H.—208.

represent those who failed in varying degrees to profit by experience and who were unwilling or unable to appreciate conditional liberty as an opportunity to establish themselves. It does not appear to be inconsistent with general statistics that during periods of comparative prosperity many seem to find readjustment to normal standards of conduct more difficult, and it is felt that this has been reflected in probation work generally during the past year. It is pleasing to record the understanding interest and assistance of the officials of the State Placement Service and others who have been instrumental in placing probationers in suitable and congenial employment consistent with their varying abilities and capacities to adjust themselves, a difficult and searching task at any time. It is a pleasure to acknowledge with a deep sense of appreciation the practical interest of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the Honorary Justices' Association, the Salvation Army, and others interested in social welfare, whose generous co-operation has been always available and has proved of invaluable assistance. Appreciative reference has also to be made to the thoughtful and encouraging interest of the Judges of the Supreme Court and Magistrates, and of the assistance rendered always with courtesy by the police and Court officials. Major Hope Hart, Probation Officer for Women, Auckland. I have the honour to submit the annual report as Probation Officer for Women in the Auckland District. At the beginning of the year commencing Ist January, 1938, there were 31 probationers on the register. During the year 45 were admitted from the Auckland Courts, 14 were received on transfer, making a total of 90 dealt with. Of that number, 32 completed the probationary periods, 13 were transferred away to other districts, leaving a total of 45 probationers on the register at the end of the year. During the year there were 8 defaulters. The collecting of restitution moneys this year has not been so difficult owing to the fact that there is more employment. The amounts of £84 13s. in restitution moneys and £3 13s. 6d. Court costs were received, making a total of £88 6s. 6d. in all. The large majority of probationers behave well and appreciate the leniency offered them by probation, thus proving that the system of probation is a means to their becoming useful and law-abiding citizens. I wish to record my appreciation for the kindness and courtesy received from Judges of the Supreme Court, Magistrates, Court officials, and the Police Department. Major V. D. Wood, Probation Officer for Women, Christchurch. I have pleasure in submitting my annual report on numbers and progress of probationers dealt with during the year ended 31st December, 1938. At the beginning of the year there were 9 probationers on the register. Admissions during the year totalled 12, and 3 were transferred into the district, making a total of 24 dealt with. Of these, 10 satisfactorily completed probation and 1 was transferred to another district, leaving 13 on the register at the end of the year. Moneys collected during the year ended 31st, March, 1939, amounted to £27 10s. lid. This amount has been collected in small sums. This has meant sacrifice and consistency, but I feel it is a very helpful and necessary contribution to the character of the probationer, and in some cases the most effective way to the full realization and establishment of higher principles. During the year it has not been necessary to bring any probationer before the Court for breach of probation. There has been real adjustment and building during the year, with very profitable results. It is cheering to meet frequently those who have passed through our hands in previous years and who regard us as friends still interested in their welfare. Thanks are due to Magistrates, Court officials, and police for their understanding, assistance, and courtesy during the year. Captain M. Dickinson, Probation Officer for Women, Dunedin. I respectfully submit my annual report as Probation Officer for Women for the Dunedin District for the year ended 31st December, 1938. The number of probationers on. the register at the beginning of the year was 16, 14 were admitted during the year, making a total of 30 dealt with; of these, 11 have completed their term of probation and 4 were transferred to other districts, leaving 15 on the register at the end of the year. Received from, prison reformatory, 1, having completed her term satisfactorily. Total of restitution moneys collected during the year, £16 13s. 6d. The majority of probationers are in steady employment and appreciate the liberty given them. On the whole, they have responded well. I desire to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Magistrates, the Court officials, Police Department, and social workers for their courtesy and assistance during the year.

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