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offences, 2 were resentenced on the original charge, 4 were discharged by the Prisons Board, 1 left the Dominion, and 48 satisfactorily completed the period of probation. These movements left 73 on the register at the close of the year. 3. Released from Borstals and Prisons.—On Ist January, 1949, there were 20 parolees reporting to me, 59 were received on release from Borstals and prisons, and 17 were transferred from other districts, making a total of 96 dealt with. Of these, 28 were transferred to other districts, 12 were resentenced for fresh offences, 1 absconded, and 29 completed the period of probation, leaving 26 reporting at the end of the year. 4. During the period under review, work has continued to be plentiful and wages were high. With single men endeavours have been made to inculcate habits of thrift by persuading them to open savings accounts or to contribute to group savings. The housing situation is still acute, and in the case of single men coming to the city in search of work it has been almost impossible to obtain suitable living accommodation. 5. The Christchurch Branch of the Discharged Prisoners' Rehabilitation Society continues to render yeoman service. The enthusiasm and assistance of the gentlemen comprising the committee in obtaining suitable employment for men discharged from the prison are much appreciated. 6. I desire to express my appreciation of the service rendered by the Salvation Army in providing temporary accommodation on numerous occasions, and of the assistance of the officers of the National Service Department, of the Maori Welfare Officer, of Court officials, and of members of the Police Force, whose help and co-operation have been readily given at all times. Mr. B. F. Mosley, Probation Officer. Dunedin 1. Probationers Released Under the Offenders Probation, Act 1920. —At the beginning of the year there were 71 probationers on the register. During the year 52 were released on probation by local Courts and 24 were received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 147 cases dealt with in the period. Of these, 31 were transferred to other districts, 5 went overseas, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 12 committed further offences and were sentenced to terms of detention in institutions, and 32 were discharged after completing the period of probation satisfactorily, leaving 66 on the register. 2. Releasees from Borstal Institutions and Prisons.—Under this heading 11 were reporting at the beginning of the year, since when 18 have been released from institutions and 7 received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 36 dealt with during the year. Of these, 9 were discharged after having completed their term satisfactorily, 6 were transferred to other districts, and 6 were sentenced to imprisonment on further charges, leaving 15 reporting at the end of the year. 3. Restitution payments collected during the year amounted to £406 3s. 9d. and costs to £47 4s. 9d. 4. A higher proportion of probationers released under the Offenders' Probation Act ,committed further offences and were sentenced to detention in institutions. No less than 10 of these had prior convictions, and included in them were 6 who had previously served terms of imprisonment or Borstal detention. 5. The problems confronting the Probation Officer remain basically the same. Difficulty in finding suitable accommodation for young people often causes them to have to live in conditions where they rub shoulders with adults living extravagantly and perhaps drinking heavily. Close contact with such examples can scarcely help but militate against the development of good conduct and habits, especially in the formative period of youth.

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