OFFENDERS PROBATION UNDER OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920, AND CRIMES AMENDMENT ACT, 1910 (REPORT ON OPERATION OF), FOR THE YEAR 1948

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1949 Session I, H-20b

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1949 NEW ZEALAND

OFFENDERS PROBATION UNDER OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920, AND CRIMES AMENDMENT ACT, 1910 (REPORT ON OPERATION OF), FOR THE YEAR 1948

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, 4th August, 1949. 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, 1948. I have, &c., H. G. 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 operations under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920, and the parole of prisoners under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, and the Prevention of Crime Act, 1924, for the year ended 31st December, 1945. An epitome of the reports of the four principal District Probation Officers is annexed. Offenders Probation Act Section The statistics appended hereto show that there were 31 more persons admitted to probation during 1948 than during 3947, the total number of new cases being 1,072, which is the highest figure reached since probation was first instituted as an alternative to imprisonment. Incidentally it may be mentioned that as the number of committals to prison in 1948 was more than 300 less than during the previous year it will be seen, when taken in conjunction with the probation figures, that the amount of serious crime in New Zealand during 1948 was less than during 1947,

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Two hundred and sixty-eight, or slightly more than one-quarter (26 per cent.), of the total number of eases admitted to probation during 1948 were of persons under twenty years of age, and 595, or just over half the total (57 per cent.) were under twenty-five. In this connection it is of interest to observe that the question of crime by young persons has been occasioning concern in England during recent years, where there seems to have been a widespread disruption of moral standards as a post-war sequel. At a conference held in March of this year the Home Secretary, who convened the gathering, specially referred to this question of the declension of moral standards. In reference to the problem of combating this, he stated: '' It was not merely a matter of scientific treatment. It was something beyond mere scientific formula." The Minister of Education stressed the importance of education having regard to the cultivation of moral and spiritual qualities as well as to the mental and physical development. The Archbishop of Canterbury referred to the gradual weakening of spiritual values as being responsible for the larger amount of juvenile delinquency, and the Archbishop of York stated that honesty and truthfulness were vanishing virtues. It is of interest to note that all the speakers, with one exception, and they represented practically every phase of social life, blamed the decline in spiritual values for the increase in delinquency. Bad housing, lack of playing-fields and recreation-grounds, lack of parental control, the films, mothers in industry, football pools, breakdown of marriage life—these, and all other reasons, were, in the minds of the speakers, all secondary to the lack of religious background. Adding the number of probationers reporting on the Ist January, 1948, to the number of cases admitted during the year gives a total of 2,440 persons dealt with. The total number of actions taken during the year for breaches of conditions of probation was 207, or just over 8 per cent, of the aggregate number of persons dealt with. Seven hundred and ninety satisfactorily completed their probation or were discharged by the Prisons Board. The amount collected by way of costs and restitution-money was £8,151, which is the largest amount so far collected in any one year. The aggregate amount collected under these headings since the inception of the scheme now totals £137,715. The obligation to make reparation, usually in small weekly instalments out of earnings, is often the beginning of a habit of saving. It also brings home to the probationer in a salutary and realistic manner just what his depredations have involved when expressed in terms of his own steady earnings. Turning to the tables showing the nature of the offences dealt with, it will be noted that approximately 74 per cent, of the total persons admitted to probation during the year were for offences against property, 52 per cent, being for theft. Ninety-one persons were placed on probation for ship-desertion from overseas. Forty-eight, or 6 less than the number for the previous year, were granted probation for unlawful conversion of motor-cars. In this regard it is of interest to note the recent comments of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, United States of America. As the result of an investigation into the matter of the relationship between keys left in cars and automobile thefts, he states: — It appears that as many as 4 out of every 5 thefts of parked automobiles would not occur if the ignitions of all unattended cars were locked and the keys were safely in their owner's pockets. We feel some concern for the inconvenience and money costs to owners and insurance companies of preventable automobile thefts. But we are far more concerned for the effect of such thefts upon the young men and boys who drive the cars away. Dozens of them are sentenced each year for their escapades. Other thousands who are not caught are encouraged in, perhaps actually initiated into criminal activity by these experiences. The moral for automobile owners is simple. Even if they are willing to chance losing their cars by leaving them unlocked, does not concern for the welfare of their fellow-men require that they lock their cars when they leave them.

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This report covers the sixty-third year since probation was first introduced by statute as a penal sanction in New Zealand. The first enactment, the First Offenders Probation Act, 1886, applied, as i'tis title indicates, to first offenders only. It is interesting to note that section 6of the 1886 Act required Probation Officers " to inquire carefully into the character and offence of every person arrested for any first offence for the purpose of ascertaining whether the accused person may be reasonably expected to reform without imprisonment," and, if satisfied that the best interests of the public and the offender would be preserved by placing him on probation, to recommend accordingly. In this connection it is of interest to examine the table attached to this report showing the wide range of crimes for which the provisions of the Offenders Probation Act have been used by the Courts; Where the offence is an isolated one indicating a temporary lapse and does not show evidence of calculation or ruthlessness, and. where there are signs of genuine contrition, the granting of probation would seem undoubtedly to be the proper and constructive method of dealing with the offender. Each case must necessarily be dealt with according to its particular circumstances, but the penal sanction should, as far as practicable, always be consistent with a due regard for the interests of the offender and the overriding well-being of the community. The Offenders Probation Act, 1920, does not restrict the application of the provisions of the Act to first offenders. Section 5 defines the duty of a Probation Officer '' to make inquiries as to the character and personal history of any person accused or convicted of any offence and to report thereon to the Court. " It is further stipulated that it is a special duty, having regard to whether the best interests of the public and the offender would be served by release on probation, to report to the Court whether he recommends probation. It will be noted that under the later enactment the attention of the Probation Officer is directed to the character and personal record of the offender, and not, as in the earlier enactment, to the offence. The Probation Officer is specially enjoined to have regard to the interests of society and of the offender. This is in accord with modern penal philosophy—viz., that the Court's attention should be directed to the character of the offender, and not solely to the offence. As a copy of the Probation Officer's report must be made available on request to the accused, who may tender evidence in rebuttal, it is important that only factual information be placed before the Court. In practice the Probation Officer, in addition to taking statements from the accused himself or from his relatives and others, also obtains information relating to the circumstances of the crime and the accused from the police. Probation Officers are enjoined not to confine their reports to matters pertaining to the commission of the offence "which may be derogatory to the accused, but to state anything positive in his favour so that the Court may obtain a true and fair picture of his character and antecedent conduct before determining the manner of treatment. Where the question of impaired mentality is involved which might either be mitigating or, on the other hand, suggest that in the interests of society custodial care is necessary, these factors are adverted to. Two difficulties emerge from time to time in actual practice owing to the peculiar geography of the Dominion and the scattered nature of the towns. One arises from the fact that occasionally an offender is remanded from a distant Court, and the Probation Officer at the place where the sentence is imposed may not be in a position to obtain all the information desired, he being largely dependent on the particulars he can obtain from the police and an interview with the accused. The Act (section 5) places the duty of reporting only when the Probation Officer is so required by the Court, and it often happens that the

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Probation Officer in the town where the offender lives is not made aware in time that a report is required, with the result that the officer at the place of sentence is the one upon whom devolves the duty of reporting. To overcome any difficulty that might arise because of an unduly meagre report, instructions have been issued for Probation Officers to anticipate the Court's requirement and to send forward a report to the place where sentence is imposed. Occasionally the Courts proceed to sentence Without calling for a Probation Officer's report, the sentence being fixed arbitrarily and primarily in relation to the intrinsic gravity of the offence. It is thq view of most probation authorities that a Court is better informed in the matter of dealing with an offender if it has an impartial report from the Probation Officer. Another point of interest is the fact that in the original Act the person could be placed under probationary supervision for any period not exceeding a time longer than the term for which he might have been imprisoned for the particular offence for which he appeared before the Court. On the ceiling side this could have been for a very long term, although for grave offences it is not likely that probation would have been granted; on the lower limit, alternatively, it would be found in the generality of cases the term of probation was far too short to have any salutary effect. Under the later enactment it is provided that an offender may be admitted to probation for any term not exceeding five years (section 7). An examination of the cases dealt with during the period under review shows that in no instance did the Court prescribe up to the maximum term permitted by the Act. The principal virtue of probation as compared with imprisonment is that it avoids the disruption of employment and the domestic affairs of the offender, which almost invariably penalizes his family more than the offender himself. In these days of changing standards the deterrent factor in so far as it relates to the '' stigma of conviction or imprisonment '' would seem to count but little. It is interesting to note in a recent case in England that the Lord Chief Justice had occasion to comment that " it is hardly suitable to refer to a prisoner on trial for a serious criminal charge as ' this gentleman.' " A salutary effect of probation arises from the fact that the Court is empowered to impose conditions as to such matters as place of residence, nature of employment, hours to be observed, and restriction of associates. It also serves a most useful disciplinary purpose when the offender is required to make good the loss his victim has sustained through his depredations. The Department employs full-time Probation Officers only at the four main centres. In the smaller towns departmental officers or police officers undertake the work with male probationers. Due to shortage of staff and to the extension of police duties they, in many cases, have been obliged to give up probation work. The police officers have served the Department exceedingly well in this work and their replacement is most difficult. There is divided opinion among oversea authorities as to whether a police officer should act as a Probation Officer. It is argued that the police, by reason of their training and position as law-enforce-ment officers, will almost be invariably on the side of the prosecution, whereas the Probation Officer should be strictly impartial. The Probation Officer does not concern himself as such with the prosecution, but merely comes into the picture in the matter of the treatment of the accused after conviction. After conviction and sentence the Probation Officer should adopt the role of a helpful shepherd so far as the probationer is concerned. The Department's experience leads one to conclude that the police Probation Officers act very fairly and constructively in their dealing with probationers. The Department has no misgivings in this regard?

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During the year the Department experienced considerable difficulty in securing the services of suitable persons in certain small towns to undertake the duties of Probation Officer. This is a work of high public service value and should appeal to persons who are " community minded. " In England the readiness of voluntary workers to assist in this class of activity is in marked contrast with the position in New Zealand. The Salvation Army is a magnificent exception, and that organization undertakes practically the whole of the women's probation work in New Zealand, the only exception being Wellington. Probation work is work requiring rather more than simply the urge to help one's fellow-men. It requires a sympathetic touch, a depth of human understanding, and an experience of life. It is too much to expect that all Probation Officers shall be versed in the finer theories of psychology and sociology,' but a broad understanding of the motivations of human conduct is essential, as well as an appreciation of the many anxiety-creating factors involved in the struggle of the socially ill-adapted to conform with an acceptable pattern of life. New Zealand, with its comparatively small population, would seem to be sparsely supplied with persons adequately equipped who are willing.to offer for this service. Parole Section The provision of a scheme for the rehabilitation of prisoners as useful members of society after their release is as important as the provision of proper inside conditions. After penal treatment a prisoner is not successfully adjusted until he becomes an integral part of community life. Unless a prisoner has been taught to realize that he has a duty to work in harmony with his fellow-men he cannot be regarded as having stabilized or as being in real harmony with himself. A man may leave prison full of splendid resolutions, but unless he is given a helping hand at the crucial time when he first steps out from the ordered and unavoidably artificial atmosphere of a prison he is likely to fail to make the grade. For these reasons all but short-term prisoners are required to report to a Probation Officer, who supervises and shepherds the prisoner in a helpful way during the period of parole. To assist Probation Officers in this work, Voluntary Probation Committees have been set up in the cities which help in finding employment, &c. The institution of these Committees and the closer working liaison with Maori Welfare Officers has been of particular benefit in the re-establishment of Maori offenders. The general results of the parole supervision work may be gauged from the following statistics, which show that during the year under review 556 persons were released on probation on the recommendation of the Prisons Board; 4 were recommitted for breaches of • their licence; and' 23, including 6 habitual criminals, had their licences cancelled for further offences. During the five-year period ended 31st December, 1948, 1,857 persons (excluding habitual criminals) were released on probation, and during that period 239, or 12-8 per cent., were returned to prison for failing to comply with the conditions of their licence or for further offences committed whilst on licence, and 28-4 per cent, only were again convicted subsequent to discharge, which, considering the refractory nature of much 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 Voluntary Probation Committees, and to the members of the various Committees and societies that have assisted in the care of discharged prisoners and probationers.

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As this will be my last annual report, I particularly desire to express my personal appreciation to the Salvation Army and to the Women's Borstal Association, which, for over twenty years, has rendered magnificent service in assisting in the reclamation and the rehabilitation of Borstal girls. I also desire to take this opportunity of expressing my personal thanks to the Probation Officers, including the police who deal with probation work in the smaller towns, and to the Head Office staff engaged on probation work, for their loyal and friendly co-operation in this work. B. L. Dallard, Chief Probation Officer. •

REPORTS OF DISTRICT PROBATION OFFICERS Mr. H. Warner, Probation Officer, Auckland On the 31st December, 1948, Mr. C. E. Maxted, who was Probation Officer at Auckland since the 15th February, 1944, and prior to that Assistant Probation Officer, went off on leave precedent to resigning to take up private employment. Most of the work for the year thus came ■ within his purview. Mr. Maxted enjoyed the confidence of the Court, and had a friendly attitude in dealing with probationers. Probationers Released Under the Offenders. Probation Act, 1920.—At the commencement of the year there were 244 probationers on the register. During the year 268 were released upon probation by the Courts and 116 were transferred from other districts, making a total of 628 dealt with. Of these, 121 were discharged after completion of their term, 155 were transferred to other districts, 29 left the Dominion, 3 absconded, 3 were committed to the mental hospital, 4 died, 30 were before the Courts and did not revert to probation, and 283 remained on the register at the close of the year. For the period Ist April, 1948, to 31st March, 1949, the sum of £2,137 17s. sd. was collected for restitution and £2OB 18s. lid. on account of costs of prosecution, making a total of £2,346 16s'. 4d. This amount is an increase of £719 19s. Bd. on the amount collected for the previous year. In a large measure this increase may be due to high wages, but also there is an increasing recognition of the responsibility to make restitution. Probationers Released from Prisons and Borstal.—Under this heading 111 were reporting at the beginning of the year, 177 were received direct from institutions, and 46 were received on transfer from other districts, which made a total of 334. Of these, 103 completed their terms on licence, 76 were transferred to other districts, 3 left the Dominion, and 40 were re-committed to prison, leaving 112 reporting at the end of the year. General. —During the year there has been plenty of employment and wages have been high. The benefit of this condition is detracted from by the difficulty occasioned in obtaining reasonably priced board and lodgings. This affects those of both groups who have no permanent homes.

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The Honorary Probation Committee has continued to function during the year under the Chairmanship of Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M. The efforts of the gentlemen constituting the Committee have met with considerable success and 1 wish to express thanks for their able help and co-operation. I also express gratitude for assistance received from the Rev. D. Caswell, of the City Mission; the Rev. Geo. Moreton, Secretary of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Mr. M. Ourran, of the Catholic Youth Centre; the officers of the various Salvation Army institutions and the Maori Welfare Officers. Mr. R. Watt, Probation Officer, Wellington Probationers Released Under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920.—The year commenced with 194 reporting under this heading; during the year 161 were released on probation by the Courts and, together with 101 received on transfer or taken on to the register, made a total dealt with of 159. During the same period 107 were discharged, 116 were transferred to other districts, 9 are in prison, 7 were dealt with on original charges, 8 left the Dominion with consent, 2 died, and 9 absconded, leaving 201 reporting at the end of the period. Despite difficulties peculiar to present-day city living," response and general conduct have reached a reasonably high standard. While failures and disappointments are inevitable, there have been few cases of deliberate non-co-operation. For instance, in some cases of failure to report, the failure often resulted from lack of moral courage, a failing that as frequently was connected with the original offence. The amount paid by way of costs and restitution, £l,llO 17s. 10d., is a fair indication of the response of those concerned, besides earning-power. In addition to the intrinsic value of this obligation to make reparation, a useful habit is formed by the weekly or periodical payments by which means the amount was paid. In many cases, when payment has been completed, the periodical instalments have been diverted to a savings account and an attempt made to more firmly establish a habit of thrift. Probationers Released From Prisons and Borstals.—The year commenced with 49 reporting under this heading; 79 were received from institutions and, together with 28 received on transfer, made a total dealt with of 156. Of that number, 42 were discharged, 35 were transferred to other districts, 9 left the country with consent, 12 are in prison, 2 licences were cancelled, 3 were discharged by the Prisons Board, and 3 absconded, leaving 50 on the register at the end of the year. Those reporting in this group have also proved responsive for the most part. The process of rehabilitation on release from an institution can often be a difficult and disheartening experience, but in many cases industry and regular living, and impelled by a desire to regain self-respect, have brought their own reward. General.—The main difficulty has been experienced in dealing with adolescent and youthful types, among some of whom regular and industrious habits are lacking, and among others helpful associations are an urgent need. Some such cases often tax one's patience, but frequently firmness and necessary tolerance have encouraged a response, and in time one was able to recognize 'more ordered living and an improved social sense which formerly were entirely lacking. The want .of an established home is a serious hindrance in many'cases, and one finds it difficult to cope with undesirable living conditions and consequent inevitable associations. Among.other difficulties, such as poor mentality and lack of ability, is the lack of a sense of values, especially concerning money.

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Many youths arc earning high wages—and a man's wag* 1 in many instances—but having had 110 guidance and perhaps little restraint they have little sense of the value of their earnings, with the result that thrift and a sense of proportion are lacking in many instances. As in recent years, there has been no serious difficulty in placing probationers in suitable employment; some go from one job to another and may never properly establish themselves for that reason alone, but many are reasonably well placed considering varying ability and ambitions. It is consistent that many have no trade nor training in any particular direction, sometimes a difficulty in itself. In the matter of employment, the helpful understanding and co-opera-tion of the officers of the Labour and Employment Department have been appreciated: an appeal for assistance invariably results in the probationer being placed to his immediate advantage. The Maori Welfare Officers and the Ngati Poneke Maori Club continue their interest in relative cases, but the young Maori in the city remains a problem, mainly because many lack proper homes and reside under very indifferent conditions—apart altogether from delinquency and excessive drinking that have become problems in themselves among young Maoris. In certain cases, co-operation has resulted in the young Maori being returned to his home or relatives away from the city altogether. I would like to express my appreciation of the services of my assistant, Mr. A. F. Orr: with his helpful co-operation our association has made for much closer supervision and an increasing service to the Courts. During the year over 300 written reports were submitted to the Courts. As in former years, the willing assistance of the Honorary Justices' Association, the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the Salvation Army, the City Mission, and the Missions to Seamen has been available on all occasions and is gratefully acknowledged. I would like also to express my appreciation of the helpful interest of the Judges of the Supreme Court and Magistrates, and the courtesy and assistance at the hands of the police and Court officials. Mr. W. H. Darby, Probation Officer, Christchurch The year under review has been one of steady progress. Mention has been made in previous reports of the '' bird of passage '' type of probationer; this unstable type, in the final analysis, affects the percentage of success in any one district, and the majority of probationers coming before the Courts here during the past year for breaches of probation, and also on the original charge, have been of this type. So far as probationers released by the Courts are concerned, the conduct of the majority has been exemplary and their industry first class. In the past I have found it necessary to draw the attention of the authorities to the fact that certain persons were being released on probation without a report first being obtained from the Probation Officer. It is, in my opinion, desirable that a report be obtained, as it assists in deciding what to do with an offender and avoids the risk of probation being granted in unsuitable cases. Under the Offenders Probation Act, 57 were released on probation from th<? Courts and 60 were transferred from other districts; 65 were transferred from this district, 2 left the country, 44 completed their terms, 7 were sentenced on fresh charges, while 3 were sentenced for breach of probation, leaving 78 011 hand at the end of the year. The amount of restitution collected was £528 17s. 3d. and costs of prosecution amounted to £3O os. 6d.

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I cannot let the occasion pass without expressing my appreciation for the valuable co-operation from all I have come in contact with in this work; in particular, my colleague, Mr. Aitken. With the friendly co-operation of business people in helping probationers to obtain jobs the prospects for the future in probation work is very bright. Under the Crimes Amendment Act we had 21 reporting at the beginning of the period; 18 were transferred in from other districts, while 48 were released from prisons and 4 from Borstal, making a total of 91 in all; 26 were transferred out, 33 completed their period of supervision, 9 were sentenced on fresh charges, and 3 left New Zealand or disappeared without any trace, leaving a total of 20 men reporting at the end of the year. In conclusion, I wish to pay a tribute to the work of the Discharged Prisoners' Rehabilitation Society. The work of the members is unostentatious but very effective, and I am exceedingly grateful for this help. Mr. E. F. Mosley, Probation Officer, Dunedin Probationers Released TJnder the Offenders Probation Act, 1920. —At the beginning of the year there were 53 probationers on the register, since when 61 have been released on probation by local Courts and 16 have been received on transfer, making a total of 130 dealt with during the year. Of these-25 were discharged after completion of term, 27 were transferred to other districts, 3 left New Zealand, 1 was committed to a mental hospital, 2 were convicted on other charges and imprisoned, and 1 who gave a false age was placed in the care of the Child Welfare Department, leaving a balance of 71 on the register. Six probationers included in the above figures were convicted and imprisoned for short terms and resumed as probationers after their release from prison. Restitution-moneys collected during the period amounted to £422 3s. 6d. r in addition to costs of prosecution, £l5 4s. 6d. The increased total is no doubt due to the high rate of wages ruling. Releases From Borstal Institutions and Prisons.—At the commencement of the year 16 were on the register, since when 23 were released from institutions and 7 were received on transfer from other districts, making a total of 46 dealt with during the year. Of these, 19 were discharged after satisfactorily completing their term, 8 were transferred to other districts, 2 absconded, and 6 were sentenced to imprisonment on furth'er charges, leaving 11 on the register. In four cases moneys for fines or restitution were collected under the Summary Penalties Act, two of these being still under supervision. Work continues to be plentiful and money is circulating freely. Youths doing semi-skilled or unskilled labour frequently earn disproportionately high wages, and when their money is seen not to be used wisely the opportunity has been taken to invite the Court to direct that in the appropriate cases probationer's wages be placed under the control of the Probation Officer. In most cases the young men co-operate very willingly, sometimes depositing their money with thrift clubs, sometimes banking it themselves or bringing it into the office. Only in the case of persistent evasion is an order obtained on a probationer's wages. There seems to be a need for a means of custodial care for individuals who, not being commitable to a hospital as mental defectives, have not the physical and mental capacity to care for themselves. Such persons are usually charged with offences such as being idle and disorderly or vagrancy, unlawfully on enclosed premises, and petty theft. On occasions I have arranged through the kind offices of the Superintendent of the local mental hospital for such men to be received as voluntary boarders, but not every one will consent to this course. May I once again express my appreciation for the helpful co-operation and assistance received by all those engaged in the administration of justice and to the Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society of this city.

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STATISTICS OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT, 1920 Ages and Terms of Probation of the Offenders Admitted to Probation During the Year 1948

Summary of Cases Dealt With During the Year 1948

Breaches of Conditions jf Release Committed During 1948 Failed to report, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 87 Committed further offences .. .. .. .. .. ..113 Absconded (still untraced) .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. ..207 Costs of Prosecution and Restitution-moneys Collected During the Year Ended 31st March, 1949 £ s. d. Amount of costs of prosecution collected by Probation Officers .. 715 2 6 Amount of restitution-moneys collected .. .. .. 7,436 0 3 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £8,151 2 9

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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 .. 20 and under 25 25 „ 30 30 „ 40 40" „ 50 50 „ 60 60 „ 70 70 and over .. 22 23 7 14 2 3 1 1 140 165 63 84 31 20 7 2 16 20 11 15 3 78 97 48 48 22 - 7 6 2 12 21 20 13 5 1 3 Z i 268 327 149 174 63 31 17 7 Totals 73 512 65 308 77 I 1 1,036 1

— Admitted to Probation. Deferred Sentence. Total. Number reporting on 1st January, 1948 Admitted to probation during the year Resumed probation—previously struck off 1,307 1,036 2 59 36 1,366 1,072 2 Totals 2,345 95 2,440 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 Conviction quashed 744 9 10 48 8 . 42 59 2 36 2 2 1 780 9 10 48 10 44 60 2 Totals 922 41 963 Number reporting on 31st December, 1948 1,423 54 1,477

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Offences for Which Offenders Received the Benefits of the Probation Act During the Year Ended 31st December, 1948

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (789 copies), £26.

By Authority: R. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 949. Price 6d.]

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Offence. Admitted to Probation. Deferred Sentence. Total. Theft 538 23561 Ship-desertion .. .. .. .. 90 1 91 False pretences 75 5 80 Breaking and entering 52 2 54 Unlawful conversion of motor-vehicles 48 48 Vagrancy .. .. 33 33 Indecent assault 32 32 Common assault 29 "3 32 Receiving stolen property Trespassing and unlawfully on premises 22 22 12 12 Mischief and wilful damage 11 11 Carnal knowledge 10 ! ' 10 Obscene language 10 10 Disorderly while drunk 9 9 Obscene exposure 8 8 Bookmaking and gaming-house charges 7 7 Stowing away on ships 7 7 Forgery and uttering 6 6 Offences against Postal Regulations 5 1 6 Intoxicated in charge of motor-vehicle 5 5 Resisting arrest 3 3 Cattle-stealing 3 3 Attempted suicide 2 1 3 Concealing dead body of child 2 2 Failing to stop after accident . 2 2 Incest 2 2 Unlawfully using instrument to procure abortion 2 2 Presenting loaded firearms 2 2 Failing to report for V.D. treatment 1 1 Buggery .. .. .... 1 1 Bigamy .. .. .. 1 1 Unlawfully interfering with railway-line 1 1 Negligent driving causing death 1 Manslaughter - 1 1 Robbery with violence 1 1 Abandoning child 1 1 Unlawfully in possession of firearms 1 1 Totals 1,036 36 1,072