H.—208

6

lii spite of adverse conditions, the moneys collected have been well maintained, restitutionpayments being represented by £600 ss. 3d., and costs of prosecution £66 lis. 2d., making a total of £666 16s. 5d., the largest amount yet received by this district. Crimes Amendment Act Probationers.—The numbers under this heading show an increase, 118 in all being accounted for. Thirty were reporting at the commencement of the year, 67 were received direct from the several institutions, and 21 were transferred from other districts. Thirtytwo satisfactorily completed the terms of probation, 28 left for other districts, 7 left the Dominion, 9 were imprisoned foj- unsatisfactory conduct, and 1 absconded, leaving 41 reporting at the end of the period. The conduct of these men generally has been good, and the response to any consideration or interest shown has been commendable. One feels, however, that the restrictive and other special conditions of release are excellent in their deterrent effects, and usually there is a genuine desire to observe them. As in the previous class, the lack of permanent employment is a serious handicap in advancing ideals, and in this direction it is to be hoped that a distinct improvement in economic conditions will pave the way for greater efficiency. As usual, the Courts and police officials have been most sympathetic in meeting the claims of those who are granted probation, and merit our best thanks. Mr. W. H. Daeby, District Probation Officer, Christchurch. It is my privilege to present my third annual report covering my work as Probation Officer in charge of the Christchurch district. The past year has been a somewhat difficult one, due to the large amount of Court work that has been necessary. There is no need for me to emphasize the fact that we have dealt with a number of what mighl; be termed " bad cases " during the year, and although only a very few of them have been released on probation, the time involved in preparing reports, &c., for the Courts has been very great. An unfortunate aspect of most of the bad cases has been the deliberate nature of the crimes committed, and Magistrates and Judges have found it necessary to inflict punishment that will act as a deterrent. With the exception of a very few, the conduct and work of probationers during the year has been excellent. We have had very little trouble regarding employment, and at the close of the year there were only two or three who were not in constant employment. In two cases I had trouble in collecting restitution, but a final warning gave the desired results. The banking accounts of many probationers continue to grow, and during the year many new accounts have been opened. One young fellow, who was only on probation for twelve months, saved just on £50, an illustration of what can be done with a little encouragement. During most of the past year, Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., chairman of our voluntary probation committee, was away on furlough, and his place was taken by Mr. E. C. Levvey, late of Gisborne. I have to place on record the very great consideration shown by Mr. Levvey to our work and the reliance he placed on the Probation Officers' reports, both male and female. On several occasions he assisted me very materially by dealing with cases with which I was having a little trouble, in a very humane manner. Mr. Mosley returned to Christchurch before the end of the year and took up his work again. The young fellows released from the Borstal institutions on license continue to make excellent progress, and we have had practically no trouble with them. We have been instrumental during the year in committing to the mental hospital several men who otherwise would have gone to gaol. Once again the assistance given by the officer in charge of the mental hospital and his assistants cannot be overemphasized. I should also like to place on record the very great help the officer in charge of the Salvation Army Men's Industrial Home, Staff Captain Dry, has rendered. Working under very great difficulties, and beset by many and varied problems, he has never turned us down when a little temporary assistance was needed. The social workers mentioned in previous reports have always been most sympathetic and readily rendered help when necessary. During the year restitution amounted to £244 9s. 4d, and costs of jirosecution £56 2s. 2d., making a total of £300 l is. 6d. Probationers on register at Ist April, 1929 . . .. .. 80 Probationers received from Courts . . .. .. ~ 55 Probationers transferred from other districts.. . . .. 26 161 Probationers completed probation .. .. .. .. 41 Probationers transferred to other districts .. .. .. 36 Probationers terms extended .. .. . . .. .. 2 Probationers committed fresh offences .. .. .. 13 Probationers defaulted .. .. .. .. .. . . 1 Probationers sentenced to Rotoroa Island .. .. .. .. 1 — 94 Total number probationers on register at 31st March, 1930 .. 67 Of the 76 Crimes Amendment Act probationers reporting during the year, 21 completed their term, 1 died, 1 left country by permission, 1 was admitted to mental hospital, 12 transferred to other districts, and 9 committed fresh offences, leaving a total of 31 reporting at 31st March, 1930.