H. —208.

At the beginning of the year there were 16 probationers under the Offenders Probation Act on the register, 29 were admitted to probation during the year, and 7 were transferred from other districts, making a total of 52 dealt with. Of this number, 10 satisfactorily completed their period of probation, 16 were transferred to other districts, 1 was committed to Mental Hospital, and 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, leaving 24 on the register at the close of the year. Crimes Amendment Act. —Under this heading there were 4 reporting at the beginning of the year, 5 were received on parole from prison, and 1 was transferred from, another district, making a total of 10. Of this number, 5 completed the period of parole and 1 was transferred to another district, leaving 4 reporting at the end of the year. The amount of restitution-moneys collected during the year totalled £85 Is. sd. Under the heading of costs of prosecution the sum received was £11 14s. 9d. Mr. D. R. Lloyd, District Probation Officer, Greymouth. I respectfully submit the annual report on probation work for the year ended 31st December, 1937. Moneys recovered. —Restitution-moneys collected during the year amounted to £101 ss. 7d. Offenders Probation Act.—Total dealt with 20, transferred 12, expired 4, reporting 4. Crimes Amendment Act. —Total dealt with 9, expired 2, transferred 5, and reporting 2. The year in retrospect is a very satisfying one. The application of common-sense methods and going the extra mile of service ultimately brought the desired results and formed a basis of mutual understanding and respect between the supervisor and probationer. Local contacts were well maintained, but I also had to contend with the " back-country " problem., a feature of the West Coast geographical situation, with probationers in the community workers' camps as far as 200 miles away from Greymouth centre of operation. However, the police co-operated and assisted me therein, and especially would I single out the officer in charge at Hokitika, and the country resident constables from Waiuta in the north to Bruce Bay in the south. To these officers I desire to record my appreciation of the services they have rendered. In conclusion, it is very encouraging to meet ex-probationers who have retrieved self-respect and readapted themselves into well-ordered community life of the town. Mr. M. McCormack, Probation Officer, Hamilton. I respectfully report a total of 35 were reporting on the 31st December, 1937. Costs of prosecution and restitution-money collected amounted to £148 14s. sd. During the year probation granted by Magistrate's Court 20, and by Supreme Court 3. On transfer from other districts 17. During the year the conduct of all probationers has been quite satisfactory, except two who failed to comply with the order of the Court. When charged later one was sentenced to fourteen days' hard labour and the other, after remand, was eventually discharged. lam pleased to state that the majority of probationers are sticking to their work and not roaming from place to place. Again it is my pleasure to thank. Mr. Frank Findlay,. Hamilton, for his assistance. Mr. A. G. Johnston, Probation Officer, Hastings. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1937. 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 20, total 56 ; less transfers to other districts 11 ; to prison 1, and those who completed their term 21 ; leaving 23 on the register at the close of the year. Amount collected during the year, £40 10s. One probationer was committed to prison for carnal knowledge, but apart from this case the majority have fully appreciated the leniency extended. As in all cases where endeavours are made to assist those in trouble there is always a small number who do not fully appreciate these efforts on the part of others and require plain speaking and handling. Mr. R. W. Arnold, Probation Officer, Invercargill. I have the honour to submit hereunder a report on the probation work at this centre for the year ended 31st December, 1937. Offenders Probation Act. —At the beginning of the year there were 10 probationers on the register, 6 were admitted to probation during the year, and 6 were received on transfer, making a total of 22 dealt with. Of this number, 12 satisfactorily completed the probationary period, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 4 were transferred to other districts, and 2 absconded, leaving 3 names on the register at the close of the year. This shows a gratifying decrease compared with previous years. Crimes Amendment Act and Prevention of Crime Act.—Under this heading there were 6 probationers on the books at the beginning of the year, 10 were received on release from Borstal, and 7 were transferred from other districts, a total of 23 passing through my hands. Of these, 9 completed the probationary period, 7 were transferred to other districts, and 1 was reconvicted for a further offence, leaving 6 reporting at the end of the year. Costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected during the year amounted to £17 19s. During the year the State Placement Officer gave willing co-operation in the matter of finding suitable employment for probationers, and for this assistance towards rehabilitation I wish to express my appreciation. Thanks are also due to the members of the Invercargill Borstal Society and of the Invercargill Voluntary Probation Committee for the interest they have taken in the welfare of probationers throughout the year.

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