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Kecently, with a view to effecting closer individual study of each inmate at the Borstals, special officers were appointed whose function it is to prepare a case record of each lad, to collate the various reports from the medical officer, the visiting psychiatrist, and the working-party officers, so that a regular and informed study of the reactions of each lad to the institutional regime can be maintained. These officers get alongside each lad, endeavour to assist in resolving any difficulties he may labour under, and generally seek to adjust his outlook on life so that he can comport himself in a more socially acceptable way. The officers take part in organizing sports activities, and also co-operate with visiting social workers and clergymen with a view to integrating all socializing activities at the institutions. It is hoped later that it may be practicable to extend such appointments to other institutions. At the Invercargill Borstal Institution the methodical examination of every inmate has been resumed by the mental specialist from the Seacliff Mental Hospital, who conducts the psychiatric clinic at Invercargill. During the war period, because of staff difficulties, the examinations were confined to problem cases. I should like to record appreciation of the helpful co-operation of the psychiatrists attached to the various mental hospitals. Their services and advice are of great assistance in the treatment of inmates. STAFF In my report last year I adverted to the difficult position which existed through the shortage of staff and the heavy strain that was imposed upon officers. lam pleased to be able to state than an improvement in the salary scale has resulted in a number of accessions to the staff which has enabled accumulated leave to be worked off. I desire to express appreciation of the loyal service of the prison staff, without whose co-operation the satisfactory results, both from a financial and reclamative point of view, could not have been achieved. During the year three senior officers retired on superannuation, each after a lifetime of faithful service to the Crown. Mr. W. T. Leggett, at the time of his retirement, was Superintendent of Mount Eden Prison; Mr. C. E. Spittal was Superintendent of Paparua Prison ; and Mr. T. Stocker was Superintendent of the New Plymouth Prison. Each of these officers showed marked efficiency in the management of their institutions and sympathy and understanding in the handling of prisoners. They have been replaced by the appointment of Mr. J. J. H. Lauder to Mount Eden, Mr. C. E. Harrington to Paparua, and Mr. J. Dow to New Plymouth. The latter, unfortunately, has been obliged to take extended sick-leave and Mr. Stocker has been recalled to fill the breach meantime. CONCLUSION I also desire to place on record the Department's thanks to the various ministers of religion, officers of the Salvation Army, voluntary welfare organizations, and many other kindly disposed individuals who have assisted in ministering to and brightening the lot of those placed in the Department's care. In connection with after-care work, which is an integral part of the correctional plan, I desire especially to thank the Borstal Association, the various prisoners' aid societies, and the Probation Officers. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons.

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