H.—2ob.

Miss A. J. Simpson, Probation Officer for Women, Wellington. I beg to submit my tenth annual report as Women's Probation Officer for the City of Wellington and district for the year ended 31st December, 1938. At the beginning of the year 28 probationers were reporting. During the year 21 were received from the Courts, 5 from institutions, and 8 on transfer, making a total of 62 dealt with. Of this number, 21 completed the period of probation, 9 were transferred to other districts, 2 were discharged by the Prisons Board, and 2 were reconvicted, leaving 28 names on the register at the close of the year. Restitution to the amount of £38 13s. and costs of prosecution amounting to £3 9s. 6d. have been received. All girls are at present employed, and there is no excuse for any girl to be idle, for there is work for all. A girl can always find employment through the Placement Officer. As one probationer's home was burned down, the secretary of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society very kindly gave me an order to purchase clothing for her. I have to thank the Justices of the Peace Association for monetary assistance to deserving cases, and the Magistrates' Court staff and the police for their ready help. Mr. D. Davies, Probation Officer, Gisborne. I respectfully submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1938. Owing to the amount of remunerative work offering, most probationers have been able to comply with their conditions regarding restitution to be made; and, but for one who absconded and two who failed to comply with their conditions of probation, their conduct has been satisfactory. With pleasure I tender my thanks to the executive of the local Y.M.C.A. and the officers of the Placement Service for their kind assistance and willingness to help at all times. Following is a summary of persons dealt with and moneys collected:— At the commencement of the year there were 24 on the register, admitted to probation 14, deferred sentence 6, and there were transferred from other districts 8, making a total dealt with of 52. Those who completed their term numbered 17, and transferred to other districts 13, leaving on the register at 31st December, 1938, 22. Crimes Amendment Act. —On Ist January, 1938, there were 4 men, while received during the year were new releases 1, on transfer from other districts 2, completed sentence 1, while 1 was transferred, and 1 was convicted of other offences, thereby leaving on the list 4. Restitution moneys collected were £52 9s. 6d. Prosecution costs recovered, £6. Mr. A. C. A'Court, Probation Officer, Greymouth. I respectfully submit the annual report on probation work for the year ended 31st December, 1938. This report includes that of Mr. D. R. Lloyd, who has been transferred to the Child Welfare Department, Auckland. Moneys recovered.—Restitution moneys collected during the year ended 31st March, 1939, amounted to £36 4s. 2d. Offenders Probation Act.—At the beginning of the year there were 4 probationers on the register; during the year 11 were admitted to probation and 8 were received on transfer, making a total of 23 dealt with. Of this number, 8 satisfactorily completed the probationary period and 11 were transferred to other districts, leaving 4 names on the register. Crimes Amendment Act.—Total dealt with 2, of whom 1 completed probation. The other has absconded and his whereabouts are unknown. With this exception the probationers have in all cases fulfilled the conditions of their licenses. Reports have been periodical and restitution moneys have been paid in promptly. As some of the probationers live in South Westland reports have to be made in their case by letter, but in no instance has there been any failing to report. 1" desire to take this opportunity of thanking the officers of the local police and my predecessor for the assistance and advice given me by them. Mr. M. McCormack, Probation Officer, Hamilton. I respectfully present my report on the working of the probation system in Hamilton for the year ended 31st December, 1938. At the end of December, 1937, I had 25 on the register. During the year 6 were granted probation by the Supreme Court and 21 by the Magistrate's Court and 46 were transferred from other districts, making a total of 98 dealt with. Costs of prosecution and restitution money paid total £119 9s. 4d. With a few exceptions the conduct of probationers has been most satisfactory, and the majority seem determined to lead a straight life for the future. It is pleasing to note that nearly every probationer is in employment of some sort, and all appear to be happy and contented. Appreciative reference is due to Mr. Findlay, Court officials, and police for their kindly interest and co-operation.

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