H—2o

rfhow the ratio per 10,000 of the general population: 1890, 38-61; 1910, 32-5; 1914, 31-05; 1932, 22-9; 1935, 13-76; 1939, 15 38; 1942, 18 46; 1943, 15-17; 1944, 12 68; 1945, 12-13. RECEPTIONS The usual table of receptions and discharges is published as an annexure hereto. The following is a comparative summary for the past five years. The figures for receptions include in some cases the same person more than once and also persons received on transfer as between one institution and another. The net receptions of direct committals by the Courts during the year were 3,008, as compared with 3,284 for the previous year. The number of distinct persons dealt with was 2,065, made up of 1,973 males and 92 females, as compared with a total of 2,099 for the previous year.

NATURE OF OFFENCES The following table gives a comparative summary showing the offences classified under three main groupings—i.e., offences against the person, offences against property, and miscellaneous offences. It is to be noted that although the aggregate number of offences has fallen slightly there has been a small increase in the number of offences against the person and against property. These figures unhappily are symptomatic of a drift that appears to have set in, the numbers since the beginning of this year having shown an upward, movement.

LENGTH OF SENTENCE Hereunder is set out a comparative table showing the lengths of sentence imposed on offenders. It is interesting to observe that the proportions under the various terms of sentence have remained fairly static, although the number who received sentences of five years or over is fewer than for several years past. During the year approximately 50 per cent, of the total number of distinct persons dealt with by the Courts were sentenced to terms of three months or less.

2

— 1941. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. Number in custody at beginning of year 895 1,015 1,064 1,077 993 Number received during year 4,828 5,216 4,622 4,089 3,996 Number discharged or transferred 4,708 5,167 4,608 4,173 3,949 Number in prison at end of year 1,015 1,064 1,077 993 1,040

Year. Offences against the Person. Offences, against Property. Miscellaneous Offences. Total. 1945 226 985 854 2,065 1944 218 947 934 2,099 1943 239 1,060 1,183 2,482 1942 309 969 1,751 3,029 1941 249 781 1,339 2,369 1940 238 789 1,174 2,201 1939 238 777 1,490 2,505 1938 197 740 1,287 2 224 1937 .. 191 675 1,125 1^991 1936 189 599 1,002 1,790