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of new drains having been added, and the old drains kept periodically cleaned. Great benefit has been derived from this work, as the swamp area, even after heavy rains, is now practically immune from the sodden condition which previously prevailed. During the year 284 lambing-ewes were bought, and the lamb percentage was 78. Shearing operations were proceeded with, and resulted in a total weight of 1 ton 1 qr. 16 lb. of wool. This will be sold in due course. A number of fat stock were sold to good advantage, seventy-five lambs realizing £1 ss. each, and ten prime bullocks £10 10s: each. Eleven porkers which were bred on the estate were also sold to good advantage, the price obtained totalling £28 13s. 4d. A slaughterhouse and meat-storage house have been built, and for some months the meat required for prisoners' rations has been killed from store cattle bought for the purpose. The hides have been sold for a good price, and a good saving has been effected in this manner in the meat ration. For purposes of fattening stock, two extensive grass-paddocks have been cleared, and a further area of 12 acres sown in grass. The Fordson tractor purchased is proving a success, as it facilitates the carrying-out of certain classes of work under adverse circumstances, which would otherwise have to be left. The hay which was cut and stacked last year has been a great acquisition, as it enabled stock to be kept in good condition when green feed was at a minimum. Supplies were also despatched to Point Halswell Borstal Institution for use during the winter months. Some acres have been sown in vegetables, and a further area is being brought into line, and will shortly be available for cultivation. Owing to the inclement weather conditions existing at the commencement of the season the crops were somewhat retarded, but are now making satisfactory progress under good weather conditions. Considerable quantities of vegetables were despatched to Wellington for sale by auction during the year, and the revenue derived from the sales amounted to £55 18s. 7d. Further supplies were also delivered to the Trentham Military Camp, and consignments forwarded to other institutions. A further development in the way of gardening is being carried out on a section between the hills at the back of the prison. A number of good-conduct men have cleared and cultivated a large portion of the section in their spare time. This extra freedom allowed is greatly appreciated by the men, and is proving beneficial both mentally and physically to them. The soil is very good, and as good crops can be obtained from this garden the work done will prove a good asset. The Defence property acquired under lease to this Department has been attended to in accordance with the agreement, and any damage done by stock has been repaired. 101 chains of subdividing fence has been erected. The b'ock of 12 acres which comprised the old garden area, and which was taken over by the Defence Department last year, has been ploughed and sown in permanent pasture. This is now being used for grazing purposes. The new building at the prison was completed in the early part of the year, and the two cell ranges extended so as to give extra accommodation for sixteen men. Brick walls with gates have been built on the front and west corner of the prison yard. The breadmaking for the prison has been continued, ancl large quantites of bread were supplied to the Trentham Military Camp throughout the year. It is with much regret that we record the death of the Rev. James Holmes, who for some years took a very active and keen interest in the welfare of the inmates of this institution, and by his kindly and courteous manner gained the respect of officers and men alike. We are indebted to the following gentlemen —the Rev. Mr. Kendrick, Rev. Father Kelly, the Salvation Army officers, and Mr. Chappell, of the Y.M.C.A., Trentham —for conducting Divine service for the various denominations throughout the year. We are also further indebted to Mr. Chappell for providing Christmas cheer for the benefit of the inmates. A moving-picture machine has been installed by the Y.M.C.A., and regular entertainments are provided through the kindness of Mr. Chappell in conjunction with the Y.M.C.A. operator, Mr. Power. These entertainments are much appreciated by the men. Prison for Women, Addincton Reformatory Prison. (Superintendent, Miss E. Hunt.) At the beginning of the year there were 24 inmates in custody ; 78 were discharged during the year; 55 were discharged on the expiration of sentence, and 1 was released on the recommendation of the Prisons Board ; 11 were released on probation or transferred to other institutions, leaving a total of 29 inmates in residence at the end of the year. The laundry has been enlarged and an up-to-date drying-room has been erected, so that the whole of the Defence laundry washing can be done here, which will keep the inmates well employed for eight months in the year. This class of work is most suitable for these inmates, and as time goes on I hope to get a well-established laundry and be able to do the whole of the Government laundry work in Christchurch. The work of the inmates consists of sewing, gardening, milking, feeding poultry, general housework and laundering. Eight women admitted were mentally deficient. Four of these were afterwards sent to the local Mental Hospital. Concerts and entertainments have been provided throughout the year. " High teas " have been given on holidays by the Official Visitors and social workers. A good supply of books and magazines has been maintained, also clothing for the inmates on discharge. The radio has been, a great assistance to the inmates, particularly during the summer. It is especially useful and interesting to those who cannot read or sew and have no idea of employing their spare time. Religious services are held regularly by the Rev. P. Revell, Father McEwan, Salvation Army, and Sisters of the Mission, which means that every inmate is given an opportunity to attend a religious service once every week.

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