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1939 NEW ZEALAND.

OFFENDERS PROBATION UNDER OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920, AND CRIMES AMENDMENT ACT, 1910 (REPORT ON OPERATION OF), FOR THE YEAR 1938.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Hon. the Minister of Justice to His Excellency the Governor-General. Sir, — Wellington, 11th. August, 1939. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Chief Probation Officer on the operations of the Offenders Probation Act for the year ended 31st December, 1938. I have, &c., H. G. R. Mason, Minister of Justice.

The Chief Probation Officer to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. Sir, — I have the honour to submit my annual report on the work of the probation system under the Offenders Probation Act and the Crimes Amendment Act for the year ended 31st December, 1938. The statistical tables appended hereto show details of the number of offenders dealt with, the nature of the offences, and the ages of the persons concerned. Reports from the Probation Officers in the cities and the principal secondary towns are also attached. In the small country towns police constables act as Probation Officers, but in any town where there is a substantial number of probationers it is the policy of the Department to appoint special Probation Officers. Offenders Probation.—The reports from the district officers reveal a satisfactory year's work and show, with comparatively few exceptions, that those admitted to probation have responded reasonably well. The difficulties in placing men in employment have not been as acute as in past years, and this has been a factor which.has made the position easier in the matter of the payment of restitution. All Probation Officers express gratitude to the Government Placement Officers for their helpful co-operation. Employment is undoubtedly an important factor in rehabilitation. With many men adversity makes them resentful and anti-social, and often a little understanding sympathy and help in finding a job transforms a feeling of " grouch" into one of gratitude. The number of probationers who committed breaches by failing to comply with the conditions of their probation or who offended again subsequently was just over 9 per cent, of the total dealt with. This may be regarded as satisfactory. The number of offenders admitted to probation during the year was 914, as compared with 897 for the previous year. The amount of restitution money collected from probationers was £4,703. The success in this regard has been due to the patient and discerning pressure brought to bear by Probation Officers. This requirement to make reparation is not only of advantage to the victims of the offences committed, but it is noticeable that many probationers through this means are reminded of their obligations, and they themselves frankly admit the justice of the orders to make restitution. This in itself is a step towards social readjustment.

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