H. —208,

in his welfare, the influence of a sympathetic mentor may prove the one thing needful to secure his perseverance in his better purposes ; and the personal touch may prove equally timely when, at the close of the probation period, the will to self-control is apt to relax. Mr. E. Ching, Probation Officer, Wanganui. I respectfully beg to submit this my report for the year 1927 for those sentenced under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920. During the year there were placed on the register 30 males and 7 females, and at the end of the year there remained on the register 20 males and 7 females. The conduct of the probationers, generally speaking, has been very good. There were 4 males convicted for other offences, and I am of the opinion that such results demonstrate the discretion exercised by the Courts and justify the granting of probation wherever such treatment is merited. lam pleased to state that all moneys ordered to be paid by the Court are being paid up. In some instances it may be slow, but it is nevertheless sure, and is being paid regularly and very creditably when so much unemployment is taken into consideration and a great many of the probationers have to make a fresh start in life. It is very pleasing to know that every probationer was in employment, temporary or otherwise, almost throughout the year. All probationers have reported themselves very regularly and have given very little trouble. I have paid unexpected visits in many instances and found all going well. I have to thank the Court officials and the police for the great assistance given to me, and also the general public for the many acts of courtesy and assistance given. It is pleasing to know that many ladies and gentlemen are still taking an interest in the probationers, which, without doubt, is a great inducement to probationers to try to do better. There were 7 men placed on the register of those discharged from prison, and of that number 6 have done and are doing very well. Only 1 offended again and was returned to prison, which is a very satisfactory result, and much credit for this is due to the assistance of voluntary helpers. Mr. W. It. Cook, Probation Officer, Napier. I respectfully beg to submit this my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1927. Hereunder are appended statistics relating to probationers in this district. During the year a Voluntary Probation Committee was formed, and I am pleased to state the numbers whom I have appealed to for assistance have readily given their help. Many probationers from other districts have come here penniless, and this, coupled with the unemployment problem, has made the work difficult to cope with ; but, considering all the circumstances, the results are satisfactory. I desire to express my thanks to those who have assisted me in this work. On taking charge of this probation district in May of last year the following probationers were on the register : — Males. Females. Under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920 .. .. .. 12 3 Placed on probation during year . . . . .. .. 11 1 Received from other districts .. .. .. 6 1 29 5 Transferred to other districts .. .. .. 8 Discharged during year .. .. .. .. 3 1 Left the Dominion .. .. .. .. .. 2 Gazetted for arrest .. .. .. .. .. 1 Return to prison for other offences .. .. .. 3 17 1 On register, 31st December, 1927 .. .. 12 4 Under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910— Placed on probation (on register) .. .. .. 5 Received during year .. .. .. .. 5 10 Returned to prison for other offences .. .. .. 3 Discharged .. •. . • • • • • 2 Transferred to other districts .. .. .. 3 8 On register, 31st December, 1927 .. .. .. 2

3—H. 208.

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