H.—2o,

The following work has been carried on in the prison : Breadmaking for rations and for the Borstal, Point Halswell; the manufacture of soap, floor-polish, sandsoap, leadhead nails, and tinmaking has been carried on throughout the year. In the experimental orchard and nursery the trees are making good growth this year and fresh plantings have been made. It was found necessary to provide fresh housing for the pigs, so new and up-to-date pigsties have been erected. Some pedigree pigs have been purchased this year for the improvement of the stock. Throughout the year the various denominations have held their regular services. Our thanks are due to the ministers of the Presbyterian, Anglican, and other branches of the Protestant Churches for their attendances throughout the year. Also to the Roman Catholic Clergy and officers of the Salvation Army. . . During the year concerts were given by the Presbyterian Social Service, the Salvation Army, and the Justices of the Peace Association, which were greatly appreciated by all. We also thank the Controller-General of Prisons, Mr. W. P. Sommerville, Mr. N. Aitken, and Mr. Lowe for their contributions of Christmas cheer. Also to Mrs. Chatfield, who, unfortunately, was unable to attend, but sent her splendid contributions, where were much appreciated. Wi Tako Prison, Heretaunga. (Superintendent, Mr. T. E. Lowe.) The year under review has seen a further decline in the number of receptions —85 this year as against 121 for the previous twelve months—and the number in custody dropped from 50 at the commencement to 43 at the end of the year. Of the 92 prisoners discharged during the year, 25 were discharged on expiration of sentence, 17 discharged on remission, 43 released on recommendation of Prisons Board, and 7 transferred to other institutions. As usual, the health of the prisoners has been well looked after by the Medical Officer, Dr. F. W. Kemp, who visits the institution weekly, as well as in cases of emergency, and, with the exception of one prisoner who was sent to hospital with appendicitis, no serious cases have been reported. The conduct and industry of the prisoners have been satisfactory; four cases of minor prison offences were dealt with by Visiting Justices. With the reduced muster it has been fairly difficult to maintain the usual output from the farm, and the market garden area has been reduced considerably \ but all sections have been fairly successful and produced approximately £1,930 through sales in addition to maintaining the institution in vegetables, potatoes, meat, milk, and firewood. No new development work has been possible during the year, all available men being required for current work on the farm and the maintenance of fences and drains and the various rifle-ranges on the Defence leasehold. The building of a new range of pigsties with grazing paddocks and shelters has been practically completed. . . The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been attended to throughout the year by ministers and laymen of various denominations, and thanks are due to these gentlemen for the interest displayed. During the year concerts have been provided by the Rev. Mr. Harding's party, Upper Hutt Male Voice Choir, Optimists' Club, and the Salvation Army, and these have been thoroughly appreciated by the inmates. Donations of Christmas cheer from the Salvation Army, Mr. W. P. Sommerville, and the Rev. Mr. Harding were very welcome, and, in addition, our thanks are due to the latter gentleman for a large donation of books, which made a welcome addition to the library. In conclusion, I would like to thank members of the stafl for their loyal co-operation. Addington Reformatory Prison (Women). (Superintendent, Miss M. Hewitt.) I have the honour to submit the annual report on this institution for the year ended 31st December, 1936. At the beginning of the year there were 15 females in custody, 38 were admitted during the year and 42 were discharged, leaving 11 females in custody at the end of the year. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 17 and the least 7, the daily average for the year being 11-541. The health of the inmates generally (with the exception of four who were suffering from alcoholism when admitted) has been good, and there were no admissions to the public hospital during the year. The conduct of the inmates throughout the year has been good and, with the exception of one or two individuals, all have risen to the occasion and have given of their best during the busy periods when we were often working under rather difficult conditions due to alterations and renovations in laundry and institution. During the year this institution has been completely renovated inside and out. The place is now looking very nice, bright, and cheerful, and is much more comfortable. The work has been carried out entirely by prison labour and reflects great credit on the workmen and the officers in charge of them. The spiritual and social welfare of the inmates has been well looked after by the chaplains (the Rev. P. Revell and the Rev. Father Joyce), Salvation Army officers, and the Ladies of Charity. Concert parties organized by Miss Nicholls and the Women's Christian Temperence Union visited regularly during the year, and have been much appreciated by the inmates. The Salvation Army

3—H. 20.

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