H—2ob

probationer was prosecuted during the year for a breach of the conditions of her release on license. Two male probationers appeared before the Court, 1 for failing to report, and the other for a charge of theft committed prior to being placed on probation. The conduct of the probationers, in the main, has been good, they having responded to the clemency shown them by the Courts. Persons released on License from Prisons and Borstals. —At the commencement of the year there were 14 probationers on the register, and 13 were received during the year. Of these 27 probationers, 7 completed their terms and were discharged, 5 were transferred to other districts, 2 were discharged from license by the Prisons Board, and 2 were returned to prison for further offences. In the main the conduct of the probationers has been good, and the majority have acted up to the conditions imposed on them, with beneficial results. I desire to express my appreciation of the assistance given me by the Court officials and police. Mr. K. Watt, District Probation Officer, Wellington I have to report as follows concerning probation work in this district for the year ended 31st December, 1945. O.P. Probationers. —The year commenced with 166 probationers reporting under this heading. During the year 154 were released by the Courts, and, together with 50 received on transfer from other districts, made a total dealt with of 370. During the year 110 were discharged in the ordinary way, 71 were transferred to other districts, 6 are still on active service overseas, 5 left the Dominion with consent, 1 is a mental patient, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 8 are in prison for having committed other offences, 1 was dealt with on the original charge, and 2 absconded, leaving 165 on the register at the end of the year. In all, the sum of £1,262 Is. 3d. was received by way of costs of prosecution and restitution. Although that amount includes instalments totalling £3OO on the part of one probationer, the balance may be regarded as a fair indication of a recognized responsibility to make reparation on the part of those probationers concerned. In the main there has been a good response on the part of many probationers which has been encouraging and has more than compensated for inevitable disappointments and instances of lack of good faith. Difficulties have been met in dealing with younger types, whose reactions to existing conditions of life and work and increased earning-power have had to be met with patience and understanding. R.P. Probationers. —At the commencement of the year 44 men were reporting under this 'heading, 93 were received from various institutions, and, along with 17 received on transfer from other districts, made a total dealt with of 154. Of that number, 44 were discharged in the usual way, 37 were transferred to other districts, 2 are on active service overseas, 4 left the country with consent, 1 was discharged by the Prisons Board, 15 were imprisoned for having committed other offences, and in 3 instances licenses were cancelled, leaving 48 reporting at the end of the period. In many of these cases, also, response has been quite encouraging and it has been a pleasure to recognize the desire to be re-established in the community and to encourage the subsequent effort that invariably brought its own reward in a sense of moral security and regained self-regard. General. —As during the war years, many probationers have been in some form of military service, and in a general way certain types benefited thereby. In other cases the return to civil life has made for difficulties peculiar to rehabilitation in general, creating situations that have called for tolerance and understanding. Problem types, whose characteristics include poor mentality, lack application or ability and moral or social sense, are ever present and account for the unavoidable instances of failure to respond which are not always wilful, but which occur despite all efforts to encourage a different way of life and thought. 2—H 20b

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