H. —20b

I am pleased to state that the conduct of the probationers has been very satisfactory on the whole. At times it has been difficult to keep them all in work. There are several relief workers amongst them, but in spite of all this they have struggled hard to pay restitution-money where it was due. I again wish to thank the Honorary Probation Committee for assistance given me during the year, and also the Salvation Army. Mr. W. Dineen, Probation Officer, New Plymouth. Report on the work of the Offenders Probation Act and probation under the Crimes Amendment Act in the New Plymouth district for the year ending 31st March, 1936. Offenders Probation Act.—On register beginning of year, 32; admitted, 18; transfers, 4 —total dealt with 54. Completed term, 16; transferred to other districts, 14; absconded, 1— leaving 23 on register at end of year. Of the 18 probationers received from the local Court, 14 had committed offences of dishonesty. Of the remaining four, 1 was charged with assault, 1 with being illegally on premises, 1 with damaging property, and 1 with carnal knowledge. Seven of the probationers were ordered to pay costs of prosecution, while eight were ordered to make restitution to their victims. The sum of £36 13s. sd. was collected from probationers during the _ year. _ The conduct of the probationers was satisfactory with the exception of 1 man, who absconded. He was re-arrested and committed to prison for a term of two years' reformative detention on a fresh charge. Crimes Amendment Act. —The year commenced with a total of 12, while 15 on license and 4 on transfer were received, totalling 31 dealt with. During the year transfers to otliei districts accounted for 14, while 1 was readmitted and 12 completed their term. With the exception of 1 probationer who committed a fresh offence and was returned to prison, the conduct of these probationers has been good. Mr. H. Cole, Probation Officer, Pa'lmerston North. Offenders Probation Ad.—Total dealt with, 80; total costs of prosecution and restitutionmoneys collected, £118 10s. 7d. . . ■ The conduct of the majority of the probationers reporting at this centre has been satisfactory during the year, but many have been unable to pay the restitution-money ordered by the Court, due to their having to rely on relief work for a livelihood and having families to support. Mr. G. McKessar, Probation Officer, Timaru. I am pleased to submit my annual report on the working of the probation system in the Timaru district for the year ending 31st March, 1936. n _ . The total number dealt with during the year (48) comprised o0 on the register at tiie beginning of the year, 11 admitted to probation, 2 transfers from other districts, and .:> from institutions. Of these, 20 completed their terms, 4 were transferred to other districts, and 4 were reconvicted, leaving 20 reporting at the close of the year. _ The above schedule indicates that the number dealt with during the year was considerably less than during the previous year, when 64 persons were dealt with. It is veiy gratifying to note this decrease, and it is hoped that the improvement will last,. The conduct of the probationers generally has been most satisfactory, although m some cases they fail to realize their responsibilities to pay restitution. . Restitution collected during the year amounted to £19 18s. 6d. It is very pleasing to note an increase, particularly in view of the fact that there are fewer probationers on the register, and also that the majority are in very straitened circumstances _ I think that most of the probationers on the register m this district appreciate the opportunity given them to mend their ways, and consider that the probation system is oi. great value, Mr. E. Ching, Probation Officer, Wanganui. I beg to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st Ma r ch, 1936. At the commencement of the year there were on the register 34 probationers and at the end of the year 26. During the year 26 persons were placed on probation, being 7 less than 'Restitution and costs amounting to £54 lis. 3d. have been collected during the year, and I have found that probationers will respond if a little latitude is given them, though there are some who have to be reminded of their obligations. . . . i ■, Generally speaking, the conduct of the 19 discharged from prison institutions and placed nn the register during the year has been satisfactory. _ Appreciative reference is due to the Voluntary Probation Committee, Magistrates Court officials, and the Police for their kindly interest and co-operation.

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