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H.—2ob.

Court Probationers.—During the year 153 males were admitted to probation for varying periods. The following are the complete figures for the period under review :— Probationers on register at Ist April, 1924 .. .. .. .. .. 218 Probationers received from Auckland Courts .. .. . . 153 Probationers received on transfer from other districts.. . . 58 21J Total dealt with .. .. .. .. .. .. 429 of whom there were — Discharged by the Prisons Board .. .. .. .. . . 9 Completed probationary term .. .. .. .. 88 Transferred to other districts .. .. .. .. 77 Sentenced for fresh offences .. .. .. .. .. 4 — 178 Total on register at Ist April, 1925 .. .. .. .. 251 In addition to the 4 sentenced to terms of imprisonment for fresh offences, there were 27 probationers convicted of minor offences and breaches of probation, who were sentenced to varying short terms ol imprisonment, and 5 who absconded, and have not so far been traced. This makes a total defaulters list of 36, this number being slightly less than 8 per cent, of the total dealt with during the year. Of these 36 probationers, 27 reverted to probationary conditions after punishment. All, with one exception, are now carrying out the terms of probation satisfactorily. &£j The above figures thus show that there were really only 9 who did not in some measure take advantage of probation. The results thus shown are highly satisfactory, and are sufficient to prove the wisdom of the action of the Judges and Magistrates of this centre in so largely using the powers conferred by the Offenders Probation Act. ISjjij When it is added that the sum of £1,226 17s. lOd. was paid by probationers as restitution and £172 16s. Bd. as costs of prosecution, the value of the Act and the results obtained from its working are further illustrated. Apart from the purely monetary return, the principle of restitution, in its application to those admitted to probation, is one of the most effective factors of the system. The obligation of restitution has a very marked restraining and controlling influence on probationers, bringing home in very many cases the realization of opportunities lost, and has proved an incentive towards the formation of habits of thrift. It has been gratifying to note the number who have completed their terms of probation in a creditable manner, and the attention, in the majority of cases, that is given to the probationary conditions imposed. There are cases, however, where laxity has been shown, but here again there are few who do not eventually realize that their liberty is conditional on strict adherence to the terms of probation. Quite a number of those admitted to probation during the year have been youths of the " gang " type, who have come before the Court for mischievous behaviour, and from observation I am of the opinion that probation with strict conditions as to hours, amusements, &c., will prove an effective deterrent for these offenders. Much more might be said of the more intimate side of the probation work, but to do so would unduly lengthen my report. Two outstanding cases may, however, be mentioned, in which the probationers concerned have lately completed the payment of restitution, amounting to over £300 in each case. This money was paid by each in instalments from earnings. While giving due consideration to the complusory condition, the probationers concerned are deserving of credit for fulfilling a condition that would have daunted many. In one of these cases the victim of the offence has been incapacitated owing to ill health, and but for the regular instalments of restitution which were forwarded to him he would have become a burden on the State. :-y Grimes Amendment Act Probationers. —The average number reporting monthly during the year was 59. Of those released from prison on license, 41 completed their terms of probation, 4 were discharged from probation by the Prisons Board, and 2 left the Dominion by permission. Two were sentenced under section 15 of the Crimes Act, and continued on probation after serving the sentence imposed for the breach. One probationer absconded and was not traced, while 11, by reason of offences committed while on probation, had their licenses of conditional liberty cancelled. With a few exceptions, those who completed the term of probation did so creditably, and most of them are in good employment and doing well. The 11 whose licenses were cancelled are in that category mentioned in my last, annual report —i.e., those who either cannot or will not endeavour to redeem lost character. In these cases, bad associations and habits are the cause of their further downfall. Consideration of these cases in the light of their prison experience and its after-effects brings up forcefully the value of the Offenders Probation Act in keeping so many of our youth away from the prison taint. It cannot be too fully realized that when probation is granted it may be that the offenders themselves, and the State also, are saved, the first from being and the other from keeping potential criminals. Allowing in full measure for the discretion so necessary on the one hand in making recommendations for probation, and on the other in granting probation, it is surely wisdom to grant this " conditional liberty " in cases where this course can reasonably be taken. The probation work in this centre is increasing yearly, and there is much of that work that cannot be measured by any set rule, or that can be classed as purely routine, but which is essential to make the w 7 ork a success. There is, however, considerable work of a routine nature which takes up much time, and it is often felt that assistance in this respect would leave time that could be utilized to better advantage in this important work. I have again "to place on record the able and efficient services of the Assistant Probation Officer and of the typist.