ll—2o

Mrs. Te Tan, Native Welfare Officer, merits our gratitude for her special interest in the Maori girls and her help in arranging supervision in the districts to which the girls return. The placing of the Maori girls under their own Welfare Officers should prove a satisfactory solution to the problem of supervision whilst on probationary licence. In November the resignation of Miss B. N. Trevor as Superintendent after five and a half years service was received. Mr. 11. C. Haywood, Farm Manager, was appointed Superintendent of Wi Tako prison, and his place was filled by Mr. M. MacLaren, of Waikeria Reformatory; Three additional members have joined the staff as assistant Matrons. The warmest thanks are due to the members of the staff for their valued co-operation and loyalty throughout the year. Invercargill Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. H. C. Mathew) Statistics.—On the Ist January, 1947, there were 128 inmates in custody. During the year 101 were received and 123 discharged, leaving 106 in custody on the 31st December. In the reformatory section there were 3 males in custody on the Ist January. During the year 70 males and 1 female were received, 66 males and 1 female were discharged, leaving 7 males in custody at the end of the year. The daily average over the year was 4-9, the greatest number being 14 and the least none. Health.—The number of inmates admitted to the Southland Hospital during the year was 21, compared with 17 last year. Inmates sent for out-patients' treatment totalled 44, and they received 149 treatments. Two inmates were transferred to Seacliff Mental Hospital. Health has been good on the whole, with minor illnesses and injuries at the head of the list of treatments. The institution medical officer, Dr. Miller, examined each inmate on admission and recommended any medical or surgical attention, special diet, or other treatment that may have been necessary. Special attention has always been given to dental health, and Mr. M. Parr has continued to serve the institution in this respect by paying regular visits and being available for urgent work at all times. Eyesight has been another responsibility to which careful attention has been paid, and glasses have been prescribed and provided where necessary. Dr. McLachlan, Assistant Medical Superintendent of the Seacliff Mental Hospital, has paid regular visits, at least monthly, and given psychiatric reports on many of the inmates. As a result of the comprehensive physical and mental care bestowed upon the inmates, they are usually in far better shape on release than we find them on admission, and I think that should help them to take a better place in the community. Case-histories. —A study of the case-histories has been made of all admissions during the year, and more information is being gathered all the time. The following table shows clearly that nearly all inmates have had previous experience of institutional treatment: — First offenders .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 Previously on probation .. .. .. .. .. 30 Previously under care of Child Welfare Officer .. .. .. 51 Previously in child-welfare homes .. .. .. .. 20 Previously in Church orphanages .. .. .. 8 Previously at Otekaike Special School .. .. 3 Previously at Boys' Training Centre, Levin .. .. .. 15 Previously in prison (short sentences) .. .. .. 9 Previously in Borstal .. .. .. .. .. 14 Previously at Seacliff Mental Hospital .. .. 2

25