DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, PRISONS BRANCH (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1901; ALSO THE OPERATION OF "THE FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT, 1886" (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1901.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1902 Session I, H-20

H. -20.

1902. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, PRISONS BRANCH (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1901; ALSO THE OPERATION OF "THE FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT, 1886" (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1901.

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

The Inspector of Prisons to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. Sir, — Department of Justice, Prisons Branch, Ist May, 1902. I have the honour to present this my twenty-first annual report on the prisons of the colony, together with the sixteenth annual report on the working of "The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886." 1. The system, adopted for the first time last year, of publishing extracts from the annual reports of the various Gaolers is continued, and their suggestions and remarks will be found interesting. 2. The satisfactory part of this report will be found in the facts that there has been a considerable reduction in punishments for prison offices without efficiency or discipline being interfered with in any way, a decided advancement in classification, and a substantial reduction in expenses; but the unsatisfactory portion is that there has been a large increase in the number of prisoners. 3. In December. 1900, there were confined in the various prisons of the colony 568 persons, while in December, 1901, these numbers had risen to 713 ; but in February of this year the numbers had dropped to 648. This large increase last year does not indicate an increase in crimes proper, but may be accounted for by extra exertion on the part of the police in arresting drunks, vagrants, and users of obscene language in public places. 4. The new departure referred to in my last year's report of establishing a tree-planting prison at Waiotapu has turned out a complete success, and the prisoners fully appreciate the steps taken for their benefit and reformation ; while a reference to the extracts from the Gaoler's annual report shows the work that had been done by the prisoners there up to the end of last year. 5. The contractors for food, clothing, and necessaries for the various prisons have faithfully carried out their contracts, there being few, if any, complaints, and much credit is due to the Visiting Justices for the careful consideration they give to this matter of tenders before making their recommendations to you. 6. Eight prisoners escaped from the works during the past year, as against six in the previous twelve months —viz., two from Mount Cook, four from Point Hals well, and two from Hokitika. There were no cases of prison-breaking. Some of these escapes are undoubtedly attempted not with the slightest hope of getting away, but in many cases with the hope of getting some prison official dismissed, or in others with a view to appearing before the Courts to air soon imaginary or concocted grievance which the public are always too ready to believe. With a fluctuating population such as that of a prison, where some are daily coming in and going out, it is beyond conception that any serious maladministration could be practised without very soon becoming known to the outside public. The Gaoler of Dunedin demonstrates the futility of such an idea when he shows that the prison under his charge was last year visited some 1,225 times by what may be termed "outsiders." It is worthy of mention that an escapee when rearrested invariably has no cause to assign for running away, but after having time to think over the matter, and perhaps seeing a legal adviser, it is marvellous the number of acts of maladministration he has noticed for some time past; and it is equally marvellous to find the public gulled by such statements. Prisoners have every facility for seeing the Visiting Justices or myself, either in the presence of the Gaolers or privately if they so desire, at any time we visit.

I—H. 20.

H.—2o.

7. From Table A it will be seen that the health of the prisoners has been good, the daily average of sick being 6 62 males and 1-50 females, an increase in the males of 0-19 and a decrease in the females of 1-33 as compared with the previous year. There were no cases of infectious or contagious diseases. 8. Three deaths occurred amongst prisoners during the year—one in Auckland, one in Dunedin, and one in New Plymouth. 9. There was one execution during the year, at Lyttelton, death being instantaneous. 10. From Table A it will be seen that at the commencement of the year there were 511 males and 57 females in custody, and at the close of the year there were 637 males and 76 females, an increase of 126 males and 19 females. During the year 4,141 males and 729 females passed through the various prisons, as against 3,771 males and 706 females in the previous year, an increase of 370 males and 23 females —a total increase of 393 prisoners for the year. This increase is referred to elsewhere in this report. 11. During the past year the daily average number of prisoners in the different prisons has been 59383 males and 62-76 females, an increase of 6404 males and 859 females. 12. From figures supplied by the Eegistrar-General the population of the colony at the end of the year 1901 was 437,335 males and 393,465 females, a total of 830,800 persons, whilst on the same date the number of prisoners (males and females) was 713. The average percentage of prisoners according to population was 00859, as against 0 0707 in the previous year, an increase of 00252. 13. During the year 1901 30 male and 1 female misdemeanants in default of bail, and 46 males and 7 females, supposed lunatics, were detained in the prisons, a decrease of 24 males and an increase of 1 female in the former and a decrease of 4 females in the latter. 14. During the year 1901 511 males and 59 females were acquitted after remand, as against 478 males and 55 females in the previous year, an increase of 33 males and 4 females. 15. From the figures given under Table B it will be seen that the prisoners were maintained at a gross cost of £45 16s. 10d., as against £48 9s. in 1900. The gross totals are made up as follows: Staff supervision, £29 7s. 5d., as against £31 7s. lid.; maintenance, £13 10s. 3d., as against £13 Is. 2d. ; incidentals, £2 19s. 2d., as against £3 19s. lid. Of the incidentals, £359 6s. 2d. is recouped to the Government —viz., Eailway Department, £256 ss. 9d.; and Post and Telegraph, £73 os. sd. As the tree-planting prison was not started till March, the accounts for that prison are not included in Table B. ]6. As regards the educational attainments of prisoners, a reference to Table C shows that, out of a total of 3,630 males and 672 females received during the year, 38 males were of superior education ; 3,233 males and 588 females were able to read and write ; 114 males and 37 females could read only ; whilst 245 males and 47 females could neither read nor write. 17. 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 1897 —shows in those once convicted an increase of 133 males and 11 females, in those twice convicted an increase of 68 males and 7 females, and in those thrice or oftener convicted an increase of 334 males and 36 females. 18. It is satisfactory to be able to report that, as shown by Table D, only 1 child under ten years of age was confined in the prisons last year, as against 2in 1900. In ihose aged from ten to fifteen years there were 19, as against 23 in 1900, while in those aged from fifteen to twenty years there were 252, as against the same number in the previous year—a total decrease of 5 in those under twenty years of age. The child under ten years of age was only detained en route to an industrial school awaiting a steamer. 19. A reference to Table J shows that there was a decrease of 35 in prison punishments— viz., 117, as against 152 in 1900. Of these 106 were minor punishments inflicted by the 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 remanding cases of aggravated prison offences to open Courts continues to work satisfactorily. 20. 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; gross neglect of duty, 1; negligence, 3; absence from duty, 1; and late for duty, 1. When it is remembered that there are some 105 subordinates on the strength, and that only 7 offences have been recorded against them, it will be readily admitted that all concerned are deserving of high commendation for the manner in which they carry out their arduous duties. 21. Vacancies amongst the warders have for some time past been filled from contingent men returned from South Africa who are tradesmen, and it is a pleasure to be in a position to report that there has been an improvement in the staff, particularly amongst the more recently appointed, who maintain a high general level of intelligence and physique. The system introduced some time ago of placing these new hands on probation for six monr.hs and then subjecting them to an examination prior to permanent appointment is to a great extent answerable for the improvement. 22. The cost of medical comforts in the Wellington Gaol up to September last was high as compared with most of the other gaols. In the month of October last the drop in medical comforts at that prison was as follows : Milk, from 174 pints to 80 ; rice, from 36£ lb. to 13 lb. 9 oz.; and tobacco, from 44_- lb. to nil. A corresponding reduction has continued since October, and there is a large saving under this head this year, the medical comforts being now as low in Wellington as in any other prison. It is needless to point out that Gaol Surgeons alone are entirely responsible for the use of medical comforts, as their recommendations are invariably strictly and carefully given effect to. The amount of alcohol used in the prisons during the past year was one bottle of brandy, three bottles of port wine, and five pints of ale.

2

H.—2o.

23. The prisoners at the three centres and Lyttelton have, as usual, during the past year been principally employed under the Public Works Department on works in connection with the fortifications, and satisfactory work has resulted, and if it were not for prison labour being available these works would have been a great drain on the revenue. As the fortifications are not accessible to the public, the localities are well suited for prisoners to work in, and both the Public Works and Defence Departments are satisfied with the progress made. Owing to constant changes in guns and war munitions it is presumed there will always be more or less labour for prisoners at these fortifications. In Auckland most satisfactory progress has been made with the new building, which reflects great credit on the Gaoler and his staff. The grounds at Government House and around the Supreme and Stipendiary Magistrate's Courts have been kept in order by the prisoners, and a large amount of road-metal has been turned out. At New Plymouth the boundary-wall is completed, with the exception of two or three subdividing small walls. At Napier good progress has been made in getting stone ready for the boundary-wall, and a concrete has been built at the bottom of the reserve. In Wellington there has been the usual output of bricks and drain-pipes, and a large stock are now on hand for the various Government buildings that may require them. At Lyttelton good progress has been made with the Sticking Point reclamation-work, which is nearly completed. At Hokitika the Hospital grounds have been kept in repair, part of the cemetery grounds has been reclaimed, and about 2 acres of the prison reserve has been made into a vegetable-garden, which should for the future supply the prison with vegetables all the year round. At Wanganui good work has been done in Cook Gardens. In Dunedin those prisoners not working at the fortifications have been employed on the rifle-range at Pelichet Bay, where they have made considerable enlargements and improvements. In Invercargill we have, as usual, worked for the Corporation, who pay a fair rate of wages, and employ the men on improvements that would not be undertaken unless prison labour was available. 24. As regards new prisons, a wing giving accommodation for sixty cells at the Wellington Terrace Prison has been planned and approved, and a road giving an easy gradient has been made up to the site; and, as bricks, drain-pipes, &c, are ready at Mount Cook for such a building, it is hoped tenders will be accepted and the work commenced at an early date. If such a wing was completed there would be sufficient accommodation to provide every prisoner with a separate cell, which is most desirable. At Invercargill a new prison-site has been purchased, and, no doubt, in due course a new building will be started; but there is not the same urgency in that locality, as the present building accommodates the prisoners of the district. New Gaoler's houses are much required in Dunedin and Auckland. 25. The report of the Gaoler at Waiotapu gives some interesting details of the scheme of employing prisoners in the work of tree-planting. The success that has hitherto attended this experiment naturally leads to inquiry as to why the scheme is not extended to other localities. In the first place, it must be borne in mind that only prisoners of a fairly robust type, well conducted and of quiet habits, can be utilised. The ordinary criminal is, under present conditions, not available, for the reason that his first impulse would be to escape. Some men are safe only under lock and key and behind a fourteen-foot boundary-wall. The class of prisoner required for treeplanting or similar work in the country is the man who is determined to shorten his term of imprisonment by good conduct and industry, whose last thought is to escape, and who therefore needs little supervision. This class is, however, limited in number, and for ihat reason the scheme referred to cannot be extended as far as one could wish. 26. It is satisfactory to find from the report of the Gaoler at Wanganui that there were no cases of indecent crimes in his district during the last half of the year, which, no doubt, to a great extent is due to the more frequent resort to corporal punishment for such offences. But in some cases, at least, it would be safer and preferable to use the birch in lieu of the cat-o'-nine-tails, if such were legal; but subclause (6) of clause 14 of "The Criminal Code Act, 1893," directs that whipping— i.e., the birch —shall not be inflicted on a person whose age exceeds sixteen years. 27. The same Gaoler refers to the length of time some prisoners are kept awaiting trial, and no doubt hardship does occasionally occur, as prisoners, after awaiting trial for over four months, have been found not guilty. First Offenders' Probation Act. A reference to Table X shows that 97 persons were placed on probation last year, as against 112 in the year 1900. Of these 21 have satisfactorily carried out the conditions of their licenses and been discharged, 5 were rearrested, and 71 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 these offenders were brought was £454, of which £216 6s. 6d. has been actually paid, and there is every reason to suppose the balance will be paid by instalments as it becomes due. The approximate cost of keeping these offenders had they been sent to prison would have amounted to £3,908, which sum, added to the amount of costs, &c, actually paid in, gives a saving of £4,124 6s. 6d. Of the 1,329 persons placed on probation since the inception of the Act in October, 1886, 1,094 have been discharged after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of their licenses, 80 have been rearrested and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, 1 committed suicide, 1 died, 1 was sent to a lunatic asylum, 32 absconded, and 119 still remain fulfilling the terms of their licenses. No doubt there is a good deal in the argument put forth by the Auckland Gaoler as to the difficulty in dealing with a probationer who goes from one district to another and then fails to carry out the conditions of his license, but a slight amendment of the Act will get over this difficulty. Clause 12 says such a defaulter may be rearrested and again brought before the Court

3

H.—2o.

where he was originally convicted, whereas an amendment directing that he or she be brought before a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Stipendiary Magistrate (as the case may originally have been) is all that is required. The same Gaoler thinks the Act has rather encouraged persons to imagine they can commit one offence with impunity, and undoubtedly there is force in that contention ; but when, as shown above, it is found that 82 69 per cent, of probationers satisfactorily carry out their probation, while only 2-4 per cent, abscond, it will be at once admitted that the good work done by the Act far exceeds the risk of harm referred to. I have, &c, A. Hume, Inspector of Prisons.

GAOLERS' REPORTS FOR 1901. Auckland Prison. g IE _ H.M. Prison, Auckland, 14th January, 1902. I have the honour to forward herewith the annual returns for this Prison for the year ended 31st December, 1901. _. , , , The capacity of the Prison staff and the accommodation of the Prison have been severely taxed during the year, owing to the very large number of prisoners received (1,016) and to the abnormal daily average (192-22), which is twenty-six greater than that of the previous year The quali'tv of the rations supplied by the contractors has been, on the whole, very satisfactory, the different articles having been of a uniform excellent character ; consequently complaints by prisoners as to the quality of their food have been practically nil. . There was one death only in the Prison during the past year—viz., that of a man who was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment, and upon whose warrant the committing Justice had noted " This man is a fit subject for the Prison hospital." An inquest was held, and the ]ury returned a verdict of " Death from natural causes," and added a rider to the effect that further inquiry should take place as to whether the deceased should not have been " sent to the district hospital instead of to prison." In this case, as in most others where persons are sent to prison for medical treatment, there can be no two opinions as to which is the right course to take. Ido not think that any person should be sent to prison who is not in a fit state to plead; but, as a matter of fact, the great majority of people who are committed to prison for curative treatment are quite unable to understand what they are charged with, or even where they are. In the case of the man whose death is above mentioned this was undoubtedly so. It is quite certain that he knew nothing of what was taking place when he was sentenced, or that he was afterwards m prison. In making these remarks I do not for one moment mean to imply that these cases do not receive proper and adequate treatment in the different prisons, or that their lives would have been prolonged for an hour if they had been sent to a hospital, for to my knowledge they receive every possible ■ attention, and, as a rule, make rapid recovery, but only after having deprived a number of officers and prisoners of their well-earned rest and dislocated the necessary and usual routine of the prison ; and when a death occurs in gaol people are only too ready to attribute it to neglect, whereas if the patient had died in the hospital the same persons would look at it as a matter of course. I am of opinion that if a person when arrested requires hospital treatment the case should be sent to a hospital and not to a prison, where the infirmary is intended only for the nursing of prisoners suffering from some ordinary ailment. The general health of the prisoners has been remarkably good, there having been no cases of fever or other serious or infectious disease. The daily average on the sick-list was 0-80, all males, as against 1-80 for the previous year. The conduct of the prisoners, taking them as a body, has been excellent. There have, as a matter of course, been exceptions ; but when it is seen that 1,185 prisoners were dealt with during the year, and that only sixteen individuals were punished by the Visiting Justices, and that good discipline has been maintained, it must be admitted that the result has been eminently satisfactory. As several of the prisoners were punished more than once, the total punishments were twenty-four; this, with the higher daily average, is a reduction of seven individuals and twelve punishments as compared with the previous year. The majority of the long-sentence prisoners have been remarkably industrious, and have shown great interest in their work, many of them having become very proficient at various trades. It is rather a curious fact, but one well known to prison officials, that men and women who never do an honest day's work when free become some of the hardest workers when sent to prison for long terms; while the same people coming to prison for short sentences idle and malinger as much as possible.' One reason for "this is that when the term is long they have an incentive to work hard and to behave well in order to obtain a remission of sentence; whereas the same reason does not apply to short sentences, where there is no remission given. Another explanation is that when first committed they are often in such a poor state of health through drink and dissipation of all kinds that some time elapses before they are fit to do much work; but, as the regular hours, good food, cleanliness, and medical attendance gradually restore them to robust health, the desire to work becomes stronger. In my opinion, there can be nothing less deterrent than short sentences for habitual criminals, drunkards, incorrigible rogues, and vagrants ; these people simply laugh at a sentence of two or three months, and look upon it as a rest to enable them to recruit their health and make a fresh start on their old careers on their discharge. When it is remembered that each of these people is a " plague-spot " to society, and through whose example others are continually bein<* led into the same habits, and who each and all contaminate the young of both sexes, I cannot "think that sentences of seven or fourteen days, or even two or three months, are adequate

4

H.—2o.

punishments; at any rate, lam perfectly convinced that such means will never lessen the evil. One might as well attempt to quench a raging fire with a spray of rosewater, or to cure a cancer by the prick of a pin. The treatment of young offenders presents much more difficulty than that of the classes previously mentioned, and it is hard to say what course it is best to adopt not only to punish such offenders, but to deter others from committing similar crimes; for, in my opinion, the chief object of punishment is that it shall act as a deterrent to those people who are endowed with criminal propensities rather than an act of revenge by society upon the wrongdoer, and this is why I advocate severe sentences for those who continually set the law at defiance. Prisoners under sixteen years of age are not often sent to prison in New Zealand, except on remand until they can be sent to an industrial school or otherwise dealt with, only two such offenders having been received in this Prison for the year, and they were sent for the above-mentioned reason. The general impression appears to be that when a young person is sent to prison he or she must inevitably become a hardened criminal, but I must confess that this is not my experience. No doubt many do return, some again and yet again ; but so also do many of those who have been on probation, dismissed with a caution, or ordered to come up for sentence when called on—that is to say, there are certain people who, through one cause or another, appear destined to become confirmed criminals, many of them well educated, coming from respectable parents and good homes ; nothing is able to turn them from their downward career. The two great factors in bringing about this state of things are drink and gambling, both growing evils, the latter particularly so. The English Prison Commissioners in their last report mention this difficulty of dealing with young boys, and they quote from the reports of Prison Governors strongly against imprisoning such offenders for very short periods. The Visiting Committee of the Bedford Prison urge that no juvenile offender be sent to prison for less than three months, " as it is impossible in most cases to gain any influence over a boy in a shorter time." There .was a case in point in this prison some little time ago : A boy of thirteen was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour for wounding with a knife. His father strongly objected to the desire of the Court to send his son to an industrial school, and said he (the father) would rather have the boy sent to prison, which was done. While here he was, of course, kept entirely separate from adult prisoners ; but the officers took a good deal of interest in the lad, and gave him much kindly advice, and when he was released he was physically and, I firmly believe, morally a different boy from what he was on admission, so great was his improvement in appearance and manner. We haVe the First Offenders' Probation Act, under which the greater number of young offenders are dealt with, often, no doubt, advantageously to themselves; but there is, unfortunately, another side to the shield, and that is the very great increase of young colonial-born criminals. We used to pride ourselves that nearly all our criminal population was imported. Can we say so now? I think decidedly not. Out of the 213 prisoners received into this Prison during the year charged with felonious crimes, 120 were born in the colony, ninety-two being of European descent and twenty-eight Maoris; for less serious offences the number born as above was 256, of whom fourteen only were Maoris. Now, the majority of the first offenders among this large number expected to get off on probation without punishment. This shows the hold which the' idea of probation has upon the minds of the people who are tempted to do wrong, and how little of a deterrent such ideas are likely to be; in fact, by very many the Act is looked upon as one which allows one crime to be committed without punishment, and I am convinced that any one who has more than a superficial knowledge of the subject, and who has studied it with an open mind, must arrive at the conclusion that this Act is responsible for a large increase of crime amongst youths and servant girls. All this shows the extraordinary difficulty there is in finding a panacea for crime, for no more humane Act was every passed than the First Offenders' Probation Act, the weak spot in it being that it is the reverse of deterrent. No doubt many people will dissent from these conclusions, and they are entitled to their opinions; I simply give mine as one who knows the inner workings of this Act from the day when it became law up to the present time. I know also that many people say that our prisons do not act as deterrents, because there are such a number of recommittals. Well, to a certain extent this is true, but the prison system is not to be blamed for this, for, as I have already remarked, there are people whom nothing short of death or lifelong imprisonment will deter from committing crime. Some few years ago there appeared in an English publication an article written by a clergyman, in which the writer came to the conclusion that the present system of prison discipline was less deterrent than that in vogue a century ago; and he arrived at this very startling theory by the study of statistics, which showed that there are now more recommittals than at the earlier period. This appears to me to be a most fallacious argument, and one which will not bear analysis. In the days when hanging was a penalty for sheep-stealing, &c, one would hardly expect to get a recommittal; nor would such a thing be probable if the offender had been transported for life or died of gaol-fever. Also, in those times photography was unknown, as wero all the modern means of identification, so that it was quite possible for a person to leave a gaol in one county and enter one in the next as a first offender. But the chief reason for the number of recommittals is the modern practice of passing very short sentences for offences which would previously have been punished by death, transportation, or imprisonment for life. No one would dream of returning to the old brutal and degrading system (or, rather, want of system) under which prisoners were treated in those bygone days; but in our horror of it there is a danger of the pendulum swinging too far in the opposite direction, and a false sympathy arising if not for crime, at least for the criminal. There were no escapes or attempted escapes during the year, but I have reason to believe that there was a plot on foot to make such an attempt; if so, the precautions taken at once and the vigilance of the officers proved sufficient to frustrate it.

5

H.—2o.

The conduct of the officers of the Prison, with one exception, due more to ill-health than anything else, has been excellent, and much of the successful working of the Prison is due to their strict attention to their duties and the cheerful and intelligent manner in which they have carried out all instructions. The officer above alluded to was retired on medical grounds. The progress made with the central wing of the new prison during the year has been very rapid, and. some of the cell-accommodation is nearly ready for occupation. The work is of a most substantial character, and the workmanship reflects the greatest credit upon the officers who have supervised it, and also on the prisoners who have carried out their instructions. When the prison is finished it will enable a complete system of classification to be maintained. The female prisoners are for all practical purposes already classified, first offenders exercising, bathing, &c, apart from the previously convicted women, the result being most satisfactory. The same system is, as far as it is practicable, carried out with male prisoners, and is entirely and most strictly observed with those under the age of sixteen years. Most of the long-sentenced men have been employed at stone-dressing, of which they have done 10,336 cubic feet, valued at £1,092 7s. lOd. Others have worked as builders, and, although few, if any, of them had ever laid a stone before, they have become very expert. Many of both these classes are Maoris, who are most willing and intelligent workers. A gang of twenty-four men, under four officers, is located at Fort Cautley Prison, North Shore, and is employed on fortification-work. In addition to this 754 days' work have been performed at Government House, Supreme Court, Police-station, and Magistrate's Court. The short-sentence prisoners as a body have been employed in the quarries, and I am quite satisfied with the quantity as well as the quality of the work performed. Connected with the subject of prison labour one sometimes hears the question raised that it may unduly compete with free labour, but I cannot imagine that the people that express these views can have given the matter much thought. In the first place, every man has an inalienable right to earn his living, and that right is not taken away but rather made more imperative by his being sent to prison for hard labour, often because he would not work when free. Prisoners are sentenced to do so much hard labour for the public under laws made by the public, and yet according to some people they (prisoners) are not allowed to do work which would benefit the public by reducing the cost to the State of their maintenance. This seems illogical. Every pound earned by prison labour is so much relief to the taxpayer. Then, again, suppose every prisoner in New Zealand were released at once, would they not then have to compete with other people and be entitled to earn their bread ? The chief argument against standing armies is that they withdraw so many able-bodied men from the ranks of the producers ; if this is true, would it not apply to keeping our prisoners from profitable employment? If the argument is not good, then the more men who are locked up the better for the country. In any case, the competition with free labour so far as our prisons are concerned would be so trivial as to be practically nil. It will be seen from the attached tables that the past year has been a remarkable one as regards the average cost per prisoner, which was only £11 4s. 3d. net; this is chiefly due to the high daily average number of prisoners—viz., 19222. I have also endeavoured to keep down the expenditure as much as possible compatible with efficiency. The large number of prisoners employed accounts for the great amount of work done. First Offenders' Probation Act. On the Ist January there remained on probation 13 men and 4 women, and during the year there were placed on probation 15 men and 2 women. There were also 3 men received on transfer from other districts, which makes a total of 31 men and 6 women dealt with. 11 men and 5 women were discharged after completing their terms, and 7 men were transferred to other districts; 2 men were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, one for not complying with the terms of his release on probation and one for theft while still on probation. On tne 31st December there remained on probation 11 men and 1 woman. Costs and restitution ordered during the year amounted to £62 9s. 2d., of which sum £35 ss. has been paid. There is one difficulty with regard to the working of this Act, among a number of others, which I have not hitherto seen any allusion to, viz. : A probationer is transferred from one district to another—say, from Christchurch to Auckland; his conduct is unsatisfactory, and he does not comply with the terms of his release : what is the Probation Officer to do ? The Act says he must arrest the probationer, who shall then be " brought before the Court where he was originally convicted," &c, which in this case means that he must be taken from Auckland to Christchurch ; and, as the Probation Officer for the former place is the only person who can give evidence in the case, he must go too, which is practically impossible. In many districts police officers are Probation Officers, and from my experience ever since the Act came into force they have acted in a strictly impartial and humane manner towards accused persons ; and I take this opportunity to thank the members of the Police Force of all ranks for the most valuable assistance which they have rendered me by collecting money from probationers in out-of-the-way places, and for obtaining information which it would otherwise have been impossible for me to get. As regards the general working of the Act, I have already alluded to it elsewhere. In some cases persons have been placed on probation whom I should have been very sorry to see sent to prison ; but in others I am convinced the Courts have been misled by coloured evidence and statements in favour of the accused. In some cases the order to pay costs bears very heavily on the probationer, and in most cases there is great difficulty in obtaining payments when due, much money being unpaid long after the term of probation has expired. I have, &c, Francis Egerton Severne, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

6

H.—2o.

Dunedin Prison] Sir,— H.M. Prison, Dunedin, 30th January, 1902. In accordance with your circular memorandum (1900/8) of the Ist December, 1900,1 have the honour to report on the working of this Prison for the year ending the 31st December, 1901. Only four cases of lunacy and delirium tremens were received during the \ear, and I regret to say one of these proved fatal, the prisoner dying the following morning. The prisoner was seen by the Gaol Surgeon immediately after his reception, who, after examination, did not consider it advisable to order his removal to the Dunedin Hospital. The verdict of the jury was, " Natural causes —tubercular meningitis." The other three were discharged at the S.M. Court after expiration of their remands. A female prisoner suffering from phthisis was recommended by the Gaol Surgeon for removal to the Dunedin Hospital, but as the Hospital accommodation was taxed she could not be admitted. An application was made to the Benevolent Institution Trustees, who approved of her being received into the infirmary of that institution, and on authority received from your office she was removed thither, and so remains. She is visited weekly by a matron of the Prison. There were no other cases requiring special medical treatment. All prisoners are examined by the Gaol Surgeon (who visits almost daily) immediately after reception, and minuted by the Surgeon as fit for hard labour or otherwise, and again examined prior to discharge, in accordance with sections 24 and 25, Prison Eegulations, 1883. The Surgeon visits at Taiaroa Heads Prison as may be deemed requisite. I am pleased to say no boys were admitted to the Prison during the year. There has been ample accommodation at Dunedin Prison (fifty-two male cells), the daily average being sixty-four male prisoners; but thirty-eight are located at Taiaroa Heads Prison, leaving fourteen cells daily unoccupied. The accommodation at Taiaroa Heads Prison is for fifty male prisoners, the daily average treated there being thirty-eight. The female accommodation at Dunedin is for twenty, the daily average number of prisoners being twelve. The accommodation at Dunedin provides a separate cell for each prisoner (male or female), but at Taiaroa Heads it is association. The classification rules—as, indeed, the Prison Eegulations generally—have been duly carried out as far as circumstances would permit. The conduct of the prisoners has been exceptionally good, eleven prisoners only having been sentenced by the Visiting Justices to punishment diet, four of which sentences were not inflicted, having been passed by the Justices pending good conduct, and, the conduct of those prisoners having improved, they reaped the benefit thereof. Eight prisoners were sentenced to forfeiture of a small number of remission marks instead of any severe punishment. The daily occurrence of. trivial offences have to be passed by, much to the detriment of the discipline of the Prison and to the detriment of the prisoners themselves, they knowing there is no deterrent for irregularities, but only for more serious offences. Gaoler's quarters still unbuilt. Married warders still live from one end of Dunedin to the other—here, there, and everywhere—everywhere but where they should reside—viz., adjacent to the Prison. The majority of the prisoners continued to be employed at Taiaroa Heads —Defence Department works —rock-excavating a gallery and covered way from track leading from Harrington Point Jetty to Electric and Searchlight Station, about 9 chains. This work is of a very heavy nature. Also excavating and quarrying for site of 6 in. gun at the Heads Signal-station, and stonebreaking for concrete-work. A smaller party of short-sentenced prisoners are also employed for Defence Department in forming a rifle-range at Pelichet Bay, Dunedin. The reports regarding these works are satisfactory. There have been no escapes (or attempts to escape) during the year. The warders have been attentive and the supervision effective. The prisoners' rations are supplied by contract. They have been good and regularly supplied, frequently inspected, and there have been no complaints either as to quality or quantity. Every Sunday during the year a Church service for Protestant prisoners has been held at Dunedin Prison, and also at Taiaroa Heads Prison. Mr. Torrance, as Gaol Chaplain for Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, still supervises this work, with an assistant obtained at the latter end of the year. They have free intercourse with all the prisoners, and their influence over them is very beneficial. A Eoman Catholic service is held on Sunday afternoon, a priest generally attending. The Eev. A. Don (Presbyterian), Chinese missionary, visits such Chinese as are in the prison. As at times difficulties exist in understanding the ailments and requirements of these men, the services of the reverend gentleman as interpreter are highly appreciated. One warder was transferred to Lyttelton Prison and one resigned. Two warders were received on transfer from other prisons, and one was appointed on probation as an addition to the staff. During the year Julius Hyman, Esq., J.P., was appointed a Visiting Justice of the Prisons at Dunedin and Taiaroa Heads, the number of Visiting Justices now being twelve. There are no Official (male) Visitors at tiiis Prison. It is often thought and said that prisons are close institutions, and that terrible things are done within the walls, but to show how futile and absurd such a motion is I submit the number and description of visitors during the past year—viz., 2 by Inspector of Pri-ons, 2 by Stipendiary Magistrate, 224 by Visiting Justices, 4 by Official Visitors (female), 121 by Mr. Torrance or assistant, 86 by other clerical (or lay) ministers, 786 by other persons (including M.H.E.s, J.P.s, legal advisers, and prisoners' friends), making a total of 1,225. In addition to the above

7

H.—2o.

the Gaol Surgeon visits almost daily. When it is considered that many of these persons visiting have very free intercourse with the prisoners, and that they (the prisoners) could tell to them without let or hindrance any grievance on their mind or seeming wrongdoing within the Prison, and do not take advantage of such opportunity, it may reasonably be expected that nothing seriously wrong is going on within the walls. ~v ffi t I can only restate my report of last year as regards the satisfactory conduct of the officers of the Prison. However, it became necessary to call upon one warder to resign his position. Subsequent events as to his mental and physical condition throw a clearer light upon his actions now ; but yet it was quite necessary, in the"interest of the service, that he should cease to remain in it. It would really be to great advantage to the service if some of the elder warders were permitted to retire and doubtless several would do so, of advantage to themselves and the Government, "they were assured as to the terms of their compensation on retiring. The Police Force Provident Fund has now been in existence sufficient time to ascertain whether it is beneficial or otherwise and, if beneficial, why one department of the service should receive a benefit and another and kindred department of "like import be excluded is an enigma. . . I have pleasure in noting that at last some recognition has been made of warders services by the issuing of a medal bearing the warder's name and engraved thereon " For long and efficient service " I have no doubt that by-and-by this recognition might act as a stimulus to a zealous performance of duty ; but at present, at this Prison, the withholding of the medal for a retrospective offence of a minor nature in no way affecting their length or their efficiency of service seems inclined to act prejudicially as regards discipline, and I trust the Government will not deem it necessary to long withhold the medal from the warders concerned. If it was considered necessary to note the efficiency of the Gaoler (and his retention in such an office might reasonably be considered a recognition of his efficiency), then might I respectful y say regarding the medal or mark of recognition in his case, .it might have been deemed desirable to present him with a token otherwise than that issued to the subordinate o fleers, thereby placing all on the same level, which does not tend to act beneficially in the interest of discipline ? However any work of recognition of the services of prison officers is such a rarity that it cannot be otherwise than satisfactory to the staff to note that at last in some way or other their services are beginning to be appreciated. First Offenders' Probation Act. This Act is working fairly satisfactorily, especially so considering the difficulties surrounding the working of it by the many loopholes afforded the probationer by which to evade the conditional clauses An amendment to the Act is really necessary, but not by such an amended Act as that of 1898, which if purposely framed to hamper the Probationer Officer could not have been more pfiPCtIVG However, it is satisfactory when some good is done, and the Probation Act is a good Act as it is, but it might be much better with advantage to the probationer, the Probation Officer, and thereby the Government. . . ' On the Ist January, 1901, there were three prisoners on probation, since which time ten were received and eight discharged, leaving five probationers on the 31st December of the same J6dr These duties when not perfunctorily performed demand a large quantity of time and attention, no less than seventy-two letters of inquiry and report being necessary during the past year. I am, &c, Samuel Charles Phillips, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Hokitika Prison. gIE _ H.M. Prison, Hokitika, 21st January, 1902. I have the honour to submit my report on this Prison, accompanied by the usual annual returns, for the year ending the 31st December, 1901. At the commencement of the year there were in custody 14 males and 1 female. The total number of prisoners received was 43—viz., 39 males and 4 females—of whom 7 males and 2 females were " for trial," and were subsequently tried and convicted at the Supreme Court here and the District Court, Greymouth, and eight on remand. Of this latter number 6 were acquitted or discharged, the remaining 2 being convicted and sentenced. There were no debtors or lunatics committed. Eecommittals were 4in number, all males. Discharges numbered 42 males and 4 females, leaving in custody at the end of the year 11 males and 1 female. , r , 10 . QQ . The daily average number of prisoners in custody during the year was—Males, IA6U, females 1-27 ; and of both sexes 13-65, the gross daily cost of each prisoner being 3s. 7£d., a slight decrease on the previous year, and the net daily cost 3s. 4d., the gross and net annual cost ncr prisoner being respectively £64 4s. 3d. and £66 Is. Id. , The health of prisoners has been good, save in one instance—viz., that of a man sublet to asthmatic attacks, who during the twelve months was on the sick-list some seventy-five days. With one or two exceptions, the conduct and industry of prisoners has been good There were three minor prison offences recorded against one prisoner, a term of bread and water the punishment awarded therefor by the Visiting Justice investigating the charges. I regret having to record the escape from custody of two male prisoners during the year, the particulars of which were fully reported to you at the time.

8

H.—2o.

Eations and other necessaries supplied by the contractor were of good quality, and the conditions of contract strictly adhered to. The bi-weekly visits of the Gaol Surgeon took place. Visits were also made at other times when urgency demanded his services. Divine Service has been held as usual every alternate week, with one or two exceptions, by Church of England clergymen, and on the intervening Sundays prayers have been read by a prison officer. The conduct of prisoners on these occasions was exemplary. The Visiting Justices made their customary visits of inspection, and also visited, as required and dealt with the various matters brought under their notice. In this connection it is with much regret that I have to allude to the death, in November last, of the late Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C., who for some thirty-five years, I believe, officiated at this Prison in the capacity of Visiting Justice. The Department was represented at the funeral by two members of this Prison's staff following the remains of the deceased gentleman to their last resting-place. From different parts of this and the neighbouring colonies some thirty persons visited and were shown through the Prison ; and, with the exception of the late Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C., in his official capacity, there were no visits of members of the Legislature to record. Without the Prison some of the work performed by prisoners during the year was as follows: At the WestlandHospital a large landslip on the road leading thereto was removed, and a quantity of earth on banks taken down to prevent a recurrence ; the water-table pitched with stone, footpaths cleared of weeds, and the grounds of the institution put in order. For the Volunteer authorities range-mounds have been kept in order, and an addition made to the markers' butts. The grounds at "the Supreme and Magistrate's Courts and Customhouse have been attended to as required. Some 13 chains of the Shallow Eush Eoad was formed and metalled for a width of 12 ft., and a culvert put in. At Cass Square the footpaths and ornamental plots have been kept in order' and grass mown over an area of some 8 acres. Work at the cemetery has consisted in the formation of several plots on that part cleared by prison labour during the preceding year. On the Prison Eeserve about 2 acres of ground, for many years little better than a swamp and covered with a growth of rushes, was brought under cultivation, two-thirds of which was planted with potatoes and the balance with vegetables for prison use. During the latter part of the year, when the cultivation of ground should have been in full swing, work was much retarded owing to continued wet weather ; nevertheless, all things considered, I am fully satisfied with the class and amount of work done. About 22 chains of fencing was erected, 35 chains of drains cut, and several trees also planted. Procuring firewood—for the year—for the Prison and officers' quarters, and silver-pine posts for fencing purposes, and cartage of same from the reserve, was a very considerable item of the work performed by prisoners. A gravel-pit was also opened on the reserve, a drying-ground for clothing formed and gravelled, and the necessary posts erected. Within the Prison repairs have been effected where necessary, and six gates made for erection where required on the reserve. Prisoners' boots have also been put in thorough repair, advantage having been taken of a shoemaker prisoner undergoing a term of imprisonment. The female prisoners were, as usual, employed washing and repairing clothing, &c. A few articles of underclothing were also made by them. ~-.', . , -j * wuu *v One officer, since resigned, was reported during the year for neglect of duty. With this exception, the conduct of officers was good. First Offenders' Probation Act. None were placed on probation during the year. The entry in the " Female " column opposite "Probation," in sections Nos. 3 and 4 in annual return No. 1, refers to a person tried at the District Court, Greymouth, a separate probation district, and there admitted to probation. The probationer mentioned in the concluding paragraph of my last annual report is still in this district, and doing well. I have, &c, T. E. POINTON, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Invercargill Prison. Sir _ H.M. Prison, Invercargill, 3rd January, 1902. I have the honour to report for your information the working of the Prison under my charge from the Ist January to the 31st December, 1901. 1 Number of prisoners in custody at the commencement of the year, 17 males, no females; number received, 107 males, 10 females; number discharged, 101 males, 10 females; number remaining at end of year, 23 males, no females. , 2 General conduct and industry has been very good. There are a few exceptions to this— those who will never work or behave themselves either in or out of prison if they can help it. _ The prisoners are employed by the Corporation making concrete bridges, and are giving every satisfac--3 One prisoner, sentenced to two months' hard labour for attempting suicide, on admission was at once sent to the Hospital for medical treatment for injuries self-inflicted. One young prisoner servin" four years for rape was also sent to the Hospital suffering from rheumatics and matraine He°was ten weeks in the Hospital, and, notwithstanding his illness since his first admission into prison, he has increased his weight by 47 lb. and his height by 7 in. There have been no other cases of sickness during the year. 4 During the year eight prisoners were punished for eleven minor offences. One prisoner attempted to escape by the iron fence leading to the main wall, for which he was sentenced to six

2—H. 20.

9

H.—2o.

months' hard labour. I have taken certain precautions with regard to the iron fence, which I think will prevent any further attempt in that direction. 5. Eations were very good ; not a single complaint. 6. Conduct and efficiency of the officers very good. 7. The padded cell has been repaired and repadded, and the Prison has recently been whitewashed and painted. Everything in order and perfectly clean. 8. Six persons were placed on probation during the year, five being transferred to other districts. The remaining one has only just been placed on probation. Ido not think there will be any difficulty with him. The one on probation at the commencement of the year was discharged, after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of his license. I have, &c, J. H. Bratby, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Lyttelton Prison. Sir, H.M. Prison, Lyttelton, 28th January, 1902. I beg most respectfully to forward my report for the year ended the 31st December, 1901. Eeceived, 677 male and 162 female prisoners ; discharged, 637 male and 164 female prisoners; leaving a balance of 129 males and 12 females in custody at the end of the year. The male prisoners were employed at the Sumner Eoad defence-works, in excavating for and erecting the necessary accommodation for the searchlight. The work is being carried on satisfactorily under the supervision of the District Engineer and his Inspector. They were also employed in carrying out improvements and making alterations at the Artillery barracks, clearing a landslip that had blocked up the public road and had impeded the drainage of the barrack grounds. They were also employed in opening trenches on the Sumner Eoad and laying wires for telephone communication with the various batteries, a work so far that has given every satisfaction. The Sticking Point reclamation-work has also been carried on, conferring a great boon on the residents of Lyttelton and the surrounding district, the reclaimed ground being now utilised for recreation purposes; and, judging from the numbers who frequent the place, its usefulness is greatly appreciated. A number of prisoners were also employed in carting material and clearing the section held by the Department, for the purpose of erecting warders' cottages thereon. Such cottages when built will mean a considerable saving to the Department, while it will enable the Prison officers to live in close proximity to the Prison. The female prisoners have been, as usual, employed in washing, repairing, and making clothing, shirts, flannels, &c. The conduct of the prisoners has been fairly good. There were thirty punishments during the year, but there have been no prison offences dealt with in open Court. The health of prisoners 'has been good, there being ninety-one cases of sickness, equalling a daily average of Ml males and 0-72 females on the sick-list, a good percentage of which has been caused by excessive drinking. Only one case was sent to the public Hospital, a male prisoner serving a sentence of two years ; after being there for some time he was discharged by special remission and permitted to join his friends. It is satisfactory to note that many cases of helpless drunkenness have been sent to the public Hospital for curative treatment instead of to the Prison as formerly, thereby relieving the Department from the responsibility of nursing such cases. In a few instances they eventually reach the Prison completely cured, but have to serve a short sentence in default of their cost of maintenance while in the Hospital. The contractors for the supply of rations, &c, have given every satisfaction during the past year. There has been no complaint by prisoners. The supply of bread is always baked in this Prison for the consumption of prisoners, some of whom are expert bakers, having learned the trade in the Prison. The baking of bread within the Prison, independent of its reduced cost of production, enables the loaves to be made of the required size and weight; and, in addition, dispenses with the necessity of cutting and the waste that arises from same. Hitherto there has been no difficulty in obtaining a tender for flour at a satisfactory rate, but at the end of the past year no tender was received, owing, I presume, to the Millers' Trust Combination; and, as there appeared a difficulty in obtaining a continuous satisfactory supply, I took advantage of the current year's tender and obtained a supply for 1902. One execution took place during the year, death being instantaneous. All arrangements were carried out without the slightest hitch. The officers of the Prison have given every satisfaction during the year, performing their various duties with zeal and efficiency. There was not one case of misconduct reported to you during the year, which speaks for itself. The anomaly that exists between this and the Police Department with respect to there being no provision made for the retirement of old servants of the Department continues to be a standing grievance, which one and all are subjected to. Many would retire and make way for younger members of the service if a provident fund similar to the Police Department were established. The duties of prison officers are very arduous, and I sincerely hope this may be remembered, and that the officers of the service will have some provision made for them on retirement, as there is now for the police. One temporary warder was engaged by me for eight weeks and a half to look after a prisoner committed for trial and subsequently executed.

10

H.—2o.

One probationary warder is now in training and promises to pass the necessary examination. The practice of placing officers on probation is a good one. Two probationers have already passed their examinations here, giving satisfactory results in the performance of their duties. First Offenders' Probation Act. Two have been placed on probation during the year, one being in previously, making three in all for the year. One has made all his payments in full and is otherwise complying with the terms of license ; the second paid the full amount required by the prosecution and then absconded, since which time I have not been able to ascertain any information as to his whereabouts; the third is making his payments regularly, has employment, and is otherwise doing well. M. M. Cleary, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Napier Prison. Sir,— H.M. Prison, Napier, 29th January, 1902. In compliance with instructions received, I have the honour to report on the working of this Prison for year ended the 31st December, 1901. In prison on the Ist January, 24 males and 2 females ; received during the year, 166 males and 19 females; discharged, 166 males and 2 females; in custody 31st December, 1901, 24 males and 2 females. The health of the prisoners has been good; no sickness except bad colds. There were a few cases of men received suffering from drink, but a few days' treatment set them right again. A man received from a country district under sentence of a month's hard labour was in such a weak state that he was sent to the Napier Hospital, where he served his sentence. There were no deaths in this Prison. The rations were good, and there were no complaints. The conduct of the prisoners was good, there only being seven punishments for minor prison offences. During the year the prisoners were employed quarrying, stone-breaking, stone-dressing, asphalting prison-yards, and keeping Courthouse and grounds in order. Amongst the improvements is a new shelter-shed in the trial yard, which is a great boon to prisoners waiting trial. A concrete wall has been erected at foot of Coote Eoad, and a parade-ground levelled off for Volunteers between the Garrison Hall and new wall. This work was under the supervision of Warder McNamara, and I think it will be admitted it does himself and all concerned credit. The fire service has not been laid on, nor has the boundary-wall been commenced. The wooden fence round the female division needs repairing. Everything in connection with this Prison went on satisfactorily. The Visiting Justices visited regularly, and have greatly assisted in maintaining discipline. The Surgeon has been successful in his treatment of medical-treatment cases. Mr. Tanner holds Divine Service on Sunday mornings for Protestants, and Eev. Father Bell for Catholics in the afternoon. Several Napier ladies and gentlemen have kindly sent parcels of books for Prison library. There were no reports against officers, who cheerfully did their duty without a grumble, notwithstanding the long hours they have to be on their feet. Discipline has been maintained without harshness. One officer, whose health broke down, had to retire on compensation. It is to be hoped that during next session of Parliament something will be done for this branch of the public service. A pension scheme would give satisfaction. First Offenders' Probation Act. On the Ist January six probationers were reporting themselves at Napier. Four males were placed on probation during the year, and one female was received from another district. Three males finished their terms satisfactorily, three were transferred to other districts, leaving four males and one female still reporting themselves at Napier. One male finished his probation on the 20th June, 1901, but was behind in his payment. He paid £7 ss. out of £11, which leaves £3 15s. in arrears. Pie has been excusing himself that he could not get constant employment. I have had some trouble with him, as he goes from one station to another cooking or doing any jobs he can get. Michael Flannery, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

New Plymouth Prison. Sir,— H.M. Prison, New Plymouth, 29th January, 1902. In compliance with circular memorandum (No. 1900/8) of the Ist December, 1900, I have the honour to report for your information that on the Ist January, 1901, there were in custody here one imprisonment and eleven hard-labour prisoners (males). No females. During the year 108 prisoners were received, of whom 104 were males and four females, Of the males twenty-two were merely passing through en route to Waiotapu Prison; whilst forty-three were sentenced to various terms of hard labour, one to simple imprisonment, and two admitted to probation for twelve months, the two latter for horse-stealing. One, a half-caste Maori youth, was transferred to the care of the Probation Officer at Opunake, where he belongs, and is, I understand, carrying out the terms of his probation satisfactorily. The other, a lad of nineteen, is still under my supervision, and reports himself regularly by letter each month. He requested that he should be allowed to do so in preference to having to report himself to the

11

H.—2o.

police at Hawera, where he is employed at his trade—that of a blacksmith. In the latter case I strongly recommended probation, and certainly have no cause to regret having done so. I shall always recommend probation where I have reason to believe there is a fair chance of reformation, particularly in the case of young people. Fourteen males were received on remand, and subsequently discharged at the several Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts. Four male lunatics were received and handed over to the police on remand to the Asylum. One debtor was received, and discharged on the expiration of his sentence of fourteen days' imprisonment. Five awaiting-trial prisoners were acquitted at the Supreme Court during the year. Ten hard-labour prisoners were received on transfer from Wanganui Prison. One of these was transferred here on account of his health, he having spent some time in the Wanganui Hospital after his committal to prison. His health seemed to improve here, and he was subsequently discharged in fairly good health. Two were received on transfer from' Lyttelton Prison, one to answer a further charge of forgery preferred against him at Hawera, and for which he got three years' hard labour, and another for the benefit of his health. The change so far has had the desired effect, and the man is now (the Prison Surgeon says) in a good state of health. During the year four females were received. Two of these were remanded as lunatics, and subsequently handed over to the police on remand to the lunatic asylum. Two were sentenced to short terms of hard labour ; but neither of these were of the ordinary gaol-bird type, and will probably never trouble the Prison again. lam pleased to say that the lady Visitor to the Prison is most assiduous in her attentions to the female prisoners during their imprisonment, and her kindness and assistance to them on their release is deeply appreciated by the unfortunate women. Fourteen hard-labour prisoners (males) by good conduct and industry earned their remissions and accompanying gratuities, and were" discharged. Thirty-one males and two females were discharged on expiration of sentence, and three first offenders transferred to Waiotapu Prison. One probationer finished his term of probation satisfactorily, and was accordingly released. There was one admission to the district Hospital during the year—that of a Maori who was serving a sentence of three years' hard labour for assault, and was transferred here from Wanganui Prison. He was under the Prison Surgeon's care for some little time when the Surgeon recommended his removal to the district Hospital, where the unfortunate fellow died a few weeks later from tuberculosis of the bowels. The general health of the prisoners (with the exception of the Maori referred to) has been good throughout the year. It affords me much pleasure to report that the conduct and industry of the prisoners as a whole has been good. There were but five reports against prisoners which I considered necessary to remand for the Visiting Justices' investigation ; two of these were for idleness and insolence to the officer on the works. The first prisoner was dismissed with a caution ; the other prisoner, for idleness and insolence and illicit writing on closet-paper, was sentenced to three days' bread and water on each charge—six days in all. A prisoner, for disobedience of lawful orders, in refusing to empty the W.C. when it was his turn to do so, was sentenced to twenty-four hours' bread and water. 'Another, for refusing to go to work when returned as fit by the Prison Surgeon, was sentenced to forfeit three days' remission marks; and for making false charges against a prison officer another was sentenced to forfeit fourteen days' marks. There were several reports of a less serious nature, with which I dealt myself, considering good advice, or in some cases a sharp reprimanding, was all that was necessary. There were two "slight accidents to prisoners on the works, but not attended with any very serious results. One was that of a prisoner who was assisting to drill a large stone, which toppled over, jamming his foot and bruising it considerably, which incapacitated him from labour for several weeks. The other was a prisoner who fell off the scaffold and sprained his ankle, and was laid up for some days. A small party of prisoners were employed clearing gorse, fennel, &c, off portions of Marsland Hill for the Scenery Preservation Society, and also levelling and metalling the Police Court grounds, the Prison supplying the metal. The prisoners have been mainly employed cutting and preparing stone for and building the boundary-wall to the Prison, which is now complete so far as the building is concerned, and the greater portion of the outside of the wall pointed and plastered. There still remains a good deal to be done to the interior of the Prison—dividing-walls for the yards to be built, &c. ; the original walls of the Prison itself to be heightened ; yards to be concreted, &c. It is proposed to construct the division-walls of concrete, as there is very little building-stone left. The stone for a considerable portion of the last part of the boundary-wall had to be got from the quarry, entailing a considerable amount of extra labour in hewing and hauling up. The instructing warder constructed a winch, which answered all right for the time, but is too slow. I should like some quicker method of working the gravel, of which there is a large quantity, and for which I am constantly receiving applications, but so far have not been able to supply, as I have neither the men nor the time to spare —they are all required to push on the building operations. One very necessary and beneficial improvement carried out during the year was the trapping of the drains throughout the Prison, although the old system of drainage still remains, owing to the local Borough Council not having as yet decided upon what system they will adopt. It would be waste of time and material to lay the drains through the Prison until it is known what depth the main leading from the Prison will be. The Prison kitchen, chapel, and front corridor have been painted with a dado of 4 ft., and 2 in. border. The single officers' quarters was also done in like manner, and is a decided improvement. Before long I hope to see the whole gaol painted throughout, as I believe the glaring whiteness of the lime to be detrimental to the eyesight. The rations through the year have been good. There has not been a single complaint from the prisoners about the rations, either as to quality or quantity. While on the question of

12

H.—2o.

rations I might say that the tradesmen here, or at least some of them, have evidently an understanding between themselves as to who shall tender for supplies to the Prison and who shall not. For instance, the only tender received for meat was at sd. per ration. This is at the rate of 7d per pound. This, I consider, an extortionate price. I afterwards interviewed some of the other local retail butchers to try and induce some of them to tender, but they very politely declined ; in fact, one of them admitted to me that he did not care to supply the Prison with meat even as an ordinary customer, let alone to tender for it. The same applies to the chemists ; not one of them sent in" a tender, although they were all invited to do so. During the ensuing year, however, I hope to arrange for a supply of medicines from Wellington, and before next December the local chemists may think better of it. The conduct of the officers during the year has been good. There were in custody at the close of the year eighteen hard-labour prisoners and one awaiting trial. No females. Ihave,&c The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. B. L. O Brien, Gaoler.

Waiotapu Prison. g IR _ H.M. Prison, Waiotapu, 28th March, 1902. I have the honour to forward this the first annual report of the prison established at Waiotapu for first offenders. I arrived at Eotorua on the 12th January, 1901, on transfer from Wellington Prison, remained in Eotorua, receiving and forwarding to Waiotapu the huts, stores, &c, which arrived there, until the 31st. The Prison was opened on the Ist February, 1901, four prisoners arriving from Auckland Prison on that date; the remainder of the men (twenty-one) arrived on the 22nd February. . . The men were employed until the Ist March putting the Camp in order and doing necessary work about the place. In March the real work commenced, the following being a general descnpFencing.— About ten miles of wire fence was erected, the whole length being chipped half a chain each side to prevent fire from injuring fence. The fence is built with six wires, 7 gauge, six and a half posts to a chain, with heavy strainers at suitable distances. Planting.— Around the line of fencing the following trees and shrubs were planted as a firescreen for the forest trees to be planted later on : Berberry, 11,455; Cordyline austrahs, 8,514; Pittosporum 9,073; Cupressa lawsoniana, 9,200; birch, 20,280; Pinus laricio, 5,285 ;P. benthamiana, 5,162; Spanish broom, 282; Laburnum, 114. Lined in for planting this year: Birch, 5,780; benthxmiana, 1,662. Total, 76,807. . Paths. —All the existing paths were repaired and put in good order, also about 20 chains of new paths opened —about 605 chains in all. Roads formed.— A road 97 chains long and 12 ft. wide was formed through the reserve from Mud Volcano to the Kerosene Creek, planted each side with laiusoniana 6 ft. apart; also a road from the Camp to new road to Galatea, 20 chains long by half a chain wide. Sheep-paddock.— A paddock for sheep was fenced in and drained in the swamp above the Camp, 144; acres. The sowing of grass-seed was delayed through a bad burn-off, as the fires were lit before the place was dry enough to burn well. _ . Vegetable-garden.— The small swamp on the river-bank near the Camp is now drained and fenced with hare-proof wire netting. Black soil was brought to it from the small gullies close by, and I hope to grow enough vegetables in future to supply the Prison all the year round. Clearing Scrub.— All scrub and tea-tree must be cleared and burnt before pitting can be commenced. Amount cleared to date, 85 acres. Pitting for Planting .—The number of pits dug for this year's tree-planting will be, to the end of March, about 209,748. The average number of pits dug per day is about 480 to 500 per man. The Camp.—The Camp is situated on the east bank of the Waiotapu Stream, of which the men take full advantage for bathing, numerous hot streams flowing into it making the water warm enough to bathe in all the year round. Eight on the edge of the stream are two hot sulphur baths, in which the men bathe during the winter months. The grounds about the Camp are cleared and planted with shrubs and flowers, which, when in bloom, will do much to increase the attraction of the place. About a quarter of a mile from the Camp is the Venus Bath, which is admitted to be the prettiest and best in the whole thermal district. Health of Prisoners. —The health of prisoners has been most satisfactory, no medical attendance being necessary (with the exception of one prisoner, who suffered from the effects of an accident met with in Lyttelton Prison previous to his transfer here). Conduct.— The general conduct of prisoners has been excellent. There were no punishments or reports during the year. They realise that obedience of orders is essential to their welfare, and they perform their work cheerfully and well, giving satisfaction to the Chief Forester, Mr. Matthews, to whom I am greatly indebted for his assistance and co-operation in making this our first year's labour so successful. Officers.— The conduct of officers has been good. They have been steady, and took an interest in the various works upon which they were engaged. By studying the habits and temper of the men they were able to control and direct them in the most satisfactory manner. Rations. —Owing to the great distance from a town the rations had to be obtained in bulk from Auckland, the contractor giving complete satisfaction. The bread obtained from Eotorua has been very good, and no complaints of the quality or quantity were made by prisoners during the year. The meat, chiefly mutton, is supplied locally by the Maoris, and is a heavy item in our expenditure; but when the paddock is ready for sheep I hope to reduce the cost considerably.

13

H.—2o.

The tea ration, \ oz. per day, is more than enough ; I would suggest f oz., and increase the sugar ration slightly. Remarks. —During the year the Prison Camp was visited by His Excellency the Governor, who kindly performed the planting of the first tree on the sth March, 1901; also the Hon. J. McGowan, Minister of Justice (twice); the Hon. T. Y. Duncan, Minister of Lands and Forests; the Hon. W. Hall-Jones, Minister for Public Works; and numerous tourists from all parts of the world, who were favourably impressed with what they observed, and expressed good wishes for its future success. I remain, &c, J. C. Scanlon, P.W., The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Acting-Gaoler.

Wanganui Prison. Sir — I have the honour respectfully to submit my second annual report on the working of this Prison for the year ending the 31st December last. The total number of admissions shows an increase of two on last year —viz., 206 for 1900 and 208 for 1901. There has, however, been a considerable increase of male prisoners and a larger decrease (in proportion) of female prisoners, the number for 1900 being 175 males and 35 females, and for 1901, 194 males and 14 females. There were discharged during the year 188 males and 19 females. On the Ist January, 1901, there were in the prison 15 males and 5 females, and at the close of the year 21 males and no females. Of the crimes for which prisoners were committed, nine Were for offences against women and little girls. These, however, all occurred in the first few months of the year, and during the last half-year there has not been one case. For an offence of this nature one prisoner was flogged once and one twice, whilst in the previous year two were flogged, and I am of opinion that, although flogging is not a pleasant theme, for this class of crime it appears to be the only deterrent. It is also a fact which 1 think is worth recording, that the second flogging is far more dreaded than the first. The health of the, prisoners has been exceedingly good, no sickness having occurred except what was imported. Three sentenced prisoners (two males and one female) were removed to the Asylum during the year. They ought never to have been brought to the Prison, but should have been examined, in which case I have no doubt that all three would have been sent to the Asylum; but the average country policeman does not seem to be able to discriminate between lunacy and vagrancy. Although there have been several cases of lunacy in Wanganui, not one has been sent to prison, Sergeant Dwyer always having them examined at once and sent direct to the Asylum. The general health of the prisoners is, I think, a matter of congratulation, considering that the prison has been fuller than ever before, the daily average being the highest for many years—viz., males 18-48, females 2-10. And in this connection perhaps I may be permitted to state that, in my opinion, it is a great pity the jurisdiction of the District Court is not considerably extended, and appointed to sit at more frequent intervals. Last year we had a young woman committed for trial for a petty theft, but as it was from a dwelling she could not be tried at the District Court; she therefore had to wait trial three months, and then received a sentence of four months. Again, it not unfrequently happens that a prisoner may be awaiting trial for some months and be after all acquitted. There have been nine cases of prison offences reported. Six were punished, two discharged with a caution, and one case withdrawn by myself. With one exception they were all of a trivial nature, the exception being the case of a man who purposely injured himself on the works, and who, after he came out of the Hospital, received a sentence of seven days' bread and water in the open Court. The rations have been excellent, and there have been no complaints. The conduct of the officers has been good, but, as I pointed out last year, one of them has arrived at an age that militates considerably against his efficiency. The junior is a young officer, and, as he is attentive to his duties, will, if he goes on in the same way, make a good warder. And here I would respectfully point out that, as the daily average has nearly doubled since I came here, I think the time has arrived when a third permanent officer should be appointed, more especially as the employment of temporary officers is never satisfactory. The cruel injustice to all concerned of sending men to prison who are suffering from delirium tremens still continues, and warders and prisoners alike, who have to turn out in the morning and do a day's work, are not unfrequently kept awake for two or three nights in succession by the demoniacal raving 3 of these drink lunatics. First Offenders' Act. This Act continues to work satisfactorily. Nine probationers have been released under it during the year, and all save two have done well. One has been rearrested twice, and is now awaiting the Supreme Court for the second time ; and another, a Native, is leading an idle, lazy life, and will, I fear, yet have to be brought before the Court again. All moneys due to date have been paid. E. T. Noble Beasley, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

14

H.—2o.

Wellington Prison. Sir, — Terrace Prison, Wellington, 28th January, 1902. I have the honour to report that, during the year 1901, the conduct and industry of the prisoners have been good. There were only two males and one female prisoner put on bread and water during the year for prison offences. Of sickness there has been practically nil. It will be found, however, on reference to the financial return, that the cost of medicines and medical comforts is again very high at this Prison ; but the Prison Surgeon's recommendations are invariably given effect to, and he alone is responsible for the medical expenses. From October last, however, there has been a very large reduction in medical comforts, and probably at the end of the present year this item will be as small as, if not less than, at any other prison in the colony. Tobacco should not be classed as a medical comfort, and I would recommend a little to be allowed to certain class prisoners under the most exacting rules. The prisoners were employed at brick and pipe making and at various works on the fortifications, and at repairing the rifle-ranges. They worked, on the whole, very well. The rations were of good quality, The conduct of the officers has been good; only one has been penalised. The practice of sending persons suffering from the effects of drink to the Prison still continues, much to the detriment of the quiet of the Prison, and certainly not to the best advantage of the individuals themselves. Six prisoners escaped from the Prison works during the year, but there were no cases of prisonbreaking. All were recaptured ; five were dealt with at the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court and one at the Supreme Court. In the case of two of these escapes the officer on sentry duty was found, owing to age and infirmities, unfit for further prison duty, and retired on the usual compensation. Two of the prisoners escaped from the Mount Cook Prison works, and the other four from the Point Halswell fortification-works. lam of opinion that as long as prisoners are employed at isolated places like Point Halswell, where working parties are divided, escapes must periodically occur. lam glad that steps are being taken to erect a new wing of separate cells at this Prison. The new road by which bricks, &c, are to be conveyed on to the ground is being pushed on, and will soon be complete. It is to be hoped that the building of new wing will be pushed on with all possible speed. I am of opinion that the work should be done by contract, the Department supplying bricks, cement, doors, and windows, and the necessary prison labour for excavation. The Probation Act continues to give satisfaction. Some slight amendments may be necessary in time ; but, considering that it has worked satisfactorily for sixteen years, I would be slow to recommend any alteration to an Act such as this, which has made its mark on the statute-book of the colony. Yours, &c, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. P. S. Garvey, Gaoler.

15

Table A. Number of Prisoners in the Colony, and their Disposal, for the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

H.—2o.

16

State of the Prisons. Auckland. Dunedin. Hokitika. Invercargill. Lyttelton. Napier. New Plymouth. Wanganui. Waiotapu. Wellington. Minor Gaols. Totals. Grand Total. In Prison 1st January. M. F. M. F. M. P. M. P. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. P. M. F. M. 2 F. M. 2 F. 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 2 2 3" .. 5 4 5" 1 5 l" 40' 1 41 15 2 94 21 18 2 4 3 10 1 37 14 5 4 2 4 2 .. 7 2 1 3 .. 13 ' .. 1 50 3 17 8 15 3 1 5 5 1 8 1 2 8" .. 3 .. 2 1 5 1 3 2 . 2 1 80 2 25 3 10 2 4 8 296 92 66 7 1 14 19 22 9 310 111 88 7 l" .. 1 Total : 89 14 8 7 511 57 568 152 17 59 10 11 17 U 12 15 122 Eeceived. 8 .. 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 4 9 2 93 10 6" 1 1 5 27 1 3 5 34 2 3 1 4 55 *2 3 1 1 53 2 142' 11 ! 2 29 148 2 7 28 1 46 7 809 72 29 53 881 159 28 92 7 1 1 1 81 54 512 9 3 19 145 2 27 45 170 10 23 61 2 8 21 2 1 1 1 5 17 49 3 2 2 2 30 69 22 473 133 12 6 22 97 2 3 10 1 6 9 28 1 2 17 .. 31 7 85 4 3 1 36 1 .. 50 .. 92 19 313 116 4 2 4 24 290 26 1 2 7 264 4 372 98 2,038 481 72 9 268 470 2,519 81 Total I 104 4 193 15 37 609 148 523 19 3,630 672 4,302 819 197 356 94 39 107 10 677 162 166 19 I Total for the year .. 124 10 766 176 190 21 116 4 208 20 4,141 729 4,870 971 214 415 104 I 53 5 37 .. 731 156 530 19 Discharged. I I 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 Executed 4 4 1 106 23 62 4 552 158 12 2 47 1 9 1 55 7 31 4 213 78 33 2 10 1 - 6 .. 10 .. 26 3 1 1 5 1 27 3 6 55 6 2 5 .. 3 74 7 29 3 496 154 4 30 4 18 5 123 3 13 2 3 1 13 1 4 18 14 31 3 25 1 2 2 3 2 35 7 115 6 19 1 1 3 2 13 12" .. 8 .. 1 120 11 60 2 348 119 18 2 36 .. 4 27 52 1 301 7 137 2 5 1 9 30 1 51 9 511 59 237 16 2,260 551 88 8 323 9 3 .. 1 31 60 570 253 2,811 96 332 3 1 1 #< ■■ • • • • 1 Total In prison at end of year 788 183 188 26 353 62 91 13 42 11 4 1 101 10 23 .. 637 164 129 12 166 24 19 2 97 19 4 187 21 20 13 24 591 134 140 22 529 1 19 3,504 653 637 76 4,15' 71; Total for year 124 10 766 176 4,141 729 4,87( 971 214 415 104 104 53 190 21 116 208 20 37 .. 731 156 530 19 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 ■■ 219 164 173-97 18-25 33 0-80 .. i 91 57 64-17 12-82 23 17 1 0-60 0-41 20 9 12-38 1-27 7 1 29 13 21-40 0-70 2 2 0-30 .. 141 89 97-08 12-92 1 79 12 1 .. 1-11 0-72 30 15 i 20-001-87 i 9 31 12 21-33 0-06 16 2 1 0-41 0-01 27 15 18-48 2-15 9 2 0-83 .. 25 4 23-50 .. 4 158 128 131-00 1201 27 21 2 4 118 0-35 1002 0-71 6 •• 593-33 62-76 215 53 13 5 662 1-50 656-0< 26! li 8-1. 0-32 0-01 I 1-06 .. 0-01 ..

Table B. Expenditure under the different Heads of Service for the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

H.—2o.

3—H. 20,

17

Auckland. Duuedin. Hokitika. Invercargill. Lyttelton. Napier. New Plymouth. Wanganui. j "Wellington. Total. Daily average number of f Male prisoners {Female .. 173-97 18-25 64-17 12-82 12-38 1-27 21-40 070 97-08 12-92 20-00 1-87 21-33 0-06 18-48 2-15 131-00 12-00 559-81 62-04 Total 192-22 76-99 13-65 22-10 110-00 21-87 21-39 20-63 143-00 621-85 Heads of Service. Staff: Salaries and allowances Uniforms £ s. d. 4,138 15 3 159 10 6 £ s. d. 2,731 6 7 100 5 6 £ s. d. 621 5 2 11 12 4 £ s. d. 677 10 9 11 12 4 £ s. d. 3,131 2 2 98 16 8 £ s. d. 962 18 3 13 16 2 £ s. d. 900 16 8 30 12 8 £ s. d. 663 11 9 20 16 2 £ s. d. 3,859 3 7 131 4 4 £ s. d. 17,686 10 2 578 6 8 Total 4,298 5 9 2,831 12 1 632 17 6 689 3 1 976 14 5 931 9 4 18,264 16 10 3,229 18 10 684 7 11 3,990 7 11 Cost per prisoner 22 7 2 36 15 6 46 7 3 31 3 8 29 7 3 44 13 3 43 10 11 33 3 6 27 18 1 29 7 5 Maintenance : Rations Fuel and light Bedding, clothing, &c. Medicines and medical comforts Furniture Soap and cleaning materials 1,267 3 1 229 7 7 494 10 7 44 3 1 12 16 8 42 5 3 619 8 5 85 17 10 244 8 6 44 3 5 45 19 3 21 7 0 160 2 1 26 6 6 17 16 0 10 18 8 1 10 0 6 6 4 151 0 7 68 13 6 109 4 0 0 3 6 757 7 10 292 10 6 276 2 6 32 5 3 32 11 10 58 0 0 153 0 11 61 9 0 37 14 3 19 5 3 9 9 8 5 11 1 259 10 10 93 13 9 47 10 0 20 12 8 3 6 2 5 5 9 196 2 0 90 13 8 61 6 7 17 18 7 29 6 4 25 8 8 1,239 5 11 293 3 3 328 19 11 191 10 8 27 5 0 27 0 1 4,803 1 8 1,241 15 7 1,617 12 4 381 1 1 162 4 11 196 0 10 4 16 8 Total 2,090 6 3 1,061 4 5 222 19 7 333 18 3 1,448 17 11 286 10 2 429 19 2 420 15 10 2,107 4 10 8,401 16 5 Cost per prisoner 10 17 7 13 3 5 13 15 8 16 6 9 15 2 2 13 2 0 20 2 0 20 7 11 14 14 9 13 10 3 Incidental : Rates, rent, &c. Conveyance of officers and prisoners Tools and materials for prison labour Gratuities to prisoners on discharge, &c. .. 52 19 0 84 5 7 91 0 4 146 6 2 108 11 8 10 7 67 16 5 9 8 7 8 5 9 30 4 8 7 0 0 6 18 0 52 0 0 48 19 8 39 12 8 66 10 0 17 1 3 45 3 7 15 18 4 9 17 2 12 0 0 7 12 6 56 7 4 38 10 7 42 1 10 130 5 7 169 5 6 260 10 4 97 11 8 271 5 10 536 12 5 454 18 7 577 3 7 59"4 6 57 11 2 Total 374 11 1 177 8 8 47 19 0 73 2 6 88 0 4 77 3 8 136 19 9 1,840 0 5 207 2 4 657 13 1 Cost per prisoner 1 18 11 2 6 1 3 10 3 3 6 2 1 17 8 4 0 5 3 12 2 6 12 9 4 12 0 2 19 2 Gross total cost 6,763 3 1 4,070 5 2 903 16 1 1,096 3 10 28,506 13 8 Gross cost per prisoner per annum 4,885 19 1 1,351 4 11 61 15 8 1,438 12 2 67 5 1 1,242 3 6 60 4 2 6,755 5 10 35 3 8 52 17 3 66 4 3 49 12 0 44 8 4 47 4 10 45 16 10 Deduct : Cash received for maintenance Work for other departments, &c. 624 7 0 3,983 11 10 36 9 7 1,162 10 5 2 0 0 68 8 0 215 12 0 310 14 6 100 8 6 2,101 18 10 81 6 6 64 2 0 33"l8 0 2 9 9 40 1 4 3,072 0 7 1,102 14 8 10,797 4 2 .. Total 4,607 18 10 1,199 0 0 70 8 0 526 6 6 I 2,202 7 4 145 8 6 33 18 0 2 9 9 3,112 1 11 11,899 18 10 16,606 14 10 Net total cost 2,155 4 3 2,871 5 2 37 5 9 833 8 1 569 17 4 2,683 11 9 I 1,205 16 5 1,404 14 2 1,239 13 9 3,643 3 11 Net cost per prisoner per annum 11 4 3 61 1 1 ! 25 15 8 24 7 10 26 14 1 55 2 8 65 13 5 60 1 9 25 9 5

H.—2o.

Table C. Education of Prisoners received during the Year 1901.

Table D. Ages of Prisoners received during the Year 1901, and Causes of their Detention.

18

Prisons. Superior Education. Read and write. Kead only. Unable to read. Totals. Auckland.. Dunedin .. Hokitika .. Invercargill Lyttelton Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Waiotapu Wellington Minor gaols t M. 7 1 5 1 4 3 p. M. 714 325 34 96 627 140 82 169 24 562 460 p. 179 86 4 8 130 17 2 10 138 14 M. 16 8 2 24 6 g 12 4 6 27 F. 6 6 14 1 1 "s 1 M. 82 23 2 6 25 16 10 12 F. 12 2 'a 18 2 1 4 M. 819 356 39 107 677 166 104 193 37 609 523 F. 197 94 4 10 162 19 4 15 148 19 9 2 6 39 30 2 4 Total 38 3,233 588 114 37 245 17 3,630 672

•a § 1 i g § I I I I 1 * g a 5 s a J '3 I i § I 1 o S a § ■ H Under 10 years :| Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy L0 to 15 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy L5 to 20 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy JO to 25 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 25 to B0 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy JO to 40 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 10 to 50 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 50 to 60 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy i0 years and upwards: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 2 30 4 18 49 27 63 36 17 70 1 1 24 4 1 38 3 19 1 31 5 39 .. i - 2 3 2 5 1 2 3 1 1 7 5 4 2 4 6 7 2 29 2 13 31 985 29 6 73 i 3 11 i 7 5 4 2 2 5 11 1 5 1 8 1 1 14 3 7 1 i 8 4 1 16 8 10 10 4 14 2 1 5 10 1 i 32 9 7 37 25 34 2 26 26 62 2 i .\ 8 21 4 11 1 27 10 38 3 21 12 40 3 i 8 ii 157 37 54 4 227 96 258 10 185 89 324 8 51 31 194 4 36 3 72 2 3 6 3 7 10 12 1 28 11 148 5 7 L8 3 25 3 7 1 9 4 33 2 11 62 47 120 2 20 13 71 7 257 135 678 22 22 18 164 1 13 2 68 4 1 2 1 2 4 10 25 9 157 3 8 87 4 3 8 1 4 10 33 1 5 1 34 26 98 2 8 15 73 9 121 98 649 18 16 10 108 12 5 47 2 1 4 3 7 8 1 14 4 103 6 24 2 1 1 3 2 13 1 1 9 15 52 13 9 52 9 70 61 411 16 " 7 1 5 1 4 6 2 7 1 53 2 1 18 1 6 1 2 1 16 1 1 7 2 17 3 6 30 4 35 26 226 10 12 1 8 ! 3 i Summary: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences Debt or lunacy 213 114 682 7 100 18 261 11 9 23 11 26 37 47 7 165 42 632 22 43 113 7 58 13 30 7 51 31 121 5 35 2 208 150 391 8 113 69 324 36 1,060 542 2,612 88 Total 1,016 43 117 I 839 185 108 450 208 37 757 542 4,302

H.—2o.

Table E. Previously Convicted Prisoners received during the Year 1901.

Table F. Previously Convicted Prisoners for Five Years, 1897-1901.

Table G. Crimes of Prisoners sentenced to Hard Labour for Twelve Months and upwards during the Year 1901.

19

Prisons. Once. Twice. Thrice or oftener. Total. Vuekland .. Dunedin Hokitika invercargill jyttelton .. Napier "flew Plymouth vVanganui .. iVaiotapu .. Wellington tlinor gaols .'. M. 90 31 1 6 96 24 16 27 88 47 F. 15 7 1 9 1 15 1 M. 42 16 3 2 45 12 8 9 p. 8 5 1 8 1 H. 341 103 10 18 211 62 16 37 1 136 118 F. 136 65 2 2 123 10 11 97 6 M. 473 150 14 26 352 98 40 73 1 268 194 F. 159 77 3 3 140 11 12 120 7 44 29 8 81 1,053 452 1,689 532 Total 426 49 210

Once. Twice. Thrico or oftener. Total. Year. .897 .898 .899 .900 .901 M. 293 344 364 354 426 F. 38 41 34 38 49 M. 142 207 201 217 210 F. 24 24 25 26 31 M. 719 808 901 1,018 1,053 F. 416 365 395 458 452 II. 1,154 1,359 1,466 1,589 1,689 F. 478 430 454 522 532

issault with intent to rob issault causing bodily harm .. irson Abortion, procuring of, &c. Bestiality Burglary carnally knowing, &o. conspiring to defraud .. Bmbezzlement with fraud ?eloniously receiving .. ?orgery and uttering Horse and cattle stealing lousebreaking, and possessing implements for .. indecent assault indecent exposure insulting language .. .. jarceny not otherwise described larceny from the person 8 11 5 2 3 5 6 3 9 2 . 31 8 . 33 . 17 2 2 41 . 10 Larceny from the dwelling Malicious damage Manslaughter Murder Obtaining money by false pretences Perjury Provoking breach of the peaoe .. Rape Rape, attempted Robbery Robbery with violence Sheep-stealing Shooting at .. Sodomy Stealing post-letters Vagrancy Wounding 9 1 3 1 .. 10 1 1 6 4 6 1 3 2 1 1 8 12 Total .. .. 268

H.—2o.

Table H. Visits of the Visiting Justices to the Larger Prisons during the Year 1901.

Table I. Visits of the Inspector of Prisons to the Larger Prisons during the Year 1901.

20

Prisons and Visiting Justices. 6 t 1 1 1 1 i 3 £ i I 1 a B 1 o Si j I I 3 Auckland: Hon. T. Thompson W. McCullough C. La Roche T. H. White J. H. Hannan Dunedin: W. L. Simpson Dr. Hislop W. Thomson E. B. Cargill Hon. Hugh Gourley, M.L.C. A. G. Christopher J. N. Brown J. Muir.. J. Hyman Hokitika: Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C. J. Bevan Inveroargill: Hon. H. Peldwick, M.L.C. W. Todd T. G. Stone J. Turnbull R. P. Cuthbertson Lyttelton: R. Westenra J. Hamilton W. W. Collins .. J. A. H, Marciel Napier: J. S. Large E. Lyndon New Plymouth : H. Weston D. Berry C. Ahier E. Doekrill C. K. Stock Wanganui: E. N. Liffiton .. ' P. A. Krull G. Carson J. Thain J. H. Keesing Wellington: J. R. Blair E. Arnold J. Lachman J. Kays W. E. Sansbury 1 3 3 3 3' 2 13 1 4 2 1 2 4 4 2 3 1 2* ii 5* 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 12' 6 4 i" i 5 3 2 4 1 i' 12 1 7 1 a' i 4 4 1 1 5 i 5 3 1 12 3 2 8 ' * a 4 4 1 3' 4 i" e' 5 4 1 2 2 5 3 1 4 2 3 2* 5 1 1 i 3 1 4 4 2 2 2 2 3 8 1 1 2 5 1 4 .. : 2 2 3 3 1 2 2 :;' i . i' i' 9 8 1 .. . . a , :: :: i - .. 3 4 4 2 4 2 2 3 3 2 8 1 1 1 2 3 5 1 5 2 34 1 1 1 5 4 5 11 1 1 2 1 4 3 2 11 1 37 37 22 1 8 7 1 80 14 46 G5 2 1 7 1 5 11 2 1 20 49 21 17 4 4 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 3 1 4 3 2 3 3 1 i * 3 1 3 1 36 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 2 4 2 5 2 1 1 1 2' 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 13 5 1 2 3 i' .. i 1 2 2 1 3 4 1 6 2 i' 1 1 3 3 5' 1 4 i 3 4 1 1 3 2 3 4 1 1 7 1 2 39 7 36 34 5° 3' 1 3 o 4 2 4' 9 5* 'J 2 4

Prisons. J 9 fa I I t i a 2 p< CO 00 u a> I a o Si 9 % u ! a 2 a Auckland 5,18,19 16, 18 8, 18, 19, 20, 25 8 22,23,25, 26, 27,28 30,31 Dunedin 20,22,23, 27, 31 1,2 27,28 Hokitika Inveroargill .. Lyttelton Napier New Plymouth Waiotapu 28,'29 20 11 4, 5,6 26 1,2,3 22 30 19 1G 22 1, 2, 8, 11, 20,22 29 10,11,12, 15 6, 30 12 16,17,18, 19, 20 26, 27 Wanganui .. Wellington .. 24 9 23 27 28 10,15 6 14 5, 25 20 11,14,18

H.—2o.

Table J. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1901. AUCKLAND PRISON.

21

Initials of Prisoner. Offence for which punished. By whom reported. By whom sentenced. Punishment D. S. Threatening language to his officer Insulting language to the Official Visitor Threatening language to his officer Obscene language to an officer Being in possession of prohibited articles Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Cook T. H. White, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. M. M. The Matron 3 days bread and water. D. S. Warder Sweet J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. C. W. Warder Levin C. La Roche, V.J. .. R. H. PI. Warden Ironside.. T. H. White, V.J. .. D. S. Warder McSporran .. C. La Roche, V.J., and T. H. White, V.J. Ditto D. S. Being in possession of prohibited article Disturbing the quiet of the prison Insulting and threatening language to his officer Insolence and refusing to work Disobedience of lawful orders and refusing to work Fighting on the prison-works Idleness and refusing to work Disturbing the quiet of the prison and insulting language to his officer Being in possession of prohibited articles Disobedience of lawful orders and insulting language to his officer Being in possession of prohibited articles Assaulting prison officers 1 day bread and water. D. S. Warder Speight T. H. White, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. G. A. V. PI. Warder Rutherford R. H. Warder Cook C. La Roohe, V.J. .. J. M. Warder Gideon To forfeit 20 marks. A A. J. J. J. C. T. J. Warder Johnston Hon. T. Thompson,V.J. C. La Roche, V.J., and T. H. White, V.J. 2 days bread and water. Warder Brien 3 days bread and water. J. G. T. H. White, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. W. F. PI. Warder Rutherford T. H. White, V.J., and C. La Roohe, V.J. 3 days bread and water R. H. Warder Ironside J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water, and to forfeit 48 marks. 2 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. 2 days bread and water. R. H. PI. Warder Rutherford and Warder Gideon H. W. Brabant, S.M. J. O'B. J. O'B. J. H. Disobedience of lawful orders Insolence to his officer Disobedience of lawful orders and insulting language to his officer Sending out a letter to his wife surreptitiously Assaulting a fellow-prisoner PI. Warder Chilton .. C. La Roche, V.J. .. Warder Levin 1 day bread and water. J. M. The Gaoler C. La Roche, V.J., and T. H. White, V.J. J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. R. H. Prisoner Fahey 2 days bread and water, and to forfeit 48 marks. 2 days bread and water. 2 days bread and water, and to forfeit 48 marks. 3 days bread and water. T. L. R.H.A. Disobedience of lawful orders Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Warder Hamilton Warder Gideon C. La Roche, V.J. .. J. H. Hannan, V.J. .. K. R. Disobedience of lawful orders and threatening language to his officer Warder Denison C. La Roohe, V.J. .. DUNEDIN PRISON. C. J. Being in possession of pro- Warder Glover hibited articles P. MoC. Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Reardon J. B. Disobedience of lawful orders The Matron and refusing to work H. W. Idleness and disturbing the Warder Fuller quiet of the prison E. McG. Refusing to work.. .. j The Matron R. R. Destroying prison property Warder Glover H.J. Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Reardon H. J. Being in possession of pro- I „ hibited articles H. W. Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Parker and quitting the ranks J. B. S. Being in possession of pro- Warder Reardon hibited articles G. R. Ditto H. W. Damaging prison property Hon. H. Gourley, V.J. j To forfeit 42 marks. „ J. N. Brown, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. Hon. H. Gourley, V.J. 3 days bread and water. „ ! 2 days bread and water. F. Mallard, J.P., and '• To pay 7s. damages. T. Ewing, J.P. Hon. H. Gourley, V.J. To forfeit 84 marks. „ j To forfeit 42 marks. A. G. Christopher, V.J. 3 days bread and water. Hon. H. Gourley, V.J. To forfeit 48 marks. A.G.Christopher,V.J., | To forfeit 42 marks. and J. Muir, V.J. Ditto H. W. Wilful mismanagement of Warder Treacy work P. H. D. ; Being in possession of pro- ; Warder Reardon hibited articles H. W. Ditto H. W. Disorderly conduct .. , , .. .. To forfeit 8 marks. .. 3 days bread and water. » • • . • »

H.—2o.

Table J— continued. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1901— continued. HOKITIKA PRISON.

22

Initials of Prisoner. Initials of Offence for which punished. Prisoner. M. B. Refusing to work.. M. B. Disobedience of lawful orders M. B. Being in possession of prohibited articles W. M. Escaping from legal custody By wnom reported. By whom sentenced. Punishment. Warder Brown .. J. Bevan, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. I \ '„ . . „ . . „ Warder Bartlernan The Gaoler .. .. D. Macfarlane, S.M... 12 months hard labour ir addition to original sen tence. INVERCARGILL PRISON. H. H. I Assaulting a prisoner A.J.McN A.J.McN Insolence to his officer C. H. A. J. R. | Attempting to escape The Gaoler .. .. W. Todd, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. Warder Anthony .. F. G. Stone, V.J. The Gaoler Warder Dickison .. „ .. „ The Gaoler .. S. E. McCarthy, S.M. 6 months hard labour in addition to original sen 3 days bread and water. 6 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. 3 days bread and water. W. T. Fighting A.J.McN G. H. Disobedienceoflawfulorders A.J.McN! Insolence to his officer D. M. F. j Idleness J. M. j Refusing to work.. W. W. tence. Warder Anthony .. F. G. Stone, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. Warder Dickison .. „ .. „ Warder Anthony .. „ .. 2 days bread and water. .. R. F. Cuthbertson, V.J. 3 days bread and water. Warder Hawkins .. F. G. Stone, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. Warder Anthony .. W. Todd, V.J., and 3 days bread and water. F. G. Stone, V.J. 2 days bread and water. 3 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. 3 days bread and water. LYTTELTON P: ;ISON. H. C. Disobedicnceof lawful orders Warder Ching R. Westenra, V.J., and J. Hamilton, V.J. Ditto To forfeit 36 marks. J. S. E. H. Disturbing the quiet of the prison Idleness and threatening language Ditto .. Warder Rafter Warder Ching To forfeit 24 marks. 2 days bread and water. J. K. Acting PI. Warder Manning Ditto R. Westenra, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. W.H.H. R. Westenra, V.J., and J. Hamilton, V.J. Ditto J. McG. Disturbing the quiet of the prison Ditto .. Warder Lodge 1 day bread and water. W.H.H. W.H.H. E. H. R. D. R. D. Fighting on the works Idleness and insolence Warder Brownie Warder Murray 2 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. R. D. P. McG. Idleness Damaging prison property Warder McMillan Warder Rafter R." Westenra, V.J., J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto 1 day bread and water. P. McG. J. H. Disturbing the quiet of the prison Burning prison clothing .. Leaving the ranks without leave Leaving the ranks and picking up tobacco Throwing bread through his cell window Thrtatening language to his officer Fighting Warder Brownie Warder Ching A. S. I. F. The Assistant Matron Warder Quartermain W. B. Warder McMillan .. 2 days bread and water. W. M. Warder Brownie J. Hamilton, V.J. 1 day bread and water. J. C. Warder Vincent 2 days bread and water. J. C. R. W. B. W. B. Improper language to a fel-low-prisoner Disobedience of lawful orders Warder Lodge Warder Vincent Acting Principal Warder Manning PI. Warder Bell 1 day bread and water. G. E. B. R. Westenra, V.J., J. Hamilton, V.J., and J. A. H. Marciel.V.J. Ditto R. Westenra, V.J., and J. Hamilton, V.J. Ditto 2 days bread and water. W. B. A. H. Obscene language Disturbing the quiet of the prison Damaging prison property.. Creating a disturbance during Divine service Disturbing the quiet of the prison Damaging prison property Warder Lodge 3 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. W. M. W. B. « Warder Brownie Warder Vincent 3 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. W. B. Warder Quartermain 2 days bread and water. W. M. Warder Ching J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. 3 days bread and water.

H.—2o.

Table J — continued. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1901— continued. NAPIER PRISON.

23

Initials of Offence for which punished, 'risoner. By whom reported. By whom sentenced. Punishment. W. N. Disobedienceoflawfulorders D. McL. Idleness.. M. P. „ R. P. Insulting language to his officer D. McL. Being in possession of prohibited artioles W. H. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Warder MoNamara .. J. S. Large, V.J. 1 day bread and water. 2 days bread and water. Warder Nicholson .. 3 days bread and water. Warder Nicholson and Warder Roberts Warder Nicholson .. . 1 day bread and water. P. M. Obsoene language to his officer NEW PLYMOUTH PRISON. G. A. G. A. G. M. A. W. P. L. Idleness on the works .. Warder Lacey Illicit writing on closet- „ paper Disobedienceoflawfulorders „ Refusing to work.. .. The Gaoler .. False and malicious charges against prison officials H. Weston, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. To forfeit 3 days' marks. .. To forfeit 14 days' marks. WANGANUI P: 1ISON. E. H. Threatening a fellow-pri-soner Profane language Insulting language to the Gaoler Assaulting a fellow prisoner Making a wound in his body Secreting a knife Secreting tobacoo The Gaoler E. N. Liffiton, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. E. H. E. H. u P. MoG. H. C. Warder Partington .. Warder Steele Acting-Warder Redmond Warder Partington .. T. Bamber, J.P., and A. A. Brown, J.P. I. H. Keesing, V.J. .. J. Thain, V.J. 7 days bread and water. 1 day bread and water. S. C. R'. M. J. G. Insulting language to his officer F. A. Krull, V.J. WAIOTAPU PRISON. Nil. WELLINGTON PRISON. H. F. F. C. F. C. Obscene language .. Warder Bethune .. The Matron Disturbing the quiet of the prison Escaping from legal custody Warder Murphy J. Lachman, V.J. 3 days bread and water. J. C. A. McArthur, S.M. .. 6 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. Ditto. F. K. J. K. H. N. F. K. W. R. Haselden, S.M. J. R. Threatening language .. PI. Warder Millington Escaping from legal custody „ Warder F. E. Ring .. J. Kays, V. J. W. R. Haselden, S.M. 1 day bread and water. 9 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. 6 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. 12 months hard labour in addition to original sentence. E. W. His Honour Judge Edwards

H—2o.

Table K. "FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT, 1886." Ages and Terms of Probation of Offenders placed under the Act during the Year 1901.

Approximate Coat of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1.600 copies), £20 15s. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2.

Price 9d.l

24

Ages. M0 Sr ana ™ s - M™*S.. Twelve Eighteen Months. Months. Two Years. Three Years. Total. Jnder 10 years ?rom 10 to 15 years . 15 „ 20 „ „ 20 „ 25 „ „ 25 „ 30 „ „ 30 „ 40 „ „ 40 „ 50 „ „ 50 „ 60 „ iO years and upwards .. 2 4 1 6 1 1 2 9 8 3 1 2 6 2 1 15 12 2 5 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 8 2'.) 27 7 14 18 3 1 1 1 i Totals 15 H ! i 32 1 38 1 97