H.—2ob.

The conduct of the probationers under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920, has been very satisfactory indeed, and only in one instance has there been cause for serious complaint. Those dealt with under the Crimes Amendment Act are a much more difficult problem and do not appreciate to the same extent what is being done to assist them to rehabilitate themselves. The matter of placing men in suitable employment is of first importance, and in this connection I desire to express my appreciation of the help given by the State Placement Officer and his staff, who have at all times been anxious to assist me in this direction. I wish to record my appreciation of the courteous and kindly treatment which I have experienced from the local Stipendiary Magistrate and the definite interest he has always taken in probation work. I also wish to express my gratitude to the Court officials and the police for their courtesy and help during the year. Restitution payments totalled £55 ss. 2d., and costs of prosecution payments totalled £9 175.: total collected, £65 2s. 2d. Mr. M. Cussen, Probation Officer, Nelson. I have pleasure in submitting my annual report in connection with the working of the Offenders Probation Act in the Nelson District for the year ended 31st December, 1938. During the year the total number of cases dealt with in this district was 25, the number transferred from other districts being 16. Total amount of costs of prosecution and restitution money paid during the year was £46 4s. 6d. The conduct of the probationers, on the whole, has been good. They have all been kept fairly constantly in work, and during the year I have had no occasion-to call on any of the societies for any assistance. Mr. W. Dineen, Probation Officer, New Plymouth. I beg to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1938, in connection with the working of the Offenders Probation Act and on probationers under the Crimes Amendment Act in the New Plymoxith District. In reference to the Offenders Probation Act, I wish to report that there were 19 probationers on the register at the beginning of the period, 15 were received from local Courts during the year, and 8 were received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 42. Of that number, 18 were transferred to other districts, 2 have failed to report and are at present being sought for breach of probation, 1 died, 2 were sentenced to terms of imprisonment for further offences, 9 have completed their terms of probation satisfactorily, leaving 10 on the register at the end of the period. The sum of £35 2s. Id. has been collected from probationers during the year. The general conduct of probationers during the year has been good, with the exception of 2 who failed to report in accordance with the terms of their licenses, and 1 who was. sentenced to a term of two years' reformative detention for further offences. Under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1920, there were 6 probationers on the register at the beginning of the year, 15 were received from prison on license, and 5 were received from other districts. Of these, 13 were transferred to other districts, 6 completed their terms satisfactorily, 1 had his license cancelled and was returned to prison for other offences, there is a warrant out for the arrest of 1, 1 absconded to Australia, and 4 remain on the register at end of the year. The thanks of the Department and myself are due to Miss Scotter, of the Young Women's Christian Association, New Plymouth, for her valuable assistance and supervision over the female probationers. Miss Scotter has devoted a considerable amount of time and ability to the care and guidance of these women. Mr. R. G. Sampson, Probation Officer, Timaru. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1938, and also the incorporated financial return for the year ended 31st March, 1939. At the commencement of the year there were 14 probationers on the register. During the year 7 were placed on probation and 5 were on transfer from another district. At the end of the year 1938 only 8 remained on the register. The disposals arc accounted for as follows: Transferred to other districts, 7; „ terms of probation completed, 9; released by Prisons Board, 1; imprisoned for breach; 1 : making a total of 18 altogether. It is very pleasing to note that there is a decided decrease in the number of persons placed on probation during the year—only 6 cases, as against 10 of 1937. In my opinion, this is accounted for by the fact that the young people of to-day have ample opportunity of being fully employed. I am finding no difficulty in placing all probationers in work.

2—H. 208.

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