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The total sum of £1,247 3s. sd. (costs, £207 lis. 3d.) paid by probationers by way of restitution may be regarded as a highly satisfactory response. Apart from increased earning-power, the obligation to make reparation has been widely recognized. During the year there have been experienced conditions peculiar to post-war periods, and, generally, one felt that many young offenders, having reached adolescence during the war years, were ill-equipped to cope with the business of living as they found it. Consequently, the necessity for close personal contact, patience, and much tolerance has been most evident. On the whole, probationers have responded to advice and encouragement, and, while there have been failures and disappointments, the greater number of those discharged seemed to have profited by their experience and reestablished themselves largely by their own effort. Probationers released from Prisons and Borstals. —The yeai; commenced with 48 reporting under this heading, 80 were received from various institutions during the year, and 21 were received on transfer, making a total of 149. Of that number, 50 were discharged, 38 were transferred to other districts, 2 are on active service, 1 left the country, 2 licences were cancelled, and 13 were imprisoned for other offences, leaving 43 reporting at the end of the period. In the main, these probationers proved responsive and took full advantage of existing opportunities to establish themselves once again. Those who failed, having committed other offences, were for the most part of the recidivist type, who represent a problem in any community. General. —Two features of the year's work seem worthy of mention. One problem concerned youthful types, whose lack of values and, unfortunately in some cases, industry, general restraint, and a disregard for authority were difficult to cope with. Eventually, in some cases, where advice and encouragement failed after being well tried, institutional restraint seemed to be the only solution. An increasing problem was the large number of Maori offenders dealt with, for the most part youthful. In this connection the assistance and co-operation of Maori Welfare Officers will be a welcome feature in future, when the aim will be to establish offenders among their own people if at all possible. As in recent years, there was no lack of suitable employment, and the good offices of the National Employment Service and the Rehabilitation Department have been fully appreciated. During the year the various sources of advice and assistance to which all Probation Officers are only too glad to turn responded most willingly and contributed much that was helpful and constructive. Miss H. Brown, who was associated with this offiee for many years, retired during the year. It is desired to place on record an appreciation of her intense loyalty, judgment, and unselfish interest that characterized her long association with probation work. In conclusion, the continuance of helpful understanding on the part of Judges of the Supreme Court and Magistrates and assistance of Court and police officials is gratefully acknowledged. Mr. H. Mathew, Probation Officer, Invercargill The following particulars regarding the work carried on during 1946 are submitted : Probationers under Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —On Ist January, 1946, there were 10 probationers on the register. During the year 16 were admitted to probation by the local Court —14 on charges of theft, 1 of assault, and 1 of obscene exposure. Inward transfers from other districts totalled 2, whilst outward transfers were 3. Ten probationers completed their probationary periods during the year. One probationer committed an offence whilst on probation and was sentenced to one year's Borstal detention, and 2 others committing offences were sentenced to prison. Twelve probationers remain on the register as at 31st December, 1946. All these are reporting regularly and, with the exception of one who is recovering from a prolonged illness, are employed locally.

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