H.—208.

In the matter of employment, the State Placement Service has again proved of invaluable assistance and has been instrumental in placing many in suitable and congenial employment. The understanding interest of the officials has been a noticeable feature, particularly in regard to probationers, who have lacked skill, intelligence, and adaptability, ancl whose consideration requires much patience and tolerance. That many probationers have beeen able to establish themselves in suitable and remunerative employment almost immediately on release from institutional care or from the Courts has, 1 think, provided that requisite stimulus that seems to awaken a personal effort for genuine self-rehabilitation without which, in co-operation, little definite progress can be made, and advisory control as exemplified in probation is hindered' in its attempt to be of constructive assistance, either material or otherwise. To the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the Honorary Justices' Association, the Salvation Army, and other social workers our thanks are due for helpful and encouraging interest that has been of invaluable assistance ; appreciation is also expressed of the understanding interest of the Judges of the Supreme Court and Magistrates and of the courtesy and assistance of the police and Court officials. Major Hope Habt, Probation Officer for Women, Auckland. 1 respectfully submit my annual report as Probation Officer for Women for the Auckland District for the year ended 31st December, 1937. On the register at the beginning of the year 39 probationers, received from Auckland Courts 27, by transfer from other places 5, making a total of 71 dealt with for the year. Of this number, 19 were transferred to other places, 3 were charged with a breach of probation and were readmitted to probation, 2 were before the Court on other charges and sentenced to the Borstal Institution, while 23 completed their term of probation, leaving 27 reporting at the close of the year. Received from prison reformatories 2, these having satisfactorily completed their term of probation. Total of restitution-moneys collected during the year, £54 4s. lOd. Most of the probationers appreciate the opportunity afforded by this system and have responded well to the help and advice given. Their conduct on the whole has been good. I desire to again express my appreciation for the kindness and sympathetic understanding shown by the Magistrates, the Court officials, and the Police Department. Major V. D. Wood, Probation Officer for Women, Christchurch. I have pleasure in submitting my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1937, in connection with the probation system. At the beginning of the year there were 25 probationers on the register; 11 were admitted to probation during the year ; 2 were transferred from other districts, and 1 was received on license from prison, making a total of 39 dealt with. Of these, 24 completed their period of probation and 6 were transferred to other districts, leaving 9 on the register at 31st December. The costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected amounted to £57 17s. 7d. On the part of the majority of the probationers this has meant a real effort. Among the probationers dealt with there have been some particularly difficult cases, but these have been piloted through and have done creditably. I think the probation system speaks for itself when so few come again before the Court. The results for the year are very gratifying, the probationers having responded well. I would like to express my gratitude to Magistrates, Court officials, and police for their courtesy and help in the work. Miss A. J. Simpson, Probation Officer for Women, Wellington. I beg to submit my ninth annual report as Women's Probation Officer for the City of Wellington and district for the year ended 31st December, 1937. At the beginning of the year there were 26 probationers reporting, 23 were admitted to probation by the local Courts during the year, 8 were transferred from other districts, and 10 were received on parole from Borstal, and prison, making a total of 67 dealt with. Of this number, 22 completed their period of probation, 9 were transferred to other districts, 5 were reconvicted, 1 left the Dominion, and 1 absconded. At the close of the year there were 29 names on the register. Restitution to the amount of £293 19s. 3d. and costs of prosecution amounting to £3 9s. 6d. have been received. All girls are at present employed ; one finds that it is the idle girl who is reconvicted. The husbands of the married probationers are all in regular employment, and, judging by their appearance and the amount of restitution which has been paid, they, too, are benefiting from the higher wages. I have to thank the Justices of the Peace Association for permitting me to turn to them for help in.an emergency, and my thanks are also due to the police and Magistrates' Court staff for their courtesy and ready help. Mb. D. Davies, Probation Officer, Gisborne. I respectfully submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1937. . With the exception of a few who make but very little effort to co-operate and are hard.-to convince that such is necessary if they wish to succeed, the conduct of the probationers has been good. I wish to thank the secretary of the local branch of the Y.M.C.A. for his kind assistance, also the Placement Officer for his courtesy and readiness to assist when called upon.

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