H.—2ob

4

There appears a further reduction in the numbers remaining on the register, the figures being 160 as compared with 177 at the end of the previous period. The number received from the Auckland Courts are only two less than in the previous year, but 14 less were transferred from other districts. The total dealt with is 31 less than in the period 1928- -29. Appended are the complete figures for the year under review : — Probationers remaining on register at Ist April, 1929 .. .. 177 Probationers received from Auckland Courts .. . . .. 109 Probationers received on transfer .. .. .. .. 33 — 142 Total dealt with . . .. . . . . .. 319 Of these there were — Probationers completed probationary term .. .. .. 83 Probationers who died during period .. . . . . .. 4 Probationers transferred to other districts .. .. . . 57 Probationers left Dominion by permission .. .. .. .. 4 Probationers sentenced on original charge .. .. .. . . 3 Probationers sentenced for other offences which the termination of the probationary period antedated . . . . .. . . 6 Probationers who absconded and were not traced whose term expired during the period .. .. .. . . .. .. 2 159 Total remaining on register at Ist April, 1930 .. .. 160 Besides the 11 probationers who appear as defaulters in the foregoing list, there were 6 who came before the Court for breach of probation, and later reverted to probationary conditions, and 9 remaining on the register who absconded but have not been traced, making a total defaulters list of 26. This number is approximately 8 per cent, of the total dealt with during the period, a result almost similar to that shown during the past four years' work under the Offenders Probation Act. The amounts paid by probationers as restitution and costs of prosecution during the year were £928 Is. lOd. and £101 ss. 6d. respectively, a total of £1,029 7s. 4d. This amount shows an increase of approximately £275 over that paid in during the previous year, the increase being accounted for largely by the fact that in many cases where probation was granted there were also fairly large amojmts to be restored as restitution. Much has already been said and written regarding the restoration of moneys by those admitted to probation, and it may be that these remarks may appear to be a reiteration of much that has been mentioned at other times. There can be no doubt, however, as to the good, and lasting effect that the principle of restitution has on the conduct of men whose previous habits showed little appreciation of the virtue of thrift. Apart from the restoration to the persons despoiled, there is a measure of justice in this condition of probation that may not be attained in punishment by other means. In very many cases dealt with, complete restitution has only been made as a result of that thrift, which, if it had been practised in the first place, would have precluded the temptation and fall into wrongdoing. Apart from the purely monetary return or any increase or decrease in the amounts collected from year to year, it is very apparent in the course of these years that the principle of restitution is a very vital one in the probationary sense. It helps men to regain their self-respect, and in some degree is an incentive to forming habits of thift and to redeeming character. Of the majority of the probationers it may be said that they have done well, and, excepting those who came before the Courts or absconded, they have been well conducted. There are always those in this as in every other class who are difficult to manage and who have to be repeatedly reminded of their obligations. On the whole, the probationers have given little trouble, and very many show b}' their actions their appreciation of the chances given to make good. It is indeed gratifying to hear from probationers whose terms have expired so many expressions of appreciation for advice and encouragement given. There are occasions when, due to lack of employment or other discouraging phase, probationers have been advised and encouraged, and thus helped along what is to them a rough part of the way. Unemployment is still prevalent in this centre, and very many of the probationers have had considerable difficulty in this respect. It is regrettable' that so many of the younger probationers, particularly, find it so hard to obtain steady employment. Lack of steady work has been a dominant factor in many of those cases which came before the Court. The members of the voluntary committee have given assistance in finding employment. My thanks are due to the committee for their efforts and assistance. Crimes Amendment Act Probationers.—There was a slight increase over last year in the numbers reporting under this heading, the average being 63 compared with an average of 49 during the previous year. Of these probationers, 53 completed the term of probation, .10 left the Dominion by permission, 10 committed fresh offences, for which they were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, their licenses being cancelled also, while 1 absconded, whose license was in consequence cancelled. One probationer was returned to the Borstal Institution. One probationer, whose case was reviewed by the Prisons Board, was granted a discharge from probation. This man had severed himself from old associates,