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the utmost care in dealing with cases under the Act I again thank the police of all ranks for the valuable assistance I have received from them, and without which it would be quite impossible for me to carry out my duties. Fras. Egerton Severne, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Dumgree Prison. H.M. Prison, Dumgree, 31st December, 1904. I beg to report that I took over charge of this Prison from P.W. Kearney on 14th November, and found everything in proper order. Since then the prisoners have been regularly employed, digging pits, roadmaking, and removing weeds, &c, from around the young trees. From prepared statistics I find that 177,000 trees were planted during the season, and subsequently 164,579 pits were dug; 50 chains of road has been formed; a wash-house and blacksmith's shop have also been erected. With the exception of seven men, whom you promptly removed and replaced by others, the conduct of the prisoners has been good. One man was discharged on remission of sentence. The rations have been of the best quality and regularly supplied. The conduct of the officers has been good, and they have zealously supported me in maintaining discipline. Edward Murpht, P.W., Acting-Gaoler.

Dunedin Prison H.M. Prison, Dunedin, 22nd January, 1905. I have the honour to report that during the year 1904 there were received 368 males and 74 females. The daily average was lower than it has been for many years. The conduct of the prisoners has been good ; there were only three prisoners punished for six minor offences. No aggravated prison offences occurred during the year. The health of the prisoners continues to be good. There was one case of senile decay sent to the Hospital, and one for lunacy to the Asylum. All able-bodied prisoners are employed at the Heads quarring stone, breaking, and carpentering. I paid weekly visits. There were very few complaints. Rations and other supplies were of good quality; the contractors carried out their contracts satisfactorily. The prisoners' spiritual welfare has been well attended to by the chaplains. Regular Sunday services were held, assisted by divinity students and Dunedin gentlemen. I regret to have to allude to the deaths of two Visiting Justices —viz., Dr. Hislop and E. H. Carew, Esq., S.M. Both gentlemen have officiated as Visiting Justices to the prison for many years. The First Offenders' Probation Act. On the Ist January, 1904, there were 6 prisoners on probation; 4 were committed during the year, 3 transferred to other districts, and 6 discharged, leaving 1 on probation at the end of the year. J- H. Beatbt, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Hanmeu Springs Prison. H.M. Prison, Hanmer Springs, 18th January, 1905. I have the honour to report on the working of this Prison for the year ending 31st December, 1904. The prisoners carried out the following work: Dug 119,047 pits for trees, prepared 104,500 spots for acorns and 55,825 spots for trees in swamps, cleared 180 acres of scrub, erected 34 chains of rabbit-proof fence, erected a stable and chaff-house, constructed 39 seed-protecting frames, and planted the following varieties of trees: Larix europea, 33,975; Pinus austriaca, 62,375; Pinus radiata, 6,400; Picea excelsa, 44,725; Alnw glutinosa, 17,850; Betula alba, 2,950; Eucalyptus pauciflora, 4,250; poplars, 250; acorns, 130,400. Total number of trees and acorns, 303,175. The general health and conduct of the prisoners has been good. Four were sent back to Lyttelton —two for medical treatment, and two on account of misconduct. The officers have carried out their duties in a satisfactory manner. A. W. Roberts, P.W., Acting-Gaoler.

Hokitika Prison. H.M. Prison, Hokitika, 22nd January, 1905. I have the honour to report, for your information, that for the past year ended the 31st December last nothing of any great importance has occurred in the management, discipline, &c, of this institution calling for more than a passing remark from me. The shortening of the officers' hours of duty and hours of labour of prisoners, with which the year commenced, has been much appreciated by all concerned, and I am pleased to be able to state that there has been but little, if any, shortage of work under the new time-table.