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and some provision should be made for the training of the staff in modern principles of penology. This applies particularly to the Borstal institutions, for it must be recognized that the care of the delinquent is an important matter for society, and it is essential that such should be entrusted only to intelligent people who are capable of understanding the complex phases of human behaviour and of administering the proper physical, educational, and disciplinary treatment. At the Point Halswell Borstal Institution, for example, it is noticed that the absence of a constructive programme sets up among the inmates many irritative mental reactions to environmental conditions, which seek expression or relief in wrongdoing, such as misbehaviour, escapes, disobedience, &c. Several of the girls have stated to Official Visitors and others that they have misbehaved solely in order to break the irksome monotony of the daily routine. In contrast with this it should be noted that the English idea is that " the daily round should make as much demand as possible on the activities both of mind and body, the whole being a coherent scheme of training." Experience has shown that, amongst female delinquents particularly, an atmosphere of repression and supression promotes emotional disturbances and mental conflicts, which give rise to what psychologists term " substitution delinquencies." These acts to the untrained observer often appear to be the outcome of sheer perverseness, and the recalcitrant inmate is frequently subjected to punishment by being placed in solitary confinement. This mode of treatment in such circumstances probably has the effect of intensifying the criminalistic state of mind, as in the train of such misdeeds, even within an institution, can grow all the usual evils of pernicious-habit formation. It is because of the disregard of this psychological factor, through lack of trained understanding on the part of the staff, that it has been found that penal institutions if improperly organized make criminals rather than reform them. Conclusion. In conclusion, I desire to express appreciation of the zealous manner in which the officers in charge of the various institutions have carried out their duties, and also of the readiness with which the Head Office and local staffs have co-operated in the work of the Department. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons.

PRISONS AND PENAL INSTITUTIONS : EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS. Auckland Prison. At the commencement of the year there were 374 males and 14 females in custody. During the year 2,051 males and 133 females were received, and 2,002 males and 134 females discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the night of the 31st December, 1925, 423 males and 13 females. During the year, at your discretion, the inmates were given an opportunity to furnish exhibits for the New Zealand Exhibition. As a result a very fine collection, both in the matter of quantity and quality, was despatched to Dunedin. Much praise must be given to the several prisoners concerned, as most of the exhibits were prepared in their leisure hours, and the keen interest displayed resulted in a wide variety being made available. The garden continues to be an asset to the institution, the quantity being well maintained. As in previous years, it has been found necessary to purchase only potatoes from outside sources. The bootmaking branch of the prison's industrial activities continues to furnish excellent results. The high standard of output continues, and this no doubt would show an increase if the whole of the prisoners employed in the shop were experienced hands. For the same reason the working profit would show an increase. The tailoring industry continues to be operated with satisfactory results to the Department. The requirements of our own and other Government Departments continue to be met in spite of the fact that a number of those employed at this trade are inexperienced. Repairs to mail-bags for the Post and Telegraph Department have been carried on under the supervision of the officer in charge of the tailors' shop, and the repairs have been so expeditiously effected that the Department has recently been able to reduce the charges for the work. Laundry and repair work continues to be carried on by the inmates of the Female Division. . I must again report that the standard of behaviour and the expeditious handling of the work is a tribute to the capable control of the female staff. Whatever stone is required continues to be produced from the prison stone-yard. Very few prisoners are now employed at this class of labour, and these are mostly of the class who are too untrustworthy to be employed elsewhere. Quarrying, which is the principal industry at this prison, continues to thrive, and the revenue for the current financial year should equal that of 1924-25. Concerts continue to be held periodically, the programmes which are arranged by social workers being noteworthy for their excellence. No little appreciation is shown by the inmates for these efforts on their behalf. As in previous years, thanks are due to Messrs. Fuller and J. C. Williamson (Limited), for their kindness in providing professional artists to assist at the various entertainments. The several organizations responsible for the provision of excellent Christmas gifts in the shape of additional comforts are again deserving of much commendation for this continued spirit of selfsacrifice. The gifts were, as usual, greatly appreciated by the prisoners.

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