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buildings and plant, manufacture of concrete paving-slabs and fencing-posts, the production of sand and gravel and road maintenance and formation have utilized surplus labour. Market-gardening and poultry-raising have been carried on as usual, and with a favourable season have given abundance of vegetables for prison use, also vegetables and eggs, &c, for other departmental use. In connection with farming operations the report of the Farm Manager (Mr. Wilson) shows that good progress has been made in all branches despite an adverse season and a period of low prices. In the sheep section from 800 ewes there was 119 per cent, of lambs, and early in the season as high as £1 11s. 10d. per head was received. The wool clip was again very satisfactory, averaging 12-7 lb. of wool per sheep. The clip was disposed of at up to 7d. per pound, with an average return of 6s. per sheep. The cash revenue from the sheep section for the year was £678. The pig section is still at a low ebb, and it has been found not advantageous to fully fatten stocks, but to dispose of them as weaners and stores. The cash revenue from this section was £287 for the year. The various root and cereal crops have been considerably effected by the drought conditions prevailing earlier in the year. The potato crop averaged between 3 and 4 tons of tables per acre, there being a larger proportion of second grade than usual approximating from 4to 5 tons per acre. The wheat crop was also below the average, producing 25 bushels per acre, and this was conserved for use in the poultry section. The growing crops at the latter end of the year are showing particularly good and from 74 acres in one instance 14 large stacks were obtained, approximating 140 tons. The pea crop has also given an excellent yield of 54 bushels per acre. The wheat crop is anticipated to be the best crop of its kind ever grown here. The hay crops have given good results, assuring ample winter feed for stock, and the lucerne paddocks have in addition provided copious grazing for live-stock. The spiritual welfare of the men has again been well cared for by the visiting clergymen of the various denominations by regular Sunday services and giving individual visits. A monthly evening mission service has been continued during the year. Concerts have been rendered monthly by Mrs. J. C. Holmes and friends and have been much appreciated by the men. The Workers' Educational Association have again continued their Saturday evening lectures during the winter months and these have been excellently arranged and have been of an interesting and instructive nature. The institutional school has been continued under the direction of Mr. R. G. Hampton, M.A., twice weekly during the year with quite satisfactory results. Rangipo Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. A. Banks.) There were 46 male prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 40 were received, 33 discharged, and 9 transferred, leaving a total of 44 prisoners in custody at the end of the year. Two men escaped from custody, but both were recaptured. Three prisoners who met with minor accidents were admitted to Raetihi Public Hospital during the period. The general health of the prisoners has been good, and their conduct and industry satisfactory. Divine service was conducted by Rev. J. B. Rand, Father Wanders, Rev. J. G. Laughton, and Mr. Moffit. The following is a summary of work carried out during the year : 552| acres of virgin country was stumped of tutu, manuka, and cleared of fern, ready for the plough ; 592 acres was ploughed and harrowed ; 300 acres sown in permanent pasture ; 372 acres of temporary converted to permanent pasture ; 50 acres of turnips and 20 acres of oats sown ; 1,485 acres top-dressed ; 593£ chains of fencing erected. A good yield of hay was slacked as winter feed for the stock. The prison garden was very successful, keeping up a good supply of vegetables during the year. Sufficient potatoes were grown to meet the requirements of the prison. The officers carried out their duties in a very satisfactory manner. Waikune Prison (Road-constructing Camp), Erua. (Officer in Charge, Mr. P. McGrath.) At the commencement of the year there were 87 male prisoners in custody. During the year 61 prisoners were received from other institutions, whilst 74 prisoners were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 74 male prisoners in custody on the night of the 31st December, 1932. Throughout the year the health of the prisoners was very satisfactory ; most of the illnesses were of a minor nature, and dealt with by the Medical Officer locally. It was found necessary to transfer one prisoner to Waimarino Public Hospital for an operation for appendicitis. The prisoner was later returned to the prison fully recovered. Three of the cases received the-necessary medical attention at the Waimarino Public Hospital and were later returned to Waikune fully recovered from their injuries, whilst the fourth was sent to the Wanganui Hospital and subsequently to the prison there. The conduct of the prisoners was satisfactory. The Visiting Justices dealt with thirty-five offences during the year, and appropriate punishment was inflicted on the individuals concerned. The indusi i j of the prisoners was very satisfactory. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners was adequately provided for by visiting chaplains from Taumarunui and Ohakune. Our special thanks are due to the National Tobacco Co., Ltd., and the Christchurch branch of the Howard League for Prison Reform for gifts received from them for distribution among the prisoners at Christmas time. A suitable letter of thanks was despatched to Mr. H. E. Frederick, of Raetihi, for his efforts to raise sufficient funds to donate a radio receiving set for use of the inmates at this prison. Towards the end of the year the wireless equipment was received from the donors ; it was later assembled and radio concerts are now a feature of the life at Waikune. Our isolated position makes the wireless receiving set a very acceptable gift.

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