OFFENDERS PROBATION UNDER OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920, AND CRIMES AMENDMENT ACT, 1910 (REPORT ON OPERATION OF), FOR THE YEAR 1945

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1946 Session I, H-20b

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1946 NEW ZEALAND

OFFENDERS PROBATION UNDER OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920, AND CRIMES AMENDMENT ACT, 1910 (REPORT ON OPERATION OF), FOR THE YEAR 1945

Presented to botJt Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

The Hon. the Minister op Justice to His Excellency the Governor-General. Sir,- Wellington, 29th August, 1946 I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Chief Probation Officer on the operations of the Offenders Probation Act for the' year ended 31st December, 1945. I have, &c, F. Jones, for Minister of Justice.

The Chtep Probation Officer to the Hon. the Minister op Justice. Sir I have the honour to present the annual report under the Offenders Probation Act and Crimes Amendment Act for the year ended 31st December, 1945. During the war years, on account of the need for economy of paper, the report on the operations of the probation system has been confined to a brief annexure to the Prisons report. This year it has been decided to revert to the practice of publishing a separate report dealing with the administration of the Offenders Probation Act and the parole system under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, and the Prevention of Crime Act, 1924. I append hereto a synopsis of each of the reports furnished by the principal District Probation Officers. These reports all show an encouraging response to the opportunities afforded under the probation system. The number of persons convicted for breaches of conditions of their probationary licenses was 212, or slightly less than 9 per cent, of the total dealt with during the year. This is below the average percentage of defaulters over a number of years. The statistics appended to this report show that the number of persons admitted to probation during 1945 was 972, which number is slightly in excess of the average for the previous five years. Probation is extended to persons of all ages, but in practice it is more generally applied to young offenders. It is interesting to note that 325, or slightly more than one-third of the number admitted to probation during last year, had not attained their twentieth birthday ; 399, or 45 per cent, of the new cases admitted, were between seventeen and twenty-one years ; and 79 per cent, were under thirty years of age. When first enacted, probation was applied only to first offenders and a large number of the more venial offences were excluded from its operation, but now-a-days the Courts have more regard for the interests of the offender than for the actual type of offence, and probation has been extended to all offences punishable by imprisonment.

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Reviewing the classes of offenders dealt with under the Probation Act during the year, it is to be noted that 550 persons, or 56 per cent, of the total, were charged with theft and 62 were granted probation for unlawful conversion of motor-cars. This shows a slight drop on the number for the previous year. The attached table shows the wide range of offences in respect of which probation has been granted. For example, the following crimes appear in the list of those admitted to probation : indecent assault, carnal knowledge, robbery with violence, wilful neglect of a child, attempted buggery, and assault with intent to commit rape. It has been stressed by the authorities in England that the more generous impulses of the law are not intended for cases involving deliberation and brutality. It is not so much the class of offence as the circumstances under which it is committed that count among the imponderables that weigh with the Court in fixing the sentence. In determining whether or not to grant probation, the Act requires that the best interests of the public and of the offender shall be considered. In considering public interest the deterrent factor is an important consideration, and in this regard it is desirable that the public conscience shall be satisfied. The legal sanction, in addition to showing the offender that crime does not pay, should also mark public disapprobation of the crime. This is not merely a pandering to an unwholesome desire for retribution. It is to teach every offender, and every potential offender, that there is a socially acceptable code, a deviation from which will not be countenanced. Probation in appropriate cases has many advantages over imprisonment. It avoids disruption of domestic arrangements or a break in employment, and experience shows that more can be achieved by the helpful supervision of an offender in the community, where he is encouraged to make amends and to become a self-reliant economic unit of society, than in the artificial atmosphere of an institution, no matter how well it may be conducted. The matter of reparation is a positive factor of probation. Under this arrangement restitution is made to the person wronged. This requirement to make good the injury by instalments has a very salutary effect, and many Probation Officers have observed that the obligation to save to meet restitution instalments has often been the beginning of a habit of thrift. The amount collected during the year by way of costs of prosecution was £578, and restitution £5,573, a total of £6,151. The aggregate sum collected since the inception of the scheme now amounts to £115,412. I was interested to observe that the Assistant Under-Secretary of State in England, in delivering the third Clarke Hall Lecture, entitled " Probation and other Social Work of the Courts," saw fit to quote an extract from an earlier copy of my report, because, he stated, " it seems to give a clear statement of the real meaning and object of probation." For this reason, and also because in this the first separate Probation report that has been published for several years it is desirable to reiterate the general principles, I propose to repeat the paragraph quoted, as it is as applicable to-day as when previously written : Probation may be defined as the suspension of final judgment in a case, but involving a judicial warning and the giving of the offender an opportunity of readjusting himself and making amends whilst living as a member of the community, subject to conditions which may be imposed by the Court, and under the supervision and friendly guidance of a Probation Officer. Probation has the mercenary virtue that it is cheap. There is no expense for institutional maintenance, and, as indicated above, the Courts can impose a condition requiring restitution to be made. It has, however, a more important social virtue in that it prevents a severence of domestic and family ties, and avoids the stigma invariably associated with imprisonment, which prejudices an offender in his ultimate rehabilitation. Although by comparison probation must be admitted to be a lenient form of treatment, it is quite wrong to assume that it is equivalent to being ' L let-off." This deep-rooted misconception, no doubt arising from the genesis of the scheme, which originally applied to first offenders only, for offences more or less of a venial character has been to some extent responsible for probation not being utilized as extensively as it might be. There is definitely a disciplinary purpose in probation, and usually strict compliance with the terms of the recognizance make exacting demands upon the probationer. It is, in effect, conditioned liberty, but the positive feature of it is that,

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although in some cases the restrictions on liberty may be irksome, they are imposed hot so much as punishment as with the object of assisting the probationer in habituating himself to a more ordered and disciplined mode of living. Right living is largely a matter of acquiring good habits. Probation best serves the community" when it deflects an incipient criminal trend towards a more socially desirable course of conduct. To obtain this objective it is necessary for the Probation Officer to gain the co-operation of the probationer. Probation is not a general panacea that can be applied indiscriminately, nor are the beneficial results entirely derived through the force of authority. The system calls for a play of personality upon personality involving careful study and great patience on the part of the Probation Officer. The probationer himself must evince a desire to change his Avays, and, under the benign influence and suggestions from the Probation Officer, in the majority of cases success is achieved. The conditions under which a probationer is released are exacting. He must report once a month or less if the Probation Officer so prescribes ; he must not change his address without leave ; if he moves to another district, he must report to the Probation Officer of that district; he must take up approved employment; he must be of good behaviour and not associate with criminals or any forbidden person. In addition, he must comply with any special conditions applied by the Court—for example, if drink is a contributory factor he is frequently required to take out a prohibition order. The probation system affords an opportunity for public-spirited persons to assist in the reclamation of persons who have fallen by the wayside. Several years ago a system of voluntary Committees was arranged and the Department had some 300 voluntary helpers who undertook to befriend, assist, and shepherd probationers. This proved an invaluable help when unemployment hampered the rehabilitation of the probationer. In recent years the Employment Officers and officers of the National Service Department have effectively co-operated in the placing of probationers in employment. The Committees were also largely engaged in various forms of war work. Steps are being taken to revive the interests of these voluntary workers, and it is of interest to note that last year at Christchurch a Voluntary Rehabilitation Committee was re-established at the instance of Mr. Justice Northcroft, and at Wellington the Voluntary Probation Committee is being revived. The various Prisoners' Aid Societies always work helpfully in close liaison with the Probation Officers. Parole This group comprises persons released on license after serving a term of imprisonment or Borstal detention, as distinct from those admitted to probation by the Courts. The statistics show that 498 persons were released on probation during the year on the recommendation of the Prisons Board. During the year 14 were recommitted to detention for breaches of their licenses, and 27, including 5 habitual criminals, had their licenses cancelled for further offences. Considering the obvious handicaps which beset a person under the stigma of having been imprisoned in re-establishing himself in the community, the small percentage of failures must be regarded as very satisfactory. The effectiveness of the method of supervision and after-care (and also of the in-care reformative influences) may be judged from the fact that during the five years ended 31st December last 1,745 persons (excluding habitual criminals) were released on probation, and during that period 173, or 9-8 per cent., were returned to prison for failing to comply with the conditions of their license or for other offences whilst on license and only 25-1 per cent, have again been convicted subsequent to discharge. Staff During the year Mr. J. Anderson, who functioned as Probation Officer at Auckland for ten years and as Assistant Probation Officer for several years prior to that, retired on superannuation. Mr. Anderson commenced his career in the Prison service. His sympathetic understanding of offenders and his common-sense approach to matters

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earned the esteem and confidence of both the Bench and the offenders with whom he had to deal—a happy combination which contributed in no small degree to the success of his work. Steps are being taken to augment the staff by the appointment of several Assistant Probation Officers. Appreciation I desire to express appreciation of the loyal co-operation of Probation Officers, not only those on the Justice Department's staff, but the large body of police officers in the country districts who function as Probation Officers. I should also like to express my thanks to the Salvation Army, and in particular to the Salvation Army women who function as women's Probation Officers in numerous towns. The Department is also indebted to the various voluntary after-care organizations, especially the Women's Borstal Association, in connection with the care and oversight of most of the young women released from the Arohata Borstal Institution. B. L. Dallard, Chief Probation Officer.

REPORTS OF DISTRICT PROBATION OFFICERS Mr. C. E. Maxtbd, District Probation Officer, Auckland I have pleasure in submitting my annual report on the probation work in this city for the period Ist January, 1915, to 31st December, 1945. Mr. J. Anderson, who had been Probation Officer of the Auckland district for the past ten years, and with whom I had been associated, as Assistant Probation Officer for eight years, retired on superannuation on the 7th December last. The work for the year under review, therefore, was under his control. As Mr. Anderson's associate and successor, I desire to place on record my own appreciation of his work and the training which I received under him. His qualities as Probation Officer were the subject of high commendation by Judges, Magistrates, solicitors, social workers, and police of this city prior to his retirement. - : The figures for the period are as follows : on the Ist January, 1945, there were 182 probationers on the register. During the year 209 were admitted to probation by the Courts and 112 were received on transfer from other districts. These figures give a total of 503 probationers dealt with during the year 1945. Of that total, 94 completed the probationary term, 142 were transferred to other districts, two were committed to mental hospitals, 16 left the Dominion, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 38 came before the Court for other offences, and 9 came before the Court on the original charge. It should be pointed out that included among defaulters are those who commit such breaches of the licenses as failure to report, or failure to comply with some special order of the Court, as well as those who commit other offences while on probation and are brought before the Court either as a disciplinary measure or to bring their probation to finality on account of a prison sentence having been imposed for some offence committed after admission to probation. Taking into account the very unsettling conditions prevailing during the twelve months under review and the fact that many probationers have been required to work overtime and on shift-work, the results achieved must be considered highly satisfactory. In many cases the discipline exercised through probation over a number of adolescent youths is the first real discipline they have experienced, the omission being brought about by their fathers being either in the Army or absent from home jon essential work, and perhaps their mothers also undertaking war work. One of the greatest problems which the Auckland Probation Officer has had to deal with was the great influx of Maoris from the north to undertake essential work. A number were on probation when transferred to Auckland, and during the year no less than 41, or 20 per cent., of those admitted to probation during the year were Maoris.

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The success of the probation system cannot be denied, and to many youths a short term of probation is sufficient to deter them from further wrongdoing. For the period Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946, the sum of £1,264 15s. sd. was collected as restitution and £252 15s. 4d. was collected as costs of prosecutions, making a total of £1,517 10s. 9d. This is an increase of £53 14s. 7d. over the previous year. There were further amounts paid by service allotments by probationers serving in the Armed Forces and accounted for in Head Office. This side of probation is also a matter for special comment, as in a number of cases the amounts ordered to be paid were substantial, and the probationers have met -their obligations readily. During the year the Magistrates at this centre have on a number of occasions adjourned cases for periods of from three to six months and placed the offenders under the supervision of the Probation Officer, and at the expiration of the period discharged them under section 18 of the Offenders Probation Act. This has added to the work of the Probation Office, as it meant special supervision in many cases and the furnishing* of a number of special reports to the Court. This procedure has proved of great benefit to youthful offenders, and to my knowledge not one case so dealt with has made a second appearance before the Court. In addition to the above offenders, the Probation Officer here has also had under his supervision a number of youths under the age of twenty-one years who have appeared before the Court for minor breaches of the law, when they have been fined and placed under the supervision of the Probation Officer in terms of the Summary Penalties Act, 1939. The numbers dealt with in both the adjourned cases and Summary Penalty Act are not included in the figures given at the commencement of this rport. Probationers on Release from Prisons and Borstal Institutions. —There were 91 probationers in this class on the Ist January, 1945. One hundred and forty probationers were received on release from the various institutions and 53 were received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 284 dealt with during the period. Of that number, 75 completed the probationary term more or less satisfactorily, 67 were transferred to other districts, 3 were discharged by the Prisons Board, 1 died, and 1 left New Zealand. Fifty-seven probationers came before the Court for other offences, and, of these, 48 received further terms of imprisonment and did not revert to probation either through their probationary licenses being cancelled or on account of the sentence being in excess of the probationary term. The remaining 9 reverted to probation. Four of the offenders who appeared before the Court again were habitual criminals. The number remaining on the register at the close of 1945 was 89. The total number of defaulters was 48, being 20 per cent, of the total number dealt with. Fourteen per cent, of these defaulters were Maoris. Of the 48 individuals appearing before the Court for other offences, in 16 cases the unlawful conversion of motor-vehicles was involved. As has been the case over the past few years, there has been little difficulty in securing employment for persons released from Borstal institutions and prisons. The valuable assistance and ready co-operation received from the staff of the National Service Department and the Vocational Guidance Centre here has relieved the Probation Officer of the necessity of making the matter,of employment one for special attention. One of the features of probation which has always caused the Probation Officer and the probationer some concern was the necessity for keeping the fact that a person was on probation from his employer. However, it is pleasing to know that employers are gradually becoming more sympathetic and broad-minded in their attitude towards these cases. Over the past twelve months some very helpful and sympathetic consideration has been shown by employers to employees who have offended against the law. This attitude is not only helpful to the probationer, but also to the Probation Officer.

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One of the very pleasant features of a Probation Officer's work is to renew acquaintances with probationers who have regained their self-respect and place in the world. During the past twelve months it has been very pleasing to meet many ex-probationers who have returned from overseas service, and in at least two cases probationers have been commissioned in the field and a number have been decorated for bravery. The number of persons being admitted to probation by the Courts each year is steadily increasing. This is evidence of the importance attached to probation by Magistrates and Judges, and in a city the size of Auckland post-war delinquency among adolescents, which is inevitable, will further increase the work of the Probation Officer here, and the necessity for larger office accommodation has been apparent for some time past and, in common with other Government Departments, is one which is an urgent necessity. The thanks of the Probation Officer are again due to many social workers: Capt. Banyard, the Anglican chaplain at Mount Eden Prison, the Rev. Jasper Calder, of the City Mission ; the Rev. George Moreton, secretary of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Dr. Delargey and Mr. M. Curran, of the Catholic Youth Centre ; officers of the Salvation Army ; members of the Police Force in Auckland ; and also police officers in other parts of the Auckland Province. I also wish to record my appreciation of the kindly and courteous treatment accorded me by Judges and Magistrates. Mr. W. H. Darby, District Probation Officer, Christchurch During the year under review our work has been carried out to the best of our ability and to the satisfaction, I hope, of all concerned. Probationers generally have responded very well and we have experienced little or no trouble with them. At the beginning of the year there were 29 persons reporting to this office under the Crimes Amendment Act, and at the close of the year, 30. Under the Offenders Act there were 57 reporting at Ist January, 1945, and 67 at 31st December, 1945. Quite a number of these men were in the services, and the majority of them were continually on the move from one station to another, with the result that many of them were seen rarely, if at all. During the year the sum of £283 2s. 6d. was collected by way of restitution and £l3 ss. 6d. by way of costs of prosecution. Reports for the Supreme Court have been considerable during the year, but only a very small percentage of those reported on have been released on probation, due, 1 think, to the fact that there has been an increase in certain types of crimes, particularly sexual crimes and breaking, entering, and theft, including safe-breaking. Before concluding my report, it gives me very much pleasure to say that the recently formed Discharged Prisoner's Rehabilitation Society has been doing splendid work during the year and we are looking forward this year to an enlarged sphere of influence. I cannot close without paying a tribute to the splendid contribution to the success of our work made by my assistant, Mr. Aitken, and also to the helpful co-operation of all Court officials. Mr. E. F. Mosley, District Probation Officer, Dunedin 1 have the honour to submit the annual report on the probation work in this centre for the year ended 31st December, 1945. Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —At the beginning of the year there were 57 probationers on the register,, since when 58 have been released on probation by local Courts and 12 have been received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 127 dealt with under the Act during the year. Of these, 45 were discharged after completing their term, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 1 died, 22 were transferred to other districts, 2 went overseas, and 11 were brought before the Court on subsequent charges and sentenced to imprisonment, leaving a balance of 45 on t*he register.

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Releases from Borstal Institutions arid Prisons. —Under this heading 12 were reporting at the beginning of the year, since when 13 were released on probation and 9 were received on transfer, making a total of 34 dealt with during the year. Of these, 14 were discharged after completion of the term, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 4 were transferred, and 4 returned to a Borstal institution, leaving 11 on the register at the end of the year. Restitution moneys collected totalled £229 10s. 2d., an amount considerably more than usual, while costs of prosecution received amounted to £8 4s. Bd. One brief comment may be made : that there is a considerable tendency of young men to avoid hard work. Many of them practically insist upon obtaining light jobs such as porters, waiters, and the like. As work is less plentiful than it was, however, there is less opportunity for picking and choosing, and this might be in the best interests of probationers. Mr. H. Mathew, Probation Officer, Invercargill I have the honour to submit my report on the probation work at this centre for the year ended 31st December, 1945. Probationers under Offenders Probation Act,- 1920. —There were 13 on the register at Ist January, 1945, from 1944. During the year 8 persons were admitted to probation by the local Court (6 theft, 1 false pretences, and 1 obscene exposure). Inward transfers from other districts numbered 3, while there were 4 transferred out. There were 10 who completed their probationary periods (including 2 who were sentenced to Borstal detention and 1 who was sent to military camp), leaving 10 on the register at the end of the year. All these are in work and reporting regularly. Probationers under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, and the Prevention of Crime (Borstal Institutions Establishment) Act, 1924.-—On Ist January, 1945, there were 9 names under this category on the register. During the year 3 were added on release from the local Borstal institution. There were 4 transfers from other districts and 6 transfers to other districts, 9 completed probationary periods, including 2 who were granted remission by the Prisons Board, thus leaving 1 on the register at 31st December 1945. There has not been any difficulty in obtaining work for the probationers, or, rather, in their obtaining jobs for themselves. All have reported reasonably promptly and regularly. The sum of £4l 14s. 2d. was collected by way of restitution during the year. Mr. A. A. Douglas, Probation Officer, Napier I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st December, 1945, on the working of the Offenders Probation Act. At the beginning of the year there were 9 probationers on the register, 16 were received on transfer from other districts, 16 were admitted to probation by the Courts, making a total of 41 dealt with during the year. Six probationers completed their term, 23 were transferred to other probation districts, 2 were reconvicted (1 being sentenced to Borstal and the other to reformative detention), leaving 10 on the register at the end of the year. With the exception of one, all other probationers are doing well. Restitution moneys collected, £7l, costs of prosecution collected, £1 9s. lOd. Crimes Amendment Act.— -There were 4 probationers on the list at the commencement of the year, ] 2 were received from other districts during the year, 8 were transferred to other districts, and 3 completed their term, leaving 5 on the/register at the end of the year. With the exception of one who has not reported for two months, the remaining probationers are doing well.

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Mr. T. Stocker, Probation Officer, New Plymouth I have the honour to submit my report for the-year ended 31st December, 1945. Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —There were 10 probationers on the register at the beginning of the year: 17 were received from the Courts, and 11 were received on transfer from other districts making a total of 38 probationers dealt with. Of this number, 9 completed probation satisfactorily, 14 were transferred to other districts, and 1 was sent to Borstal for breach of probation, leaving 14 on the register at the end of the year. It was found that the majority of the probationers responded to the terms of their probation and caused very little anxiety, but female Maori probationers seemed to lack an appreciation of their obligations and required constant vigilance to keep them within bounds. Costs of prosecution amounting to £1 9s. and restitution totalling £ll6 17s. 9d. were collected. Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, and' Prevention of Crimes Act, 1924. —There was only 1 probationer on the register at the beginning of the year, 9 were received from other districts, 2 completed probation, and 4 were transferred away, leaving 4 on the register at the end of the year. Without exception all these probationers observed the conditions of their release and caused no trouble. Mr. R. Gr. Sampson, Probation Officer, Timaru I have the honour to submit my annual report on probation work at this centre for the year ended 31st December, 1945, together with the financial return for the year ended 31st March, 1946. With regard to probationers under the Offenders Probation Act, I have to report that 8 probationers were on the register at the beginning of the year. During the year 15 were added to the register, being transfers from other districts, 6 ; first time on register, 5 ; placed under-supervision while making restitution, 4 ; making a total of 23. The total on the register at the close of the year was 13, the removals being made up as follows : transferred to other districts, 4 ; completed term of probation, 2 ; full restitution completed, 4 ; a total of 10 removals, leaving 13, 5 of whom are females. Under the Crimes Amendment Act there were 2 probationers on the register and 8 were admitted on license, making a total of 10 for the year. At present 3 remain on the register, the removals being accounted for as follows : completed term, 1;' removed by transfer to other districts, 5 ; license cancelled and returned to Borstal, 1. The amount of restitution money collected during the year amounted to £64 4s. Id., as against £4B 4s. 6d. for the previous year. I wish to express my appreciation of the assistance rendered by the Child Welfare Officers, the Court staff and police, and the National Service Department for assisting in finding employment for probationers. I am pleased to state that all probationers are in employment and are making a worthy effort to rehabilitate themselves as good citizens. Mr. P. S. Watters, Probation Officer, Wanganui I have the honour to submit my annual report on probation activities in the Wanganui district for the year ended 31st December, 1945. Probationers under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —At the commencement of the year there were 25 probationers on the register (15 males and 10 females). During the year 25 were received from the local Courts, 11 were received from other districts, and 1 transferred from the Crimes Amendment Act to the Offenders Probation Act, making a total of 37. Sixteen completed their terms of probation, 19 were transferred to other districts, 2 were returned to Borstal institution, and 3 committed to prison for further offences, leaving a total of 22 on the register at 31st December, 1945. One female

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probationer was prosecuted during the year for a breach of the conditions of her release on license. Two male probationers appeared before the Court, 1 for failing to report, and the other for a charge of theft committed prior to being placed on probation. The conduct of the probationers, in the main, has been good, they having responded to the clemency shown them by the Courts. Persons released on License from Prisons and Borstals. —At the commencement of the year there were 14 probationers on the register, and 13 were received during the year. Of these 27 probationers, 7 completed their terms and were discharged, 5 were transferred to other districts, 2 were discharged from license by the Prisons Board, and 2 were returned to prison for further offences. In the main the conduct of the probationers has been good, and the majority have acted up to the conditions imposed on them, with beneficial results. I desire to express my appreciation of the assistance given me by the Court officials and police. Mr. K. Watt, District Probation Officer, Wellington I have to report as follows concerning probation work in this district for the year ended 31st December, 1945. O.P. Probationers. —The year commenced with 166 probationers reporting under this heading. During the year 154 were released by the Courts, and, together with 50 received on transfer from other districts, made a total dealt with of 370. During the year 110 were discharged in the ordinary way, 71 were transferred to other districts, 6 are still on active service overseas, 5 left the Dominion with consent, 1 is a mental patient, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 8 are in prison for having committed other offences, 1 was dealt with on the original charge, and 2 absconded, leaving 165 on the register at the end of the year. In all, the sum of £1,262 Is. 3d. was received by way of costs of prosecution and restitution. Although that amount includes instalments totalling £3OO on the part of one probationer, the balance may be regarded as a fair indication of a recognized responsibility to make reparation on the part of those probationers concerned. In the main there has been a good response on the part of many probationers which has been encouraging and has more than compensated for inevitable disappointments and instances of lack of good faith. Difficulties have been met in dealing with younger types, whose reactions to existing conditions of life and work and increased earning-power have had to be met with patience and understanding. R.P. Probationers. —At the commencement of the year 44 men were reporting under this 'heading, 93 were received from various institutions, and, along with 17 received on transfer from other districts, made a total dealt with of 154. Of that number, 44 were discharged in the usual way, 37 were transferred to other districts, 2 are on active service overseas, 4 left the country with consent, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 15 were imprisoned for having committed other offences, and in 3 instances licenses were cancelled, leaving 48 reporting at the end of the period. In many of these cases, also, response has been quite encouraging and it has been a pleasure to recognize the desire to be re-established in the community and to encourage the subsequent effort that invariably brought its own reward in a sense of moral security and regained self-regard. General. —As during the war years, many probationers have been in some form of military service, and in a general way certain types benefited thereby. In other cases the return to civil life has made for difficulties peculiar to rehabilitation in general, creating situations that have called for tolerance and understanding. Problem types, whose characteristics include poor mentality, lack application or ability and moral or social sense, are ever present and account for the unavoidable instances of failure to respond which are not always wilful, but which occur despite all efforts to encourage a different way of life and thought. 2—H 20b

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The District Man-power Officer and the Kehabilitation Department have continued in an appreciable manner to co-operate in placing probationers in suitable employment, one of the essentials in the often difficult task of personal rehabilitation. There has been no lack of opportunity and many probationers have not been wanting in taking full advantage of the position. An encouraging aspect during recent months has been the generous interest of certain citizens whom, it is hoped, will form the nucleus of a new Voluntary Probation Committee, an essential feature of the work which can now be developed as normal peacetime conditions return. In addition, the practical interest of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the Honorary Justices' Association, and the Salvation Army, &c, has continued to be a source of appreciation and encouragement to those concerned. In conclusion, it is a pleasure to acknowledge the helpful interest of the Judges of the Supreme Court, Magistrates, and Court and police officials, and to refer to the spirit of co-operation and general helpfulness that has been demonstrated by other social workers, with whom it has been a pleasure to be associated. Major Veba D. Wood, Probation Officer for Women, Auckland I have the honour to submit my report as Probation Officer for Women for the year ended 31st December, 1945. At the beginning of the year there were 106 probationers on the register. During the year 14 were received on transfer from other districts. The number admitted to probation during the year was 61, while 3 were placed under supervision—sentence being deferred. Seventy-five probationers completed their terms during the period under review, while 9 were transferred and 4 committed to Borstal, leaving a total of 96 on the register at the end of the year. During the twelve months ended 31st March, 1946, a sum of £266 ss. was collected by way of restitution. The shortage of suitable accommodation for young women is a handicap to a number of probationers who are employed in the city or suburbs. It is pleasing to report, however, that the large majority of probationers appreciate the leniency extended to them by the Courts and the efforts of those who assist them in rehabilitating themselves in the community. Major H. G. Eogees, Probation Officer for Women, Christchurch I have the honour to submit my report on the probation work at this centre for the year ended 31st December, 1945. The work for the year was partly under the control of Major E. Smith, who retired. The number of probationers on the register at the beginning of the year was 24. During the year 17 were admitted to probation from the Christchurch Courts and 16 received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 57 dealt with. Of this number, 12 have finalized their terms of probation satisfactorily, 8 have been transferred to other districts, and 1 defaulter was sentenced to Borstal, leaving 36 on the register at the end of the year. Crimes Amendment Act.— There was 1 on the register at the beginning of the year and 1 was received on license during the year. Both completed their terms very satisfactorily. Restitution moneys collected amounted to £lOO 9s. 9d. It is very pleasing to find that most of the probationers respond to the opportunity afforded them to prove themselves, and are making good. I desire to express my appreciation and thanks to the Magistrates, the Court officials, and the Police Department for their courtesy and assistance.

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Major J. M. Hannafoed, Probation Officer for Women, Dunedin I respectfully submit the annual report as Probation Officer for Women for the Dunedin district for the year ending 31st December, 1945. The number of probationers on the register at the beginning of the year was 21, the number admitted during the year being 19, making a total of 40 being dealt with. Of this number, 17 have finished their term of probation and 1 was transferred, also 1 was received on release from the Addington Reformatory. The majority of probationers are in steady employment and appear to appreciate the liberty given them, many having responded really well. The total restitution moneys collected during the year amounted to £66 Bs. Id. On behalf of the late Major May Dickinson, I would desire to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Magistrates, the Court officials, members of the Police Force, and social workers for their courtesy ; also to Mr. Mosley, the men's Probation Officer, for his assistance during the year. This has been of inestimable value to me in this very important work. Miss E. H. Merbin, Probation Officer for Women, Wellington I wish to submit my annual report as Probation Officer for Women for the city of Wellington and suburbs for the year ended 31st December, 1945. Offenders Probation Act: — Probationers reporting at Ist January, 1945 .. .. .. 48 Probationers received from Courts .. .. .. .. 30 Probationers transferred from other districts .. .'.'• ..17 95 Probationers completed probation .. .. .. .. 33 Probationers transferred to other districts .. .. .. 27 60 Probationers reporting at 31st December, 1945 .. .. .. 35 Crimes Amendment Act: — Probationers reporting at Ist January, 1945 .. .. .. 3 Probationers received from institutions .. .. .. .. 6 Probationers transferred from other districts ~ .. .. .. 2 11 Probationers completed period of probationary license .. .. 6 Probationer committed fresh offences . . . . .. .. 1 Probationer recalled to prison .. .. .. .. .. 1 Probationer discharged by Prisons Board .. .. .. 1 9 Probationers reporting at 31st December, 1945 .. .. .. 2 The amount of restitution received during the year Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946, amounted to £BB 3s. 5d., and costs of prosecution £5 35., making a total of £93 6s. sd. At the end of the year all probationers were in employment, the majority of them being employed as waitresses, domestics, and in private hotels, where in most cases accommodation is provided for them. The wages are still good and every girl has ample opportunity of being able to save a little each week from her wages. Thanks are due to the Honorary Justices' Association, Salvation Army, Maori welfare authorities, Court officials, and police for their courtesy and help throughout the year. 3—H 20b

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STATISTICS OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920 Ages and Terms of Probation of the Offenders admitted to Probation during the Year, 1945

Summary of Cases dealt with during the Year, 1945

Breaches of Conditions of Eelease committed during 1945 Failed to report, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 71 Committed further offences .. .. .. .. .. .. 130 Absconded (still untraced) .. .. .. .. .. 11 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. ..212 Costs op Prosecution and Restitution Moneys collected during the Year ended 31st March, 1946 £ s. d. Amoxmt of costs of prosecution collected by Probation Officers .. 578 10 9 Amount of restitution moneys collected .. .. .. 5,573 1 3 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £6,151 12 0

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Age, in Years. Six Months or under. One Year. Eighteen Months. Two Years. Three Years. Four Years. Five Years. Total. Under 20 years of age .. 22 121 43 129 9 1 325 20 and under 25 23 132 23 83 10 1 272 26 „ 30 5 55 12 26 4 1 103 30 „ 40 4 44 17 26 5 2 1 99 40 „ 50 2 24 6 13 2 47 50 „ 60 2 11 1 6 2 2 24 60 „ 70 2 3 5 2 12 70 and over .. 2 1 1 4 Totals 58 389 105 290 35 8 1 888

— Admitted w Probation. Deferred Sentence. Total. Number reporting on 1st January, 1945 Admitted to probation during the year Resumed probation—previously struck off 1,323 886 1 104 86 1,427 972 1 Totals .. 2,210 190 2,400 Completed probation during the year Deceased Discharged by Prison Board Left the Dominion Absconded and not traced (term expired) Resentenced on the original charge Committed further offences 739 2 11 64 5 30 61 112 2 4 2 4 5 851 2 13 68 7 34 66 Totals 912 129 1,041 Number reporting on 31st December, 1945 1,298 61 1,359

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Offences for which Offenders received the Benefits of the Probation Act during the Year ended 31st December, 1945

Approximate Coat of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (720 copies), £25

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 946. Price 6d.]

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Offence. Admitted to Probation. Deferred Sentence. Total. Theft 498 52 550 Breaking, entering, and theft 62 62 Unlawful conversion of motor-vehicles 58 i 59 Vagrancy 47 i 46 False pretences and fraud 31 4 35 Indecent assault 25 25 Mischief and wilful damage 14 li 25 Common assault 19 4 23 Trespassing 12 3 15 Carnal knowledge and attempted carnal knowledge 14 14 Receiving stolen property 14 14 Ship desertion 14 14 Forgery and uttering 13 13 Indecent exposure 10 10 Obscene and indecent language 6 1 7 Attempted suicide 6 1 7 False statements and false declarations 6 1 7 Bigamy 5 5 Arson and attempted arson 3 3 Concealing dead body of child 2 2 •Stowing away on ships 2 2 Bookmaking 2 2 Breach of maintenance order 2 2 Breach of probation (Crimes Amendment Act) 2 2 Robbery with violence 2 2 Failing to report for military service 2 2 Breach of Bankruptcy Act 1 i 2 Perjury 1 Wilfully neglecting a child 1 Abandoning a child 1 Attempted buggery 1 Assault with intent to commit rape 1 Fortune-telling 1 Unlawfully wearing uniform 1 Cruelty to animals 1 Unlawfully assuming a name 1 Manslaughter 1 Breach of War Pensions Act i Breach of Oil Fuel Regulations 1 Breach of Motor-vehicle Regulations 1 Released under section 15 (in lieu of bail) I ' Breach of Man-power Regulations i Unlawfully carrying firearms i Reckless driving i Resisting police i Failure to enrol child on school register i Failure to render assistance to person injured in motori accident Totals 886 86 972