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JEL—2O

I have decided to eliminate the reports of the controlling officers of the different institutions, and to deal with each institution separately in my own report. While it is regretted that this step has become necessary owing to the exigencies of the present situation, it will result in a considerable saving in space, paper, and printing, and consequently in the carrying-out of the instructions that have been issued. Auckland Prison. A considerable increase during the past year in the daily average number of male prisoners has to be recorded. All able-bodied men were fully employed at soil able work, generally outdoor employment, such as quarrying, stone-dressing, building, &c. The schoolmaster reports: "School progressed satisfactorily during the past year. Adult beginners are naturally slow, and their ability to retain what has been taught them is somewhat weak. In this class the Maori pupils have shown considerable patience and perseverance, and the result is most satisfactory. One Standard \ r l pupil and four in Standard V were presented for examination before the Senior Inspector of Schools, and it is gratifying to report that all were successful. The Standard VI pupil was awarded a proficiency certificate, and his work was highly commended by the Inspector. The same pupil look up a correspondence course in bookkeeping, and the college frequently reported his work as excellent." An Esperanto class, under the tutorship of a well-conducted prisoner, was commenced in the early part of the year, and has proved a oomplete success. The class has had advice and instruction from a leading Esperantist in Wellington, who continues to take a keen interest in its progress. Physical drill, under a competent instructor, has been carried out daily, the general result of which can be noticed in the appearance and bearing of those instructed. The bootmaking industry is in a flourishing condition, .and supplies can in future be manufactured for Departments and institutions other than those at present catered for. The manufacture of coir mats is also being proceeded with, and with supplies of the necessary yarn coming to hand more regularly the industry should become a useful and remunerative one. During the past year the work of reorganizing the system of quarrying was considerably advanced. The installation of modern electrically driven pneumatic drills and the general development of quarrying operations on up-to-date lines necessitated the appointment of a quarrymanager. The increased output since the manager took over control, and the improvement in the quarrying system generally, more than justify his appointment, and the coming year promises to show a further and more pronounced increase in output. lnvercargill Borstal Institution. The evening educational classes have been continued regularly with markedly beneficial results. The senior schoolmaster reports: " A year of steady work lias been done in the teaching of pupils from the primer to Standard VI, and a number who are in advance of Standard VI requirements are being aided in the study of algebra, geometry, French, and kindred subjects. The teachers keep in close touch with one another in their work, interchanging views as to the mental attitude of the inmates towards the work and the spirit that it is hoped to impart to them— the spirit of striving for better things. An arrangement has been made with the local Inspector of Schools to hold examinations at the institution, thus enabling inmates who are qualified to obtain proficiency certificates, and in some cases to obtain certificates for the passing of higher standards than thej' held when entering the institution." The entertainment and recreation of the inmates have been continued, and are being extended as much as possible. The formation of a brass band has been made possible by I lie collection of £200 through the agency of the Prisoners' Aid Society, and a set of instruments has now been purchased. Concerts are being given fortnightly, and thanks arc due to local orchestras and choirs for valuable assistance in this direction. A series of lectures by medical and other experts has been arranged, the subjects including music, electricity, the human body, civilized society, &c. These lectures will be a permanent feature in the institution's activities. A new feature in the history of this institution is the establishment of a special class of wellconducted and industrious youths who take their meals and evening recreation in association. A large dining-room has been prepared for this class, and it is expected that the new venture will prove a valuable aid to the moral uplifting of the inmates. The purchase of a large number of instructive and entertaining books for the institutional library has been appreciated by the inmates. There is an increasing desire on the part of the lads to avail themselves of the opportunity of brightening their lives and extending their knowledge. A large area at the back of the main institution is being prepared for recreation purposes. Well-conducted inmates will, when the grounds are completed, have facilities for the playing of football, cricket, &c. A suitable site for a swimming-bath has been decided upon, and the work of construction, &c, is being actively pushed forward. When the work is completed it is proposed to teach all inmates to swim, who cannot already do so, and to have instructional classes in life-saving. Farming operations have been pressed forward vigorously during the past year. Dairying and fattening of store cattle have yielded good returns, these two lines alone being responsible for gross returns exceeding £8,000. Hitherto a difficulty has been experienced in working large portions of the farm area in the winter mouths owing to lack of drains and flood-gates to carry off water accumulating during high tides. This difficulty lias now been practically overcome. A large flood-gate has been

constructed, and leading to it a canal, '22 ft. in width and 5 fl. deep, is being dug right through