H—2o

Two prisoners were transferred to public hospital during the year, and 1 of these, unfortunately, died after being in the institution for one month. The cause of death was thrombosis. Apart from this, there were no serious ■cases of sickness and all were treated by the prison Medical Officer. Two individuals were dealt with by Visiting Justices and 2 by the Superintendent for minor prison offences, but, apart from these breaches, the •general conduct and industry of the prisoners have been satisfactory. A large part of the farm has been subject to Army activities, but a small number of ewes was again carried this year for fat-lamb breeding. The revenue from the farm for the year was £5,830, to which the sale of 638 pigscontributed £3,313, whilst the dairy herd contributed £1,512 for milk sold to the Wellington municipal supply. As usual, the prison was self-supporting in vegetables, meat, milk, and firewood. Ministers and laymen of various denominations visited the prison regularly and conducted services for the inmates. The screening of the departmental pictures throughout the year provided ■entertainment, which was all the more appreciated because lack of transport prevented some of the usual concert parties from visiting the prison. Thanks to Mr. Morrall of Upper Hutt, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Upper Hutt, and Mr. Ellis of Taita, who provided gifts of Christmas cheer, the inmates were able to enjoy a much more varied menu on Christmas Day. In conclusion, I wish to thank members of the staff for loyal co-operation throughout the year. Arohata Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Miss B. L. Trevor) Borstal admissions during the year totalled 32, discharges 46. In the reformatory section 41 were received and 38 discharged. The health of the inmates was generally good. The venereal-disease rate was lower, only 6 Borstal and 8 reformatory -cases being treated during the year. The physical condition of inmates on admission has not been very good; many of the girls appeared undernourished and lacking in vitality. As is generally noticed, dental attention was badly needed in many cases; several inmates were also supplied with dentures. The girls admitted have been of a lower mental type; while not being certifiable, many were definitely of subnormal mentality. This renders training difficult, and presents obstacles when the question of placing after release arises, particularly when the girl has no relatives and needs to go straight to work. The general behaviour for the year was fair, 49 inmates being dealt with for breaches of discipline. Eighteen of these were escapes and attempted escapes. The foregoing might appear to give the impression that we have been able to accomplish little in the way of reclamation. Such is not the case, as will be shown by details of the industries and activities. Since May it has not been possible to have girls employed on the farm. The female officer in charge of the dairy and farm work resigned, and our numbers are depleted to such an extent that it would have been impossible to supply outside labour. We attend to the institution flower-gardens and lawns. All the wing enclosures are now planted and have presented quite an attractive appearance. A small orchard is also under cultivation and should in time prove a productive asset.

24