11

H.-20

planting operations are being carried on is very rough and a long distance from the Prison, the prisoners have done exceedingly good work. The health of the prisoners has been generally good. The rations supplied to the prisoners have been of the very best quailty, consequently no complaints have been made. Divine service, both for Protestants and Roman Catholics, was conducted periodically throughout the year. The officers carried out their duties in a very satisfactory manner. The following is a summary of the work carried out by the prisoners during the year, viz. : Pits dug, 1,939,325; trees planted, 1,566,175; heeling in trees; clearing for tree-planting; forming firebreaks; fencing and general maintenance work. LYTTELTON PRISON. Extracts from Gaoleli's Report. Hie sending to prison for medical treatment of persons suffering from the effects of drink, and often in delirium tremens, is not satisfactory, as suitable nursing is not available, nor is there any means of isolating the cases from contact with the ordinary inmates, who are frequently disturbed by the ravings of the unfortunate victims of alcoholism, and in attending to such cases officers are liable to overlook other and important duties. The health of the prisoners has been good. The conduct of prisoners generally has been very good, and, with a few exceptions, their industry was satisfactory. The rations supplied by the contractors were of good quality, no complaint as regards the food having been made. The bread, baked on the premises, has been of consistently good quality throughout the year. The alteration to the wing lately occupied by female prisoners was completed in May, and this wing is now used for the accommodation of remand and trial prisoners and those sentenced to reformative detention, and debtors. The wing was a much-needed addition, and will leave more space in the main divisions and yards for the accommodation of the ordinary hard-labour prisoners. Divine service was held every Sunday by the several denominations, and on Christmas Day, by permission of the Department, a musical entertainment was provided by the Missioner to Seamen (Mr. S. Booth) and the Rev. A. Mitchell, and several gentlemen from Christchurch. First Offenders' Probation Act. There were no probation prisoners on the register of this district at the beginning of the year, and none wore placed on probation by the local Courts during the year. Those admitted to probation at the Supreme Court were dealt with by the Probation Officer of the Christchurch District. NAPIER PRISON. Extracts from Gaoler's Report. There was one escape during the year by a male prisoner, who had been committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Whilst being escorted to Wellington he jumped from the train; darkness facilitated the escape, and I regret to state that he was not recaptured. The general health of the prisoners has been good. The conduct of the officers during the year has been good. The conduct and industry of the prisoners have been good. The quality of the Prison supplies has been satisfactory, leaving no room for complaint. First Offenders' Probation Act. There were 4 males reporting on the Ist January, 1914; 4 males were placed on probation during the year, and 1 received on transfer from another district: total, 9. Five were transferred to other districts, 3 finished satisfactorily, and 1 absconded. NEW PLYMOUTH PRISON. Extracts from Gaoler's Report. The health of the inmates generally has been good. The conduct of prisoners in general has been good. The conduct of officers during the year has been good. The food supplied by the contractors has been of excellent quality. Religious services are conducted here each Sunday by clergymen and others of the various denominations. I have to thank the Rev. Frank Hale, one of the gentlemen who conduct service here on Sundays, for his kindness in donating books for the Prison library. First Offenders' Probation Act. There were 2 males placed on probation during the year, 1 was transferred to another district, and 1 is still reporting. ROTO AIRA PRISON. Extracts prom Gaoler's Report. The health of the prisoners has been excellent, there being a total absence of sickness during the year.