OFFENDERS PROBATION UNDER OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920, AND CRIMES AMENDMENT ACT, 1910 (REPORT ON OPERATION OF), FOR THE YEAR 1947

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1948 Session I, H-20b

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1948 NEW ZEALAND

OFFENDERS PROBATION UNDER OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920, AND CRIMES AMENDMENT ACT, 1910 (REPORT ON OPERATION OF), FOR THE YEAR 1947

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

The Hon. the Minister of Justice to His Excellency the Governor-General. Sir,- — Wellington, 29th June, 1948. 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, 1947. I have, &c., H. Gr. R. Mason, Minister of Justice.

The Chief Probation Officer to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. Sir, — I have the honour to present the annual report on the operation of the Offenders Probation Act, 1920, and the parole system under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, and the Prevention of Crime Act, 1924, for the year ended 31st December, 1947. This report covers the sixty-second year since probation was first used in the Dominion and the twenty-eighth since the scope of the Act was enlarged to cover other than first offenders. An epitome of the reports furnished by the principal district Probation Officers is appended. These reports show that in the great majority of cases the probationers have responded satisfactorily, and have appreciated the more generous impulses of the law which enables them to rehabilitate themselves in the community and without the severance of domestic ties. The statistics appended hereto show that during the year 972 persons were admitted to probation by the Courts, and in 69 other cases the offenders were convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, thereby coming under the supervision of a Probation Officer. The number of direct admissions to probation is the highest ever recorded and shows the continued confidence of the Courts in the probation system as a reformative aid. It will be seen from the table showing the ages of offenders that of the 972 cases in which probation was extended, 291 had not attained their twentieth birthday. Under the Child Welfare Act young persons who have not attained their seventeenth

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birthday may be dealt with in the Children's Court, and in practice this procedure is generally adopted. This means that nearly 30 per cent, of the persons admitted to adult probation were in their eighteenth, nineteenth, or twentieth years. Over 62 per cent, of the new cases were under twenty-five years of age. This is quite in keeping with the accepted principle that probation is more suited to the young offender. That the Act is not limited in its scope is shown by the other end of the table, from which it will be noted that one person over seventy years of age was released to the care of a Probation Officer. Of the 2,362 cases dealt with during the year, 59 were before the Court again for minor breaches of their probationary licences, 51 were brought up for sentence on the original charge, 108 were dealt with for further offences, of whom 50 reverted to probationary control after serving a short term of imprisonment, while 10 absconded and were still untraced at the close of the year. The number who lapsed totalled 228, which is less than 10 per cent, of the total dealt with and is slightly better than the average. The amount collected by way of costs of prosecution and restitution-money was £7,669 2s. 6d., which exceeded the previous year's record figure by over £l,lOO. The total collected under these headings since the inception of the scheme now amounts to £129,564. The value of these collections, which are generally in the form of small weekly instalments, cannot be overemphasized. Were the alternative method adopted of punishing these offenders by detention not only would the State have to bear the costs of prosecution, but also the innocent victims of the offences would have no redress. The necessity to make regular refunds has a very salutary effect on a probationer's habits. When he has completed his payments he is advised and encouraged by the Probation Officer to continue setting aside a regular sum, with the result that when the offender passes from the control of the Probation Officer he frequently has a substantial deposit in a Post Office Savings-bank account, or a National Savings Account, or both. Turning to the table of offences, it will be noted that just over 68 per cent, of the persons dealt with were charged with offences against property, 50 per cent, being for theft. The next highest group was ship-desertion, 69 persons being admitted under this heading. During the past two or three years several Magistrates have dealt with ship-deserters by admitting them to probation and making it a condition of their release that they shall accept employment on any overseas ship offering. During the year a number left the Dominion under the terms of their licences, but at the end of the year there were approximately 40 of these cases still on our books, being mainly those dealt with late in the year. Another class of offence which remains relatively high in the list is unlawful conversion of motor-vehicles. There is a good deal of adverse comment by a section of the community regarding the apparent leniency extended for this class of offence. The Courts have frequently expressed the opinion that where it can safely be avoided first offenders should not be sent to prison, except on serious charges. Probation, with an order for reparation of any damage done, then seems to offer a constructive alternative in certain cases. As has been mentioned in previous reports, there is no limit to the class of offence for which probation may be granted, the only stipulation being that the offender shall have been convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment. It is unusual for probation to be granted for offences involving deliberation or brutality, or for the more serious sexual offences. Last year the offences ranged from flying an aircraft without a licence to acts of indecency, and included such widely divergent offences as committing an act likely to endanger safety of the public on railways, bigamy, arson, and concealing the body of a child.

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Parole Probation Officers, in addition to dealing with persons who are admitted to probation by the Courts direct in lien of being sentenced to imprisonment, also have the responsibility for the supervision and after-care of prisoners who have been released on probationary licence. This work of rehabilitation is regarded as a most important integral part of the penal plan. Too much emphasis cannot be given to the importance of supervision during the difficult period when the released prisoner is endeavouring to readjust himself to social conditions. In several of the city districts voluntary Probation Committees were recently revived, and it is hoped that it will be practicable in the near future to organize a Dominion-wide after-care organization with a view to giving greater attention to the oversight of the younger offenders, too many of whom experience difficulty in readjusting themselves to the community. They get in with bad associations and often drift back into crime. For example, although the total average relapses of Borstal cases throughout the Dominion is less than 20 per cent., it is noticeable that the younger lads do not do as well as the older ones who seem to have passed through the unstable adolescent stage. Approximately one-third of the lads released from the junior Borstal at Invercargill " fail to make the grade " and get into difficulties again after release. No Maori lad is now released from Borstal without the Maori Welfare Officer of the district to which he is going being advised so that the necessary oversight may be arranged. The general results of the parole supervision work may be gauged from the following statistics, which show that during the year under review 567 persons were released on probation on the recommendation of the Prisons Board : 7 parolees were recommitted for breaches of their licence, and 27, including 7 habitual criminals, had their licence cancelled for further offences. During the five-year period ended 31st December, 1947, 1,734 persons (excluding habitual criminals) were released on probation, and during that period 202, or 11-6 per cent., were returned to prison for failing to comply with the conditions of their licence, or for other offences committed whilst on licence, and 27-9 per cent, only were again convicted subsequent to discharge, which, considering the refractory nature of some of the material dealt with, may be regarded as fairly satisfactory. Appreciation I desire to place on record the Department's appreciation of the helpful co-operation of the Magistrates who have undertaken the chairmanship of the Voluntary Probation Committees, and to the members of the various Committees and societies that have assisted in the care of discharged prisoners and probationers. Especial thanks are due to the Salvation Army, and to the Women's Borstal Association, which for twenty years now has rendered a truly wonderful service in assisting in the reclamation and rehabilitation of Borstal girls. I wish to express my personal thanks to the Probation Officers, including the police officers who deal with probation work in the smaller towns, and to the Head Office staff engaged on probation work, to all of whom the success of the probation work is largely due. B. L. Dallard, Chief Probation Officer.

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REPORTS OF DISTRICT PROBATION OFFICERS Mr. C. E. Maxted, District Probation Officer, Auckland At the beginning of the year there were 222 probationers reporting, 249-were released upon probation by the Courts, and 119 were transferred from other districts, making a total of 590 dealt with during the year. Of these, 127 satisfactorily completed the period of probation, 168 were transferred to other districts, 33 left the Dominion, 2 were committed to mental hospital, 4 absconded, and 29 were committed to prison for terms which exceeded the period of probation, leaving 227 on the register at the end of the year. For the period Ist April, 1947, to 31st March, 1948, the sum of £1,162 14s. lOd. was collected for restitution and £464 Is. lOd. for costs of prosecution, making a total of £1,626 16s. Bd. This amount is an increase of £228 14s. 2d. on the amount collected for the previous year and reflects the present abundance of work available and the high wages being earned by the younger generation. Unfortunately, however, many of the youths on probation show little inclination to save, and to meet this need many more probationers than was the case last year have been made to open banking accounts either in their names or in the joint names of the Probation Officer and themselves. A set amount is required to be banked each week, and the bank-book is inspected when each report is made. Twenty-seven individuals were dealt with under the Summary Penalties Act and all satisfactorily completed the payment of fines and costs imposed by the Court. The majority of the fines were for comparatively small amounts, but the provisions of this Act are more than justifying themselves as youths on low wages find it easier to pay a small weekly sum than to find the full amount of a fine in a limited space of time. Ship-deserters still present a major problem to the Court here, and the 57 persons who were admitted to probation were only a small proportion of the total number who appeared before the Court on that charge. Of the 33 persons who left New Zealand during the period under review, 29 were ship-deserters who joined overseas ships in compliance with the terms of their release on probation. The following figures are submitted in respect of those released from Borstals or prisons under the Prevention of Crime and the Crimes Amendment Acts : at the commencement of the year 90 were reporting, 176 were received direct from institutions, and 52 were transferred from other districts, making a total of 318 who passed through my hands during the year. Of these, 94 completed the term of probation, 61 were transferred to other districts, 5 left the Dominion, 3 were discharged by the Prisons Board, 1 was committed to mental hospital, 1 absconded, and 42 were recommitted to prison, leaving 111 reporting at the close of the year. Employment is still plentiful, and probationers have every opportunity of securing work giving good remuneration and a greater degree of permanency than has been the case for many years. Unfortunately, however, many fail to take full advantage of the position and continue to drift from job to job. This has always been the case with many of those appearing before the Courts. They lack stability and the self-discipline required to carry on in the face of difficulties. During the year under review it has again been most encouraging to receive from employers a number of offers of employment for probationers and while it is realized that there is a shortage on the labour market the awakening of the public conscience to the necessity for members of the community to take their share in the rehabilitation of persons who have come into conflict with the law must have beneficial effects in later years.

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Each year the number of persons admitted to probation shows a steady increase, and those connected with the work alone know the great amount of thought and care exercised before a person is admitted to probation. The psychiatrist now plays a very important part in the final decision arrived at in many cases, and the uncertainty as to whether or not a person should be admitted to probation is eliminated to a great degree. The thanks of this office are due to Dr. Buchanan, Superintendent of the Avondale Mental Hospital, and his assistants for the very valuable service they are rendering. Early in the year the Honorary Probation Committee was reformed after having ceased to function during the last years of the war. The Committee is representative of the church and a wide variety of public interests. The Committee is under the chairmanship of Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., and meets monthly. Each committeeman has the care and oversight of a number of adolescent probationers, not specially selected, but representing a fair cross-section of those admitted to probation by the Courts as well as those released on licence from Borstals and reformatories. The gentlemen constituting the Committee are most enthusiastic, and their efforts have met with good success. My thanks are due to them for the time and thought that they have put into the work. I again wish to place on record my thanks for the assistance received from the Rev. D. Caswell, of the City Mission; the Rev. Geo. Moreton, Secretary of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Mr. M. Curran, of the Catholic Youth Centre ; the Maori Welfare Officers; officers of the various Salvation Army institutions; members of the Police Force in Auckland, also police officers in other parts of the Auckland Province who act as Probation Officers and have co-operated with this office to the fullest extent; and all those Government officials whose help and co-operation has been so essential in carrying out this important work. In conclusion, I desire to express my keen appreciation of the kindly and understanding treatment accorded me by the Judges of the Supreme Court and the local Magistrates. Mr. W. H. Darby, District Probation Officer, Christchurch So far as the Offenders Probation Act is concerned, its operation in this district has had the beneficial effect of saving again quite a number of first offenders from a prison sentence and given them a fresh start in life. Altogether 63 were admitted to probation from the local Courts, and, in the main, most of them have responded well and settled down to steady work. As far as Christchurch is concerned, there has been a fairly considerable increase in the number transferred from other districts, and the same applies to the number transferred from this district. This movement is quite in keeping with the trend of things to-day, a restlessness prevails which is hard to explain. The number transferred from other districts was 70, and that transferred out 59, 129 all told ; 2 probationers left New Zealand, and 14 appeared before the Courts on charges of breach of probation or were sentenced on fresh charges ; 49 completed their periods of probation, leaving 82 reporting at the close of the year. The amount of restitution collected was £368 175., and costs, £29 19s. Bd. Under the Crimes Amendment Act we had reporting at Ist January, 1947, 32, and at 31st December, 21. During the year 21 were transferred from other districts and 34 transferred to other districts, 40 were released from prisons and 10 from Borstal institutions ; 38 completed their terms on licence, 1 left New Zealand with the J Force, 1 died, and 8 were sentenced on fresh charges.

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Most of these men and youths are making very satisfactory efforts to rehabilitate themselves, and we have again to tender our very hearty thanks to those business men of the Discharged Prisoner's Rehabilitation Society who see to it that these men have jobs to go to when they are discharged from prison. In conclusion, I desire to express my appreciation of Mr. Aitken's work in charge of the office records, &c. Mr. E. F. Mosley, District Probation Officer, Dunedin Probationers released under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —At the commencement, of the period there were 41 probationers on the register, since when 51 have been released on probation by local Courts, and 13 have been received on transfer, making a total of 105 dealt with during the year. Of these, 23 were discharged after completion of their term, 21 were transferred to other districts, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 1 absconded, 4 were convicted and imprisoned on subsequent charges, and 2 left New Zealand, leaving a balance of 53 on the register. Restitution-moneys collected amounted to £236 6s. 7d., and costs of prosecution, £24 9s. 3d. The imposition of a term of imprisonment upon first offenders followed by an order of the Court to make restitution for damage done in the appropriate cases, in respect of charges of unlawful conversion of motor-vehicles, has had a salutary effect, with the result that the incidence of this class of offence has greatly diminished in the community, especially in so far as new offenders are concerned. Releases from Borstal Institutions and Prisons. —Under this heading 20 were reporting at the beginning of the year, 23 were released from institutions, and 4 were received on transfer, making a total of 47 dealt with during the year. Of these, 11 were discharged after completion of the term, 9 were transferred to other districts, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, and 10 were sentenced to further terms of imprisonment, leaving 16 on the register. The percentage of releasees who committed offences while on probation is higher than usual, and the reason for this would seem to be that a number of the recidivist type were released during the period. General.—Work is still plentiful, and it is only when a special class of work is desired that any difficulty is experienced in obtaining employment. There are still a number of the class that may be described as transient probationers who like to travel about the country always seeking new fields. There is great difficulty in finding them a place to board, but the Salvation Army has been very helpful, and a place of some description always turns up eventually. However, there are indications that the unrest following the war period is diminishing and readjustments are taking place. It is hoped that it will have a correspondingly beneficial effect, particularly upon the younger members of society. I particularly wish to express my gratitude to the helpful co-operation of the police and the Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society of this city. Mr. R. Watt, District Probation Officer, Wellington Probationers released under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —The year commenced with 192 reporting under this heading. During the year 186 were released on probation by the Courts, and, together with 75 received on transfer, made a total dealt with of 453. During the same period 128 were discharged, 102 were transferred to other districts, 3 are still on active service overseas, 7 left the Dominion with consent, 1 died, 4 were dealt with on the original charges, while 8 were imprisoned for other offences and 5 absconded, leaving 194 reporting at the end of the year.

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The total sum of £1,593 Bs. lid. was received during the year by way of costs of prosecution and restitution. The further increase in the amount paid may be partly explained by increasing earning-capacity, but, on the whole, payments have been a fair measure of response and of the recognition of a responsibility to make reparation. During yet another year one has been conscious of immediate post-war conditions that have made for increased earning-power, but also in some cases a lack of any sense of values, especially concerning money. There has been noticeable a somewhat unsettled outlook on the part of some young people who find adjustment difficult, and in regard to whom advice, firm control, and a measure of tolerance are essential in these times. Generally, the conduct and response on the part of probationers has been up to the average, and evidences of regained self-esteem and of determined efforts towards rehabilitation have more than compensated for inevitable disappointments and the lack of response often on the part of those from whom much was expected. Probationers released from, Prisons and Borstals. —The year commenced with 43 reporting under this group ; 99 were received from various institutions during the year, and, together with 23 received on transfer, made a total dealt with of 165. Of that number 65 were discharged in the ordinary way, 30 were transferred to other districts, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 2 absconded, 3 left the country with consent, 1 died, licence was cancelled in 1 instance and 14 were imprisoned for subsequent offences, leaving 48 reporting under this heading at the end of the year. General. —There has been continued difficulty in dealing with and advising certain youthful types of both groups in an endeavour to assist them towards a more rational way of life. In some cases the difficulty has been occasioned by lack of suitable living conditions in a city where even reasonable accommodation for people without homes of their own is at a premium. In others there has been evident that same lack of a sense of values, for which there may be various reasons. In some instances, however, surprising results have been achieved in the matter of thrift —with an increasing savings-bank account, there has been a more practical sense of values, a provision that makes for more self-reliance and a feeling of well-being that possession alone engenders in those who have otherwise so little else in the world that they can value. While certain hostels do exist to cater for particular groups of young people or workers and there are social agencies in the community that fulfil a useful purpose, it is felt that there is a very definite need in this community for further hostel accommodation, especially for youths of post-adolescent age and young men. In addition to the very necessary living-accommodation that such hostels would provide, the opportunity that would exist to encourage a normal social life and the proper recognition of the responsibilities of citizenship would be inestimable and, it is considered, would fulfil a very urgent need at the present time, even in itself. In Wellington alone there are many youths and young men who are more or less adrift, living in rooms —as distinct from having full board, which is becoming a rarity —and of whom a large percentage lack almost entirely any social sense ; some will be found to have no established homes anywhere, nor parents nor even interested relatives, while others have fended for themselves since adolescence. Living in rented rooms as many are of necessity, it is not surprising that some of them develop " corner lounging" habits, make undesirable associations, and live an irregular life not far removed from actual criminality. Generally, it is considered they live an existence bereft of the refining influences of a normal social life usually asssociated with ordered and useful living and the home circle denied to so many of them. It is felt very strongly, therefore, that, apart from the aspect of possible larrikinism, if not criminality, this growing army of young people represents a social problem that is worthy of consideration. The problem of the young Maori living in the city continues, but with the provision of steady employment and the interest of the Maori Welfare Officers and the activities of the Ngati-Poneke Maori Association much is being accomplished.

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Suitable employment for probationers has been available in plenty as in recent years, and, apart from the inevitable misfits and those who lack ability, the men have been kept in steady work. In this connection the helpful co-operation of the National Service Department and other sources of suitable employment have been appreciated. I desire to express my appreciation of the assistance received from the Hon. Justices' Association, the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the City Mission, and the Salvation Army. In conclusion, it is desired to express appreciation of the understanding interest of the Judges of the Supreme Court, Magistrates, police, and Court staffs for unfailing courtesy and a spirit of helpfulness that has materially assisted probation work in general. Mr. W. Wooldrage, Probation Officer, Hastings The number of probationers on the register at the beginning of the year was 24 ; admitted to probation at Hastings, 12 ; received by transfer from other districts, 19 : total, 55. Of that number, 17 completed their term of probation satisfactorily, and 22 were transferred to other districts, leaving 16 on the register at the end of the year. With few exceptions, those admitted to probation by the Court proved themselves worthy of that privilege. The amount of costs of prosecution and restitution collected during the year ending 31st March, 1948, amounted to £lOO lis. 4d. Probationers released from Prison and Borstal Institutions.—On the register Ist January, 1947, 6 ; received from institutions, 14 ; on transfer from other districts, 2 : total, 22. Completed term, 3 ; transferred to other districts, 2 ; recommitted to Borstal, 1 ; to prison, 1 ; leaving 15 on the register at the end of the year. It will be noticed that there was an increase in the number of probationers received from Borstal during the year. The greater portion of these were Maoris. Except for one or two isolated cases, the behaviour of these youths was satisfactory. Much assistance was received from Mr. Karaitiana, Welfare Officer attached to the Department of Maori Affairs at Hastings. His interest in the Maori probationers, and assistance in placing them in suitable work, is greatly appreciated. Mr. J. 0. Brown, Probation Officer, Invercargill Generally speaking, the probationers have responded to the leniency extended to them by the Courts. On the 31st December, 1947, there were 14 probationers left on the register, as against 10 for the corresponding year, while 16 had been transferred to other districts during that period. During the year 6 probationers were sent to prison for various offences and 6 completed the period of probation. There were 5 releases from prison or Borstal as at the end of the year. The amount of restitution-money paid as at the 31st March, 1948, was £ll4 9s. 3d. Of those probationers who were later sent to prison, every possible consideration and attention were given them, and no effort was spared to see that they rehabilitated themselves, but without success. The average probationer responds very well and is usually very grateful of the leniency and assistance afforded him. Mr. A. A. Douglas, Probation Officer, Napier At the beginning of the year there were 14 probationers on the list, 15 were admitted to probation by the Court, 20 were received on transfer from other districts, 13 completed their term satisfactorily, 1 was resentenced to Borstal, leaving 11 on the register at the end of the year.

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All probationers on the list are in steady employment and appear to be doing well. Restitution-moneys amounting to £lB 2s. were disbursed during the year. Costs of the prosecution amounting to £6 14s. 6d. were paid into the Public Account. Persons released from Borstals and Prisons. —There were 6 probationers on the list at the commencement of the year; 5 were released by the Prisons' Board; 9 were received from other districts ; 6 were transferred to other districts; 4 completed their terms satisfactorily; 4 were resentenced, 3to terms of imprisonment and Ito Borstal. The 6 probationers on the list at the end of the year are in steady employment and carrying out their terms in a satisfactory manner. Mr. D. C. Pedersen, Probation Officer, Nelson Offenders Probation Act.—The year commenced with some 12 probationers on the register, but finished up the year ending with a sharp increase to 28 ; some 53 reported during the year, 13 were admitted to probation by the Court at Nelson, and 10 satisfactorily completed their terms. There were 7 probationers brought before the Court for breaches of their licences. The response to probation has been quite satisfactory on the whole, and a direction given by one Magistrate that money be saved under the supervision of the Probation Officer is a sound scheme and worthy of further, consideration, as in these times of high wages most young people that come before the Courts have little idea of the value of money. Lack of suitable employment in Nelson has made it difficult to place probationers who have been wrongly directed here by misinformed authorities, as work in Nelson consists of seasonal work mainly which is done as a rule by youths and women. The position of such probationers has been a problem in that they rarely have any money, and assistance has had to be got for them by charitable organizations, and in this direction I would like to thank the Mayor of Nelson and the Salvation Army, who have given me valuable assistance both in money and in making arrangements regarding board. The sum of £l2l Bs. 6d. restitution and costs was collected during the year. Crimes Amendment Act and Prevention of Crimes Act.-—Some 10 probationers reported during the year, but their conduct was only fair and they were not co-operative, and 4 returned to prison through further crimes committed during their probation period. There was an average of 3 under my control throughout the year. Mr. J. Dow, Probation Officer, New Plymouth Offenders' Probation Act, 1920. —There were 11 probationers on the register at the beginning of the year, 9 were received from the Courts, and 9 were received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 29 probationers dealt with. Of this number, 1 secured a position on an overseas vessel, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 4 completed their period of probation, and 11 were transferred to other districts, leaving 12 on the register at the end of the year. One was imprisoned for committing a further offence, but the remainder have complied with the terms of their release. The sum of £34 10s. towards restitution and £lO towards costs of prosecution has been collected. Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, and Prevention of Crimes Act, 1924.—There were 3 probationers on the register at the beginning of the year, 4 were received on release from a prison, 3 on release from a Borstal institution, and 2 on transfer from another district, making a total of 12 probationers dealt with. Of this number, 3 completed their period of probation, and 3 were transferred to other districts, leaving 6 on the register at the end of the year. One probationer received a sentence for a further offence. The conduct of the others has been good.

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Mr. R. G. Sampson, Probation Officer, Tiinaru Offenders Probation Act.—There were 11 probationers on the register at the beginning of the year. During the year the following were added: by transfer, 11 ; by Courts, 2 : total, 24. The removals for the year are as follows: transferred to other district, 7 ; completed the term of probation, 7 ; leaving a total of 10 on the register at the end of the year. The amount of restitution-money collected and paid out during the financial year was £22 2s. At the present time there are no outstanding amounts. Crimes Amendment Act. —At the commencement of the year 1 probationer was on the register. During the year 2 were added. At the present time only 1 remains on the register, the difference is accounted for as follows : removal to other district, 1 ; returned to Borstal for other offences, 1. It is very pleasing to note that there is a decided decrease in the number of persons placed on probation during the year, only 2, as against 6 the previous year. All probationers are in full-time employment and are making a worthy effort to rehabilitate themselves as good citizens. I wish to express my appreciation of the assistance rendered by the Child Welfare Officer and also the Court staff for the help given during the past year. Mr. R. Cargill, Probation Officer, Wanganui Offenders Probation Act. —At the commencement of the year there were 21 probationers on the register. At the end of the year there were 19 on the register. During the year 10 were received from local Courts, and 13 from other districts, while 10 were transferred to other districts and 12 discharged. Three were dealt with for breach of probation. The sum of £l2l 7s. 6d. was received by way of restitution, and £49 costs of prosecution, for the period of the financial year ended 31st March, 1948. All probationers have been in steady employment, and have been encouraged to open saving-bank accounts, deposits varying from 10s. per week to £2 per week according to earnings. This appears to have a steadying influence. The general conduct has been satisfactory. Offenders released on Licence from Prisons and Borstals.—At the commencement of the year there were 14 on the register. During the year 4 were received on transfer from other districts, 1 was transferred, and 1 was returned to prison. Four were discharged, leaving 12 reporting at the end of the year. All offenders have been in steady employment during the year, and, as in the case of probationers, have been encouraged to open bank accounts. Major H. G. Rogers, Probation Officer for Women, Auckland On the Ist January, 1947, there were 68 women probationers on the register, 51 were admitted to probation during the year, and 12 received on transfer, making a total of 131 dealt with. Of that number, 32 completed the term of probation, 28 were transferred to other districts, and 2 were sentenced on the original charge, and 3 were before the Court for other offences, leaving 66 probationers on the register on 31st December, 1947. Probationers on Release from Prisons and Borstal Institutions.—There were 7 probationers in this class on Ist January, 1947, and 7 were received on release from various institutions, making a total of 14 dealt with. Of this number, 2 completed the probationary term, 1 was transferred to another district, and 2 were again before Court for other offences, leaving 9 reporting at the end of the year.

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For the period Ist April, 1947, to 31st March, 1948, the sum of £l2B 3s. 6d. was collected for restitution and £26 13s. for costs of prosecutions, making a total of £154 16s. Major Y. D. Wood, Probation Officer for Women, Christchurch The following particulars are forwarded for the year ending 31st December, 1947 : At the beginning of the year there were 37 probationers reporting, 28 new cases were received from the Courts, and 4 were transferred from other districts, the total number dealt with being 69. Of these, 17 completed the period of probation, 8 were transferred to other districts, and 2 were committed to Borstal, leaving 42 on the register at the end of the year. Restitution-money collected during the year amounted to £l4O 135., and costs of prosecution to £1 Is. Most of the probationers make a real effort to rehabilitate themselves as good citizens and appreciate what is done for them. Some are unable to do so because of weakness. The big majority do well. My thanks and appreciation are due to the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Magistrates, Court officials, and police and voluntary helpers for their courtesy and help during the year. Major J. M. Hannafobd, Probation Officer for Women, Dunedin I respectfully submit the annual report as the Probation Officer for Women for the Dunedin district for the year ended 31st December, 1947. The number of probationers on the register at the beginning of the year was 22. During the year 13 were admitted to probation from the Magistrates' Court, Dunedin, and 4 were received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 39 dealt with. Of this number, 14 have completed their terms of probation satisfactorily and 7 have been transferred to other districts, leaving a total of 18 on the register. All the probationers were in employment at the end of the year, and it is gratifying to note that most of them have reported regularly, and have availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them of proving that they can be good citizens. The total amount of restitution collected during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1948, was £3O Is. 6d. In conclusion, I would like to thank the Magistrates and the Court officials, the Police Department, also the Men's Probation Officer, Mr. Mosley, for their courtesy and assistance from time to time. Miss E. H. Merrin, 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, 1947. At the beginning of the year 35 probationers were reporting to me, 29 new cases were added during the year, and 16 were transferred from other districts, making a total of 80 cases dealt with. Of these, 26 completed the period of probation, 21 were transferred to other districts, 2 were discharged by the Prisons Board, and 1 was committed to prison, leaving 30 on the books at the end of the year. Restitution collected during the year amounted to £52 lis. With the exception of one or two probationers who will always constitute a problem, the behaviour has been quite satisfactory. Most of them are in permanent employment, but the difficulty of securing accommodation is the cause of some constantly moving from town to town. Thanks are due to the Honorary Justice Association, Maori Welfare Officers, Salvation Army, and Court and police officials for their courtesy and help throughout the year.

3 —H 208

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STATISTICS OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920

Ages and Terms of Probation of the Offenders admitted to Probation during the Year 1947

Summary of Cases dealt with during the Year 1947

Breaches of Conditions of Release committed during 1947 Failed to report, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110 Committed further offences .. .. ~ .. .. .. 108 Absconded (still untraced) .. .. .. .. .. 10 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 228 V Costs of Prosecution and Restitution Moneys collected during the Year ended 31st March, 1948 £ s. d. Amount of costs of prosecution collected by Probation Officers .. 1,122 19 2 Amount of restitution moneys collected .. .. .. 6,546 3 4 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £7,669 2 6

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Age, in Years. Six Months or under. One j Year. Eighteen Months. Two Years. Three Years. Four Years. Five Years. Total. Under 20 years of age .. 17 120 26 103 23 2 291 20 and under 25 28 153 21 89 16 1 i 309 25 „ 30 3 76 10 42 7 1 I 140 30 „ 40 2 58 12 38 20 2 I 133 40 „ 50 3 33 7 19 4 1 67 50 „ 60 2 12 1 10 1 26 60 „ 70 1 1 2 1 5 70 and over 1 1 Totals 55 453 78 304 72 7 3 972

— Admitted to Probation. Deferred Sentence. Total. Number reporting on 1st January, 1947 1,266 50 1,316 Admitted to probation during the year 972 69 1,041 Resumed probation—previously struck off 4 1 5 Totals .. .. .. .. 2,242 120 2,362 Completed probation during the year 744 46 790 Deceased 3 1 4 Discharged by Prison Board 11 11 Left the Dominion 70 1 71 Absconded and not traced (term expired) 10 1 11 Resentenced on the original charge 43 8 51 Committed further offences 54 4 58 Totals Number reporting on 31st December, 1947 935 61 996 1,307 59 1,366

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Offences for which Offenders received the Benefits of the Probation Act during the Year ended 31st December, 1947

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; 813 printing ( copies), £27 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l94B.

Price 6d.~\

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Offence. Admitted to Probation. Deferred Sentence. Total. Theft 502 35 537 Ship-desertion 69 69 Unlawful conversion of vehicles .. .. 49 5 54 False pretences and fraud 46 8 54 Vagrancy 52 52 Breaking, entering, and theft 45 45 Common assault 35 5 40 Receiving stolen property 35 35 Indecent assault 21 21 Carnal knowledge 18 18 Mischief and wilful damage 8 io 18 Obscene exposure 17 17 Indecent act 8 8 Bigamy 7 1 8 Failing to stop after accident 6 6 Obscene and indecent language 6 6 Breach of maintenance order 5 1 6 Attempted suicide 5 5 Stowing away on ships 4 1 5 Forgery and uttering 4 4 Negligent driving of motor-vehicles 4 4 Arson 4 4 Ill-treating children 2 1 3 Breach of War Pensions Act .. 2 1 3 Sheep and cattle stealing -2 -* 1 3 Disorderly while drunk 2 2 Committing act likely to endanger safety of persons on rail2 2 way Aggravated assault 2 2 Breach of probation (Crimes Amendment Act) 2 2 Concealing body of child 1 1 Bringing stolen property into New Zealand 1 1 Failing to keep proper books 1 1 Attempted buggery 1 1 Incest 1 1 Sly-grog selling 1 1 Flying aircraft without a licence 1 1 Unlawfully presenting firearms 1 1 Totals 972 69 1,041