DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, PRISONS BRANCH (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1903; ALSO THE OPERATION OF "THE FIRST OFFENDERS" PROBATION ACT, 1886" (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1903.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1904 Session I, H-20

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1904. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, PRISONS BRANCH (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1903; ALSO THE OPERATION OF "THE FIRST OFFENDERS" PROBATION ACT, 1886" (REPORT ON), FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1903.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly b\f Gommmd of His Excellency.

The Inspector op Prisons to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. Sir, — Department of Justice, Prisons Branch, Ist June, 1904. I have the honour to present this my twenty-third annual report on the prisons of the colony, together with the eighteenth annual report on the working of " The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886." 1. The system recently adopted of publishing extracts from the annual reports of the several Gaolers is continued this year, and their remarks and suggestions will be read with interest by those concerned in the well-being and reformation of prisoners generally. 2. During the past year I have adopted my usual custom of making surprise visits (as far as possible) to the different prisons, as shown in table marked J, and have invariably found them clean and in good sanitary condition, and the management is both effective and economical. 3. The supplies furnished by the various contractors for use in the prisons, with the exception of the tree-planting establishments, have been obtained by public tender. The tenders are submitted to the Visiting Justices, whose recommendations have been invariably adopted, with the result that there have been no complaints of any moment, and it is believed that no better system can be substituted for obtaining supplies. At the tree-planting prisons, owing to their isolated posiiions, it is found impossible to obtain tenders, but every care is taken that the supplies are purchased at, the lowest market rates. 4. There were only 3 escapes during the year, as against 13 in 1902—viz., 1 from Taiaroa Heads, 1 from Point Halswell, and 1 from Wellington. Wich the exception of the Taiaroa Heads prisoner, they were very speedily recaptured and dealt with by the Courts. 5. Of the three escapes during the past year, two certainly should have failed to get away had proper vigilance been exercised. The Taiaroa Heads escape was entirely due to divided authority, as a Eoyal New Zealand Artillery sentry was on duty at the spot where the escape took place, and should certainly have prevented the prisoners going ; and in the Wellington Prison escape the sentry on the tower at the time should most certainly have stopped the prisoner from going over the fence, and he was in consequence substantially fined for neglect of duty. 6. As has been before pointed out, some of these escapes and attempts to escape, which from time to time take place in all prisons, are not due to any hope of success, but simply to the desire to obtain notoriety. 7. In December, 1902, there were confined in the various prisons of the colony 653 persons, while in December, 1903, the numbers had risen to 739, an increase of 86 persons. In reviewing these numbers it muse be recollected that during the year 1902 there was a decrease of 60 prisoners, so that the prison population (for they cannot properly be termed " the criminal class ") is a fluctuating quantity, moving up and down like a barometer. Another reason for the increase of prisoners is, I think, due to the flourishing state of the colony, and the consequent influx of undesirable characters from other colonies which are not so prosperous. It ha 3 been found, as a rule, that where things are booming and money is plentiful, prisoners will also be plentiful. 8. From Table A it will be seen that the health of the prisoners has been good ; the daily average of the sick was 713 males and 0 51 femaies, an increase of 278 males and o'o4 females as compared with the previous year. It; is satisfactory to know there were no cases of small-pox or plague in any prison. There were two cases of measles in Wanganui Prison, but in consequence of the steps taken to prevent infection there were no other cases. 9. Nine deaths occurred amongst prisoners during the year—4 in Auckland, 1 in Dunedin, 2in New Plymouth, lin Wellington, and 1 in Naseby (minor gaol). In each case a Coroner's inquest was held in accordance with the Prison Act, and verdicts of " Death from natural causes " were returned. I—H. -20.

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10. There were no executions during the past year. 11. From Table A it will be seen at the commencement of the year there were 605 males and 48 females in custody, and at the close of the year there were 677 males and 62 females, an increase of 72 males and 4 females. During the year 4,813 males and 626 females passed through the various prisons, as against 4,149 males and 614 females in the previous year, an increase of 664 males and 12 females, or a total increase of 676 persons. 12. During last year the daily average number of prisoners in the different prisons has been 673 males and 68-20 females, an increase of 61-48 males and 910 females. 13. From figures supplied by the Registrar-General the population of the colony at the end of the year 1903 was 462,706 males and 412,862 females, a total of 875,648 persons ; whilst on the same date the number of prisoners (males and females) was 739. The average percentage of prisoners according to population was 00844, as against 0-0767 in the previous year, an increase of 00077. 14. During the year 1903, 4 male misdemeanants in default of bail, and 42 males and 7 females, supposed lunatics, were detained in the prisons—a decrease of 6 males in the former, and an increase of 3 males and 3 females in the latter. 15. During the past year 506 males and 30 females were acquitted after remand, as against 524 males and 56 females in the previous year, a decrease of 18 males and 26 females. 16. From the figures given in Table B it will be seen that the prisoners were maintained last year at a gross cost of £47 14s. 4d. per capita, as against £46 Is. lOd. in 1902. The gross total was made up as follows: Staff supervision, £28 55., as against £28 IBs. lOd. ; maintenance, £15 17s. 6d, as against £13 16s. 7d.; incidental, £3 lis. 10d., as against £3 Bs. sd. Of the incidentals, £323 10s. 2d. is recouped to the Government—viz., Bailway Department £258 os. 2d., and Post and Telegraph, £65 10s. 17. This increase in the gross cost was foretold in last year's report, and is due to the fact of the rise in prices.for all sorts of provisions and wearing-apparel, it being generally admitted that during the last year or two living in New Zealand has gone up 30 per cent. In support of this contention, it will be noticed that the large increase in expenditure is in maintenance, the increase in incidentals being very slight, while there is a decrease in the staff supervision. Economy is never lost sight of when compatible with efficiency. 18. As regards the educational attainments of prisoners, a reference to Table C shows that out of a total of 4.208 males and 578 females received during the year, 24 males were of superior education, 3,884 males and 511 females were able to read and write, 70 males and 21 females could read only, whilst 230 males and 46 females could neither read nor write. 19. In Table F will be found a comparison of the previously conviated prisoners sentenced during the past year with those sentenced five years ago —viz., in 1899—showing in those once convicted an increase of 132 males and 17 females ; in those twice convicted an increase of 83 males and 5 females; and in those thrice or oftener convicted an increase of 265 males and a decrease of 32 females. 20. Table J shows that there was a decrease in prison punishments of 55—viz., 106, as against 161 in 1902. Of these 99 were minor prison offences and were dealt with by the Visiting Justices, while 7 being aggravated prison offences were dealt with in the Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts. It is stated without fear of contradiction that we are at present getting the maximum amount of discipline and efficiency with the minimum amount of punishment. 21. There were only two reports against subordinate officers again last year, as against the same number in the previous year—viz., 1 at Dunedin and 1 at Wellington—the former for being asleep on duty, and the latter for want of vigilance when on sentry duty, by which a prisoner escaped. During the past year the working-hours for the subordinate officers have been considerably reduced without much loss of prison labour, and the shorter hours are much appreciated. The Department has every reason to be satisfied with the way in which all the officers have carried out their duties during the past year. 22. As regards new prisons, the wing giving accommodation for sixty male prisoners in Wellington is now completed and occupied, and as it was urgently required it is appreciated, and has relieved the overcrowding that has from time to time been experienced in that prison. The new wing is built of bricks made at Mount Cook Prison works, and is up to date in every respect. The building of the new prison at Mount Eden is progressing very well, and the wing now under construction should be fit for occupation shortly. A new Gaoler's residence has been built at Mount Eden, in brick, during the past year, and' is now completed and occupied. The foundations for the new prison at Invercargill are being prepared, and a considerable amount of building-material is now ready on the ground. A small new prison is much required at Gisborne owing to the one in use there being so small. The districts around are so large and prosperous that it is more than probable a larger and up-to-date gaol will be required there in the near future. 23. As regards the expenses of prisoners at tree-planting prisons, which are not included in Table B, at Waiotapu, where there are 4 officers and 41 prisoners, the gross annual cost per prisoner was £44 2s. Id., made up as follows: Staff supervision, £17 os. Bd. ; maintenance, £19 7s. 9d.; incidentals, £7 10s. 3d.—in these charges no credit is taken for any work done. At Hanmer Springs there are 4 officers and 25 men, but as the prison there was only opened in September last no financial statistics can yet be given. 24. At both Waiotapu anu Hanmer Prisons good work is being done, as may be gathered from the extracts from the Gaolers' reports printed herewith, and by the end of the present month there will probably be some 19 officers and 176 prisoners employed at tree-planting prisons as follows : Dumgree, 4 officers and 37 prisoners ; Hanmer Springs, 4 officers and 25 prisoners ; Waipa Valley, 4 officers and 33 prisoners; and Waiotapu, 7 officers and 81 prisoners. The work at these tree-planting prisons, though hard, is healthy and suitable, and under the circumstances discipline is fairly well maintained without punishments, as there are no Visiting

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Justices available for these prisons, while the separation of the better class of prisoners from the hardened criminals, with the attendant dangers, is of the utmost importance and value. There have been no escapes and few complaints from the inmates of these tree-planting camps, When the prisons above referred to are opened, out of a total of 664 male prisoners 176 will be at tree-planting prisons. 25. Now, as regards the supposed increasing criminal class of the colony last year, it will be recollected statistics were taken from the decade 1892 to 1902, and since commencing to write this report information as to statistics of crime in the United Kingdom for the same decade has been published by the Home Office. We find that there was a moderate decrease in the number of indictable offences in the earlier portion of the decade, and a very slight increase in the last two or three years, and exactly the same results are shown for the decade for New Zealand. Then, again, the Home Office report says, "The recent increase in indictable offences is ascribed in part to the increased energy and efficiency of the police, and in part to the return of persons to this country from South Africa who did not find employment after the conclusion of the war." The increase in New Zealand was put down to the influx of stowaways, the better identification of criminals, and consequently less undetected crime. The Home Office report then goes on to say, " What is more serious is the significant increase during the decade of persons received into prison, whether considered absolutely or relatively to population—from 183,143 in 1892 to 287,384 in 1902." The above quotations have been made for the purpose of showing how closely the fluctuations in the prison-population of the United Kingdom tally with those in this colony, and how inexplicable the increases and decreases are in either country. It is satisfactory, however, to find the New Zealand barometer steady, with a downward tendency, as at the present time the prison-population is 727, as against 732 on the first day of the year. First Offenders' Probation Act. A reference to Table X shows that 110 persons were placed on probation last year, as against 127 in 1902. Of these, 23 have satisfactorily carried out the conditions of their licenses and have been discharged, 2 were rearrested, 1 absconded, 1 died, and 83 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 £252 17s. 5d., of which £175 15s. has been actually paid, and there is every reason to believe 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 £3,786, which sum, added to the amount of costs, &c, actually paid in, represents a saving of £3,961 15s. lOd. Of the 1,566 persons placed on probation since the introduction of " The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886," 1,333 have been discharged after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of their licenses, 93 have been rearrested and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, 1 committed suicide, 2 died, 1 was sent to the lunatic asylum, 35 absconded, and 101 still remain fulfilling the terms of their licenses. From the foregoing it will be seen that a percentage of 85-12 per cent, have done well, while only a percentage of 223 have eluded the vigilance of the Probation Officers and police and have escaped. Comment is needless. There is a certain amount of diversity of opinion on this Act, some thinking it too freely used, and others that it should be extended; but as long as the matter of recommending remains in the hands of Probation Officers it is believed that no widening or contraction of the Act is necessary at present. The success of the carrying-out of the Act is in a great measure due to the efforts of Probation Officers, who deserve every credit for the satisfactory manner they have performed their onerous and unpaid duties. I have, &c, A. Hume, The Hon. the Minister of Justice. Inspector of Prisons.

GAOLEBS' BEPOBTS FOB 1903.

Auckland Prison. H.M. Prison, Auckland, 18th January, 1904. I report as follows regarding this Prison for the year ending the 31st December, 1903 : — There were received during that period 780 males and 106 females, being an increase of 63 males and 6 females over the year 1902 ; the daily average also was high, within a fraction of 200 of both sexes, which was about 13 above the previous year. The health of the prisoners has been very satisfactory. There were 4 deaths—3 in the Prison (one of whom was dying on admission) and 1 in the District Hospital, a Maori, who died of phthisis. Inquests were held in the three former cases, and verdicts of " Death from natural causes " returned in each. , .-■ The conduct of the prisoners has, on the whole, been excellent, only 18 punishments having been inflicted. There was one attempted escape, but the man did not get outside the Prison walls. The work done by the prisoners "during the year has been most satisfactory and valuable, and includes labour for the following Departments, &c.: viz., Defence, at Fort Cautley ; Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court; Government House; Police-station ; Veterans' Home, &c. °The supplies received from the contractors have been of a good quality, and there has been an absence of complaints, which is most gratifying.

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The First Offenders' Probation Act. There is nothing new to report under this heading. Twenty-five males and 5 females have been placed on probation, some of whom are conducting themselves in a satisfactory manner, while in others the reverse is the case. One has absconded, and one has been rearrested for failing to comply with the order of Court. One woman, transferred from another district (not included in above number), died. Fras. Egerton Severnk, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Dunedin Prison. H.M. Prison, Dunedin, 30th January, 1904. I took charge of the Prison on the Ist April, on transfer from Invercargill. Beceived during the year, 355 males and 60 females. The rations supplied by the contractors have been of a good quality. No complaints. Six convicted prisoners were sent to the Lunatic Asylum; in every case they showed symptoms of insanity when received into the Prison. The sentences of five out of the six have expired in the Asylum ; there still remains one unexpired sentence in that institution. The health of the prisoners has been very good ; there was one death. This man was sick and weak when received into prison, suffering from tubercular meningitis, from which he died. One prisoner was sent to the hospital through an accident to his right eye while stonebreaking at the Heads. After a stay of two months he was discharged convalescent. The majority of the prisoners continue to be employed at Taiaroa Heads, excavating, forming the ground for a searchlight, stonebreaking, &c. I paid weekly visits to the Heads ; complaints were few and trivial. The conduct of the prisoners has been good ; only 6 prisoners were punished during the year— 4 for seven minor offences, and 2 for aggravated offences. In every case those punished were old offenders, with a bad prison record. There was one escape from the working-party at Harrington Point, Taiaroa Heads. The police, artillery, and settlers gave every assistance to effect his recapture. The bush was frequently searched, and all outlets on the Peninsula were watched night and day for a fortnight without success. The new cottage built at the Heads is now occupied by the officer in charge, which is an improvement on the old order of things. In accordance with your instructions, the finger-prints of prisoners were taken in this Prison in connection with the system of identification. The discipline staff consists of 1 Chief Warder, 2 Principal Warders, 1 Acting Principal Warder, 9 Warders, 1 Matron, and 1 Assistant Matron. During the year 6 were transferred to other prisons, 1 dismissed, 1 retired, and 1 resigned; 5 were received on transfer from other prisons, and 4 others were appointed in their places. The conduct of the staff has been good, with one exception (whose services were dispensed with). One warder was retired through ill health, being unfit for further prison service. Every Sunday Divine service is held at the Prison, also at Taiaroa Heads—Protestants in the forenoon, Boman Catholics in the afternoon. Messrs. Torrance and Axelson, Chaplains, frequently visit the Prison, and are very assiduous in helping discharged prisoners to make a fresh start in life. Thanks are due to Messrs. Edgar and Miller, who kindly give their services every alternate Sunday as organists. Thanks are also due to George Gray Bussell, Esq., J.P., per Mr. Torrance, for the gift of £3 to purchase new books for the Prison library, which has been done, and is very much appreciated. During the year, Bobert Ewing, Esq., J.P., was appointed a Visiting Justice to the Prison. It is with regret that I have to allude to the death of E. B. Cargill, Esq., who has officiated as Visiting Justice at this Prison since 1871. The First Offenders' Probation Act. On the Ist January, 1903, there were 4 prisoners on probation; 3 were received on transfer from other districts; 10 were committed during the year. Six were transferred to other districts, and 5 discharged, leaving 6 probationers at the end of the year. J. H. Bratby, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Hanmer Springs Prison. H.M. Prison, Hanmer Springs. Beport on the working of this Prison from the sth September to the 31st December, 1903 : — The prisoners were employed placing the huts in position and doing necessary work in connection with the camp till the 21st September, on which date tree-planting commenced and continued till the 26th October, the total number of trees planted being 128,560. The following work has also been carried out: Cleared 4 miles 19 chains of fire-break 12 ft. wide, and 22 acres of scrub ; formed 38 chains of road to nursery ; prepared nursery for lining out trees ; constructed fifty-two seed-protecting frames ; erected a blacksmith's shop and an addition to the kitchen ; dug 4,540 pits for trees. The conduct of the prisoners has been good. There have been several minor cases of sickness, and one man mentally afflicted was transferred back to Lyttelton Prison. The officers have carried out their duties in a satisfactory manner. A. W. Boberts, Principal Warder and Acting-Gaoler.

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Hokitika Prison. H.M. Prison, Hokitika, 23rd January, 1904. On the Ist January, 1903, the numbers in the Prison were—Males, 21 ; females, 2 : total, 23. The admissions during the year have been—Males, 40 ; females, 9 : total, 49. Total number dealt with—Males, 61; females, 11, The discharges during the same period have been—Males, 41 ; females, 9- total, 50. The number in custody on the 31st ultimo —Males, 20; females, 2: total, 22. The daily average during the year was—Males, 2134 ; females, 1-72 ; and of both sexes, 23 06 : an increase of 614 on the 1902 average. It may be gratifying to state that of the prisoners received only a few were born in New Zealand, the majority hailing from the United Kingdom. With a few exceptions the conduct and industry of prisoners has been good. Five prisoners, for repeated acts of misconduct, were awarded secondary punishment by the Visiting Justices. Two Visiting Justices were appointed during the year. I much regret to have to record the death of one of them—Mr. Duncan Macfarlane, S.M.—which took place a few months after his appointment. The health of prisoners generally has been good. Two men, thorough weeds, suffering from general debility were on the sick-list, one for forty and the other for thirty-three days. In the case of a third man, suffering from retention of urine, it was found necessary, in consequence of the Gaol Surgeon's inability to pass catheters, to aspirate the bladder above pubes. Chloroform was administered, and the operation was performed in the presence of a second medical practitioner. The operation was very successful, the prisoner being enabled to resume work a few days thereafter. The successful tenderers for rations and other supplies to the Prison fulfilled the conditions of their contracts satisfactorily. There were no complaints from prisoners. The transfer of two officers from this to other prisons took place during the year. One officer was transferred hither, and a second posted to this Prison on appointment as probationary warder. Conduct of officers good. Prisoners during the year have been employed in keeping the grounds around the Police Camp, Customhouse, Supreme and Magistrate's Court; and a lot of work has been done on the Prison Beserve in procuring a supply of firewood for Prison use. The Prison garden has been very productive during the year, and supplied ample vegetables, &c, for the prisoners' use; keeping it in order also entailed a large amount of labour. A large concrete water-tank for fire-prevention purposes has been made, and is a very creditable piece of work, notwithstanding that unskilled labour was employed. The prisoners' spiritual welfare has been attended to. The clergymen of the various denominations have visited those prisoners belonging to their congregations, and at all times had free access to them. His Lordship the Bishop of Christchurch, and the Yen. Archdeacon Harper, Timaru, during their periodical visits to this portion of the diocese paid their customary visit to this institution, held Divine service, and conversed with prisoners. The First Offenders' Probation Act. Number of probationers on register at the beginning of the year, nil. Number of persons admitted to probation during the year, nil. F. B. Pointon. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Invercargill Prison. H.M. Prison, Invercargill, 28th January, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Bratby were relieved by self and wife as Gaoler and Matron respectively on the 30th March. during the year, 126 males and 15 females ; total, 141. Bemaining in custody at the end of the year, 21 males, 1 female; total, 22. Three males were received for lunacy, and discharged to police after remand. One male awaiting trial was found to be insane, and transferred to the Lunatic Asylum. The conduct of the prisoners, with two exceptions, was good. The health of the prisoners was excellent. A paralytic sentenced to three months' hard labour was unable to do it or anything else. He had to be included in sick-list, which tends to enlarge the percentage. Eight prisoners were punished for eleven minor offences. One prisoner, for an aggravated prison offence, received six months' hard labour in addition to sentence now serving. He savagely assaulted the officer in charge of the working-party while he (the officer) was endeavouring to rescue a fellow-prisoner from his brutal treatment. In this affair another prisoner rendered prompt assistance to the officer, and helped to secure the offender; and I am happy to be able to state that his service on that occasion has been rewarded by a special remission of three months of his sentence. At the request of the prisoners, and by permission, a change in the ration-scale from A to B was made, fresh tenders being called for, and the same contractor being the successful tenderer. The quality of the rations was good throughout, and the regulations regarding them were strictly observed. The conduct and efficiency of the officers was very good. The dilapidated state of the old Prison, outbuildings, and iron fence, not to mention the objectionable necessity of having to put more than one prisoner in a cell, makes it necessary that the new prison should be built without delay. To this end the prisoners have been employed in constructing drains, excavating, and in reclaiming the lower portion of the new Prison ground, which was practically a swamp, but about an acre and a half of which is now a kitchen-garden,

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where vegetables of all kinds, including potatoes, are growing—enough, I hope, to supply Prison requirements during the present year. A portion of the gravel and sand taken out was sold, but being doubtful as to our own requirements I have stopped the sale of any more for the present. First Offenders' Probation Act. There were seven probationers on the register at the beginning of the year ; 3 were placed on probation in the district, and 1 was received from another district; 7 were discharged, having satisfactorily carried out the conditions of their license, and 1 was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for an offence other than that for which he was placed on probation ; leaving 3 on probation at the end of the year. Alex. Armstrong, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Lyttelton Prison. H.M. Prison, Lyttelton, 24th January, 1904. I report on the working of this Prison for the year ended the 31st December, 1903. Beceived 733 males and 143 females, discharged 735 males and 139 females ; leaving 117 males and 13 females at the end of the year. The male prisoners were employed on reclamation-works at Sticking Point, Sumner Boad Quarry, and at Quail Island, where they have erected three large concrete water-tanks. Female prisoners were as usual employed at sewing, washing, &c. The conduct of the prisoners has been fairly good. No aggravated prison offences have occurred during the year. Twenty-one prisoners were punished by solitary confinement for short periods, and 13 by forfeiture of marks. The health of the prisoners has been good. There have been only 66 cases of sickness during the year, 3of which were sent to the Christchurch Hospital for treatment. One of the number, a life prisoner, died therein. An inquest was held on his remains. Verdict, " Died from natural causes." The rations supplied by the contractors were of good quality. No complaints were made by prisoners either to yourself or to the Visiting Justices as to quality or quantity. Twenty-two prisoners were transferred from the Prison to Hanmer Springs, where they are employed at tree-planting. The conduct of the officers has been very good. Probation Act. Only one youth (twenty years of age) was dealt with during the year. He was sentenced to twelve months' probation and ordered to refund to his master £12 which he embezzled. He has removed from here to the Invercargill district, where he has been promised employment. M. M. Cleary, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Napier Prison. H.M. Prison, Napier, sth February, 1904. In custody on the Ist January, 42 males and 4 females ; received during the year, 250 males and 17 females; discharged, 233 males and 21 females; in Prison, 31st December, 1903, 38 males and no females. The conduct of the prisoners has been good. There were five punishments, and in each case the tobacco was stopped until restored by Inspector of Prisons. There was very little sickness amongst prisoners. One Native who had an abscess on his neck was sent to the Hospital for a few days. ° The rations supplied were good, and there were no complaints. The prisoners have been employed at quarrying and stonebreaking, also in dressing stone for the new wall to be built in front of the Prison. Divine service has been held every Sunday. Mr. Tanner, 9.30. am. ; Bey. Father Bell, 2 p.m. Mr. Prentice has a service for the Maoris at 2 p.m. Mrs. Caro visits the women. Mr. Tanner, with the aid of ladies and gentlemen in Napier, have supplied our library with reading-matter. Gas has been laid on during the year in the Prison, and there is a light in every cell, so that prisoners who care for reading have every opportunity of improving themselves. The officers have faithfully carried out their duties, and there have been no reports. The Visiting Justices attend when required, besides very frequent visits at uncertain times. I would recommend that the staff at this Prison be increased by one officer, as the work has increased, notably through finger-printing. First Offenders' Probation Act. On the Ist January 3 males were reporting themselves; placed on probation during the year, 7 males and 2 females; 6 males and 1 female were transferred to other districts; 2 males and 1 female have satisfactorily finished their terms ; 1 male still reporting here. One male still owes £3 15s. out of £11, which he was to pay as costs, and one male who went out with one of the last contingents to South Africa still owes 16s. Inquiry is still kept up for these two defaulters. I cannot°finish without thanking the police for their assistance in carrying out the Act, and if it were not for their assistance I do not see how any Probation Officer could carry out his duties conscientiously. „ , Michael Flannery Gaoler and Probation Officer.

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New Plymouth Prison. H.M. Prison, New Plymouth, 18th January, 1904. 1 have to report that there were 18 male prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year, 16 of whom were at hard labour, 1 awaiting trial, and 1 remand. The awaiting-trial prisoner was subsequently released at the Supreme Court, as also was a female who was on bail awaiting trial, the grand jury finding no bill in each case. One hundred and seventeen males and 4 females were received during the year, a decrease of 3 males and 2 females on the preceding year. Of the males 1 was arrested as an absconding debtor about to leave the colony, and r< minded to gaol. He was subsequently released on bail. Sixteen males and 1 female were received on remand as lunatics ; 12 of the males were, after medical examination, committed to the Asylum, and 4 males and the female discharged at the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court. Twenty males were received on remand and subsequently discharged at the several Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts, with the exception of one who was already serving a sentence in Auckland, and on receiving a further term of imprisonment was recommitted there. One passed through en route to Waiotapu Prison, 13 were received on transfer from Wanganui Prison, 2 from Wellington, 1 from Hokitika, and 1 from Waiotapu. The expenses in connection with the transfer of the latter prisoner were paid by the creditors at whose request he was brought back. Eleven males were received for trial, of whom 6 were sentenced to various terms of hard labour, 2 were admitted to probation, and 3 were acquitted at the Supreme Court. Three were received sentenced to simple imprisonment, and 3 received for medical treatment; 2 of these were discharged at the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court after a week to recover themselves, and the third was removed to the District Hospital, whence he was subsequently discharged cured, at least for the time. Three prisoners pleaded guilty at the lower Courts, and were transferred to Auckland for sentence. One female, received on remand as a disorderly person, died, a full report of which has already been furnished, Forty-five males and 2 females were received from the several Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts, sentenced to various terms of hard labour. One of the females, after a few days' attention, developed symptoms of insanity, and was by the direction- of the Colonial Secretary removed to Porirua Asylum. Ten hard-labour prisoners earned their remission and accompanying gratuities, and were discharged; 44 males and 2 females were discharged on expiration of their sentences. Seven were transferred to Waiotapu and one to Wellington Prisons. There were 4 admissions to the District Hospital during the year. Two of these were very old men, both over seventy years of age. One remained there until his sentence had expired, and was then removed to the Old People's Home ; 1 died, and 1 still remains in the Hospital. The conduct and industry of the prisoners has been good, with but two exceptions. These two refused to work, and were dealt with by the Visiting Justices. The general health of the prisoners has been good, except those already referred to as having been removed to the Hospital. The rations throughout the year have been good. No complaints by the prisoners. The quality of the rations has been frequently tested by visitors as well as by the Visiting Justices. I think we may fairly conclude that had there been cause for complaints we should have heard something of it. The prisoners have generally been employed stripping the quarry and getting metal, &c, for concrete used in constructing the division-walls of the Prison. They have also kept Marsland Hill, the Police Beserve, and the Gaol Beserve in order, and were also employed in making improvements at the local rifle range. A party has also been employed building walls, &c, in the Prison, and have built a very substantial bridge which overlooks the whole Prison. The drainage is still incomplete in consequence of the Borough Council not having furnished me with the levels required to meet their proposed town drainage. Only £37 was received for metal, &c, from the quarry, as against £222 19s. last year. This shortage is on account of access to the quarry being cut off by the Borough Council since May last, and of the road into the gaol quarry being not yet completed. But it is now nearly finished, and I hope to have the quarry in full swing again at an early date. I am pleased to say that there were only two youths under fifteen years of age admitted to prison here this year: one, a lad of thirteen, for theft of a shilling's worth of potatoes, was remanded for a few days, and ordered to come up for sentence when called ; the other, a Maori boy of fourteen, for breaking into a settler's house, was committed to Burnham Industrial School. The conduct and efficiency of the officers has been very good. The First Offenders' Probation Act. There were 5 persons admitted to probation during the year—l received on transfer from Gisborne and 1 from Palmerston North, 1 transferred to Manaia, 1 to Feilding, and 1 to Auckland. The one from Gisborne completed his term satisfactorily, leaving 3 still reporting themselves and carrying out the terms of their license satisfactorily. B. L. O'Brien, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

H._ 20

8

Waiotapu Prison. H.M. Prison, Waiotapu, 16th January, 1904. The work done here has been most satisfactory and up to the standard of previous years. Accommodation for the increased number of prisoners having been provided, 16 men were brought here on the 6th January ; they were transferred from Dunedin, Lyttelton, Wellington, Wanganui, and Auckland Prisons. I regret to have to report that some of them were not of the class suitable for this place : many were old offenders from Australia, but, being unknown to the police here, were classed as first"offenders. I had trouble with several, and eventually one (an old offender in New South Wales, where he had received sentences aggregating thirty-four years) tried to escape. He was caught and sent to Auckland, where he was tried in Court and received four months' additional imprisonment. Since then greater care in choosing men has resulted most favourably, and the recent arrivals could hardly be improved on. The clearing and pitting of the ground was continued until June, when planting was commenced, and continued until the end of October, during which period the undermentioned varieties and number of trees and seeds were planted : Walnuts (Juglans regia), 13,084 ; yellow-pine (Pinus ponderosa), 67,694; Austrian pine (P. austriaca), 167.828; P. benlhamiana, 6.985 ; Corsican pine (P. laricio), 67,670; silver-birch (Betula alba), 11,542; acacia, 8,467; Oregon pine (Abies douglasii). 33,828; Menzies' spruce (Abies menziesii), 15,625; lofty pine (Pinus excelsa), 2,650; larch (Larixcnropa), 48,950; redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), 3,055 ; Spanish chestnuts (seeds), 52,552; filberts (seeds), 995; sugar-maple, 50; Catalpa spcciosa, 50; laurel, 1,125; red-gum (Eucalyptus Unicornis), 78,413; peppermint-gum (E. amygdalina.), 49,530; mountain-ash, (E. stiiartiava), 12.207; oaks (acorns),'l6,99B ; Italian poplars, 250; blackwood (Acacia melanoxulon), 1,256; Pinus insignis, 4,199 (for breakwinds); walnut-seeds, 5,015 : total number of trees and see'ds'planted, 671,987. Area cleared, 300 acres. A block to the south of the present reserve has been surveyed, and is to be fenced as soon as the necessary materials can be procured; the line of fence ha,s been cleared the whole way round. Boads have been formed through the reserve to enable the wagon to take trees to where the planting is being done. The sheep-paddock has been ploughed and sown in grass, but the recent frost destroyed the young grass and also a large number of trees. This frost appears to be usual at this time of the year,"as the records show 10° on the same date during last and previous years. The garden is still producing enough vegetables to supply the camp, although the increased number tax it greatly, and "we shairhave to enclose another piece of ground shortly to insure a constant supply of vegetables throughout the year. The health of prisoners is good, there being no serious cases of sickness. One man was sent to Botorua for treatment as he was suffering from an internal complaint, and eventually he was sent back to Auckland Prison. With the exception of the cases mentioned in a previous paragraph the general conduct of prisoners has been good. , The rations are of good quality, and the contractors continue to give satisfaction. Complaints have been made about the bread "arriving in a crushed condition, but the baker is not responsible for that, as during the tourist season the coaches are so crowded that the bread is forced into as small a space as possible. I have arranged for a daily delivery during the summer months, and hope thatjwill prevent the crushing. The conduct of the officers has been good, and the manner m which they performed their duties has greatly assisted in the success of the camp. The Forester in charge of the works was appointed a probationary warder, and the difficulty re control and reporting of prisoners by him is thus overcome. J- C. Scanlan, Principal Warder and Acting-Gaoler.

Wanganui Prison. H.M. Prison, Wanganui, 15th January, 1904. Eeport on the working of this Prison for the year ending the 31st December last :— The number of prisoners received was 267 males and 21 females, as against 161 males and 14 females for the previous year, which, as will be seen, was a large increase of both sexes. The number in custody on the Ist January, 1903, was 19 males and 1 female ; on the 31st December the numbers were 23 males and 2 females : the daily average being 29-79 males and 1-98 females ; total average, 3177. . The conduct of the prisoners has been good, only 7 having been punished as against 13 last year which, considering the large increase in numbers, is, I consider, very satisfactory. This improvement is undoubtedly largely due to the Acting Principal Warder and to an extra warder having been added to the staff. . The prisoners have as a rule been fairly industrious, only one having been reported for idleness. They have been employed during the year in the reserves. The health of the prisoners has been very good considering the large number in custody for the greater part of the year. One man (a returned trooper), who had been badly wounded, was sick durin« the whole term of his sentence (four months). One long-sentence prisoner was removed to"the Hospital suffering from a tumour in the buttock, and was returned to the Puson cured. Another three-months man brought in measles. Every precaution was taken, and though the prison was very full at the time only one other case occurred. ■ The rations have been uniformly good, and there were no complaints of any importance. The conduct of the officers has been good. There were no escapes during the year. The complete repainting of the Prison was completed this year; and everything in the Prison s in good working-order, with the one exception of the drainage, which I am expecting to have authority to commence any day.

H.—2o

9

" The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886." This Act still continues to work well in this district. No conditions have been broken, and all moneys ordered to be paid by the different Courts have been paid. Three offenders have received the benefit of the Act during the year. B. T. Noble Beasley, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Wellington Prison. H.M. Prison, Wellington. I have the honour to report that during the year 1903 the conduct and industry of the prisoners has, on the whole, been good. There were only two prisoners placed on bread-and-water diet during the year. Two prisoners escaped, one from the Point Halswell works, and the other from this Prison by getting over the wall, although a sentry was on post over him. Both prisoners were recaptured and brought before the Court and dealt with. The prisoners were employed at brick and tile making at Point Halswell and Shelly Bay fortification-works, at Somes Island tree-planting, and also repairing the Shelly Bay Boad from near Kilbirnie to the Government Beserve. The health of the prisoners generally has been good. One prisoner was sent to the Hospital for treatment, where he died. An inquest was held, and a verdict returned of " Death from natural causes." We hope to be in occupation of the new wing shortly, but accommodation for forty female prisoners is much required, the present cells being old and patched up. I would recommend a two-story enclosed wing, the base to be used for a laundry and workroom. Single warders' quarters are very much required, as the old quarters were removed to make room for the new wing. lam only anxious to have moderate requirements carried out. There was only one case of an officer being punished during the year, and this was in connection with the escape of a prisoner. The prisoners' food has been ample and good. I hope to see in the near future a prison-farm established, where the men can be taught agriculture, with advantage to themselves and the Department, and, indeed, to the colony at large. The Probation Act is giving every satisfaction, although probation is not being granted so freely as in the past. P. S. Garvey, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

2—H. 20.

H.—2o

Table A. Number of Prisoners in the Colony, and their Disposal, for the Year ending 31st December, 1903.

10

State of the Prisons. Auckland. Dunedin. Hanmev. Hokitika. cargill. Lyttelton. ., . New PlyNapier. mou th Waiotapu. Wanganui. Wellington. Minor Gaols. Totals. Grand Total. In Prison 1st January. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. If. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. 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 18 2 132 8 26 1 12 3 2 1 2 18 .. 1 2 ■• 1 1 11 4 .. 1 6 .. 1 61 1 33 4 17 4 1 7* .. 15 8 2 12 2 2 .. 10 .. 5 1 25" .. 5 .. 6 .. 1 7 1 6 .. 1 1 34 3 30 3 24 7 2 2 ' .. 49' 7 343 117 83 6 1 1 16 13 17 "50 8 359 130 100 6 31 9 3 4 1 1 7 1 Total 193 9 ' 17 1 119 9 42 4 18 25 19 1 I 97 14 45 21 605 48 653 Received. Debtors Lunatics For trial, on remand, or in transitu Sentenced to— Death Penal servitude One year's hard labour and upwards Three months' hard labour and upwards Under three months' hard labour Simple imprisonment 1 3 190 22 •• 6" 3 3 34 2 4 79 3 1 16 1 46 1 1 ._■• " 111 12 1 16 220 6 7 4 42 7 890 63 4 49 953 48 7 114 2 42 4 71 78 429 8 1 19 62 2 21 35 244 7 1 21 31 26" .. 3 1 10 21 2 2 2 2 9 13 65 2 i 12 39 102 471 7 1 27 113 5 21 5 141 9 6 11 1 34 1 3 50 .. 3 .. IO" .. 39 5 171 12 4 45 1 148 50 579 111 8 6 12 294 18 i 15 289 6 475 132 2,449 368 59 2 295 607 2,817 61 •• Total 29 267 21 891 174 780 106 355 60 40 9 126 15 733 143 250 17 117 53 567 29 4,208 578 4,786 Total for the year .. : ! ! 973 115 400 67 29 .. 61 11 143 16 852 152 292 21 135 78 286 22 988 188 576 30 4,813 626 5,439 Discharged. I ■ 1 I 1 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 Absconded 1 3 2 113 15 76 10 498 72 25 4 64 4 1 29 6 28 2 267 50 12 14 1 2 .. 3 2 4 1 28 5 1 33 2 10 .. 74 13 1 3 .. 1 94 59 546 2 33 1 138 4 35 16 164 13 22 1 18 2 1 12 20 10 44 5 22 1 1 2 1 32" 1 1 2 5 196 16 2 56 4 2 86 .. 41 2 673 162 18 16 1 1 1 14 5 74 2 297 13 8 1 175 9 1 4 39 7 506 30 283 15 2,787 489 86 7 422 15 8 1 1 4 46 536 298 3,276 93 437 - 6" 1 10 1 •• 1 •• ■■ Total In prison at end of year 801 172 103 12 353 47 58 9 3 .. 26 .. 41 9 20 2 122 21 15 1 735 139 117 13 254 38 21 115 20 4 42 36 263 20 23 2 837 165 151 23 570 6 30 4,136 564 677 62 4,701 73! Total for year 973 115 400 67 29 .. 61 11 143 16 852 152 292 21 135 4 j 78 .. 286 22 988 183 576 30 4,813 626 5,43< 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 230 173 184-35 15-39 34 1 8 1 0-99 014 77 48 49-20 11 16 19 1 0-50 0-90 26 23 23-41 .. 26 28 19 21-34 1-72 15 3 35 16 22-52 1-10 9 162 110 126-61 13-39 54 12 3 .. 0-59 0-30 51 23 36 2-40 6 33 12 20-63 0-10 13-2 4 0-36 .. 42 25 37-66 .. 53 14 29-79 1-98 18 179 98 113 20 29 26 5 0-41 1-12 9-34 0-94 4 673-85 68-02 343 61 22 1 5-13 2-51 741-8: 404 23 7-6 0-20" .. 0-75 0-05 0-26' .. 0-20 .. •• 0-86 .. 0-01 .. • •

H.—2o.

Table B. Expenditure under the different Heads of Service for the Year ending 31st December, 1903.

11

Auckland. Dunedin. Hokitika. Invercargill. Lyttelton. Napier.. New Plymouth. Wanganui. Wellington. Total. Daily average number of j Male prisoners \ Female 184-35 15-39 49-20 11-00 21-34 1-72 22-52 110 126-61 13-39 36-00 2-40 20-63 010 29-79 1-98 11300 20-00 603-44 67-08 Total 20-73 31-77 13300 670-52 199-74 60-20 2306 23-62 140-00 38-40 Heads of Service. Staff: Salaries and allowances Uniforms £ s. d. 4,394 15 7 169 10 0 £ s. d. 2,650 15 8 89 16 10 £ s. d. 776 16 2 16 3 0 £ s. d. 749 11 7 21 5 8 £ s. d. 3,001 17 1 85 16 2 £ s. d. 998 13 6 22 11 6 £ s. d. 942 10 0 40 7 2 £ s. d. 716 0 6 35 5 10 £ s. d. 4,133 15 2 95 11 0 £ s. d. 18,364 15 3 576 7 2 Total 4,564 5 7 2,740 12 6 792 19 2 770 17 3 3,087 13 3 1,021 5 0 982 17 2 751 6 4 4,229 6 2 18,941 2 5 Cost per prisoner 22 17 0 45 10 6 34 7 9 32 12 8 22 1 1 26 11 10 47 8 3 23 12 11 31 16 0 28 5 0 Maintenance : Rations Fuel and light Bedding, clothing, &c. Medicines and medical comforts Furniture Soap and cleaning materials Tobacoo 1,629 2 1 259 15 1 405 16 8 53 5 5 86 3 10 29 16 10 107 3 3 732 15 10 114 3 10 130 8 8 32 15 0 52 17 8 35 8 1 27 17 6 331 12 9 34 0 2 62 8 5 5 6 10 11 10 3 6 11 6 14 12 10 234 9 4 73 19 10 109 19 10 0 4 8 16 4 2 10 6 6 21 0 6 1,096 8 2 352 6 3 316 6 1 34 7 9 5 11 1 65 10 10 65 0 0 332 15 8 80 16 7 62 0 9 34 17 10 34 13 1 4 7 8 18 11 3 303 6 3 91 19 10 82 5 1 12 13 2 0 13 6 5 2 2 15 10 3 458 12 7 97 4 10 143 18 2 31 5 10 43 1 11 20 4 5 16 0 4 1,218 1 1 375 18 10 320 17 2 76 0 7 69 14 6 64 18 1 62 1 4 6,337 3 9 1,480 5 3 1,634 0 10 280 17 1 320 10 0 242 6 1 347 17 3 Total 2,571 3 2 1,126 6 7 466 2 9 466 4 10 1,935 10 2 13 16 6 568 2 10 511 10 3 810 8 1 2,187 11 7 10,643 0 3 Cost per prisoner 12 17 5 18 14 2 20 4 3 19 14 9 14 15 11 24 13 6 25 10 2 16 9 0 15 17 6 Incidental: Rates, rent, &c. Conveyance of officers and prisoners Tools and materials for prison labour Gratuities to prisoners on discharge, &c. .. 73 1 0 136 15 5 119 6 5 197 17 11 125 18 9 0 2 2 115 0 2 15 11 10 6 16 8 43 11 9 14 0 0 16 8 3 65 0 0 41 19 1 215 11 3 130 13 5 38 18 9 37 18 0 64 7 3 24 11 3 17 10 0 8 4 3 6 8 7 93 16 7 49 11 1 59 14 11 232 12 9 227 6 3 77 7 2 268 4 8 664 19 5 639 18 7 838 14 4 48 17 9 106 18 4 Total 527 0 9 241 1 1 66 0 3 79 6 0 453 3 9 165 15 3 125 19 5 156 9 5 597 1 1 2,411 17 0 Cost per prisoner 2 12 9 4 0 1 2 17 3 3 7 2 3 4 8 4 6 4 6 16 4 18 6 4 9 9 3 11 10 Gross total cost 7,662 9 6 4,108 0 2 1,325 2 2 1,316 8 1 5,476 7 2 31,995 19 8 1,755 3 1 1,620 6 10 1,718 3 10 7,013 18 10 Gross cost per prisoner per annum 38 7 2 68 4 9 57 9 3 55 14 7 39 2 3 45 14 1 78 3 3 54 1 7 52 14 9 47 14 4 Deduct : Cash received for maintenance Work for other Departments, &c. 809 18 6 4,498 14 4 57 15 9 1,286 5 3 15 2 10 81 16 0 447 8 6 300 5 3 741 16 8 2,310 13 4 31 8 5 108 12 5 30 12 6 38 17 0 9 14 3 16 0 10 337 19 6 3,555 15 11 2,481 16 11 12,196 10 4 Total 5,308 12 10 1,344 1 0 96 18 10 747 13 9 3,052 10 0 2,423 17 2 140 0 10 69 9 6 25 15 1 3,893 5 5 14,678 7 3 Net total cost.. 2,353 16 8 2,763 19 2 45 18 2 1,228 3 4 568 14 4 1,615 2 3 1,550 17 4 1,692 8 9 3,120 13 5 17,317 12 5 Net cost per prisoner per annum 11 15 8 53 5 2 24 1 6 17 6 3 42 1 2 74 16 3 53 5 5 23 9 3 25 16 6

H.—2o.

Table C. Education of Prisoners received during the Year 1903.

Table D. Ages of Prisoners received during the Year 1903, and Causes of their Detention.

12

Table C. Education if Peisonees received during the Year 1903. Prisons. Superior Bead and write. Bead only. Unable to read Education. J or write. Superior Education. Totals. Auckland Dunedin Hanmer Springs .. Hokitika Invercargill Lyttelton Napier New Plymouth Waiotnpu Wanganui Wellington Minor gaols M. 2 2 6 1 3 p. M. 703 326 28 38 116 703 222 103 49 251 831 514 F. 93 57 6 9 119 15 1 18 167 26 M. 11 6 1 4 8 6 1 6 10 17 F. 3 3 2 1 6 1 5 M. 64 23 2 6 20 16 12 1 10 47 29 F. 10 i 5 18 2 3 2 2 3 M. 780 355 29 40 126 733 250 117 53 267 891 567 F. 106 60 9 15 143 17 4 21 174 29 3 7 Total 24 3,884 511 70 21 230 46 4,208 578 Table D. Ages of Peisonees received during the Year 1903, and Causes of their Detention. a 3 3 ■o a 3 s a H a CO a 3 5 «5 EX ] p. CO S a a 1 4 -; a a o I S ° fa £ •S " o S Ph 5 > £ '§ * O 5 >, ti CO K 8 fa! fc fc aj .j -a % 3 a ° 3 & a to o Ills dt M m *i * rS_r*___S_ .3 HJ o S CO a H Under 10 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 10 to 15 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 15 to 20 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 20 to 25 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 25 to 30 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 30 to 40 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 40 to 50 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 50 to 60 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 60 years and upwards : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 6 '.'. "2 33 3 14 45 16 .. i 79 1 44 29 87 1 52 .. j 25 .. ! 127 33 30 109 " i * 8 7 .. ! 66 : ... 1 12 8 47 4 .. 9 12 23 3 34 36 2 42 .. 5 10 2 1 1 1 1 11 2 t.. 2 2 1 10 2 9 10 4 15 3 29 1 10 49 8 43 36 8 65 6 11 t> 19 5 8 18 3 16 1 3 3 i 8 9 8 9 3 17 14 5 2 24 22 16 29 3 2 20 2 12 52 20 73 49 26 106 i 2 3 5 13 6 21 1 10 22 37 2 20 9 72 3 1 2 28 7 2 128 14 80 2 263 77 315 3 262 92 443 5 21 5 75 10 5 6 2 10 8 11 51 32 138 23 9 21 14 1 11 6 7 18 52 50 35 207 20 9 91 8 281 130 735 14 14 5 67 3 1 3 3 3 2 15 1 22 24 149 9 8 41 2 3 io 1 8 15 49 33 25 186 3 11 87 2 147 108 716 7 3 1 39 1 1 4 1 3 15 1 14 11 104 3 5 21 ■' 3 1 6 6 2 8 17 12 89 3 2 67 3 66 43 431 11 23 1 19 3 l 4 13 4 4 71 7 1 23 1 4 11 3 2 2 22 1 3 2 41 1 3 56 3 40 21 304 8 " Summary: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 233 118 531 4 111 16 288 29 9 30 10 42 16 80 3 208 88 580 96 31 136 4 46 2 57 16 53 88 199 1 227 124 714 73 68 433 22 1,215 493 3,028 50 Total 886 415 29 49 141 876 267 121 53 288 1,065 596 4,786

Table C. Education if Peisonees received during the Year 1903. Prisons. Superior Bead and write. Bead only. Unable to read Education. J or write. Superior Education. Totals. Auckland Dunedin Hanmer Springs .. Hokitika Invercargill Lyttelton Napier New Plymouth Waiotnpu Wanganui Wellington Minor gaols M. 2 2 6 1 3 p. M. 703 326 28 38 116 703 222 103 49 251 831 514 F. 93 57 6 9 119 15 1 18 167 26 M. 11 6 1 4 8 6 1 6 10 17 F. 3 3 2 1 6 1 5 M. 64 23 2 6 20 16 12 1 10 47 29 F. 10 i 5 18 2 3 2 2 3 M. 780 355 29 40 126 733 250 117 53 267 891 567 F. 106 60 9 15 143 17 4 21 174 29 3 7 Total 24 3,884 511 70 21 230 46 4,208 578 Table D. Ages of Peisonees received during the Year 1903, and Causes of their Detention. a 3 3 ■o a 3 s a H a CO a 3 5 «5 EX ] p. CO S a a 1 4 -; a a o I S ° fa £ •S " o S Ph 5 > £ '§ * O 5 >, ti CO K 8 fa! fc fc aj .j -a % 3 a ° 3 & a to o Ills dt M m *i * rS_r*___S_ .3 HJ o S CO a H Under 10 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 10 to 15 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 15 to 20 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 20 to 25 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 25 to 30 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 30 to 40 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 40 to 50 years: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 50 to 60 years : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 60 years and upwards : Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 6 '.'. "2 33 3 14 45 16 .. i 79 1 44 29 87 1 52 .. j 25 .. ! 127 33 30 109 " i * 8 7 .. ! 66 : ... 1 12 8 47 4 .. 9 12 23 3 34 36 2 42 .. 5 10 2 1 1 1 1 11 2 t.. 2 2 1 10 2 9 10 4 15 3 29 1 10 49 8 43 36 8 65 6 11 t> 19 5 8 18 3 16 1 3 3 i 8 9 8 9 3 17 14 5 2 24 22 16 29 3 2 20 2 12 52 20 73 49 26 106 i 2 3 5 13 6 21 1 10 22 37 2 20 9 72 3 1 2 28 7 2 128 14 80 2 263 77 315 3 262 92 443 5 21 5 75 10 5 6 2 10 8 11 51 32 138 23 9 21 14 1 11 6 7 18 52 50 35 207 20 9 91 8 281 130 735 14 14 5 67 3 1 3 3 3 2 15 1 22 24 149 9 8 41 2 3 io 1 8 15 49 33 25 186 3 11 87 2 147 108 716 7 3 1 39 1 1 4 1 3 15 1 14 11 104 3 5 21 ■' 3 1 6 6 2 8 17 12 89 3 2 67 3 66 43 431 11 23 1 19 3 l 4 13 4 4 71 7 1 23 1 4 11 3 2 2 22 1 3 2 41 1 3 56 3 40 21 304 8 " Summary: Felony Misdemeanour Minor offences.. Debt or lunacy 233 118 531 4 111 16 288 29 9 30 10 42 16 80 3 208 88 580 96 31 136 4 46 2 57 16 53 88 199 1 227 124 714 73 68 433 22 1,215 493 3,028 50 Total 886 415 29 49 141 876 267 121 53 288 1,065 596 4,786

13

H.—2o

Table E. Previously Convicted Prisoners received during the Year 1903.

Table F. Previously Convicted Prisoners for Five Years, 1899-1903.

Table G. Crimes of Prisoners sentenced to Hard Labour for Twelve Months and upwards during the Year 1903.

Prisons. Twice. Once. Thrice or oftener. Total. Auckland .. Dunedin Hanmer Hokitika Invercargill Lyttelton .. Napier New Plymouth Waiotapu .. Wanganui .. Wellington.. Minor gaols M. 81 43 4 1 13 84 41 8 5 32 130 54 F. 7 2 2 12 2 2 15 9 M. 35 18 5 1 9 41 38 8 18 67 44 F. 3 1 i 2 8 i io 4 M. 245 97 5 9 25 254 63 23 1 64 276 104 F. 65 41 3 7 105 13 2 ii 111 5 M. 861 158 14 11 47 379 142 39 6 114 473 202 F. 75 44 4 11 125 15 3 is 136 18 Total 496 51 284 30 30 1,166 1,166 363 363 1,946 1,946 IH 444

Year. Once. Twice. I Thrice or oftener. Total. 1899 1900 1901 . 1902 1903 M. 364 354 426 379 496 F. 34 38 49 41 51 M. 201 217 210 253 284 F. 25 26 31 34 30 M. 901 1,018 1,053 929 1,166 F. 395 458 452 346 363 M. 1,466 1,589 1,689 1,561 1,946 F. 454 522 532 421 444

Assault with intfnt to rob Assault causing bodily harm Arson Breach of Pawnbrokers Act Burglary Carnally knowing, &c. Conspiring to defraud .. Embezzlement and fraud Ft loniously receiving Forgery and uttering Horse and cattle stealing Housebreaking, and possessing implements for .. Incest Indecent assault Indecent exposure Insulting language Larceny not otherwise described 6 10 2 3 9 2 4 6 4 29 11 35 1 15 2 1 47 Larceny as a bailee Larceny from the person Larceny from the dwelling Manslaughter Murder, attempted Obtaining goods by false pretences Perjury Rape Rape, attempted Robbery Robbery with violence Sodomy Sodomy, attempted Vagrancy Wounding Total .. 4 3 14 2 1 14 2 7 9 7 8 1 1 9 2 271 I

H.—2o.

Table H. Visits of the Visiting Justices to the Larger Prisons during the Year 1903.

Table I. Visits of the Inspector of Prisons to the Larger Prisons during the Year 1903.

14

Prisons and Visiting Justices. i» h 3 a a 3 i^ 3 3 a; 4 „; 5 C £> a >> 3 <! 3 *> . I „ I I 1 ! I l 1 GC Q, 43 > o 3 q> O O © «i w o y. n o '- Auckland: Hon. T. Thompson, M.L.C. T. H. White W. McCullough T. H. Hannan F. G. Clayton Hon. W. Beehan, M.L.C. J. Savage Dunedin: E. H. Carew E. B. Cargill G. G. Russell .. W. Thomson Hon. H. Gourley, M.L.C. R. Chisholm J. N. Brown J. Muir.. Hokitika: D. Macfarlane .. J. Bevan H.A.Michel .. Invercargill: Hon. H. Feldwick, M.L.C. R. F. Cuthbertson W. Todd T. G. Stone 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. Dockrill Wanganui: E. N. Liffiton F. A. Krull G. Carson J. Thain J. H. Keesing Wellington: J. R. Blair H. Beauchamp] E. Arnold J. Lachman j.. 2 i" 2' 5 2 10 1 2 9 2' 2 2 1 3 2 1 6 1 1 1 10 10 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 i i' 4 2 12' 1 15 2 1 2' 1 i' 2 3 5 1 1 1 5 1 11 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 4 9' i' 14 i 1 2 1 2 1 5 2 2 9 2' 13 1 2' 2 5' 1 i 3' 11 1 1' 2 3 2 2 3' 1 3 2 2' 15 i 1 1 i' 1 3 5' 1 1 2 13' 2 i 2 i i' 4 6" 1 1 1 2 1 1 19 i' 1 i' 1 1 1 5 i' 1' 11 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2' 13 i 9 2' 2 4 6 18 1 14 21 8 7 7 1 5 13 76 2 15 150 1 17 7 3 1 11 12 5 5 5 3 1 4 3 4 4 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 2 3 4 5 5 5 4 3 4 5 4 5 3 2 3 4 4 4 6 46 41 45 3 1 2 1 4 2 2 1 4 2 3 3 4 1 2 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 39 12 i 1 2 2 2 2 3 10 2 1 i' i' i' 1 1 i' i' 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 10 1 6 6 6 1 i' 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 i' i i' i 2' 1 3 1 3 4 1 2 1 3' 3 1 i 4' 4' i 3 1 1 36 3

Prisons. u 3 • a d c © ft 4 o E 2 < CD S 3 a ~E< CO O 43 © O s * o Q 0J Q se P. 6 a 3 Auckland 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 20, 21, 28, 29,30 1 3,4,5 28, 29, 30, 31 Dunedin 8, 9, 10, 14, 15 16,18, 20, 21 15,16,17 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 JanmerSprings rlokitika invercargill .. liyttelton 16, 17,18 28 14, 15 7,8,9,11, 12 5, 6, 7, 8 12, 13 7, 17,19, 20, 21,23 3, 4,'10, 11, 12 4, 5 2, 14, 15,17, 18,19 papier !Jew Plymouth Waiotapu i 10 19 21,22,23, 24, 25 16, 17 3 25 3 2,8! 4, 5, 6 23, 25, 26 3,' 31 iVanganui rVellington .. 3 6, 7 2, 28 15', 28 2 6 4 9, 25 28 4 16 27

H.—2o.

Table J. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1903.

15

Initials of Prisoner. Offence for which punished. By whom reported. By whom sentenced. Punishment. AUCKLAND Pi 1ISON. W. B. | Threatening and obscene language to his officer Refusing to work Disobedience of lawful orders Being in possession of prohibited articles Smoking in his oell and being in possession of prohibited articles Disturbing the quiet of the prison Ditto .. Refusing to work Warder Stewart F. G. Clayton, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water. A. R. J. J. A. J. J. A. Warder McMurray .. The Gaoler Warder Foreman 2 days bread and water. To forfeit 20 marks. J. B. T. Thompson, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. T. B. J. Savage, V.J. 1 day bread and water. J. A. H. J. H. G. A. R. P. C. J. B. Disobedience of lawful orders Using filthy expressions to his officer Speaking in an improper manner to his officer Wilful damage to prison property Being in possession of prohibited artioles Wilful damage to prison property and insolence to his officer Wilful damage to prison property Disobedience of lawful orders and obscene language to his officer Disturbing the quiet of the prison and obsoene language to his officer Atempting to escape Warder Ching F. G. Clayton, V.J. .'. J. Savage, V.J 2 days bread and water. Warder Speight Warder Ker 1 day bread and water. W. B. Warder Prendergast.. F. G. Clayton, V.J. .. 2 days bread and water. G. T. Warder Johnston 2 days bread and water, and to forfeit 42 marks. 2 days bread and water. T. R. Warder Foreman A.T.H.S. Warder Ching T. R. Warder Dineen 3 days bread and water. T. B. Warder Prendergast.. T. H. White, V.J. .. To forfeit 84 marks. A.T.H.S. Warder Foreman F. G. Clayton, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. H.W.W. The Gaoler H. W. Brabant, S.M. 7 days bread and water, and to forfeit 1,000 marks. 4 months hard labour. G.L. DUNEDIN P. ItON. D. McK. Obstructing and assaulting his officer Disobedienoe of lawful orders and using improper language Being in possession of prohibited articles Threatening language to his officer Ditto .. Refusing to work and damaging prison property Insolenoe to his officer Warder McMillan and Warder Parker The Matron C. C. Graham, S.M. .. 14 days bread and water. M. W. Hon. H. Gourley, V.J. 3 days bread and water. J.J. Warder Fuller J. N. Brown, V.J. .. J.J. Acting PI. Warder Rearden Warder Fuller The Matron J.F.O.K. E. McG. 2 days bread and water. J.J. Acting PI. Warder Glover Warder Crook and Warder Byrne 3 days bread and water. J.F.O.K. Damaging prison property.. C. C. Graham, S.M. .. 7 days bread and water. HANMER SPRIN PRISON. Nil. HOKITIKA P: ;ISON. ;. m. Disobedience of lawful orders Acting PI. Warder Kearney Warder Roberts J. Bevan, V.J. 2 days bread and water, and to forfeit 30 marks. Ditto. !. M. !. M. Threatening language to his officer Secreting prohibited articles in his cell and disturbing the quiet of the prison Disobedience of lawful orders Acting PI. Warder Kearney and Warder Roberts Aoting PI. Warder Kearney Ditto i. A. L. A. L. A. Insulting and threatening language to his officer Being in possession of prohibited articles and disturbing the quiet of the prison Disobedienoe of lawful orders Warder Roberts !. O.T. Acting PI. Warder Kearney To forfeit 30 marks.

St.—2o

16

Table J — continued. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1903 — continued.

Initials . of Offence for which punished, j Prisoner. By whom reported. By whom sentenced. Punishment. HOKITIKA PRISOl ' — continued. F.J. [ Disobedience of lawful orders J. McA. ! Idleness and insolence to his officer J. McA. i Being in possession of prohibited articles and insubordination J. McA. Insulting and threatening language to his officer and disturbing the quiet of the prison J. McA. Obscene and threatening language to his officer and disturbing the quiet of the prison Acting PI. Warder Kearney Probationary Warder Attenborrow Warder Roberts J. Bevan, V.J. .. 1 day bread and water, and to forfeit 30 marks. „ .. 2 days bread and water, and to forfeit 30 marks. .. Ditto. Acting PI. Warder Kearney .. 3 days bread and water, and to forfeit 30 marks, Probationary Warder Attenborrow and Warder Roberts H. L. Michel, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. INVERCARGILL PRISON. J. W. N. D. Disobedience of lawful ordt is Making idle and frivolous complaints Ditto Warder Hawkins The Gaoler F. G. Stone, V.J. ..3 days bread and water. W. Todd, V.J. .. To forfeit 84 marks. C. H. J. W. P. O'C. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner PI. Warder Hawkins and Warder Anthony Ditto P. O'C. Personal violence to his officer W. Todd, V.J., and 3 days bread aud water. F. G. Stone, V.J. T. E. McCarthy, S.M. j 6 months hard labour, to commence on expiration of sentence he is now serving. 3 days bread and water. A. S. Obscene and threatening language to a fellow-prisoner Disresppctful language to his officer Disobedience of lawful orders Leaving his work without permission Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Threatening language to a fellow-prisoner The Gaoler and Warder Anthony PI. Warder Hawkins.. J. M. F. G. Stone, V.J. .. 24 hours bread and water. G. H. R. G. H. R. Warder Anthony „ .. 3 days bread and water. G. H. R. G. H. R. W. Todd, V.J. .. To forfeit 84 marks. „ .. 3 days bread and water. LYIlELiOiN 'BISON. H. W. Threatening his officer Warder Goddard R. Westenra, V.J., J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto 3 days bread and water. H. W. Disobedienoe of lawful orders and insolence to his officer Using obscene language .. Damaging prison property.. ' Being in possession of prohibited articles and using improper language to his offioer Committing an indeoent act and using indecent language Damaging prison property.. PI. Warder Bell » H. W. H. W. H. F. Warder Goddard Warder Brien Warder Goddard To forfeit 48 marks. 24 hours bread and water. ' J. K. Warder Rafter J. A. H. Marciel, V.J. a A. S. Warder Brien R. Westenra, V.J., J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto J. Hamilton, V.J. 3 days bread and water. H. W. M. P. Disobedience of lawful orders Using insulting language to a fellow-prisoner Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Warder Blatchford .. Warder Quartermain To forfeit 48 marks. 24 hours bread aud water. A. N. Warder Brien J. Hamilton,V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto To forfeit 24 marks. H. S. C. W. A. H. J. McG. A. S. J. S. H. W. : Disobedience of lawful orders Disrespect to his officer Fighting on the works Warder Sweet Warder McGrath Warder Parker 24 hours bread and water. 48 hours bread and water. To forfeit 24 marks. 48 hours bread and water. To forfeit 24 marks. To forfeit 48 marks. 3 days bread and water. W. McC. M. P. M. P. Insolence to his officer Using improper language to his officer Using obscene and threatening language to his officer Idleness and insolence Idleness and singing on the works ! Ditto .. ! Insulting his officer Aoting PI. Warder Parker Warder Goddard Acting PI. Warder Parker Ditto Acting PI. Warder Blatchford To forfeit 24 marks. » H. W. M. P. W* W. Collins, V.J. '.'.

H.— 20

17

Table J — continued. Punishments for Prison Offences during the Year 1903 — continued.

3—H. 20.

I Initials of | Offence for which punished. By whom reported. Prisoner. By whom sentenced. Punishment. LYTTELTON PRISO: ST— continued. W. C. Using insulting anguage to Chief Warder Bell .. a fellow-prisoner W. C. Fighting H. W. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Acting PI. Warder Parker H. P. Using proiane and insulting Ditto language to his officer H. P. Wilful damage to prison „ property H. P. Using abusive language to Warder McGrath his officer H. P. Using insulting and indecent „ language to his officer J. D. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Warder Price H. F. S. Insolence to his officer .. Warder Sweet T. D. Wilful damage to prison Warder Price property H. F. S. Insolence to his officer .. PI. Warder Parker .. J. H. Idleness, threatening language to his officer, and disobedience of lawful orders R. E. Using insulting language to Warder Sweet his offifier W. C. J. Hamilton, V.J., and W. W. Collins, V.J. Ditto 48 ho 48 hours bread and water. Durs bread and \ W. C. H. W. To forfeit 48 marks. To foi irfeit 48 marks. H. P. 24 ho 24 hours bread and water. Durs bread and v H. P. 48 ho 48 hours bread and water. Durs bread and \ H. P. 24 ho 24 hours bread and water. )urs bread and % H. P. J. D. H. F. S. T. D. 48 ho 48 hours bread and water. mrs bread and v H. F. S. J. H. 3 day -1 A~ .. 2 dayi 3 days bread and water. 2 days bread and water. /s bread and wa is bread and wa R. B. 24 ho24 hours bread and water. rars bread and v NAPIER PR] :son. J. D. Insulting language to his Warder Roberts .. J. S. Large, V.J. officer W. H. Ditto .. .. .. Warder Cook G. B. Threateningafellow-prisoner „ .. E. Lyndon, V.J. W. H. Insubordinate conduct and Acting PI. Warder J. S. Large, V.J. refusing to be searched Nicholson K. T. Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Warder Cook .. „ J. P. Tnreatening language to his Warder Gorbey officer Warder Roberts J. S. Large, V.J. .. 3 days bread and water. .. 2 days bread and water. .. 3 days bread and water. .. 1 day bread and water. .. 3 days bread and water. 3 days bread and water. Warder Cook E. Lyndon, V.J. J. S. Large, V.J. 2 days bread and water. 3 days bread and water. Acting PI. Warder Nicholson Warder Cook Warder Gorbey 1 day bread and water. 3 days bread and water. NEW PLYMOUTE : PRISON. NEW PLYMOUTH PRISON. VV. H. Refusing to go to work .. Acting PI. Warder C. Ahier, V.J. Hawkins W. T.W. Refusing to work .. Warder O'Grady .. | .. 3 days bread and water. WAIOTAPU PRISON. Nil. WANGANUI PRISON. W. H. Insulting language and disobedience of lawful orders H. S. Smoking in his cell W. C. Disturbing the quiet of the orison L. F. R. Smoking in his cell Warder Wrack Warder Reed J. Thain, V.J. E.N. Liffiton, V.J. .. J. Thain, V.J. 48 hours bread and water. 6 hours bread and water. 24 hours bread aud water. Acting PI. Vincent Warder Reed Warder F. A. Krull, V.J. 48 hours bread and water. J. K. Idleness and threatening language W. C. ' Idleness.. J. N. ; Idleness and insulting lanG. Carson, V.J. Warder Treacy J. Thain, V.J. G. Carson, V.J. 2 days bread and water. guage WELLINGTON 'RISON. P. W. Escaping from legal custody Acting PI. Warder Murphy Warder Creedon A. McArthur, S.M. .. 6 months hard labour. J. M. • His Honour Judge Cooper E. Arnold, V.J. J. M. Disobedience of lawful orders and resisting his officers Assaulting a fellow-prisoner Warders Wilson, Bell, and Knight Warder Leggett 3 days bread and water. W. S. m • •

f1.—20.

18

Table K. "FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT, 1886." Ages and Terms of Probation of Offenders placed under the Act during the Year 1903.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation not given; printing (1,675 copies), £11 7s. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o4. Price 6d.]

Ages. Four Months and under. Six Months. Twelve Months. Two Years. Two Years and a Half. Nine Months. Total. Jnder 10 years ?rom 10 to 15 years , 15 , 20 „ „ 20 „ 25 , „ 25 , 30 „ „ 30 „ 40 „ . 40 , 50 , „ 50 „ 60 „ 10 years and upwards 2 5 7 1 1 1 1 3 10 7 3 6 2 5 13 10 11 6 2 4 1 3 2 1 1 10 32 26 15 14 6 6 1 i 1 Totals .. 18 31 52 t 110