H.—2ob.

The Reformatory. To the reformatory are committed all females whose case is regarded by the Court as being hopeful. _ Generally speaking, such cases are those whose offence consists in drunkenness or crimes arising directly therefrom, and those whose crimes arise from prostitution. Industrial and Educational. The women are thoroughly instructed in all branches of domestic service and housekeeping, advanced classes in cookery, dressmaking, and millinery being provided for those who show special aptitude and who are likely to earn their living at such employment. Instruction is also_ given in the laws of health, in nursing the sick, rendering first aid, in the care of infants, and in the raising of pot-plants and cultivating flowers. An ordinary school training is provided for women of deficient education, and opportunity given for those of a higher education to pursue their studies in certain directions. The library is well stocked, and the women are encouraged to make reading an interesting recreation. Lectures are given on useful and interesting topics. Religious instruction is given, and Sunday services are held. An inmate-choir exists, the members of which are trained to read music, and they attend regular practices. If, after every influence has been exhausted, any reformatory-inmate proves incorrigible, the authorities reportthe case to the Judge of the Supreme Court, who, if satisfied that the inmate is successfully resisting the reformatory discipline, orders such inmate to be transferred to the penitentiary. Discharge. All inmates are discharged upon parole. The period fixed is not less than twelve months. For breach of parole the person can be returned to the reformatory. A good report throughout the period of parole gains an absolute release. No person is paroled until a suitable situation is found for her, or until she can be returned to her friends under conditions deemed satisfactory by the authorities. The Penitentiary. To this division are committed those women who are deemed habitual and incorrigible criminals. Classification. The women are classified according to age, conduct, and the character of their crimes. These classes are kept apart from one another as far as possible. The women are employed at such industries as, — Knitting socks (by machinery) for the prisons' service; Making shirts for prisoners, and patients in hospitals; Making mattresses and pillows for the public service; Hemming sheets and pillow-cases for the public service; Laundry-work (the installation of large rotary washers driven by machinery would enable the prison to do the washing for the hospital besides the prison washing); Raising vegetables; Keeping poultry. Educational and religious advantages are provided. Release is granted when it appears to the authorities that the prisoner will behave herself, and when suitable employment has been found, and proper supervision of her conduct for a period of not less than twelve months from date of release has been provided. If any inmate of the penitentiary shall give proof, deemed conclusive to the authorities, that she intends to amend her life and is otherwise a suitable person to be transferred to the reformatory, the authorities shall report her case to the Judge, who shall determine whether such transfer shall be granted. Method for introducing an Effective Probation System For dealing with that Class of Prisoner that does not need the more severe Discipline of the Penitentiary nor the Educational Treatment of the Reformatory. _ Certain approved private agencies are registered under the Prisons Act. The effect of this registration is,— These agencies place their institutions at the disposal of the Department. They work, in respect to the persons committed to their charge by the Courts, under Government regulations and inspection. They receive such assistance from the Department as will enable them to carry out their discipline effectively. They receive such subsidy as may be decided upon. The Courts decide what persons shall be committed to the charge of these agencies, and also the conditions of the probation. Probation is of three kinds, — Simple Probation.— Under this form of probation persons are not disturbed in their domestic or industrial relations, but are under the care of an officer whose duty is to see that his charge fulfils the obligations imposed by the Court.

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