington is worthy of a special word of thanks. Without their kindly help many a homeless man would have found himself in sore straits, hungry, and without a roof over his head. These gentlemen never refuse assistance to the needy. Our thanks are also due to members of the Voluntary Probation Committee, business firms, the Police Department, members of the legal profession, and many others. To all we say " Thank you." Reporting under the Offenders Probation Act, our statistics for the year ended 31st December 1937, are as follows : Number on register at Ist January, 1937, 111 ; released by Courts during the year, 150 ; transferred from other districts, 25 : a total of 286. Discharged or completed term of supervision, 101 ; transferred to other districts, 41 ; sentenced on original charge, 8 ; sent to <?aol for other offences committed, 3 ; and defaulted-missing, 3. On register at 31st December, 1937, 130. Under the Crimes Amendment Act we commenced the year with 41 reporting; received on license and transfers from other districts, 63 ; licenses cancelled, 7 ; sent to gaol for another offence committed, 1 : transferred to other districts, 12 ; discharged during the year, 45 ; reporting at 31st December, 1937, 39. The amount collected for the year ended 31st March, 1938, by way of restitution was £601 14s. 2d. and for costs of prosecution £43 9s. 6d., a total of £645 3s. Bd. Mr. E. P. Mosley, Acting Probation Officer, Dunedin. I have the honour to submit the annual report on the probation work at this centre for the year ended 31st December. 1937. The number of probationers on the register at the end of the year shows a considerable decrease compared with the previous year. This is due to the large number discharged rather than to any substantial reduction in the number placed on probation. The total number of men dealt with under all headings was slightly greater than in the previous year. The total of the number of defaulters, those sentenced to imprisonment, and those recommitted to prison amount to less than 5 per cent, of the number dealt with, a very small percentage when contrasted with the 95 per cent, who complete their term satisfactorily. The sum collected by way of restitution is more than was collected in the previous year Whilst some men pay only after considerable persuasion, it is found that many recognize the justice of the demand that they should in conformity with the moral law, make restitution to those they have defrauded before the offence is completely cancelled. The finding of employment is one of the problems which still requires considerable attention. A busy pr6bationer does not have the same opportunity to get into trouble as an idle one. In this connection the State Placement Service has extended every assistance, and I. desire to record my gratitude to its officers.

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