H.—2ob.

Mr. A. (t. Johnston, Probation Officer, Hastings. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1938. The number of probationers on the register at the beginning of the year was 23, admitted to probation at Hastings 10, received by transfer from other districts 21, total 54; less transfers to other districts 13, those who completed their term 20, and 2 released by Prisons Board, leaving 19 on the register at the close of the year. The amount of costs of prosecution and restitution collected during the year totalled £90 Bs. 6d. In looking back over the past year it is pleasing to note the appreciation shown by probationers for the privileges of probation in that the discipline with freedom has brought a realization of the necessity for good citizenship. As one meets ex-probationers this is apparent in the steadiness that was lacking previously. Not in all cases is this so, but sufficiently so to show that probation is a worthwhile system. Little trouble has been experienced in the majority of cases, and generally conduct has been good. I wish to thank the local Employment Bureau and the freezing-works for assistance in finding employment for some, and also one drapery firm for supplying clothing so willingly without guarantee of payment. Mr. E. W. Arnold, Probation Officer, Invercargill. Hereunder I submit my report on the probation work at this centre for the year ended 31st December, 1938. Probationers under Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —There were 3 on the register at the commencement of the year, 8 were admitted to probation by the local Court, and 5 transferred from other districts, making 16 dealt with during the year. Six were transferred to other districts, 1 died, and 3 satisfactorily completed their respective periods and were automatically discharged. This leaves 6 names on the register at 31st December. Of these, 2 aire required to make restitution. The remaining probationers reporting appreciate the leniency offered by probation, and behave accordingly. Restitution money collected and disbursed amounted to £49 195., and costs to £10: total £59 19s. One offender dealt with by the Court under section 16 of the Act was ordered to come up for sentence when called upon within twelve months. Probationers under Crimes Amendment Act, 1.910, and the Prevention of Crime (Borstal Institutions Establishment) Act, 1924.—At the beginning of the year there were 6 probationers on the register. During the year 4 were received on release from the local institution and 10 on transfer from other districts, making 20 to be accounted for. Of these, 7 were transferred out to other districts where they had obtained work and 9 duly completed their probationary periods, thus leaving only 4 on the register on 31st December. Of these, 1 is an habitual criminal, who, however, is giving no trouble. He recently married, and appears to be settling down. Practically no trouble was occasioned by probationers, all reporting regularly, and all in employment for the most of the time. General. —As a rule, there is not much difficulty in securing employment when needed, and the assistance afforded by the State Placement Service and the Public Works Department in this direction is acknowledged. Various business firms and private individuals have also been helpful in offering or securing work when so requested. There is no doubt that probation is far and away less expensive to the State than a term in custody, while in nearly all probation cases the reformative value is just as effective. Mr. C. J. McMullin, Probation Officer, Napier. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the probation work for the year ended 31st December, 1938. Offenders Probation Act, 1920.—At the beginning of the year there were 19 probationers on the register, 26 were admitted to probation during the year, and 9 were received on transfer from, other districts, making a total of 54 dealt with during the year, this total being reduced by 18 having completed their term of probation, 18 transferred to other districts, 1 discharged by the Prisons Board, 1 reconvicted, leaving 16 on the register at 31st December, 1938. Crimes Amendment Ac#.—There were 7 probationers on the register at the beginning of the year, 9 were received on transfer from other districts or on license from institutions, making a total of 16 dealt with, of which number 4 completed their terms satisfactorily, 2 were transferred to other districts, and 5 were reconvicted for further offences, leaving 5 on the register at the end of the year.

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