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Suitable employment for probationers has been available in plenty as in recent years, and, apart from the inevitable misfits and those who lack ability, the men have been kept in steady work. In this connection the helpful co-operation of the National Service Department and other sources of suitable employment have been appreciated. I desire to express my appreciation of the assistance received from the Hon. Justices' Association, the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the City Mission, and the Salvation Army. In conclusion, it is desired to express appreciation of the understanding interest of the Judges of the Supreme Court, Magistrates, police, and Court staffs for unfailing courtesy and a spirit of helpfulness that has materially assisted probation work in general. Mr. W. Wooldrage, Probation Officer, Hastings The number of probationers on the register at the beginning of the year was 24 ; admitted to probation at Hastings, 12 ; received by transfer from other districts, 19 : total, 55. Of that number, 17 completed their term of probation satisfactorily, and 22 were transferred to other districts, leaving 16 on the register at the end of the year. With few exceptions, those admitted to probation by the Court proved themselves worthy of that privilege. The amount of costs of prosecution and restitution collected during the year ending 31st March, 1948, amounted to £lOO lis. 4d. Probationers released from Prison and Borstal Institutions.—On the register Ist January, 1947, 6 ; received from institutions, 14 ; on transfer from other districts, 2 : total, 22. Completed term, 3 ; transferred to other districts, 2 ; recommitted to Borstal, 1 ; to prison, 1 ; leaving 15 on the register at the end of the year. It will be noticed that there was an increase in the number of probationers received from Borstal during the year. The greater portion of these were Maoris. Except for one or two isolated cases, the behaviour of these youths was satisfactory. Much assistance was received from Mr. Karaitiana, Welfare Officer attached to the Department of Maori Affairs at Hastings. His interest in the Maori probationers, and assistance in placing them in suitable work, is greatly appreciated. Mr. J. 0. Brown, Probation Officer, Invercargill Generally speaking, the probationers have responded to the leniency extended to them by the Courts. On the 31st December, 1947, there were 14 probationers left on the register, as against 10 for the corresponding year, while 16 had been transferred to other districts during that period. During the year 6 probationers were sent to prison for various offences and 6 completed the period of probation. There were 5 releases from prison or Borstal as at the end of the year. The amount of restitution-money paid as at the 31st March, 1948, was £ll4 9s. 3d. Of those probationers who were later sent to prison, every possible consideration and attention were given them, and no effort was spared to see that they rehabilitated themselves, but without success. The average probationer responds very well and is usually very grateful of the leniency and assistance afforded him. Mr. A. A. Douglas, Probation Officer, Napier At the beginning of the year there were 14 probationers on the list, 15 were admitted to probation by the Court, 20 were received on transfer from other districts, 13 completed their term satisfactorily, 1 was resentenced to Borstal, leaving 11 on the register at the end of the year.

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