H,—2o.

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where vegetables of all kinds, including potatoes, are growing—enough, I hope, to supply Prison requirements during the present year. A portion of the gravel and sand taken out was sold, but being doubtful as to our own requirements I have stopped the sale of any more for the present. First Offenders' Probation Act. There were seven probationers on the register at the beginning of the year ; 3 were placed on probation in the district, and 1 was received from another district; 7 were discharged, having satisfactorily carried out the conditions of their license, and 1 was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for an offence other than that for which he was placed on probation ; leaving 3 on probation at the end of the year. Alex. Armstrong, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Lyttelton Prison. H.M. Prison, Lyttelton, 24th January, 1904. I report on the working of this Prison for the year ended the 31st December, 1903. Beceived 733 males and 143 females, discharged 735 males and 139 females ; leaving 117 males and 13 females at the end of the year. The male prisoners were employed on reclamation-works at Sticking Point, Sumner Boad Quarry, and at Quail Island, where they have erected three large concrete water-tanks. Female prisoners were as usual employed at sewing, washing, &c. The conduct of the prisoners has been fairly good. No aggravated prison offences have occurred during the year. Twenty-one prisoners were punished by solitary confinement for short periods, and 13 by forfeiture of marks. The health of the prisoners has been good. There have been only 66 cases of sickness during the year, 3of which were sent to the Christchurch Hospital for treatment. One of the number, a life prisoner, died therein. An inquest was held on his remains. Verdict, " Died from natural causes." The rations supplied by the contractors were of good quality. No complaints were made by prisoners either to yourself or to the Visiting Justices as to quality or quantity. Twenty-two prisoners were transferred from the Prison to Hanmer Springs, where they are employed at tree-planting. The conduct of the officers has been very good. Probation Act. Only one youth (twenty years of age) was dealt with during the year. He was sentenced to twelve months' probation and ordered to refund to his master £12 which he embezzled. He has removed from here to the Invercargill district, where he has been promised employment. M. M. Cleary, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Napier Prison. H.M. Prison, Napier, sth February, 1904. In custody on the Ist January, 42 males and 4 females ; received during the year, 250 males and 17 females; discharged, 233 males and 21 females; in Prison, 31st December, 1903, 38 males and no females. The conduct of the prisoners has been good. There were five punishments, and in each case the tobacco was stopped until restored by Inspector of Prisons. There was very little sickness amongst prisoners. One Native who had an abscess on his neck was sent to the Hospital for a few days. ° The rations supplied were good, and there were no complaints. The prisoners have been employed at quarrying and stonebreaking, also in dressing stone for the new wall to be built in front of the Prison. Divine service has been held every Sunday. Mr. Tanner, 9.30. am. ; Bey. Father Bell, 2 p.m. Mr. Prentice has a service for the Maoris at 2 p.m. Mrs. Caro visits the women. Mr. Tanner, with the aid of ladies and gentlemen in Napier, have supplied our library with reading-matter. Gas has been laid on during the year in the Prison, and there is a light in every cell, so that prisoners who care for reading have every opportunity of improving themselves. The officers have faithfully carried out their duties, and there have been no reports. The Visiting Justices attend when required, besides very frequent visits at uncertain times. I would recommend that the staff at this Prison be increased by one officer, as the work has increased, notably through finger-printing. First Offenders' Probation Act. On the Ist January 3 males were reporting themselves; placed on probation during the year, 7 males and 2 females; 6 males and 1 female were transferred to other districts; 2 males and 1 female have satisfactorily finished their terms ; 1 male still reporting here. One male still owes £3 15s. out of £11, which he was to pay as costs, and one male who went out with one of the last contingents to South Africa still owes 16s. Inquiry is still kept up for these two defaulters. I cannot°finish without thanking the police for their assistance in carrying out the Act, and if it were not for their assistance I do not see how any Probation Officer could carry out his duties conscientiously. „ , Michael Flannery Gaoler and Probation Officer.