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PRISONS AND BORSTAL INSTITUTIONS: EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS Adding ton Reformatory Prison (Women) (Superintendent: Miss F. E. Mason) At the commencement of the year there were 4 inmates in custody. During the year 31 were received, 9 released on expiration, 3 on licence, 8 handed to the police, 1 transferred to the mental hospital, and 1 acquited after trial, leaving a total of 13 inmates held in custody on 31st December, 1947. The general health of the inmates has been good. Nine attended the clinic at the public hospital for treatment of venereal disease and 5 have been discharged. All other ailments have been of a minor nature, such as colds and cases of alcoholism. Prompt and efficient attention has always been supplied by the medical officer. Owing to the acute shortage of staff and, at times, the small number of inmates in custody, very little laundry work has been accomplished. Sewing, cooking, gardening, and domestic work has kept every one in constant employment. All the sewing for the institution is done in the workroom and is a favourite occupation with most of the girls. New Sunday frocks have been made from floral material of various shades. This I find has helped to give every one more pride in their personal attire and also presents a more pleasing appearance. Cooking is always popular, and a, very keen interest is displayed in the serving of the meals. Domestic work does not appeal to the majority of the girls committed to these places, very few being able to adapt themselves to the routine of cleaning, and more supervision is necessary to keep the institution to the required standard. A good supply of vegetables has been maintained throughout the year from our own garden. More interest is taken in this out-door work by the Maoris than by our own race. The general behaviour of the inmates has been satisfactory, only two breaches of the regulations have been dealt with by the Visiting Justice. Recreation hours in the winter are generally spent in knitting, sewing, or embroidery work. The girls are encouraged to cut out and make up garments for themselves, and quite a number have added some attractive articles to their own wardrobe as a result •of this occupation. In the summer-time the evenings are spent out in the open, and many attend to the care of their flower-gardens at this time. We have a well-filled library, and in addition to this, the Country Library Service has provided a very good selection. Excellent concert parties have been organized by Miss Nicholls and Miss Stevens and members of the Women's Christian Temperence Union. The Salvation Army and the W.C.T.U. provided Christmas and New Year parties, and we are indebted to many friends for donations and gifts towards the Christmas and Tecreation fund and for magazines and books during the year. Religious services are held every Sunday morning, and individual visits are made at regular intervals during the week by representatives of the various denominations. In conclusion, I desire to record my sincere appreciation of the loyalty and assistance rendered by the clerical officer and the staff during the year. Auckland Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. J. H. Lauder) At the commencement of the year there were 236 males and 11 females in custody. During the year 1,269 males and 51 females were received, and 1,168 males and 50 females were discharged. The conduct generally of the prisoners has been good.

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