H—2ob

It is unfortunate but true that associations made in prison are in some instances responsible for further lapses into crime, and for that reason probation is of particular value. Probation teaches discipline, as each probationer is required to report at regular stated times. Harmful associations are broken by the imposition of special conditions regarding companions, and thrift is not only encouraged but in many cases insisted on by the opening of joint banking accounts in the names of the Probation Officer and the probationer. Many youths find it difficult to settle down to one type of employment for any length of time, and in cases special conditions regarding employment are imposed. These special conditions all have a stabilizing effect and inculcate many of the necessary ingredients of good citizenship which have been missed in their upbringing. While a general review of crime scarcely comes within the scope of this report, certain aspects of it as closely allied to probation should be mentioned. The drift of Maoris to the city continues, and while the numbers of Maoris on probation remains more or less static, they still constitute an alarmingly high proportion of those appearing before the Courts. They are responsible for a large portion of the offences of theft and assaults. In the latter offence they are being associated with Natives from Rarotonga, Samoa, and Niue Islands. A large number of these islanders have settled in Auckland over the past year or so and a large number are finding themselves before the Court for offences associated with drunkenness and assault. In conclusion, I again wish to place on record my thanks for the assistance received from the Rev. D. Caswell, of the City Mission ; the Rev. George Moreton, Secretary of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; the Rev. Dr. Delargey and Mr. M. Curran, of the Catholic Youth Centre ; officers of the Salvation Army ; members of the Police Force in Auckland ; and also police officers in other parts of the Auckland province. I wish to record my appreciation of the kindly and understanding treatment accorded me by Judges and Magistrates. Mr. W. H. Darby, District Probation Officer, Christchurch The period under review has been what might be termed a smooth-running year of work; there has been very little fluctuation one way or the other in the numbers of persons dealt with during this and the previous year, and in this connection I do not anticipate any great increase during the coming year. Steady employment for all who are able and willing to work is no doubt one of the reasons why things are going along so smoothly, and it is to be hoped that this state of affairs will continue. On the whole, the majority of probationers have responded very well and have appreciated the benefits of probation, but, as in the past, a few disregard their responsibilities and disappear. A few have also committed fresh offences, but when the large number dealt with duriiig the past twenty years is taken into consideration the percentage of failures is very small. The Courts have made the fullest use of our services during the year, and the results of our inquiries and recommendations have no doubt materially assisted them in coming to their decisions. I have pleasure in reporting that the Christchurch Discharged Prisoners' Rehabilitation Society has had a successful year of work; the various members are most enthusiastic and during the year have had meetings monthly and have paid monthly visits to the prison. The members have made every effort to obtain jobs for all and have endeavoured in every case to institute a " follow-up " procedure ; every possible avenue has been explored in an effort to obtain the most suitable employment, and the various members have paid particular attention to the present important problem of the deserting seaman. At the beginning of the year we had 67 on the offenders' probation register, 57 were admitted to probation, and 30 were transferred from other districts, making a total dealt with of 154, 44 were transferred to other districts, 5 joined the J Force, 1 died, 10 were convicted on fresh charges and for breach of probation, 4 disappeared

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