H.—2ob

very many of the young men who come under my notice. Failures there have been, and it is to he regretted that the general make-up of some does not tend to the results we would desire. Despite the fact that the spectre of unemployment has been haunting many during the year, I am glad to say that we have not experienced a great deal of difficulty in that respect. There are always a few who will not work unless they are forced to, but with the remainder it has been an easy task, very largely due to the very great assistance rendered by the recently appointed voluntary Probation Committee, and many other well-disposed citizens. Without being at all pessimistic, Ido anticipate a little difficulty during the winter regarding employment, but if prompt action is taken by the authorities concerned it will probably turn out all right. To thoroughly appreciate the effort that many probationers are making to " make good," a study of the amount paid into this office by way of restitution is necessary. The sum paid in (£428 Bs. lOd.) represents a slight increase over the previous year, and in view of the lean times we have been going through must be considered extremely satisfactory. Regarding costs of prosecution, &c., the sum of £125 Bs. was paid, which also shows an increase over the previous year. Dealing with the number who have come under our notice during the year, the following figures will prove interesting : — Probationers on register at Ist April, 1927 .. .. .. .. 114 Probationers received from Christchurch Courts .. .. 53 Probationers transferred from other districts .. .. .. 25 — 78 Total dealt with .. . . .. .. .. 192 Of these there were — Probationers discharged by Prisons Board .. .. .. 2 Probationers completed term of probation .. .. .. 39 Probationers transferred to other districts . . .. . . 34 Probationers left Dominion by permission . . . . .. 2 Probationers sentenced for breaches of probation and other offences .. 17 Probationer admitted to mental hospital . . .. .. 1 Probationers defaulted .. .. .. .. .. 4 — 99 Probationers on register at 31st March, 1928 . . .. 93 It will be seen that these figures show a slight decrease over the previous year. Regarding those who have been released from different institutions under the Crimes Amendment Act and are reporting to this office, the position must also be considered quite satisfactory : — Number reporting during the year 1927-28 .. .. .. . . 58 Completed and discharged . . .. .. .. . . 23 Left the Dominion . . .. .. .. .. 2 Transferred to other districts .. .. .. .. 3 Sentenced to fresh term of imprisonment .. .. .. 2 Defaulted . . . . .. . . .. .. 1 Admitted to mental hospital .. .. .. .. 1 — 32 On probation at 31st March, 1928 .. . . .. 26 It will also be seen that there is a decrease in number of failures under this section, and it is to be hoped that this state of affairs will continue. With just one or two exceptions, these men have been making splendid efforts during the year, and it is quite noticeable that the State is making some effort to reform these individuals during the time of incarceration in the different institutions, despite the misleading statements made to the contrary. We have had little difficulty in getting these men to settle down in civil life again, and in several instances they are doing really well. A report of this nature would not be complete if appreciation was not recorded of the very kindly interest taken by the Bench and Bar of this city in the Probation Officer's work, and the emphasis they place on his reports. I must also say that the officers of the Police Force and detective office have been very helpful during the year, and they, too, are taking a good deal of interest in our work. The very valuable assistance that has been rendered by the Superintendent of the Sunnyside Mental Hospital and his assistants in examining a number of cases at my request must also be recorded. Without doubt their work has saved a number of persons from undergoing terms of imprisonment, and enabled those concerned to give the right consideration to their respective cases. To those social organizations who have assisted us financially and otherwise our warmest thanks are tendered. Mr. J. GtARBUTT, Probation Officer, Dunedin. I have pleasure in submitting my first annual report as Probation Officer for the Dunedin District for the year ended 31st March, 1928. While doing so, and after giving particulars of the numbers dealt with during the year, I shall "give an idea as to the manner in which I have tried to make the work entrusted to me as effective as possible in the interests of all concerned.

8