H.—2o

Although the total number of persons received into prison was less than in 1931, the number of distinct persons received under conviction shows a slight increase. This is more or less symptomatic of the times. It is a world-wide phenomenon that during times of depression crime, particularly in respect of offences againsi property, tends to increase. Unemployment disorganizes the individual. If he is an unstable type of personality he is more apt to take a short-run course and indulge in crime. If on the other hand he is a strong type of personality he rebels against the existing social order. Unemployment leads to demoralization. The following summary shows the nature of the offences and the number of distinct persons imprisoned during the past five years, as compared with the quinquennium immediately preceding the war. It will be observed that there has been a diminution in the number of offences against the person, but the increase in the number of offences against property has been rather marked. These offences mainly comprise theft, breaking and entering, and false pretences : —

An analysis of the receptions on a nationality basis shows that the proportion of New-Zealand-born offenders (excluding Maoris) increased by 9-1 per cent, over the 1931 figures, whilst those of British and foreign extraction remained almost static. The number of Maori prisoners received during 1932 shows an increase of 16-6 per cent, over the previous year. This figure represents an increase of 100 per cent, on the number received during 1928. This growth of crime among the younger Maoris, particularly in the North Auckland Districts, is a disquieting feature. Probation has proved to be largely futile, as this form of treatment is regarded by the Natives as the equivalent to " getting off," and when on probation any constructive supervision is difficult to apply as these offenders laze around the pas under conditions of indiscipline and idleness which in no way conduce to the development of any sense of social responsibility or (heir reformation. The following statement summarizes the figures for the past five years : —

Nationality of Prisoners received.

An indication of the incidence of crime according to age groups is shown in the following comparative table setting out the number of offences during the past five years, as compared with a similar period immediately preceding the war. It will be noted, as compared with 1913 and 1932. the number of offenders in the group under 20 and also that between the ages of 20 and 25 show a marked increase, whilst in the groups above 25 the figures for 1932 are almost identical with those of 1913 : —

Ages of Distinct Persons received (Comparative Table).

2

1909 .. .. .. 181 727 2,251 3,159 32-51 1910 .. .. .. 238 772 2,232 3,242 32-45 1911 .. .. .. 153 587 2,137 2,877 28-33 1912 .. .. .. 153 598 2,272 3,023 29-10 1913 .. .. .. 220 685 2,324 3,229 30-22 1928 .. .. .. 165 977 1,506 2,548 17-37 1929 .. .. .. 196 854 1,546 2,596 17-62 1930 .. .. .. 194 968 1,703 2,864 19-19 1931 .. .. .. 216 1,155 1,832 3,203 21-17 1932 .. .. .. 194 1,313 1,893 3,401 22-29

»• New Zealand-born „ . British and „, . , Year - (excluding Maoris). MaOr,s - Foreign. Total - 1932 .. .. .. 1,941 316 1,144 3,401 1931 .. .. .. 1,779 271 1,153 3,203 1930 .. .. .. 1,576 . 184 1,104 2,864 1929 .. .. .. 1,383 173 1,040 2,596 1928 .. .. .. 1,380 158 1,010 2,548

During Pre-war Quinquennium. During Past Five Years. 1909. 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913. 1928. 1929. 1930. 1931. 1932. Under 20 .. 98 100 85 130 119 170 181 164 203 222 20-25 .. .. 342 356 291 256 349 344 350 429 555 559 25-30 .. 497 535 436 464 505 390 400 426 488 ! 504 30-40 .. .. 897 972 902 947 1,071 til i> 594 716 822 903 40 upwards .. 1,325 1,279 1,163 1,120 1,185 1,023 1,064 1,118 1,129 1,207 Not stated 2 7 11 6 6 Totals .. 3,159 3,242 2,877 2,917 3,229 2,548 2,596 2,864 3,203 3,401