THE PROBATION ACT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 34

THE PROBATION ACT.

VIEWED FROM DIFFERENT ASPECTS. (Fbom On Own Corbbspondbnt.) WELLINGTON, July 22. As a sequel to some recent discussions concerning the first offenders' probation system, a Post reporter has obtained the views of some of those who are brought into contact with the working of 'the act. Police Inspector Ellison on being asked for his opinion said; — "I think it is a very" excellent law. It has a tendency to pre- . vent many men from becoming " habitual ■ criminals. Supposing," he added, " a man committed one offence t and was convicted and placed upon his good behaviour by having to comply with the requirements of the act. He would be very likely to . awaken to a sense of his -own responsibility • and refrain from going any further into crime. If such a person were dealt with « harshly and sent to gaol, he would probably become worse. Even if a few do take advantage of it," added Mr Ellison, "it is just the same in dispensing charity. It ' would be a pity not to give the deserving ones a chance.' An interesting phase of the question was raised by a well-known authority. He asked how many first offenders nowaday* are the victims of the operation of the act by assuming that its clemency will be extended to them if they are caught in their delinquencies? In other words, how many have been made criminals by the act? One of the. first questions a young man in trouble asks is, "Do you think I will get off as a first offender?" Our informant maintains that the act has long since lost its usefulness,- and that many a well-con* ■ neeted young man would hesitate in com- ,' mitting a crime if^.h,e.Jjgne,w jkliat'~his -chances of escaping "punishment were"*!*- " mote. Some magistneteftVptflfefredTio convict a man and order him to come up for sentence when -called 'Upon rather than admit Him'- .tor -probation j" simply "beTsausti ' the Probation Act, by requiring that the offender shall at intervals ' report ' himself to the prison. -authorities, keeps, him in ioucK with anything but elevating influences. , v " . • !