H.—208

7

scarce, but to a greater extent to the renewal of associations which, from their nature, inevitably led to further offences. The two who were discharged from probation by the Prisons Board earned their discharge by their steady conduct and industry over a lengthy period. Both men had served several sentences prior to their release from prison. Owing to the nature of his employment, one of these men had to reside in a district where he came much into contact with old associates, from some of whom he had to withstand threats and intimidation, and it required no little determination on his part to resist, and it is pleasing to record that he succeeded, and, in his own words when informed of his discharge, " did it." In many cases it is difficult for men released from prison to rehabilitate themselves, particularly so when employment is scarce, and it is pleasing to record that so many probationers in this category made good after release, despite adverse conditions. In concluding my report I desire to acknowledge the very kindly interest and courteous treatment which it has been my privilege to experience from the Judges of the Supreme Court and the Magistrates of this centre. The interest taken in the probation work and the confidence shown, has been very encouraging. Mr. T. P. Mills, District Probation Officer, Wellington. The year just ended has shown increased activity in many directions, the most notable being an increase of 50 per cent, in the numbers reporting at its close. There were 30 more dealt with during the year, and 20 more than last year transferred to this district. The total numbers passing through my hands were 252. The year commenced with 92 offenders reporting, 97 were placed on probation, and 63 were transferred from other districts, several of these in quest of work. The removals were made up as follows : 60 successfully completed the period of probation, 49 were transferred to other districts, 3 left the Dominion permanently, 1 was discharged by the Prisons-Board, 3 were imprisoned, and 3 sent to a Borstal institution, leaving 133 on the register at the end of the year. Several probationers were dealt with and punished by the Court for minor breaches of probation, and a few others for subsequent offences, such as idle and disorderly, obscene language, trespassing on a racecourse, the failures and partial failures representing 9 per cent, of the total dealt with. This shows an increase on last year's favourable figures, but it may be mentioned that the absolute failures do not exceed 2J per cent. ; the balance, comprising the partial failures, in most instances are doing very well, a Court prosecution proving very wholesome and effective. In the majority of cases where success has followed the initial prosecution little other than a reminder is sufficient, and it is noteworthy that not a single lapse has occurred amongst those whose names were suppressed by the Court. As in the previous year, the stress of unemployment has been felt very acutely, and failures due to that cause may be expected. In spite of this adverse condition, payments have been comparatively well maintained during the year, £60 9s. 6d. being received in costs and £471 2s. 2d. in restitution. The appointment of the Voluntary Probation Committee is already materially supplementing my efforts. In the past the help of business men and employers of labour had always been sought, and it was not difficult, therefore, to secure a band of gentlemen who would willingly give their time and services to further the interests of probationers. The official seal on their kindly efforts is much appreciated by the members of committee, and will bring into greater prominence the humanitarian side of probation work. It is exceedingly satisfactory to see so many probationers doing remarkably well, and many a young man marks his term of probation as the starting-point of a completely altered life. Crimes Amendment Act Probationers. —These and those released from the Borstal institutions are, on the whole, proving quite satisfactory. There were 24 in all reporting at the beginning of the year ;66 have been received —50 direct from various institutions and 16 from other districts —a total of 90 having thus passed through my hands during the period. Of this number, 3 were discharged by the Prisons Board, 14 were transferred to other districts, 5 were imprisoned or returned to a Borstal institution, 7 left the Dominion, and 32 satisfactorily completed the term of their probation, leaving 29 reporting at the close of the year. Of these only two or three are giving any trouble. On the whole, the conduct of these probationers has been very good, and it is a pleasure to encourage men who are endeavouring to seize every opportunity to gain a place in the citizenship of the community and efface the stain of a faulty past. Mr. W. 11. Darby, District Probation Officer, Christchureh. It is my privilege to present to you my first annual report as Probation Officer of the Christchurch District. Although the routine work was quite new to me I found the men we had to deal with just the same as had been dealt with in past years. The past year's work has been largely a matter of getting acquainted with everybody and everything, and from my point of view results have been very gratifying. One very important thing I learnt early in the year was that if one was to be successful in this work and get the best out of those who come in contact with me I would have to keep in very close personal touch with them all. This has been difficult at times, for there are those who are forgetful and wander away, with the result, of course, that they do not forget a second time. But on the whole it has been a real joy and inspiration to note the ready manner with which the majority respond to the lead given. I can definitely say that I have noticed a very marked improvement in the lives of