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The costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected during the year amounted to £48 Is. 6d. Three probationers were dealt with during the year under Offenders Probation Act. Employment has been much easier to obtain during 1936, owing to railway-works near Gisborne. I wish to thank the Probation Committee, also the Secretary, Y.M.C.A., for their kindness and help during 1936. Mr. M. McCormack, Probation Officer, Hamilton. I respectfully report that the number of probationers reporting at 31st December, 1936, was 47. Admitted to probation during the year, 24 in Magistrate's Court and 3by Supreme Court. Money recovered : Restitution, £67 16s. 4d. ; costs, £38 9s. 6d. : total, £106 ss. lOd. On the whole, all probationers under my charge have been reporting very well and behaving themselves. I only had occasion to bring one before the Court for failing to make restitution within specified time as ordered, and he was sentenced to fourteen days in prison. Again my thanks are due to Mr. Frank Findlay, of Hamilton, for the interest and assistance given to all probationers. Mr. J. E. Esson, Probation Officer, Hastings. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1936. With few exceptions the conduct of probationers has been very good, and they have and are making an honest attempt to make good. Unfortunately, some of them get the idea into their heads that once they are released on probation they can do as they like. I find the Maoris the worst offenders. I have had occasions to warn both pakehas and Maoris that they must obey the terms of their release on probation, and it has had good effect. Four male probationers were convicted under the Crimes Act and sentenced to imprisonment. One female was convicted for breach of her order, and probation order extended. The sum of £38 ss. 6d. has been paid by way of restitution. Some of the cases seemed hopeless, but a little persuasion and adviee had good effect. Twenty probationers completed their term, and Ī am pleased to report that most of them expressed their thanks for treatment shown them. Seven were transferred to other districts, 11 were received from other districts, 61 were dealt with during the current year, thus leaving 24 on the register. On the whole the probation system has worked well and most of the probationers have shown their appreciation of being released under the Act. Mr. R. W. Arnold, Probation Officer, Invercargill. I have the honour to submit the following report for the year ended 31st December, 1936. Offenders Probation Act Probationers. —On the register at Ist January, 1936, 18, admitted to probation during the year 5, received on transfer 14, making a total of 37 dealt with during the year. This total was reduced by —transferred to other districts 11, reconvicted 7, completed term during the year 7, sentenced on original charge 1, convicted for breach of probation 1, leaving 10 on the register at 31st December, 1936. In addition to the above, 1 offender was ordered to come up for sentence when called upon and ordered to make the necessary restitution. The total amount of costs received in the year was £1, and the amount of restitution was £18 7s. 6d. In this connection I am pleased to be able to report that there was at the end of the year only one probationer on the register who has not completed payment of moneys as ordered by the Court. It is hoped in the near future to have this one completed also, as the term of probation imposed expired some time ago. With the improved economic conditions prevailing during the past year it was very encouragiug to see that some probationers, who due to unemployment had been unable to make any payments, immediately made an effort to wipe off their arrears. In the past it was necessary to make allowances in certain cases, and the excellent response would seem to indicate that this leniency was appreciated. Crimes Amendment Act Probationers and Prevention of Crime (Borstal Institutions Establishment) Act Probationers. —On the register at Ist January, 1936, 9, received from Borstal 5, received from other prisons 7, transferred from other districts 6, making a total of 27. This total was reduced by — transferred to other districts 9, completed probation 7, reconvicted 4, license cancelled 1, leaving a total of 6 on the register at 31st December, 1936. The conduct and response of probationers generally has been quite satisfactory. It was necessary to recommend the cancellation of probationary license on only one occasion, compared with three times in the previous year. Little difficulty was experienced this year in finding employment, and I am indebted particularly to the officers of the Labour Department for their generous help and assistance in this respect. Having been found suitable employment, it is the invariable rule that a probationer will, with a little encouragement at times, make an effort to regain his place in society. In conclusion, I desire to again record my appreciation of the services rendered by the Honorary Medical Officer, Dr. R. Burns Watson. Also to the members of the Toe H and Rotary for their help. The Honorary Parole Officers, Messrs. Marshall, Miller, Watts, and Pickard, have again given their assistance and help to probationers placed under their control. Mr. C. J. McMullin, Probation Officer, Napier. I have the honour to submit the following report for the year ended 31st December, 1936. Offenders Probation Act. —At the beginning of the year there were 14 probationers on the register, 20 were admitted to probation during the year, and 7 were received on transfer from other districts,

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