PROBATION OFFICERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20385, 17 April 1928, Page 6

PROBATION OFFICERS.

SYSTEM IN COUNTRY DISTRICTS. ' (Special to Daily Times.) .AUCKLAND, -April 16. The wisdom of policemen in country districts acting as probation officers was questioned by Mr J. J- .Sullivan .during an address in the Supreme Court.on behalf of a prisoner awaiting sentence. Ine case came from the Whakatane district, and in view of the fact that the prisoner had never been before a court previously Mr Sullivan took exception to the reference in the probation officer's report which described his client as being "a bad character generally, fond of' drink, and regarded as a bad thief." " I* could not be expected that in a country district such as Whakatane a special probation officer should be appointed " observed Mr Justice Blair. Where the liberty of a person was concerned no expense was too great, retorted Mr Sullivan. The Crown Solicitor (Mr V. R. Meredith) described as ridiculovs the suggestion that the police and probation depart ments should be separated in country districfs. An experienced police officer was always appointed and policemen acting m that capacity had always, in •Mr Mere dith.'s judgment, carried out their duties with the utmost, fairness. It was true that the man had hot previously been' before the court, but it did not follow because of that fact that, he was a person of the very best repute. He was. in Wet, a man of distinct criminal characteristics The breaking and entering charges tor which he appeared for sentence involved the blowing of safes, which was a serious offence. In one instance "an attempt had been made on the safe of the' Public Works Department at Taneatua, which contained £2700 in wages. If the probation officer had not furnished a report on the lines he had he would have failed in his duty. " I must say. with my limited experience, that I have alwavs found police officers to be imbued with the keenest sense of justice. towards a prisoner, and they arc alwavs anxious to do all that may be helpful,"- said his Honor.