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NAPIER PRISON. H.M. Prison, Napier, 22nd January, 1910. I have the honour to forward herewith the annual return of this prison for the year ending 31st December, 1909, and to submit the following report. I took charge of the prison on the 14th April, succeeding Mr. M. Flanuery, who retired, after forty-five years' faithful service, on superannuation. At the commencement of the year 42 males and 3 females were in custody. Received during the j'ear, 328 males and 29 females; discharged, 327 males and 28 females; leaving in confinement at the end of the year 43 males and 4 females; the total number thus dealt with being 370 males and 32 females. The health of the prisoners has been good, with the exception of 5 cases, 4 of which were sent to the Hospital for treatment. The conduct of the prisoners has been on the whole satisfactory, 11 cases, against 8 prisoners, being reported for minor breaches of discipline. The Visiting Justice visited the prison regularly during the year. The rations have been good, and gave every satisfaction. The conduct of the officers has been good, with the exception of two men, whose services have been dispensed with. The prisoners are at present employed in the quarries, supplying material to the local bodies for roadmaking. First Offenders' Probation Act. On the Ist January there were 12 males and 1 female reporting themselves; 3 males and 1 female were placed on probation during the year; 1 female was transferred to another district, and 1 male received on transfer; 6 completed their terms of probation; 2 are in default; leaving 9 males still reporting. Alfred Gideon, The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

NEW PLYMOUTH. H.M. Prison, New Plymouth, 12th January, 1910. 1 have the honour to forward herewith the annual return for this prison for the }-ear ending 31st December, 1909. I was appointed Gaoler and Manager and took charge here on the 9th April last. There were 42 males and 2 females in custody at the commencement of the }'ear, including 3 habitual criminal males and 1 female. Received during the year, 157 males, including 16 habitual criminals, and 15 females, of whom 3 were habitual criminals. Discharged during the year, 150 males and 11 females, leaving in custody at the end of the year 49 males, including 15 habitual criminals, and 6 females, of whom 4 were habitual criminals. Of the 4 habitual criminal males who were discharged, 2 were liberated unconditionally, and 2 on probation. Employment was found for both of the latter. One is doing well; the other fell into the hands of the police the day he was liberated, and was sentenced to three months for trespass. The health of the prisoners has been good. One man met with an accident, being struck in the eve with a splinter of iron. He was sent to the District Hospital, where, I regret to say, his eye had to be removed. The conduct of the prisoners has been generally good, with the exception of three or four men who conspired to make trouble for the purpose of being removed to another prison. Four of them ware brought up at the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court and punished. The prisoners have been employed removing the hill on the eastern boundary of the Gaol Reserve, cutting down trees on Marsland Hill, and principally in opening up a new quarry. There are now several thousand yards of stone and gravel available, winch is readily saleable at a good price, as this is the only quarry in the district. There has been no complaint about the rations. An abundant supply of vegetables is available in the prison garden. The conduct of the officers has been good. One warder has been appointed from probation. The practice of sending to prison supposed lunatics and persons suffering from delirium tremens still prevails here as elsewhere. Eighteen such cases were received during the year. Fortunately they all recovered. As there is no night watch at this prison, these cases cause considerable anxiety to myself and staff. First Offenders' Probation Act. There were 4 males on probation at the commencement of the year. Two males completed their term. One male and 1 female were placed on probation during the year, leaving 3 males and 1 female on the register. All are carrying out the terms of their licenses. J. Cotle, Gaoler, Manager, and Probation Officer. The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington.