DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, PRISONS BRANCH (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1900; ALSO THE OPERATION OF "THE FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT, 1886" (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1900;

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, H-20

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1901. NEW- ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, PRISONS BRANCH (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1900; ALSO THE OPERATION OF "THE FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT, 1886" (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1900;

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Inspbctob of Peisons to the Hon. the Ministbb of Justice. Sib, — Department of Justice, Prisons Branch, Ist May, 1901. I have the honour to present this my twentieth annual report on the prisons of the colony, together with the fifteenth annual report on the working of " The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886." 1. This year a new departure from the usual routine has been made by publishing extracts from the annual reports of the various Gaolers, in accordance with the expressed wishes of many members of the House of Representatives during last session. 2. It is satisfactory to find during the past year there has been a diminution in crime, a considerable reduction in punishments for prison offences, and a decided advancement in classification. 3. My time has, as usual, been fully occupied in periodically visiting the different prisons of the colony, and the different dates of my visits of inspection are shown in Table I. I have, without exception, found them clean and in good condition, few complaints by prisoners, the sanitary arrangements excellent, discipline maintained with recourse to very little punishment, and economy carried out as far as compatible with absolute requirements. " The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886," also continues to work smoothly and well. 4. The contractors for food, clothing, and necessaries have carried out well the conditions of their contracts, there being few, if any, complaints. The practice of submitting the public tenders to the local Visiting Justices and adopting their recommendations has, as usual, been observed. 5. Six prisoners escaped during the year, as against eight during the previous twelve months— viz., four from Wellington and two from Invercargill. In all six cases the escapes were from the works, and the escapees were speedily recaptured. There was no case of prison-breaking. 6. From Table A it will be seen that the health of the prisoners has been good, the daily average of sick being —males 643 and females 283, a decrease in the males of 324 and an increase in the females of l - 53 as compared with the previous year. A reference to the extracts from some of the Gaolers' reports give good reasons for even this small percentage of sickness. 7. Six deaths occurred amongst prisoners during the year, all males—two in Auckland, two in Lyttelton, and two in Wellington. It will be seen by a reference to the reports from the respective Gaolers that none of these prisoners who died were fit subjects for a prison, but should have been committed to either a hospital or some such institution. 8. There were no executions during the past year. 9. From Table A it will be seen that at the commencement of the year 518 males and 48 females were undergoing detention in the different prisons of the colony, while at its close there were 511 males and 57 females, a decrease of 7 males and an increase of 9 females. During the year 1900, 3,771 males and 706 females passed through the various prisons, as against 3,693 males and 676 females during the previous year, an increase of 78 males and 30 females, making a total increase of 108 prisoners for the year. This must not be taken as an indication that crime is on the increase, but rather goes to show that there have been more short sentences, probably for drunkenness, obscene language, and suchlike offences. 10. During the past year, as shown by Table A, the daily average number of prisoners in the different prisons has been 52929 males and 54/17 females, a decrease on the previous year of 774 males and an increase of 019 females. This clearly shows that criminals are not increasing, and though the decrease pointed out may look small, yet it roust be recollected that during the year there was an increasing population, as shown in the next paragraph.

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11. From figures supplied by the Registrar-General, the population of the colony at the end of the year 1900 was 427,229 males and 383,307 females, a total of 810,536 persons, whilst on the same date the number of prisoners (males and females) was 568. The average percentage of prisoners according to population was therefore 00707, as against 00735 in the previous year. This is absolute proof that criminals are not on the increase in the colony. 12. During the year 1900, 54 male misdemeanants in default of bail, and 46 males and 11 females, supposed lunatics, were detained in the prisons, a decrease of 6 males and 2 females in the former, and an increase of 7 males, with decrease of 1 female, in the latter. 13. Last year 478 males and 55 females were acquitted or discharged after remands, as against 463 males and 47 females in the previous year, an increase of 15 males and 8 females. 14. From the figures given under Table B it will be seen that the prisoners were maintained last year at a gross cost per head of £48 9s. as against £47 18s. 3d., and at a net cost of £29 4s. 6d. as against £30 15s. 4d., in the year 1899. The gross totals are made up as follows: Staff supervision, £31 7s. lid. as against £31 ss. Bd.; maintenance, £13 Is. 2d. as against £13 ss. 5d.; and incidentals, £3 19s. lid. as against £3 7s. 2d. Of incidentals, £384 6s. sd. is recouped to the Government —viz., Railway Department, £305 18s. lid., and Post and Telegraph, £78 7s. 6d. 15. As regards the educational attainments of prisoners, a reference to Table G shows that out of a total of 3,253 males and 658 females received during the year 23 males were of superior education, 2,918 males and 574 females were able to read and write, 103 males and 46 females could read only, whilst 209 males and 65 females could neither read or write. 16. It is interesting to notice from Table F that a comparison of the previously convicted prisoners sentenced during the past year with those sentenced five years ago—viz., in 1896 —shows in those once convicted a decrease of 5 males and 2 females, in those twice convicted an increase of 26 males and 2 females, and in those thrice or oftener convicted an increase of 289 males and 34 females. In making out this table the same individuals appear more than. once. 17. A reference to table D shows that 2 children under ten years of age were confined in the prisons, against 4 in 1899. In those aged from ten to fifteen years there were 23, as against 36 in 1899, while in those aged from fifteen to twenty years there were 252, as against 273 in the previous year—a total decrease of 36 in those under twenty years of age. 18. A reference to Table J shows that there was a decrease of 48 in prison punishments— viz., 152, as against 200 in 1899. Of these 141 were minor punishments inflicted by Visiting Justices, while 11 were more serious or aggravated prison offences, and after first being investigated by the Visiting Justices were adjudicated upon in open Court. This system of taking aggravated prison offences to open Court works well, and is looked upon as a safeguard by the Gaolers. In deciding these cases the Stipendiary Magistrates or Justices give every opportunity to the accused to call such witnesses as he or she may think fit in their defence, which is in full accord with the wishes of the departmental officials. 19. The number of offences recorded against subordinate prison officers last year was 7, as against the same number in the previous year—viz., drunkenness, 1 ; late for duty, 3 ; absent from night duty, 1 ; neglect of duty, 1 ; and selling prison property, 1. 20. As regards new buildings and alterations for the accommodation of prisoners, the Terrace Gaol, Wellington, is the one that requires most attention, as the sanitary arrangements are the only part of it that can be called up to date. Up to last year it was intended that the new prison at Mount Cook should take the place of the Terrace, but as that idea has now been abandoned it becomes an absolute necessity that either the extensive alterations required at the Terrace to make it a thoroughly serviceable up-to-date prison should be taken in hand, or some other locality be selected for the local prison. With the exception of introducing the electric light, a drainage system, and a proper fire-extinguishmg apparatus, very little money has been expended on the buildings since the Mount Cook Prison was commenced. It is thought there is sufficient ground in the Terrace site to admit of the necessary alterations being carried out. New Gaoler's houses are badly wanted at Wellington and Dunedin, and at Napier a boundary-wall is much required ; the stone for this wall is now being got from the prison quarry, and is being got ready with prison labour, so it is hoped it will not be long before the building commences. 21. A reference to the extracts from the reports of the Gaolers attached hereto show the work that has been done by the prisoners in the various gaols. It has been found that for the last year or two there has been a great dearth of tradesmen prisoners, presumably because wages at present are so high, and the want of such artisans has, to some extent, delayed work. I suggest that, in making selections in future for officers for this department, only skilled tradesmen should be appointed. There are a few really good tradesmen among the officers, and their services are found both remunerative and useful. 22. The Auckland Gaoler is quite right in what he says about pushing on the building of the wing now in hand, and every endeavour is being made to enable him to expedite that work. The department is fully alive to the fact that every prisoner should be confined in a separate cell, except a few very special medical cases, which is the only system that keeps first offenders and men who are likely to reform apart from habitual and hardened criminals. 23. As the Gaolers have nearly all referred to the objectionable practice of sending persons suffering from delirium tremens or drink to prisons for medical treatment, and supposed lunatics for temporary remands, 1 feel it is hardly necessary for me to again lodge my annual protest. It is said that all things come to those that wait; but an alteration in this matter has not come yet, but is anxiously waited for. 24. The report of the Gaoler of Dunedin is a long one, full of suggestions both as regards discipline amongst prisoners and alterations as to the working of " The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886," and while agreeing with some of them there are others which are more imaginary than

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real, and I believe the less amendments we put on the statute-books the better, unless they are of real importance. 25. The suggestion made by the Gaoler at Wellington regarding the establishment of an agricultural prison, with a brick-, tile-, and pipe-making branch in connection therewith, is well worthy of consideration, and a proposal to much the same effect was made in my last year's report. 26. A new departure has this year been made by the establishment of a tree-planting prison at Waiotapu, twenty-three miles from Eotorua, on the Galatea and Taupo Boads. The prisoners selected for this work are all serving their first sentences, and none have been convicted of immoral or indecent offences. Of course, the experiment has not yet been sufficiently long established to say how it will work out, but so far the conduct of the prisoners has been exemplary, and the Forest Department, for whom the men are working, report that the prisoners are working quite as well as free men. They are accommodated in huts similar to those used by the railway gangers— four in a hut. There are a total of twenty-five prisoners and four officers. The cost of maintenance will, of course, be considerably higher than in the towns, but if the desired effect of keeping these better class of prisoners away from the habitual criminals, and thereby endeavouring to give them a chance of reforming, is taken advantage of by them, the extra cost will be money well expended. 27. It is painful to have to draw attention to a class of offence which is increasing to an alarming extent all over the colony—viz., rape, indecent assaults, and crimes of immorality. When selecting prisoners for tree-planting I was astonished to find amongst the prisoners serving first sentences no less than thirty-nine out of a total of seventy-nine prisoners were serving sentences for crimes of the above nature, the victims in some cases being infants, while others were near relatives of the criminal. It appears to me that, in order to suppress this class of crime, and probably stamp it out quickly, recourse must be had to the lash. If these ruffians knew that, if pronounced medically fit to receive it, one, two, or three floggings would surely follow the convictions, we should, I think, soon see a diminution in these disgusting offences. First Offendeks' Probation Act. A reference to Table X shows 112 persons were placed on probation last year, as against 117 in the year 1899. Of these thirty-two have satisfactorily carried out the conditions of their licenses and have been discharged, three were rearrested, and seventy-seven still remain under the supervision of Probation Officers completing their respective terms of probation. The amount of costs ordered to be paid by the various Courts before whom those offenders were brought was £515 9s. Id., of which £242 3s. 10d. has been actually paid. The approximate cost of keeping these offenders had they been sent to prison would have amounted to £5,029, which sum, added to the amount of costs, &c, actually paid, gives a saving of £5,271 3s. 10d. Of the 1,232 persons put on probation since the inception of the Act in October, 1886, 1,021 have ben discharged after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of their licenses, seventy-three have been rearrested and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, one committed suicide, two died, one was sent to the lunatic asylum, twenty-nine absconded, and 105 still remain fulfilling the terms of their licenses. This is a satisfactory result. I have, &c, A. Hume, Inspector of Prisons.

EXTRACTS FROM GAOLERS' REPORTS FOR 1900. Auckland Prison. I took charge of the Prison on the Ist day of February, 1900, on transfer from the Prison at Napier. The rations supplied by the contractors during the year have been of a good quality, and there has been an almost entire absence of the usual trivial complaints by prisoners about the cooking and character of their food. The health of the prisoners has been excellent, there having been no cases of infectious or serious disease. There were two deaths only during the twelve months ; both the deceased men were old, and one of them was practically dying when admitted on remand. In each case the Coroner's jury returned verdicts of " Death from natural causes." Considering the number of prisoners dealt with in the year (1,126), and the low condition of health in which many of them were when received, arising from excessive drinking and dissipation of all kinds, it is extraordinary that there were not many more deaths amongst them ; but, as a matter of fact, nearly all the prisoners improve rapidly after admission, many gaining as much as a pound per diem in weight for a considerable time. This fact I attribute to the regular hours, cleanliness, good wholesome food, and long nights' rest. I can safely say that, with the exception of slight accidents on the works, no prisoner became ill while in prison. Several were admitted in bad health, and one or two suffering from incurable diseases remained ill during the whole of their sentences. If it had not been for these cases sickness would have been practically nil. The daily average on the sicklist was 1-80. The conduct of the prisoners has been, on the whole, very satisfactory, very many of them showing great interest and. intelligence in their work. There were thirty-six punishments for the year, as against 103 in 1899 ; but, as several prisoners were punished more than once, the actual number was twenty-three individuals for the year out of a total of 1,126 who were in prison during that period,

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The industry of the prisoners has been good as a body. As I have already stated, many of them perform their work very well; others are naturally idle and careless, and when free are found loitering around hotels in a more or less drunken state, and seldom or never do an honest day's work; but even these, when their sentences are long enough, often become good workers. Short terms of imprisonment are absolutel)' useless in the case of habitual drunkards and criminals. A short sentence has often brought a first offender to his senses, and the first offence has also been the last; but such sentences never do good in the case of the drink-sodden and idle men and women, who are often convicted six or seven times in a year. For such the only hope of reform is steady work, habits of cleanliness, abstention from alcohol and tobacco for a long period, and a knowledge that each time they come before a Court their sentence will increase in length. I endeavour to put prisoners to their trade if they have one, and for those who are not tradesmen, and have sentences of sufficient duration, I have taught as much as possible, to enable them to earn an honest living on their liberation. Some of the Maori prisoners have shown a great aptitude for tailoring, shoemaking, &c, and have become quite proficent at the use of the sewing-machine and needle. On the whole, I am perfectly satisfied with the amount of work done, and also with its quality ; in fact, it is surprising that unskilled men can put out such excellent stone-work as is to be seen in the prison-building. The conduct of the officers of the Prison has, on the whole, been very satisfactory, only one serious offence having been reported on by me, resulting in the transfer of the officer. lam happy to say there has been an entire absence of drunkenness amongst the staff. As regards efficiency, many of the officers are thoroughly capable, and are a credit to the service ; others are not so effective, perhaps through no fault of their own, as many men are not suited for warders either by disposition or by previous mode of life ; and, as the successful working of a prison depends on the efficiency of the staff, it is of the utmost importance that none but suitable men should be selected for this most onerous duty. Only four boys under the age of fifteen years were received in this Prison during the year, of whom three were subsequently committed to Burnham Industrial School, and one remained in custody at the end of the year. All these boys were carefully kept apart from the adult prisoners, and from personal observation I am convinced that their imprisonment had a marked salutary effect upon them. I may state that, although those boys were entirely separated from the other prisoners it was only done by causing a considerable amount of inconvenience and extra trouble, which would be avoided if the new central wing were finished, when complete classification could be carried out. Very good progress has been made within the last twelve months with the building of the new Prison, and the basement of the central wing will shortly be complete so far as the stone-work goes. In my opinion it is absolutely necessary that this work should be pushed on as quickly as possible ; the old wooden buildings are rapidly falling into decay, particularly the roofs. As regards the employment of the prisoners, most of the long-sentenced prisoners have been kept inside the Prison walls dressing stone for the new Prison, and doing other work for the same purpose. They dressed 7,309 cubic feet of stone, varying in value from Is. 4d. to Bs. 6d. per foot; and in addition to this a considerable amount of building has been done, including a very fine piece of masonry—viz., a spiral staircase in the central wing. The shorter-sentence prisoners have chiefly been employed in the quarries obtaining stono for dressing inside the walls, breaking into metal, &c. There have also been a daily average of twenty-eight men located at Port Cautley Prison, and employed on the various fortification-works at the North Shore. During the year there has also been done 1,003 days' work for Government House, Supreme Court, Magistrate's Court, and Police-station. There was no death-sentence in Auckland during the year. The longest sentence was one of ten years for a very savage assault (causing permanent injury) on a constable ; the offender was a dangerous lunatic, and was subsequently transferred to the Lunatic Asylum, where he died. The female division of the Prison is as nearly perfect as a prison can be. It is the only finished portion of the building, and is provided with every modern convenience for the health, work, and effective management of the prisoners, who are constantly employed in washing, making, and repairing prison clothes under the supervision of the matrons, who are thoroughly trustworthy and efficient officers. But here again the short sentences passed upon many of these women stultifies any effort for their reformation. Several of them have more than one hundred convictions recorded against them, and have to my knowledge been almost continuously in prison for the last twenty-five or thirty years, but who still receive sentences of from twenty-four hours to one or two months—seldom more. The consequence is that they come into prison half-dead and filthy beyond relief, and are hardly strong and clean when they are discharged, only to come back in a few days or weeks as bad as before ; and so they go on year after year, often being received six or seven times in as many months. After your annual protests against the committal to prison of persons suffering from the effects of alcohol, it is hardly necessary for me to point out how utterly wrong such a practice is. While I write this a man has been received who was taken from the District Hospital and committed here " for medical treatment." This fact speaks for itself. There is no resident medical man in the Prison, and no means of procuring such things as are usually necessary for the treatment of these cases—beef-tea, hot baths, &c.—as it is at night when the patients are invariably at their worst. The noise made by them disturbs the prisoners who have been at work all day, and it also distracts the attention of the officers on duty from their special work of detecting attempts to escape. These cases cause much trouble and anxiety to the Prison staff, and it is unfair to the officers, hard-labour prisoners, and the patients themselves to commit to prison persons for treatment which can only be properly carried out in a hospital or lunatic asylum.

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With a greater number of prisoners, and a larger staff of officers, I could push on work in the quarries more energetically than at present, and so hasten the completion of the new prison. There is also a very great demand for road-metal for country districts where no stone can be obtained locally. In fact, the Government has a most valuable asset in this Prison Reserve—it contains a practically inexhaustible supply of fine stone, eminently suitable for building or roadmaking, and for which the demand is sure to increase as years go by. On this account I look upon Mount Eden Prison as a perfect place for the employment of prisoners in almost any number; for, although not far from the city, it is to all intents and purposes isolated, and hundreds of men could work on the reserve without in any way coming in contact with the public. The work can be done at a minimum cost with a maximum gain, and without in the slightest degree competing with free labour. For these reasons it would, in my opinion, be a great misfortune if by any means this reserve were curtailed or alienated, as I consider that so long as the Government hold this land the problem of suitable employment for prisoners is solved. The stone-crushing machine now in use is old, and should before long be replaced by a more powerful and modern one. In conclusion, I express the earnest hope that the completion of the prison will not be delayed by the reduction of the number of prisoners by drafting many of them away to other works. For my part, I shall devote my utmost energy to the pressing forward of this most urgent work. First Offenders' Probation Act. The first case in which probation was ordered occurred on the 10th January, 1887 ; and from that date until the 31st December, 1900, 252 persons have been placed on probation. Of this number 182 have more or less satisfactorily completed their terms, and have been discharged ; 14 were rearrested during the period of probation (on other charges), and were sentenced to various periods of hard labour; 36 absconded or were transferred to other districts; 3 died during their probation; and 17 still remain on probation : total, 252. At the commencement of the year 1900 there were 15 males and 3 females on probation, and on the 31st December the number was 13 males and 4 females. There were 13 males and 4 females admitted to probation during the year, and 15 males and 3 females completed their terms or were transferred to another district. The total amount of costs and restitution-money ordered to be paid by those placed on probation during 1900 was £159 10s. 10d., of which £19 3s. Id. has been paid. During the year four men who had been previously placed on probation and completed their terms thereof were again tried at the Supreme Court for various offences, two being acquitted and two sentenced to hard labour. Of the men admitted to probation prior to the year 1900, some have completed the period for which they were put on probation, but have not paid the costs and restitution-money ordered, £173 12s. 3d. being still unpaid. In the great majority of cases there is a considerable difficulty in collecting the costs, &c, ordered to be paid by probationers, while those who have not to pay anything, but to report only, usually carry out the terms of their release. This is an Act which requires the utmost discretion in its administration, for an indiscriminate granting of probation is sure to be followed by an increase of crime, and what was intended to be a merciful and beneficent Act becomes a direct encouragement to commit crime to those who have the slightest inclination in that direction. Only those on whom the responsibility rests of making recommendations under this Act know the amount of anxiety and trouble caused in the endeavour to do justice between the public interest and the criminal. The latter often has the benefit of eloquent counsel, and friendly witnesses ready to prove that the offender is only one degree removed from a saint; while the Probation Officer, who lias no interest in the case, except to see that justice is done, is powerless to confute them. The consequence is that in spite of adverse reports offenders are often released on probation who subsequently by their conduct bring discredit on the Act. In my opinion, Gaolers in the large centres of population have not the time to spare from their regular duties to enable them to work this Act as it should be done; one or other duty must be neglected, and it will probably be the working of the First Offenders' Probation Act which will suffer. F. E. Sevekue, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Dunedin Prison. No doubt lunatics and D.T. cases, of which there have been several under supervision (and many more on the verge of D.T.), should not be admitted to prison, but whilst they are subject to committal I would respectfully suggest arrangements should be made whereby they can be effectively supervised. There is no padded cell. There are no effective means of classification of prisoners as regards nature of offences, &c, at this Prison. There are simply two exercise-yards, one of which is used for criminal male prisoners convicted and sentenced to hard labour; the other yard is used to exercise all other male prisoners —viz., debtors, lunatics, invalids, prisoners awaiting trial, on remand, &o. Should youths or children be committed they are exercised on one of the balconies around the interior of the Prison, and, as far as possible, kept apart from adult criminal prisoners. The female prisoners are in a division entirely separate from the male prisoners. The female prison accommodation is sufficient. Though there are cells for twenty prisoners, the average daily number for 1900 was six. The male prison accommodation at Dunedin, though small (52), is not as a rule overtaxed, by reason of the bulk of the long-sentenced prisoners (daily average, 32) being located at Taiaroa Heads Prison. A portion of the Permanent Artillery Barracks was set apart as a prison in 1888, and since that time (May, 1888) prisoners have been located there, except at Christmas season, when they are brought

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to Dunedin till the New Year, giving facilities for the prisoners' equipment being overhauled, and interviews granted with their friends. There is no Gaoler's residence at this Prison. Prison regulation, section 71, makes it imperative for the Gaoler to reside in or near the Prison. For seventeen years a wooden cottage residence was attached to the old Prison, which, as Gaoler's quarters, was a disgrace to the age in which we live; but evidently the accommodation was considered good enough. The cottage was pulled down with the old prison-building, and the Gaoler now resides in rooms, part of the administrative offices of the new Prison. The Gaoler is married, but, having no family, the house accommodation now provided is sufficient for his requirements. The warders of the Prison live here, there, and everywhere, except the place in which they should live—viz., in quarters near to or adjoining the Prison. At present, if an extra warder is required for any purpose on an emergency, or if an alarm should be raised, say, at night-time, the three warders on duty within the Prison are shut off from any assistance from the warders outside the Prison, as there is no one to spare to send after them, some of whom live at a very considerable distance from the Prison, and in different directions. Warders' quarters are a necessary adjunct to a properly-equipped prison, and the giving of a monetary allowance in lieu of quarters fails to meet the difficulty as regards disciplinary requirements. When warders are unmarried they reside in prison quarters, and are available as an addition to the staff by night in case of an emergency; but single men as warders are a rarity in this Prison, and having now to take their ordinary tour of duties, they cannot be reckoned upon as any addition to the night staff. The classification rules as regards periods of time of sentences, as amended from the Ist April, 1900 (vide Neiv Zealand Gazette No. 24, of the 29th March, 1900, page 634), have been duly carried into effect at Dunedin Prison, including the periods of exercise on Sundays, &c, but it would be futile to attempt at classifying at Taiaroa Heads Prison as regards periods of exercise, &c, where the prisoners are all living in association ; but in all other respects the classification rules are in full force. Many offences were brought to the Gaoler's notice and dismissed with a caution—the caution only not always being to the efficiency of the discipline of the Prison. As I have already suggested over and over again (vide letter No. 79, of the 4th September last) I again suggest that Gaolers should have some power to inflict minor punishments without having to call a Visiting Justice to deal with trifling offences, but yet such offences as should not, in the interest of discipline, be passed over. If Gaolers cannot be trusted for any necessary duties incidental to their position, they should be retired and some one else appointed that can be trusted. With a monthly (or weekly, if considered necessary) return of all minor punishments inflicted by the Gaoler to the Inspector, it could easily be seen if any shadow of wrong was being done, whilst, it should be remembered, the prisoner has always a right of appeal to a Visiting Justice or Inspector. If prisons are to be deterrent, no wilful or careless act of wrong-doing by a prisoner should be passed by without a report rendered to the Gaoler ; and no repeated act, after having been duly cautioned, should escape being dealt with ; and for a third offence (should such occur) the services of a Visiting Justice might be necessary. The majority of the prisoners have been employed in the defence-works at Taiaroa Heads, excavating for and erecting a concrete battery, and forming the grounds and slopes around the same. The prisoners as a rule work well, and would do better were work more continuous ; but the frequent halting for plans, instructions, &c, are detrimental to the prison discipline, as also to any incitement to industry. This want of steady industry has been frequently brought to your notice. As all material—cement, sand, &c.—for concrete-work, and heavy timber and appliances have to be taken (in most cases to be carried) a considerable distance, and uphill, the work at times is quite hard enough, and progress in the work is retarded by such a method of doing it, for want of better contrivances. Some few prisoners are naturally idle, and will not work even fairly well, but under existing arrangements they can be only advised and cautioned, which in their cases are of very little effect. A sharp deterrent system of task labour is urgently needed, with power to enforce the execution thereof for such prisoners. Very little work is done within the Prison except cleaning and current repairs, by reason of all available prison labour being required on the works. The female prisoners are fully occupied in washing and mending clothes for both divisions of the Prison, and in knitting stockings and making shirts and other underclothing. If punishment labour is the essential of a sentence, I would respectfully suggest something like the following —viz., some system whereby if a prisoner is sentenced to, say, thirty days hard labour he should perform the specified hard labour irrespective of other arrangements, making his length of time in gaol dependent on the execution of the days of labour specified. If he does thirty days' hard labour he gets out in thirty days, plus Sundays, holidays, &c.; but his thirty days' hard labour may mean forty or more days to carry it into effect if, after being certified medically fit, he fails to perform the prescribed hard labour. It is a farce to say twenty-four hours' hard labour, or forty-eight hours' hard labour (say on a Friday), when the prisoner only has half a day on Saturday in which to work, and not then if he says he is unwell, or is suffering from his debauch. The performance of the labour ordered might be the essential of his liberty, and the prisoner should not be discharged (in the ordinary course) till he has completed his sentence of thirty days' actual work at hard labour. Some system on these lines would, I believe, have a very deterrent effect. Of course, it is more applicable to short sentences than to those of longer periods. The health of the prisoners has been very good. There have been no ailments necessitating the removal of any prisoner, either male or female, to Dunedin Hospital for medical treatment during the year. All prisoners are seen by the Gaol Surgeon after admission, and by him certified as to their fitness for labour or otherwise, Considering the state and condition of some prisoners

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on admission, it is wonderful how quickly they improve physically. The Taiaroa Heads Prison is really a sanatorium, the healthful sea-breezes and the work in the open air soon bracing the prisoners up should they feel amiss on reception. Very little food goes to waste at Taiaroa Heads Prison. D.T. cases for curative treatment, and that of lunatics under remand, often of a violent character, being sent to the Prison is very detrimental to discipline. There are no surgical conveniences for such cases, either in effective supervision or qualified attendance. At one time it was in contemplation (and tried) to have a special voluntary service, with liturgical and musical assistance, for the benefit of Anglican Church prisoners, and a privilege to other well-conducted prisoners who might wish to attend voluntarily, but a peremptory order that only one person to conduct the service and one person as organist should be admitted prevented such an arrangement being further carried into effect; but whilst such services were held they were appreciated, and their influence felt in favour of discipline. I would respectfully suggest the ban on such matters should be removed. Surely in such a case the Gaoler might have control of internal arrangements. The gaol chaplain is also agent to the Prisoners' Aid Society, and in his dual capacity frequently visits and has free intercourse with all Protestant prisoners regarding religious matters, and with all prisoners regarding their future on discharge from prison. He is very assiduous and helpful to prisoners on their discharge from prison, and his influence is for good. The gaol chaplain visits at Taiaroa Heads Prison occasionally, and is assisted by a clergyman who ministers on the Peninsula side of the harbour; so that almost every Sunday in the year a religious service is held at Dunedin and Taiaroa Heads Prisons. The Eoman Catholic priest visits the Dunedin Prison occasionally on Sunday afternoons, and attends on such other occasions when he is notified a prisoner (E.C.) desires to see him. Occasionally a prisoner makes application to see a minister of the persuasion to which he professes to belong. Such ministers are duly informed, and invariably attend. The rations are supplied by contract, and those issued are as laid down in ration scales— Section 117, Prison Eegulations, 1883, Nos. Iβ and 2b respectively. The rations are weighed and examined on reception by the receiving officer, as also by the clerk, the Gaoler, and occasionally by the Gaol Surgeon and Visiting Justices. The food is apparently good and sufficient, but frivolous complaints are sometimes made. When alterations are made in the prison regulations re dieting, I would respectfully suggest a reception and discharge diet, which might be continued after reception till the prisoner is sent out to labour. It might be considerably less than the present scale, and be of great advantage in dealing with short-sentence prisoners. The conduct of the officers of the Prison is undoubtedly good, especially as regards sobriety and regularity of attendance, but I cannot say as much regarding their zeal and efficiency. Ido not refer to their ability, either physically or mentally, but there seems to be lacking in some of them a desire to do their duty thoroughly — but a manifest desire to be off duty, and a spirit of indifference regarding the duties and who shall do them, so long as they can get off duty. Effective discipline is checked by there being no means of dealing with an officer who, say, is neglectful, or wanting energy in his duties, slovenly in uniform attire, or accoutrements not in good order, &c, except by reporting him to the Visiting Justices and Inspector for misconduct. In fact, the Gaoler has no power except to talk to a warder or report him as if the offence was serious—(Section 73, P.R., 1883, is quite right, but applicable only to offences of a somewhat serious nature) —causing the record of service to be filled up with a list of trifling offences, to the detriment of the warder concerned, and which might effectually bar his progress in the service. For example, some time ago warders came frequently a little late for duty, which was detrimental to discipline. I cautioned them, stating it could not be allowed, and the next warder coming late for duty would be reported. It happened—and to a good zealous officer—but I had to keep my word and reported the case, explaining circumstances to the Visiting Justices accordingly, as, say, five minutes late for duty. A fine of 6d. and a caution from them would have met the case. I respectfully suggest that a scale of fines, as much in the interest of the warders as in the ective discipline of the service, be published, and that for petty offences the Gaoler have power over his subordinate officers to inflict such fines, the warder always having the right of appeal. Serious offences (as now) to be brought to the notice of the Visiting Justices, and all offences to the notice of the Inspector by weekly or monthly reports as directed. Careless and indifferent searching of prisoners would soon be checked by this arrangement. I would also respectfully suggest that, say, one-fourth of the warders of the prison be single men, as they then sleep in prison quarters, and are available as a reserve, as per my letter, No. 57, of the 21st June, 1900, &c. One warder volunteered and was accepted for the Fourth South African Contingent, and four other warders were transferred to other prisons, five other warders being transferred to this Prison to fill the vacancies. An addition to this Prison staff was made in the appointment of a warder on probation and an assistant matron. First Offenders' Probation Act. This Act, so beneficial in its tendency, requires amending or regulating in many particulars. Be section 8 : First offences need more defining, in that some persons have been convicted and placed on probation whom it was known had been committing offences for years prior to conviction, and therefore the offence for which they were convicted was not a first offence, though it might be the first conviction. Paragraph 3, section 2, says, " whose previous character has been good," yet persons have been placed on probation who have been embezzling for years, so how could their character have been good. Because they were not found out earlier in no way affects their past character as to being good or bad. Again, a person is arrested and placed on probation, the Probation Officer in some cases not having been called upon for a report, and in other cases not knowing to the contrary that it is

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not a first offence, and therefore recommending as if it were, but subsequently after conviction and sentence to probation it comes to the ear of the Probation Officer that the probationer has been in trouble previously, and has deceived the Probation Officer by making false statements that it was his first offence : ought the probationer to remain on probation, he having received the benefit of the Act through subterfuge and deceit ? I think not. The very fact of his deceit and falsehood should cause him to be arrested or removed from the privileges of the Act. Then, the term of probation is not long enough in Police Court cases of petty larceny. Three months in prison for such an offence may be sufficient, but three months' probation is of no actual benefit. If probation is intended to mean any attempt to start a young man on an honest course (and it was principally intended for the benefit of young persons), then three months is not sufficient to get him settled down at his employment and to break off from his late companions and start to lead a new life. Twelve months on probation should be the minimum. As regards section 9, subsection (1) is about the only one section which seems to be taken seriously, and only that with a view to obtaining the necessary papers and so get out of actual custody. Subsection (2) states, "once in every month." Why, an offender on probation can be near England by the time it comes round to report himself, and I have found it necessary to request the Judge, when payments have to be made, to make the payments weekly (this allows smaller payments), in order that the probationer may present himself for payment purposes, and thus come under observation. I respectfully suggest this period of reporting might be left to the Probation Officer to decide. In some few cases once a month might do, but I have found a weekly report much better, extending it to a fortnight, or even to a month, as the sentence is being carried out, should conduct be satisfactory. Re subsections (3) and (4) of section 9 : The arrangements are satisfactorily made, but not as well kept. Subsection (5), section 9, gives a lot of trouble. Probationers will not, and do not, report themselves. In Otago it is getting quite the thing for a person on probation to obtain employment on the railway-works. This takes them a long way out of the reach of any Probation Officer—the nearest being Naseby, some twenty or thirty miles away, and the nearest policeman ten or twelve miles, namely, Black's. They are sent on to the works from Dunedin by rail and do not go near Naseby, and do not report themselves in any way, and the difficulty is to find them; and, when found, they say they did not understand, so the Probation Officer can only caution them and go on again, as when a man is at work it would scarcely do to arrest him from his work merely because he did not go from twelve to twenty miles to report himself. It reads easy to carry out this subsection, but it is very hard to work. Be subsection (6), paragraph 2 : Something more definite is requisite. It is hard to get sureties that are reliable. The Stipendiary Magistrate or Judge often directs that payment be made to cover the costs or part of the prosecution, as also at times to refund, say, the value of the goods stolen or amount defrauded. This payment question is the most irksome part of the probation, especially the having to earn and pay to the prosecutor (for whom the most friendly feelings are not entertained), say, £12, and is often attempted to be avoided, so much so that sooner than pay it probationers have committed another offence, and get sentenced to imprisonment, thus avoiding having to pay the amount, as by some reason or other the punishment by imprisonment seems to wipe out the probation sentence. This may not affect the Government as regards its costs of prosecution, but to the individual whose horse was stolen, and who was to receive the value thereof —viz., £12 —not to get it because the probationer again wilfully misconducts himself so as to avoid payment, it becomes a hard matter. I respectfully suggest that the order of Court should be carried out, and that by no means should the man escape having to pay, though it may be at some subsequent period. T. 0. Phillips, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

HOKITIKA PbiSON. I was appointed to the office of Gaoler of this Prison in January last, and commenced my duties in that capacity on the first of the following month. It is a gratifying feature that of the total number of prisoners received during the twelve months only two were New Zealand born. The general health of the prisoners has been good, no serious illness having occurred; nor has disease of any kind been contracted in the Prison, sickness being restricted to slight colds and the like ailments. With a few exceptions, the conduct of the prisoners has been good, and the degree of industry, generally speaking, has given satisfaction. During the year there were seven minor prison offences against five prisoners dealt with by the Visiting Justices, and the offenders cautioned, or sentenced to periods of solitary confinement with bread and water, and in one instance to forfeiture of marks in addition thereto. There were no aggravated prison offences to record against prisoners. The contractor for the supply of rations and other necessaries to the Prison has given entire satisfaction; the articles supplied were of excellent quality, the conditions of the contracts being carried out to the letter. For the Volunteer authorities the prisoners erected some fencing on the rifle-range boundary, in addition to putting the butts and range-mounds in thorough repair. Work has been done at the Hospital on behalf of the committee in removing a slip, digging several plots of ground, cleaning and gravelling foot-paths and road, and in other ways putting the grounds in order. The Supreme Court grounds have also been attended to as required. A good amount of work has been performed by prisoners in and about the Prison during the past year. The flooring of the punish-ment-cells (which was in a very bad state) has been taken up and relaid with new timber, and screens made and fitted to the windows. A portion of the bathroom floor has also been similarly dealt with. For an increased water-supply, spouting, where before none existed, has been fitted to the female division buildings; the roof and spouting generally, where necessary, has been over-

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hauled and repaired. The Matron's quarters have been put in repair; this necessitated several new piles, flooring-joists, and weather-boards. The roof and a portion of the wood-work received a coat of oil-paint, the fence was repaired, and on the unfenced boundary a fence has been erected. At the Gaoler's quarters, new entrance-gates have been made and put in place, a small washhouse erected, the tumble-down out-offices put into thorough repair, and the major portion of the flooring of verandah taken up and renewed. A bathroom has also been fitted up with bath and washstand, and connections for water-supply made. The supply of firewood for the year for the Prison and officers' quarters has been cut and carted from the bush by prisoners, and has entailed a considerable amount of labour. The female prisoners have been fully occupied in keeping their quarters clean and in order, and in washing and repairing prison clothing. The prison buildings, boundary-walls, and officers' quarters are now in a fair state of repair ; the Gaoler's and more especially the Matron's quarters, however, should shortly be painted. The revised prison regulations, re classification, which came into force within the prisons of the colony on the Ist April last, were favourably received and commented on by the prisoners. The privilege of writing and receiving letters more frequently than heretofore was especially taken advantage of by them and their friends. Speculation was, for a time, rife amongst prisoners serving sentences of four and three years, and who were convicted prior to the date of the regulations coming into force, as to whether Eegulation No. 155, entailing the special month's remission for good conduct and industry to fourteen and seven days respectively, applied to them, until their doubts were set at rest by the department in reply to a question on the subject put by one of their number to the Hon. Minister of Justice on his visiting the Prison in May last. In conclusion, I beg to bear testimony to the assistance rendered me by the several officers. First Offenders' Probation Act. Of the working of " The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886," I have but little to report. At the commencement of the year one probationer only was on the register of this district. He, a confirmed dipsomaniac, gave some considerable trouble at times in ascertaining his whereabouts, which for some months was only known to me when he was in the custody of the police, or undergoing a sentence of imprisonment in this Prison. Pour convictions for drunkenness were recorded against him in as many months, carrying sentences in the aggregate to some fifteen weeks' imprisonment. He was also in arrears with the payments towards the costs of prosecution, £7. The probationist was simply a hard and hopeless case. At the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court held on the 30th September last he was charged with having failed to comply or conduct himself in a manner consistent with the conditions of his release under the Act, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two years' hard labour. He had pleaded guilty at the Hokitika Supreme Court, on the 20th March, 1899, to two charges of forgery, and by his Honour the Judge placed on probation for two years, and ordered to pay towards the costs of prosecution the sum of £15, in monthly instalments of £1. During the year none have been placed on probation at the Courts of this district. At the end of the year one remained on the books—a transfer from Greymouth—who is satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of his license. T. B. Pointon, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Inveecabgill Peison. The general conduct and industry of the prisoners has been very good. One prisoner, sentenced to fourteen days' hard labour, who was unwell when received, was sent to the Hospital; with that exception there has been no sickness in the Prison. During the year five prisoners were punished for ten minor offences. Two escaped from the works at the Hospital, but were recaptured after two days. Rations were very good; no complaints. Conduct and efficiency of the officers very good. Prison in good order, except padded cell, which requires repairing. Everything else perfectly clean and satisfactory. First Offenders' Probation Act. Five persons were placed on probation during the year. Four were transferred to other districts ; the remaining one is carrying out the conditions of his license. One probationer was received from another district, and discharged after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of his license. J. H. Beatby, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Lyttelton Peison. The number of prisoners received was 553, discharged 532, being only one less than the number received, leaving in custody at the end of the year 89 males and 14 females, a total of 103. Included in the number received were 17 males and 2 females sent here for medical treatment. Two males died—one in the Prison hospital two days after his admission; the other in the Christchurch Hospital, being sent to that institution from the Prison as soon as he gained sufficient strength to warrant his removal. However, he died four days after his admission. Inquests were held on each. The verdict of the jury on the man who died in the Prison was, "That deceased died from kidney disease, accelerated by excessive drinking." The verdict on the man who died in the Hospital was as follows: "Deceased died at the Christchurch Hospital of cirrhosis of the liver, caused by chronic alcoholism." The jury added a rider, " That in their opinion every care was taken of deceased by the Gaol authorities, and that there should be proper facilities provided in the Christchurch Hospital for the treatment of such cases, instead of their being sent to the Gaol."

2—H. 20.

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The practice of sending men suffering from the effects of drink to prison for medical treatment is in existence still, notwithstanding all that has been urged against it. Although every possible care and attention is paid to them when in prison, both by the Surgeon and the Prison staff, still, with the utmost desire to do everything possible for their comfort and ultimate recovery, there is this to be said: that there are no trained nurses to be found in prisons, and, as good nursing is a great help to recovery, these men should, when possible, be sent to some suitable building in close proximity to the Hospital, and looked after by trained nurses. Three-fourths of the men received for medical treatment I found to be exceedingly quiet, and I feel satisfied that had they been sent to the Hospital their presence in the ward would not in the slightest degree be detrimental to the patients occupying the same ward. I hope that in the near future some steps may be taken to send the class referred to above either to the hospital, or some other suitable place, which the prison is not. The conduct of the prisoners has been on the whole good, only a very small percentage having been punished for idleness at work. Apart from a few, all the other prisoners worked well. The health of the prisoners has been good. There has been no case of serious illness during the year, although the average daily on the sick-list has been a fraction over one. Men and women sent here for drunkenness are very often sick for a day or two, and sometimes longer. They add a good percentage to the sick-list. There were forty-four punishments inflicted during the year, varying from twenty-four hours to three days, and two prisoners being punished by forfeiture of marks. The contractors for supplying flour, meat, and groceries to the Prison have given the utmost satisfaction. There has been only one complaint during the year, and that as to the quality of the meat, made by a prisoner to the Official Visitor. His complaint was to the effect that he would like to get better meat. The Official Visitor went to the kitchen, inspected the meat, and made the following entry in the book: "Examined meat in kitchen, both roast and boiled; found nothing to complain about." The conduct of the officers has been very good, with one exception, that of a warder charged with drunkenness; for this offence he was dismissed from the service. Two warders were appointed on six months' probation. At the end of their term they passed a good examination, resulting in their being permanently appointed to the service. The regulations as to the privileges granted to prisoners of more frequent visits from their friends and relations is very much appreciated by them, as is also the additional gratuity they receive on their discharge from prison. First offenders are kept by themselves in the Prison ;on Saturdays and Sundays they exercise in the shops-yard, and at night are located on the top landings, away from the other prisoners. The boys are kept in the separate divisions, cleaning and picking oakum, and are not allowed to mix with old offenders. I regret that two of these boys are committed for trial for breaking and entering. The hard-labour prisoners have been employed at Brskine Point, Quail Island, Sumner Road, Search Light, and Sticking Point. At the latter place they have been principally employed. This work has been carried on under instructions from the District Engineer. He visits the works periodically, and has on every occasion expressed himself thoroughly satisfied with the portion of the work completed. First Offenders' Probation Act. I have had only one probationer during the year. He has been employed occasionally, but he has not been able to keep his payments up monthly as regular as I would wish, and I have been obliged to give him time to pay. He has been conducting himself very well. M. M. Clbaey, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Napieb Pbison. The conduct of the prisoners on the whole has been good; only four punishments for minor prison offences. The health of the prisoners has been good; there were no cases of sickness. The rations supplied were good, and the fact that there were no complaints speaks well for the contractors. The officers have done their duty efficiently, and there were no reports against any of them. The prisoners finished cutting the stone for the flood memorial erected on the Marine Parade; this work shows what can be done with prison labour when intelligently directed. The drainage in connection with the sanitary arrangements of the Prison has been satisfactorily carried out under the immediate supervision of the Inspector of Works, the prisoners doing the labour. Other work in hand: Stone-dressing for new wall, quarrying, and breaking road-metal. The Supreme Court House and grounds are kept in order by the prisoners. In conclusion, I would like to mention that the recent classification of officers has given great satisfaction, but something more is necessary to make the lot of the prison officer a pleasant one —some provision for old age by way of a better retiring allowance. First Offenders' Probation Act. I have the honour to report on the working of the First Offenders' Probation Act in this district during the year 1900 : On the Ist January, there were three males who reported themselves at Napier. Ten males and one female were placed on probation during the year, including one defaulter who was rearrested, brought before the Supreme Court, and again released on the former conditions. Seven were transferred to other districts, and are doing well according to last reports. Six males and one female are still reporting themselves at Napier, and doing well.

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The female was committed for trial on a charge of perjury, and as she was unable to procure bail the Justices gave her probation on the usual conditions. AH the probationers but two are paying costs. Michael Flanneby, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

New Plymouth Peison. During the year ending the 31st December last seventy-three prisoners were received, of whom sixty-seven were males and six females. Of the males, forty-two were sentenced to hard labour and one to simple imprisonment, whilst one was admitted to probation. Nine were received on remand, and were handed over to the police, and were subsequently discharged at the several Stipendiary Magistrate's Courts. One, a youth of sixteen, was sent to Burnham Industrial School. Three male lunatics were received: of these, two were certified to by the doctors as being of unsound mind, and committed to the Lunatic Asylum; one was discharged at the local Stipendiary Magistrate's Court, the Prison Surgeon, after a few days' medical treatment, under close observation, certifying that the prisoner was suffering from an overindulgence in alcohol and not from any permanent form of insanity. The general health of prisoners through the year has been good, with but two exceptions— that of an old man sixty-six years of age, who was for a considerable time on the sick-list, and was allowed extra diet by direction of the Prison Surgeon; his sickness was due more to the general break-up of the natural system, accelerated by a morbid and despondent temperament, rather than to any particular complaint, for despite all his sickness he gained in weight. On admission to prison on the 31st May, 1897, he weighed 144 lb. ; on discharge, on the 13th June last, 1581b., thus gaining 141b. This clearly proved that the three years'detention in goal was not detrimental to his health. The only case of serious sickness was that of a girl who had a severe .attack of influenza, consequent upon a severe cold contracted before coming into prison, she having spent the previous night out of doors, hiding from the police. lam pleased to say that credit is due to the Matron for her very careful nursing and attention to this girl during her illness. It gives me much satisfaction to report that the general conduct of the prisoners throughout the year has been excellent. The rations throughout the year have been of excellent quality. During the year the prisoners have chiefly been employed cutting and preparing stone for and building boundary-wall. A small gang was for some time employed clearing the gorse, fennel, acacias, &c, off the Police Eeserve on Marsland Hill and the Prison Eeserve. This work was carried out on Saturday mornings or other occasion which might occur and which did not interfere with building operations. When old and infirm prisoners are received, and who are not capable of working at the stone-cutting or building, they are employed stone-napping. One great improvement that has been carried out during the past year is the laying on of gas through the Prison and male division. This work was carried out chiefly by a warder, and, when it is taken into consideration that holes had to be cut through the concrete wall in each cell and a 2^-in. pipe, required as smoke-escape and ventilator combined, had to be embedded in the wall, very great credit is due to the officer for the excellent manner in which he carried the work through. It affords me the greatest pleasure to report that the conduct of the officers during the year has been exemplary. The net cost per prisoner, as shown by annual return No. 3, may at first sight seem proportionally great, but when taken into consideration the amount of work done at the boundarywall, and for which no credit is taken, it will, I think, be admitted that it compares favourably with other years. First Offenders' Probation Act. There was only one admitted to probation during the year —a Maori—and who has, so far, conducted himself well. Four others completed their various terms of probation satisfactorily. The First Offenders' Probation Act continues to give satisfaction to all concerned, and, when judiciously administered, is, I consider, one of the most humane and beneficial Acts of legislature ever placed upon the statute-books of the colony. Many a man and woman in their declining years will be able to look back with gratitude to the benefit of the First Offenders' Probation Act, for experience has taught us that, no matter how deterrent or reformatory gaol may prove, once inside the walls of a prison, the associations are too vividly impressed upon the memory ever to be entirely obliterated, and the reminiscences of prison life cling to the person for all time. B. L. O'Beien, Gaoler and Probationary Officer.

Wanganui Pbison. The prisoners have been employed in repairing the rifle-range, and a large amount of work has been done during the latter part of the year in scraping and repainting the roof and iron fences of the Prison. Work has also been done in Cook's Gardens. The health of the prisoners has been very good, there having been only six males and one female sick in the Prison during the year, and in all cases, except that of a man who attempted suicide, the prisoners were sick on admission. During the plague scare all prisoners were examined by the Gaol Surgeon as soon as possible after admission. There have been no serious prison offences during the year, and no attempts at escape. The various contracts for rations, &c, have given complete satisfaction, and we have not had a single complaint from the prisoners during the year,

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The conduct of the officers has been good, and they are both fairly efficient men, but I regret that they have not pulled together as well as they might have done, and the usefulness of one of them is somewhat impaired by advancing years. It is naturally most unpleasant to have to say this, and it must be patent to every one who has the welfare and efficiency of the service at heart that a provident fund such as the Police Force has is a thing much to be desired. The recently introduced classification scheme has given great satisfaction, and were the prison service blessed with a provident fund there would be very few discontented officers in that branch of the Justice Department. I feel that I should be leaving a duty undone if I neglected to draw attention to the oldfashioned cruelty of sending lunatics and prisoners suffering from delirium tremens to prison. There is no proper accommodation for them, neither are the officers experts in lunacy or medicine, and it is a great injustice to both the officers and other prisoners, who are frequently kept awake for two or three nights in succession by the noise made by these unfortunates. Crimes agaiDst women and children are becoming much more prevalent—at all events, in this district. I think the difficulty that discharged prisoners frequently experience in obtaining employment is a matter worthy the attention of the authorities, and I have often thought that some portion of the public works in each Island might be set apart for discharged prisoners, who, if they wished honestly to amend their ways, would have the opportunity of earning their bread and proving for a time the honesty of their intentions. We have suffered considerable inconvenience during the greater part of the year through only having two Visiting Justices available. Mr. Parsons died during the year, and Mr. Carson was incapacitated through sickness, and is still so. First Offenders' Probation Act. It gives me great pleasure to be able to state that this Act continues to work in a most satisfactory manner. There have been nine persons placed on probation by the different Courts during the year, and one transferred from the Napier district. With one exception, these have all, so far, faithfully carried out the conditions and are working and doing well. There are only £3 in arrear out of all the costs that offenders have been ordered to pay during the twelve years that I have been Probation Officer in this district, and the total paid has been £97. The saving to the colony for the maintenance of offenders who but for this Act would have been sent to prison would amount, speaking roughly, to about £2,000. I have been fortunate in being able to place a number of young boys in really good situations far back in the country, in every instance with the happiest results. Young girls I find it much harder to place, and the results have not been nearly so satisfactory as with boys. But, notwithstanding some discouraging matters, there can be no doubt that the Probation Act is one of the best Acts ever passed in connection with crime. I think it is a matter of serious regret that the Amendment Act of 1898 was ever passed, and I frequently find it difficult to elicit information from people, they fearing that they will be called in Court to give evidence. It is, however, a matter which, I am glad to say, has not placed so many difficulties in my way as I anticipated, as none of the Judges or Magistrates presiding over Courts here, with one exception, have thought fit to either show my reports or subject me to crossexamination by defending counsel. E. T. N. Bbasley, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Wellington Peison. The conduct and industry of prisoners has been good. The sickness amongst prisoners has been at a minimum—mostly old drunks getting repaired. There were seventeen prisoners punished during the year, as against eight in 1899, the increase being caused by attempted escapes, and by a gang, composed mostly of spielers, refusing to work at Point Halswell. The system of prison punishments by the Visiting Justices gives entire satisfaction. I have, as you know, been averse for the last twenty years to Gaolers having authority to punish prisoners either by putting them on bread and water or by fining them in marks. Prisoners were employed brick-making and at the fortifications, repairing rifle-range and damage done to Newtown Park by the contingents who were encamped there, and, everything considered, worked very well. The rations were good. The conduct of officers good; only one case of misconduct, viz., being absent from duty. The officers are not all young men, and many would retire—and it would be in the interests of the service—if there was a superannuation fund on a basis similar to that existing in the Police Force. The new classification system, granting prisoners extra gratuity, visits, and letters, was much appreciated by the prisoners. lam certain of its good results. The abolition of grades and the putting of the warders in second-class prisons under the new classification system you issued has had a splendid effect. The prison at Point Halswell fortifications is answering its purpose. The staff is small, but the works can be carried out satisfactorily if the Defence authorities finish one work before entering on another. Subdividing the working parties is not advisable ; to get them to work they must be supervised at all times. The accommodation consists of two large wards with room for twentyfive prisoners in each, a cook's cell, and a punishment-cell. The fact of so many men being in each ward is not, in my opinion, as bad in its results as some would imagine. For varions reasons, I think fifteen or twenty men in a ward preferable to five or six. The rooms are healthy in the

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extreme ; in fact, the varied places of employment and the site of the Prison combine to make the place a sort of sanatorium. The new system of drainage at this Prison and the installation of the electric light have been beneficial. Since the building at Mount Cook is not to be used as a prison, provision should be made for at least a wing of separate cells, say fifty, at this Prison. Should there be an agricultural prison established where the prisoners would be instructed in that branch of work, the knowledge they would acquire there could certainly be turned to account on their release. I would have an officer of the Agricaltural Department to have charge of all operations, such as growing young trees for the colony and elsewhere, and for a natural nursery ; onions and all garden produce to be sent to, and sold at, a central Government store or market, and in a short time, when a thorough supply winter and summer were available, the Chinaman would be wiped out of the market. Attention could also be given to the rearing of pigs and fowls. Employment of this kind would help prisoners after their discharge to turn to advantage the knowledge they had gained, if they were so disposed. I would have in connection with the agricultural prison a brick-, tile-, and pipe-making manufactory; also manufactories for the making of all our rough prison blankets and material for woollen garments; and, moreover, these articles could in time be made for the asylums and other Government departments. There were two prisoners sentenced to death during the year. In both cases the sentences were commuted to hard labour for life. Two prisoners were received on remand—one for drunkenness, the other theft. Both were sent to the District Hospital, where they died. These persons should not have been sent to a prison. First Offenders' Probation Act. This Act grows more important yearly. In many cases the amounts ordered to be paid by the probationers are beyond their means. P. S. Gaevey, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

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Table A. Number of Prisoners in the Colony, and their Disposal, for the Year ending 31st December, 1900.

State of the Prisons. Auckland. InverDunedin. Hokitika. careill Lyttelton. ! , T . New PlyNapier, mouth! Wanganui. i Wellington. j Minor Gaols. Grand Total. Totals. In Pbison 1st Januaby. Debtors Lunatics For trial, on remand, or in transitu Sentenced to— Penal servitude One year's hard labour and upwards Three months' hard labour and upwards Under three months' hard labour Simple imprisonment Total M. F. ..10 4 2 ..96 3 ..21 3 16 10 4 .. 149 20 : M. P. I 4 .. 1 36 2 11 3 4 1 M. F. 3 10 .. 2 M. F. 3" .. 9 .. 7 1 1 1 M. F. 10 28 1 13 18 4 16 4 3 M. F. 6 .. 7 .. 6 1 5 .. M. F. 4' .. 1 13 4 1 M. F. j 4 3 6 1 2 M. F. 13" .. 39 1 33 1 29 3 10 2 2 2 M. F. M. F. 54 4 74 2 220 6 104 16 56 18 10 2 58 76 226 12C 74 12 .. 1 1 •• ! 56 6 I i 15 .. I 21 1 88 9 24 1 23 .. 15 1 126 9 518 48 561 ■■ 1 Received. , Debtors .. .. Lunatics For trial, on remand, or in transitu Sentenced to— Death Penal servitude One year's hard labour and upwards Three months' hard labour and upwards Under three months' hard labour Simple imprisonment 13 .... 1 .. 130 14 ...'48 2 .. I 63 9 .. ; 519 147 ..10 1 12 2 84 1 5 •• 3 4 11 2 31 1 1 5 46 4 8 3 20 2 9 2 40 4 3 131 IS 4 23 5 216 11 54 46 11 781 65 5< 5' 84( 80 8 26 35 168 1 3 4 56 1 3 3 20 2 3 2 1 35 4 7 1 19 24 61 347 1 1 1 31 131 1 9 .. 12 3 85 6 10 .. 4 6 25 1 1 2 1 11 1 19 4 93 22 1 2 8 1 18 2 88 16 303 111 3 16 '1 237 11 28 2 2 27 '2 144 9 305 73 1,832 492 62 6 2! 15! 37! 2,32? 6! Total .. 783 174 174 328 69 27 5 93 9 533 173 175 31 167 13 67 6 556 148 524 30 3,253 658 3,91: Total for the year .. .. 932 194 932 194 384 75 ] 42 5 114 10 621 182 191 14 90 6 190 32 682 157 525 31 3,771 706 4,477 Discharged. Debtors Lunatics transferred to asylums Acquitted after remand On remission of sentence On expiration of sentence .. On bail or probation Transferred to other prisons or police .. Died 13 3 1 97 17 ..80 1 .. 568 158 11 6 2 • .. 13 3 97 80 568 11 6 2 1 17 1 158 12 2 1 54 4 35 1 195 57 24 2 3 1 1 5 1 20 3 1 1 1 4 8 2 24 1 13 .. 47 7 1 1 1 70 8 42 1 382 157 10 25 1 i 2 .. 5 25 10 100 11 16 3 1 7 1 S 2 10 10 34 3 11 2 4 9 3 7 4 107 4 41 1 22 1 3 3 3 1 97 18 63 3 386 127 2 18 93 2 244 7 152 4 4 1 13 9 52 .. 44 12 478 55 264 10 2,083 555 72 4 261 13 6 .. 5! 51 531 27' 2,031 71 27' I 6 " .. 2 • • ' Total In prison at end of year .. 780 177 .. 152 17 780 152 177 17 325 65 59 10 28 4 14 1 97 10 17 .. 532 89 168 14 167 24 12 2 78 12 6 175 15 27 5 560 149 122 8 518 7 31 3,260 649 511 57 3,90! 561 Total for year .. 932 194 932 194 384 75 42 5 114 10 621 182 191 14 90 190 32 682 157 525 31 3,771 706 4,47' Greatest number of both sexes at one time Least number of both sexes at one time Daily average Prisoners ill forty-eight hours or more Prisoners admitted to hospital Daily average on sick-list 187 148 .. 154-56 11-72 .. 64 13 .. 8 1-80 0-18 187 148 154-56 11-72 64 13 8 1-80 0-18 79 52 59-23 6-12 21 12 17 12 12-63 1-00 8 1 23 13 17-30 0-60 1 1 0-10 .. 124 91 90-3214-38 82 13 7 .. 1-03 0-99 42 19 25-5 1-4 28 10 19-55 0-39 10 3 28 12 15-33 4-36 6 1 1 0-66 0-15 165 126 125-01 13-05 22 7 3 .. 0-80 0-70 9-861-15 5 *' 529-29 54-17 219 50 20 .. 643 2-83 583-41 26! 2( 9-21 1-51 0-77 0-270-02 0-46 0-02

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Table B. Expenditure under the different Heads of Service for the Year ending 31st December, 1900.

15

Auckland. Dunedin. Hokitika. Invercargill. Lyttelton. Napier. New Plymouth.j Wanganui. Wellington. Total. Daily average number of J Male prisoners {Female 154-56 11-72 59-23 6-12 12-63 1-00 17-30 060 90-32 14-38 25-50 1-40 19-55 0-39 15-33 4-36 125-01 13-05 519-43 53-02 Total 166-28 65-35 13-63 17-90 26-90 19-94 19-69 138-06 572-45 104-70 Heads of Service. Staff: Salaries and allowances Uniforms £ s. d. 4,073 4 1 134 9 11 £ s. d. 2,553 14 5 72 1 2 £ s. d. 607 11 1 11 12 4 £ s. d. 659 16 9 11 14 0 £ s. d. 3,133 14 8 110 0 8 £ s. d. 953 14 6 23 5 8 £ s. d. 925 6 8 22 18 10 £ s. d. 627 12 9 18 12 6 £ s. d. 3,867 19 5 167 5 6 £ s. d. 17,402 14 4 572 0 7 Total 4,207 14 0 I 2,625 15 7 619 3 5 671 10 9 3,243 15 4 977 0 2 948 5 6 ! 646 5 3 ] 4,035 4 11 S 17,974 14 11 Cost per prisoner 25 6 1 40 3 7 45 8 6 37 10 4 30 19 7 36 6 5 47 11 1 32 16 5 29 4 10 31 7 11 Maintenance : Rations Fuel and light Bedding, clothing, &c. Medicines and medical comforts Furniture Soap and cleaning materials 1,196 17 7 198 9 6 396 11 9 84 13 10 37 7 3 52 15 4 525 18 8 71 18 11 134 1 0 24 17 0 61 14 2 16 1 9 147 16 8 32 14 3 16 8 6 9 19 2 5 0 6 4 12 0 110 6 2 50 11 4 21 10 9 0 7 7 20 3 4 2 2 2 666 0 7 281 13 6 174 15 6 42 11 5 1 17 3 41 8 7 213 1 6 34 14 10 47 9 11 19 14 7 3 5 6 5 2 0 209 10 11 95 12 9 48 9 4 28 6 10 15 10 5 7 3 0 187 8 10 93 3 10 41 5 2 34 7 8 8 13 4 12 4 2 998 19 8 274 18 9 413 13 5 209 11 S 11 13 6 29 10 0 4,256 0 7 1,133 17 8 1,294 5 4 454 9 9 165 5 3 170 19 0 Total 1,966 15 3 834 11 6 216 11 1 205 1 4 1,208 6 10 323 8 4 404 13 3 377 3 0 1,938 7 0 7,474 17 Cost per prisoner 11 16 7 12 15 5 15 17 9 11 9 2 11 10 9 11 19 7 20 5 10 19 3 1 14 0 11 13 1 Incidental: Rates, rent, &o. .. Conveyance of officers and prisoners . Tools and materials for prison labour Gratuities to prisoners on discharge, &c. .. 69 1 0 225 17 1 123 5 8 133 16 1 97 11 8 1 19 3 155 11 7 46 5 6 1 11 0 23 14 0 7 0 0 12 13 7 52 0 0 83 1 0 52 4 9 94 11 5 11 18 9 48 19 6 27 13 6 28 8 0 26 0 0 9 10 118 67 19 3 57 18 6 28 0 10 44 1 7 134 8 0 84 12 7 136 11 5 344 19 0 300 7 666 0 372 8 949 8 56 7 4 Total 130 0 11 700 11 0 2,288 4 551 19 10 255 2 6 71 10 6 76 0 11 281 17 2 116 19 9 104 1 11 Cost per prisoner4 7 9 3 6 4 3 18 1 5 4 11 [ 4 4 11 2 13 9 5 4 1 6 12 1 5 16 3 19 i: Gross total cost 6,726 9 1 3,715 9 7 907 5 0 952 13 0 4,733 19 4 6,674 2 11 27,737 17 ( 1,417 8 3 1,457 0 8 73 1 0 1,153 9 2 Gross cost per prisoner per annum 52 13 9 I 58 11 7 40 9 0 56 17 1 66 11 2 53 4 5 45 4 3 48 7 3 j 48 9 < Deduct: Cash received for maintenance .. Work for other departments, &c. 650 12 1 2,905 10 5 190 13 5 1,003 8 4 0 10 0 135 17 0 159 12 0 265 15 0 493 3 4 1,985 10 6 12 2 0 104 0 0 5 7 6 65 12 6 0 7 0 97 7 6 2,930 6 1 1,609 14 1( 9,395 19 1( Total 3,556 2 6 1,194 1 9 2,521 7 10 136 7 0 425 7 0 2,478 13 10 116 2 0 71 0 0 3,027 13 7 11,005 14 I 770 18 0 527 6 0 2,255 5 6 21 10 9 ! 1,386 0 8 Net total cost 3,170 6 7 j 1,301 6 3 1,153 2 2 3,646 9 4 16,732 2 29 4 Net cost per prisoner per annum 19 1 3 38 11 8 56 11 3 29 9 1 48 7 7 69 10 2 58 11 3 26 8 3

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Table C. Education of Prisoners received during the Year 1900.

Table D. Ages of Prisoners received during the Year 1900, and Causes of their Detention.

16

Prisons. Superior Education. Read and write. Read only. Unable to read. Totals. Auckland.. Dunedin .. Hokitika .. invercargill jyttelton Napier Slew Plymouth Vanganui Wellington Minor gaols L M. 1 p. M. 686 • 295 21 83 493 154 63 160 522 441 F. 153 60 4 6 135 11 2 25 123 28 M. 18 12 is 10 5 "i 30 22 F. 6 1 1 1 7 •2 5 23 M. 78 21 4 7 28 2 4 11 4 50 F. 15 8 2 31 2 2 1 2 2 M. 783 328 27 93 533 167 67 175 556 524 F. 174 69 5 9 173 13 6 31 148 30 2 1 2 6 11 Total 23 2,918 547 103 46 209 65 3,253 658

T3 3 O P o K 3 in Q g o ■3 0 o 2 S 3 a S 3 eg ! 1 ■3 o o Under 10 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 10 to 15 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 15 to 20 years : . Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 20 to 25 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy .. 25 to 30 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 30 to 40 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 40 to 50 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 50 to 60 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy .. 60 years and upwards: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 3 1 47 3 12 31 22 60 2 31 12 82 1 1 1 13 1 11 25 2 29 3 36 3 38 3 3 i 1 1 I 5 3 i 5 2 2 1 1 1 4 1 1 26 1 10 43 12 54 23 16 54 1 3 3 3 12 4 22 1 6 36 1 5 1 8 "3 6 5 3 1 8 2 5 10 7 9 1 12 7 10 3 23 7 11 40 24 24 1 41 20 52 1 1 9 34 4 10 26 9 18 6 18 7 23 4 2 11 1 11 164 24 63 1 200 85 221 15 174 67 304 14 45 20 146 3 34 6 57 5 2 3 2 5 7 8 4 44 23 128 3 45 1 3 4 4 4 11 7 28 4 56 26 129 2 35 12 75 7 238 108 622 30 32 10 135 2 12 2 44 3 1 2 1 4 3 17 5 17 19 106 4 9 2 1 4 2 5 1 44 4 34 16 101 1 12 7 95 5 122 60 556 24 15 11 132 5 3 1 51 1 5 5 3 1 8 1 14 8 56 4 14 6 1 3 4 2 2 12 1 16 12 49 6 1 63 4 74 42 388 16 11 8 74 1 3 9 "i 3 1 2 4 6 4 40 1 6 6 3 1 8 1 1 7 8 4 3 52 3 29 28 208 9 Summary: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 215 87 041 14 127 15 240 15 8 18 6 25 18 42 17 174 83 448 1 33, 7 135 5 29 5 26 13 52 27 116 11 214 112 374 4 137 43 345 29 1,014 415 2,373 109 Total 957 397 32 102 706 180 73 206 704 554 3,911

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17

Table E. Previously Convicted Prisoners received during the Year 1900.

Table F. Previously Convicted Peisoners for Five Years, 1896-1900.

Table G. Crimes of Prisoners sentenced to Hard Labour for Twelve Months and upwards during the Year 1900.

3—H. 20.

Prisons. Once. Twice. Thrice or oftener. Total. Auckland .. Dunedin Hokitika Invercargill Lyttelton .. Napier New Plymouth Wanganui .. Wellington Minor gaols M. 70 30 4 4 65 24 8 15 77 57 F. 11 3 1 7 2 11 3 M. 45 26 1 4 41 16 2 7 33 42 F. 7 2 4 1 i 8 3 M. 352 99 7 10 161 36 9 45 128 171 F. 135 46 2 2 142 7 2 17 94 11 M. 467 155 12 18 267 76 19 67 238 270 F. 153 51 3 2 153 8 2 20 113 17 Total 354 38 217 26 1,018 458 1,589 522

ear. Once. Twice. Thrice or oftener. Total. 1896 1897 1898 1899 L900 M. 359 293 344 364 354 F. 40 38 41 34 38 M. 191 142 207 201 217 F. 24 24 24 25 26 M. 729 719 808 901 1,018 F. 424 416 365 395 458 M. 1,279 1,154 1,359 1,466 1,589 F. 488 478 430 454 522

\ssault with iDtent to rob Assault causing bodily harm abortion, procuring of, &c. 3esiiality 3reach of Probation Act 3urglary Smbezzlement and fraud feloniously receiving .. ?orgery and uttering Horse- and cattle-stealing Housebreaking, and possessing implements for .. Indecent assault Indecent exposure .. .. .. .. insulting language Larceny not otherwise described Larceny from the person 1 12 1 2 1 3 1 3 16 7 17 9 4 1 46 3 Larceny from the dwelling Manslaughter Murder Murder, attempting to procure.. Obtaining goods by false pretences Rape Rape, attempted Robbery Robbery with violenoe Sheep-stealing Shooting at .. Sly-grog selling Sodomy Stealing post-letters Vagrancy Wounding 7 2 3 1 7 7 5 4 14 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 Total .. 188

EL— 20.

Table H. Visits of the Visiting Justices to the Larger Prisons during the Year 1900.

Table I. Visits of the Inspector of Prisons to the Larger Prisons during the Year 1900.

18

Prisons and Visiting Justices. A 3 § 1-9 3 U 4= C 14 3 44 Ul a < (D s CD 41 ft CD 45 O 44 o CD <D O a B Id 0 iPi < cd CD a a Auckland: Hon. T. Thompson W. McCullough .. C. La Roche M. Niccol T. H. White ... J. H. Hannan Dunedin: E. H. Carew, S.M. Dr. Hislop E. B. Cargill W. Thomson Hon. Hugh Gourley, M.L.O. R. Chisholm A. G. Christopher J. N. Brown J. Muir.. Hokitika: Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.O. J. Bevan Invercargill: Hon. H. Feldwick, M.L.C. R. F. Cuthbertson G. F. Stone W. Todd J. Turnbull Lyttelton: R. Westenra J. Hamilton W. W. Collins, M.H.R. .. R. Beetham, S.M. Napier: J. S. Large E. Lyndon New Plymouth : D. Berry H. Weston E. Dookrill C. Ahier • C. K. Stock Wanganui: E. N. Liffiton F. A. Krull G. Carson Wellington: J. C. Martin J. R. Blair C. E. W. Willeston E. Arnold J. Lachman J. Kays 2 3' 5 3 5' 6 3 r r i' 2 5' 3 5' 3 5' 5* 7' 1 4 4 3 2 9 7 2 1 1 2 1 1 3 10 6 2 1 5* 2 2 2 4 5 3 1 i 1 2 1 1 10 2 1 i 1 2 4 2 1 1 2 4 1 i 1 1 2 2 i 1 4 5 2' 1 2 4' 4 ■. 2' 3 5 4 I 1' : 2 2 4 2 12 1 11 5 i' 1 16 11 5 1 3 2 i 6 4 1 2 7 1 8 38 31 3 31 2 5 68 1 81 36 1 1 3 5 1 7 1 1 2 4 2 1 3 3 3 5 4 2 4 3 3 2 4 1 3 5 2 4 1 3 1 5' 2 5 1 1 1 2 4 1 24 45 17 1 4 2 2 1 3 1 2 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 4 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 2 36 14 i 1 i' 1 i i' 2 2 1 1 11 1 i i 1 l' 1 2 i 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 i 4 1 1 j 1 i 1 l 1 15 4 2 1 1 r 1 1 7 36 2 13 i' 1 1 2 i 2 1 e' i r 2 i 4 4' i r 1 2 e' 1 6 1 3 1 2 3' 2' 2

Prisons. H cd 3 a cd 1-5 h 3 s CD 0 ■-4 CD a 3 I 3 43 do 3 so cd ■ Xt B ft o GO u Q O O O | u CD a CD > O J* CD CD CD Q P cd Auckland 31 1,2,3,5,9, 12, 13, 14 14,15,16,: .. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 19 3unedin 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26 11,14,15, 16,17 Hokitika invercargill .. Lyttelton 13,14, 23, 24, 25 9,11,14,15, 29, 30, 31 12,13 2,6,8 2 '.'. 27,' 29, 30 Napier tfew Plymouth Wanganui .. Wellington .. 30 27 23 11 26 28 i .. 30 j 16, 28 18 21 30 30 28,29 26 22 5 28 24 29

19

H.--20

Table J. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1900. AUCKLAND PRISON.

Initials of Prisoner. Offence for which punished. ■ By whom reported. By whom sentenced. Punishment. W.W.W. Being in possession of probibited articles Disobedience of lawful orders | PI. Warder Chilton .. C. La Roche, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. A. A. J. A. A. J. W. J. Being in possession of prohibited articles Ditto Idleness Being in possession of prohibited articles Fighting with a fellowprisoner Ditto Being in possession of prohibited articles Disturbing the quiet of the prison Idleness and disobedience of lawful orders Ditto Disobedience of lawful orders, and threatening to assault an officer Leaving his cell without permission, and using threatening language Disturbing the quiet of the prison Ditto Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Cook Warder O'Reilly Warder Brien „ .. 3 days bread and water. T. H. White, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. .. 2 days bread and water. J. D. A. A. J. H. M. Warder O'Reilly Warder McMurray .. G. D. Warder O'Reilly J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. W. J. P. L. Warder Speight .. 2 days bread and water. T. H. White, V.J. .. To forfeit 84 marks. E. L. The Matron .. 3 days bread and water. G. D. Warder Denison A. McK. J. C. R. ,, .. 2 days bread and water. J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water, and to forfeit 24 marks. N.J.McC Warder O'Reilly .. To forfeit 48 marks. G. H. Warder Speight » .. 3 days bread and water. T. T. H. B. A. A. J. A. A. J. Warder Cook Waider McSporran .. Waider Speight „ .. 1 day bread and water. T. H. White, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. T. H. White, V.J. .. A. A. J. Obscene and insulting language to his officer Assaulting an officer of the prison Warder Brien W. H. Brabant, S.M. 2 months hard labour ir addition to original sen tence. J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. .. 3 days bread and water. A. A. J. E. L. Refusing to work.. Disturbing the quiet of the prison Writing a letter containing disrespectful remarks about prison officials Malingering Warder McSporran .. The Matron J. C. The Gaoler T. H. White, V.J. .. J. M. M. M.( M. M. R. H. Obscene language Fighting with a fellowprisoner Insulting language to his officer Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Refusing to work.. Insolence to the prison surgeon Refusing to work The Assistant Matron Warder Treacy J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. „ .. 1 day bread and water. „ .. 2 days bread and water. T. H. White, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. R. H. „ .. To forfeit 8 marks. A. A. J. J. M. J. K. Prisoner Longman .. PI. Warden Ironside.. Warder Coffey ,, .. 3 days bread and water. J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. To forfeit 24 marks. M. W. M. W. T. J. The Matron T. H. White, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. Insolent and threatening language to his officer Ditto .. Warder Brien C. La Roche, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. W. M. DUNEDIN PR: :son. H. G. A.McN. H. W. P. Disorderly conduct, and being in possession of prohibited articles Being in possession of prohibited articles Insulting and obscene language Ditto .. Insulting and threatening language Warder Vincent Warder Fuller Warder Parker A. G. Christopher, V.J. Hon. H. Gourley, V.J. 3 days bread and water. 3 days bread and water, and to forfeit 84 marks. Ditto Reduced to probation class for 3 months, and to£ orfeit 480 marks. 3 days bread and water. H. W. P. H. W. P A. G. Christopher, V.J. G. L. Denniston, J.P., andW.D.Hanlon,J.P. H. W.P. H. W. P H. W.P. Damaging prison property Threatening language Disturbing the quiet of the prison Damaging prison property, and being in possession of prohibited articles Warder Joseph A. G. Christopher, V.J. PI. Warder Armstrong J. M. Warder Parker C. C. Graham, S.M. 7 days bread and water.

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20

Table J — continued. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1900- continued. DUNEDIN PRISON—continued.

Initials of 'risoner. Offence for which punished. By whom reported. | By whom sentenced. Punishment. J. M. Disturbing the quiet of the Warder Joseph - .. A. G. Christopher prison W. G. Fighting with a fellow- Warder Parker .. Hon. H. Gourley, prisoner E. McG. Damaging prison property The Matron .. „ H. W. P. Being in possession of pro- PI. Warder Armstrong hibited articles T. B. Threatening and obscene Warder Fuller language H. H. P. Threatening language .. Warder Vincent P.M. Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Reardon .. A.G.Christopher, F. M. Abusive language to his officer Warder Joseph - Warder Parker The Matron PI. Warder Armstrong Warder Fuller A.G. Christopher, V.3. Hon. H. Gourley, V.J. r, V.J, , V.J. ,V.J. 24 hours close confinement. To forfeit 42 marks. 3 days bread and water. Warder Vincent Warder Reardon A. G. Christopher, V.J. 24 hours close confinement. 3 days bread and water. HOKITIKA PRISON. HOKITIKA PRISON. W. M. Fighting on the works .. Warder Brown .. J. Bevan, V.J. J.J. Disobedienceoflawfulorders Warder Bartleman .. „ and disrespect to his officer J.J. Being in possession of prohibited articles 3 days bread and water, and to forfeit 84 marks. 1 day bread and water. 2 days bread and water. INVERCARGILL PRISON. INVERCARGILL PRISON. E. T. P. Insolence to his officer .. Warder Dickison .. R. F. Cuthbertson E. T. P. Disobedience of lawful orders „ OH. Refusing to work.. .. Warder Hawkins .. W. Todd, V.J., an R. F. Cuthbertson, V.J. i.V.J id G. 2 days bread and water. F. Stone. V.J. W. Todd, V.J., and G. F. Stone, V.J. Ditto r. Qtone, v.<j. J. S. „ .. .. „ .. Ditto J. S. Obscene and abusive Ian- „ „ guage to bis officer J. S. Threatening language to his Warder Dickison .. „ officer A. J.McN Disobedience of lawful orders „ .. G. F. Stone, V.J. A.J.McN, Insulting language to his „ .. „ officer J. S. | Idleness.. .. .. „ .. Hon. H. Feldwick W. L.W.I Refusing to work.. .. „ W. R. B. Escaping from legal custody The Gaoler .. .. T. E. McCarthy, £ C. H. „ „ .. .. G. F. Stone, V.J. .. j, V.J S.M. Hon. H. Feldwick, V.J. 1 day bread and water. 15 days close confinement. T. E. McCarthy, S.M. LYTTELTON P: ,ISON. J. C. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Warder Molloy J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto 2 days bread and water. W. B. J. C. W. B. Abusive language on works Insolence to Visiting Justice Abusive language and disobedience Acting Principal Warder Manning The Gaoler.. Warder Murray R."Westenra, V.J., J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto To forfeit 48 marks. 2 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. J.'C. Obscene language and disobedience of lawful ordors Idleness and disobedience of lawful orders Abusive language and disobedience of lawful orders Disturbing the peace of the prison Obscene language Disturbing the peace of the prison Ditto Abusive and obscene language Disturbing the peace of the prison Obscene and filthy language 2 days bread and water. H. W. Warder Blatchford .. C.L. The Matron 1 day bread and water. C. L. C. L. C.L. R. Westenra, V.J., and J. Hamilton, V.J. Ditto C.L. K. M. K. M. K. M. R. Westenra, V.J., J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto R. Westenra, V.J., and J. Hamilton, V.J. Ditto 0. L. C.L. 3 days bread and water. K. M. Disturbing the peaoe of the prison 2 days bread and water.

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Table J — continued. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1900— continued. LYTTELTON PRISON— continued.

4—H. 20.

21

Initials of Prisoner. Offence for which punished. By whom reported. I By whom sentenced. Punishment. K. M. Filthy and abusive language The Matron R. Westenra, V.J., and J. Hamilton, V.J. Ditto I 1 day bread and water. C.L. C.L. Disobedience of lawful orders Disturbing the peace of the prison Disobedience of lawful orders Insolence to her officer M. O'B. C.L. Warder Brownie The Matron R.'westenra, V.J., j. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto J. Hamilton, V.J. 0. L. J. C. Abusive and filthy language Aoting Principal Warder Manning Warder Ching J. C. 2 days bread and water, am to forfeit 48 marks. 1 day bread and water, am to forfeit 24 marks. 1 day bread and water. 3 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. J. C. Being in possession of prohibited artioles Idleness on the works Disobedience of lawful orders Idleness Warder Blatchford .. J. C. J. C. H. H. Warder Ching Warder Molloy Acting Principal Warder Manning Warder Brien J, C. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto J. c. J. c. H. W. Obscene language Assaulting his officer Climbing to bars of his cell j Acting Principal Warder Manning Warder Rufter Warder Lodge 2 days bread and water. H. W. R. W. R. W. R. W. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner J. Hamilton, V.J. 1 day bread and water. Threatening language to his officer Ditto Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Fighting on the woiks Abusive language to his officer Disobedience, and insulting language to his officer Fighting on the works Warder Brien A. L. Q. A. L. Q. A. L. Q. H. 5. Warder McMillan .. Warder Ching D. F. Warder Molloy R. Westenra, V.J., and J. Hamilton, V.J. Ditto J. K. W.P. Warder McMillan .. .2 days bread and water. NAPIER PRISON. [. F. ,. H. J. W. [. P. Fighting in his cell Warder McNamara .. J.'S. Large, V.J. Being in possession of pro- Warder Nicholson ,. hibited artioles Writing clandestine letters The Gaoler .. ... _J I .. 3 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. .. 2 days bread and water. NEW PLYMOUTH PRISON. . McL. Insubordination .. .. Warder Lacey H. Weston, V.J. 1 day bread and water. WANGANUI PRISON. r. S. Communioating with a female prisoner Secreting a pencil Disobedience of lawful orders Disrespectful language to the GaolerDisobedience of lawful orders Communicating with a female prisoner Idleness .. The Gaoler F. A. Krull, V.J. 3 days bread and water. r. S. LB. ?. R. Warder Kearney The Gaoler .. E.N. Liffiton, V.J. !'! F. A. Krull, V.J. 1 day bread and water. 2 days bread and water. 3-. D. «£. R. Warder Kearney The Gaoler .. E. N. Liffiton, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. '. R. ). S. . H. Warder Kearney F. A. Krull, V.J.

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22

Table J — continued. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1900— continued. WELLINGTON PRISON.

Table K. "FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT, 1886." Ages and Terms of Probation of Offenders placed under the Act during the Year 1900.

Approximate Cost of Paper —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,600 copies), i>l9 14fl. 6d.

By Authority : John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington — 1301.

Price 9d.]

Initials of Prisoner. Offence for which punished. By whom reported. By whom sentenced. Punishment. ?. c. Insubordinate language to his officer Disobedience of lawful orders Obscene language Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Escaping from legal custody Warder Lodge E. Arnold, V.J. 3 days bread and water. V. H. 3-. C. j. w. s. c. Warder Murphy Warder Knight PI. Warder Millington Warder Carte J. Lachman, V.J. E. Arnold, V.J. His Honour the Chief Justice 2 days bread and water. 6 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. Ditto. 3 days bread and water. P. F. H. F. Esoaping from legal oustody Insubordinate language to his officer Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Meehan Ditto E. Arnold, V.J. 3. G.M. PI. Warder Coneys .. E. Arnold, V.J., and C. E. W. Willeston, V.J. Ditto 3 days bread and water, and to forfeit 84 marks. B.G.M. D .E. W. P.E. W. P.E.W. Damaging prison property Disobedience of lawful orders Refusing to work.. Being in possession of prohibited articles Disobedience of lawful orders Refusing to work.. Being in possession of prohibited articles Disobedience of lawful orders Refusing to work.. Damaging prison property Attempting to escape from legal custody Warder Murphy PI. Warder Coneys .. Warder Murphy Ditto. ?. W. ?. w. ?. w. PI. Warder Coneys .. J. D. 4. D. 4. D. !\ G. Warder Murphy The Gaoler His Honour the Chief Justice 6 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. Ditto. V.E.J. Attempting to escape from legal custody Escaping from legal custody Ditto V. 0. :. c. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner PI. Warder Millington E. Arnold, V.J. 3 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. 3 days bread and water, and to forfeit 84 marks. Ditto. :. c. ". M. '. M. P. G. Ditto Escaping from legal custody W. R. Haselden, S.M." 6 months hard labour in addition to original sentence.

Ages. Three Bi - iMO under aUa M °"* hs - Nine Months. Twelve Eighteen Months. Months. Two Years. Four Years. Total. Under 10 years From 10 to 15 years . 15 „ 20 „ „ 20 „ 25 „ . 25 „ 30 „ „ 30 „ 40 „ , 40 „ 50 „ „ 50 „ 60 „ 60 years and upwards .. 4 6 5 1 3 4 1 12 6 1 4 1 2 8 15 10 1 1 1 2 2 i 4 7 2 2 1 1 6 32 36 16 9 7 3 8 2 1 1 Totals 24 23 4 38 3 16 4 112