H.— 20.

Wanganui Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. E. Ching.) The conduct and health of prisoners has been very good. As to the employment of the prisoners, those who are able to do some little work have been employed cutting firewood for the Mines Department ; others have been employed in the kitchengarden, the prison-grounds, laundry, cleaning, &c. The kitchen-garden is looking well, and has for the first time produced enough vegetables for the year, except potatoes. Taking into consideration their great age and other infirmities, the men have done very well and have taken a good interest in their work. Rangipo Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. A. Banks.) The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year : 300 acres of virgin land were stumped of tutu and manuka, cleared of fern, and burned off ready for ploughing ; 400 acres were ploughed, disked, and harrowed, of which 300 acres were sown in temporary pasture and 100 acres in permanent pasture ; 650 acres were top-dressed with one bag of superphosphate to the acre. A heavy yield of hay and ensilage was stacked as winter feed for the stock. The potato crop was very satisfactory, providing table potatoes for the institution throughout the year. Five thousand young Pinus radiata were planted out for shelter-belts. A new swing bridge was erected for the conveying of men and horses across the Tongariro River. Six thousand posts were split m the bush on the property for fences on the farm. The vegetable-garden has again been a success, sufficient vegetables for local requirements being grown. The general health of the prisoners has been good, only one case being admitted to hospital, with appendicitis. The conduct and industry of the prisoners has been exceptionally good. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been well attended to by the Rev. J. G. Lawton and the Rev. J. L. Carter, of Taupo, and Father A. Langerwerf and Father P. J. Lagan, of Tokaanu. Wellington Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. J. Down.) The daily average number in prison during the year was 126-95. The number of admissions to the public hospital during the year was fourteen. The number of prisoners transferred to the public hospital is not as great as last year, and in almost all cases the prisoners received were suffering from some long-standing complaint they had before they were admitted. I find m almost every instance that prisoners of this class neglect their ailment till they come to prison, and they immediately demand that they should be sent to the public hospital for treatment. In many instances this is not necessary, and the treatment in prison is all that is required. There were no deaths throughout the year. The conduct of the prisoners on the whole has been good. The dairy herd still kefeps up, and the supply of milk and butter has been well maintained. Ten thousand Pinus insignis were planted in different parts of the plantation where the fire had destroyed those previously planted. Several lots of seed were collected, cleaned, and sent to other institutions ; also a quantity sown. The plastering of the building is now finished, and all the yards are completed. The various prison industries have been carried out with satisfactory results, and have provide an outlet for prison labour. Wi Tako Prison, Heretaunga. (Superintendent, Mr. D. Blain.) The health of the prisoners has been good, and their general conduct and industry has been satisfactory. Eighty-two acres were cleared and dug and 76 acres were sown m pastureApproximately £1,500 was paid into the Public Account as a result of the sale of vegetables and root crops. The demand for Wi Tako produce in the markets is very keen, and consignments from the farm are always looked for. . , There were 108-1- chains of new drains dug and all existing drains cleaned, several being widened and deepened;, two"sumps were dug at the cottages; 2,000 Gupressus Lawsoniana, 600 gums, and 300 willows were planted. . A 10 000-gallon reinforced-concrete tank was constructed and pipes laid from the cottages connecting it' with the borough supply. This will be connected with the prison supply, and will give a the Rev. Kendrick, F.tto Kelly, the R.V. Hunt, and S.tatio, Army Officers. Addington Reformatory Prison (Women). (Superintendent, Miss E. M. Hunt.) The health and conduct of the inmates have been good, and the only sickness has been slight colds and recovering from the effects of drink. Laundry and garden work constitute the chief industries. 2—H, 20,

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