H.—208.

Mr. G. McKessar, Probation Officer, Timaru. Offenders Probation Act: Total number dealt with, 34 ; total costs of prosecution and restitutionmoneys collected, £32 13s. 6d. Considering the very difficult year through which we have just passed, I think that the system of probation has amply justified itself. The greatest difficulty during the year has been that of finding suitable employment for the various probationers, but I have always managed to find at least some kind of employment. Mr. C. G. L. Pollock, Probation Officer, Invercargill. Offenders Probation Act: Total number dealt with, 52 ; total amount of costs of prosecution and restitution-moneys collected, £70 16s. lOd. Crimes Amendment Act: Number dealt with, 15. During the year the conduct of probationers has been quite satisfactory. Practically the only work offering has been under the unemployment scheme. If it were not for the provision made by the State to find work for the unemployed, the position would have been serious for the probation system during the past year. I have to express my appreciation of the sympathetic interest taken in probationers by the Chairman and members of the Voluntary Probation Committee. Mr. W. Dineen, Probation Officer, New Plymouth. Offenders Probation Act: Total number dealt with, 48 ; total costs of prosecution and restitutionmoneys collected, £63 19s. 3d. The greatest problem of probation work during the year has been the finding of work for those requiring help. The amendment to the Probation Act whereby a probationer who is unable to meet the payments ordered in terms of his release is allowed an extended period in which to find the money without having to go to Court and have another conviction recorded against him is much appreciated, and is a great help under present circumstances. Mr. E. Ching, Probation Officer, Wanganui. Offenders Probation Act: Total number dealt with, 69 ; total costs of prosecution and restitutionmoneys collected, £54 9s. Id. Trouble is experienced in obtaining employment for probationers, and in this respect I am pleased to say that out of all the probationers on the register there are but three now on relief work. Again it is my pleasure to thank the Voluntary Probation Committee for their assistance. Mr. H. N. Richardson, Probation Officer, Gisborne. Offenders Probation Act: Total number dealt with, 80 ; total costs of prosecution and restitutionmoneys collected, £55 19s. I wish to thank the Voluntary Probation Committee for their co-operation during the year, also the Labour Department and Y.M.C.A. for their assistance in placing younger probationers. Mr. T. Stocker, Probation Officer, Napier. Offenders Probation Act: Total number dealt with, 62 ; total costs of prosecution and restitutionmoneys collected, £77 19s. 6d. The adverse economic conditions and the consequent prevailing unemployment has had a marked effect on the amount of reparation-money collected, but notwithstanding those conditions the amount collected may be considered very satisfactory, especially as the majority of the probationers are employed on relief work. It is pleasing to be able to record that the conduct of the probationers has been good, and that only on two occasions was it necessary to bring offenders before the Court for breaches of their licenses. Crimes Amendment Act: Number dealt with, 19. The conduct of these probationers has been satisfactory without exception.

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