PRISONS DEPARTMENT (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1929-30.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1930 Session I, H-20

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1930. NEW ZEALAND

PRISONS DEPARTMENT (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1929-30.

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

The Hon. the Minister in Charge op the Prisons Department to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral. Wellington, 12th August, 1930. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Prisons Department for the year 1929-30. I have, &c., John G. Cobbe, Minister in Charge of Prisons Department. The Controller-General op Prisons to the Hon. the Minister in Charge op the Prisons Department. Sir, — I have the honour to present the annual report of the Prisons Department covering the financial year ended the 31st March, 1930, together with the Inspector's report and extracts from the reports of Controlling Officers of the different Institutions, and the criminal statistics for the calendar year ended 31st December, 1929. Prison Population.—Comparative Statistics. The statistical tables appended to this report show that, notwithstanding the depressed industrial and economic conditions which undoubtedly have a marked influence on the amount of crime, the slight downward trend noticed during the past few years has been maintained. The comparison with last year is summarized as follows : —• Total Number of Prisoners dealt with. 1928. 1929. Decrease. Number in detention at beginning of year .. .. .. 1,549 1,484 65 Number received during the year .. .. .. .. 5,133 5,076 57 Number discharged or transferred .. .. .. .. 5,198 5,165 33 Number in prison at end of year .. .. .. .. 1,484 1,395 89 The daily average number of prisoners in custody was sixty-one less than for the previous year. A comparative table showing new prisoners received and also the daily average of prisoners in custody, and the ratio to each 10,000 of the general population, for the past five years is set out hereunder : — „ ,■ Ratio to 10,000 Daily Average Year " Receptions. of Popu i ation . in g uatody a 1925 .. .. .. ..4,713 34-15 1324-25 1926 .. .. .. .. 4,600 32-62 "1366-25 1927 .. .. .. ..4,664 32-17 1458-16 1928 .. .. .. .. 4,364 31-18 1499-58 1929 .. .. .. ..4,357 30-68 1438-26

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The number of distinct persons involved, and classified under three main classes according to the nature of the offence are shown in the following table for the purpose of comparison with previous years : —

The statistics reveal a .slight increase in the number of offences against the person, and a small decrease in the number of offences against property. Under the heading " Miscellaneous Offences " there has been a small increase. The number of commitments to prison for drunkenness was 426 (1929) as compared with 412 for 1928, and a slight increase in the number sentenced to imprisonment for vagrancy is also noticed. Of the total number of 2,596 distinct persons received into custody during 1929, 1,460 males and 96 females, a total of 3,556 were New-Zealand-born, as compared with 1,538 for the previous year. The increase in the number of New-Zealand-born women received into custody over the previous year was 11, the total being 96 (1929) as compared with 85 (1928). This increase is attributable mainly to the growth in the number of women committed for vagrancy—sl (1929) as against 37 (1928). The total number of women prisoners in 1929 was 121 as compared with 117 in 1928. The extent of serious crime in the Dominion can be gauged from the table dealing with the period of sentences imposed, for it may be assumed that short sentences connote offences of a more or less venial nature. In this respect it is to be noticed that 34 per cent, of the total number of persons committed to prison were for terms of less than one month, 58 per cent, for terms of less than three months, and 73 per cent., or approximately three-fourths of the total number sentenced to imprisonment, were for terms of less than six months. It will thus be seen that the proportion of serious crime is relatively small. In view of the strong authoritative opinion as to the futility of short sentences for reformative purposes, the desirability of applying some alternative method of treatment —such as probation, the imposition of a fine, or where it is considered the ends of justice cannot be adequately met by such means, a more salutary term of reformative detention—should be considered in preference to meting out a sentence which is too short for the practical application of any socializing influences, but which nevertheless habituates an offender to the conditions and atmosphere of a prison, and thereby diminishes its deterrent influence. In this connection it is interesting to note that over the past seventeen years during which period the Prisons Board has been functioning, 79 per cent, of all persons sentenced to terms of reformative detention or hard labour and released on the recommendation of the Board have not lapsed subsequently, thereby showing the beneficial effect of disciplinary treatment for substantial terms, whereas with short sentences it is not unusual for the same person to be committed several times a year. • It should be noted that, although the total number of new receptions for the past year was 4,357, this represents only 2,596 distinct, persons. It is pleasing to be able to again record that the sentence of capital punishment was not required to be given effect to during the year, making the fifth year in succession in which the Department has been free from this unpleasant duty. One prisoner was sentenced to death, but this sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life. No prisoners were flogged during the year. Eleven persons died from natural causes, of whom ten died whilst under treatment at the public hospitals, two of these deaths being the result of an outbreak of typhoid at Waikeria. There was only one case of suicide during the year. Of the prisoners who escaped from custody, only one was not recaptured. In one case extradition was necessary. Following the arrangement, with the Mental Hospitals Department to place its specialist officers at the disposal of the Prisons Department, fifty-seven persons were examined mentally during the past year by psychiatrists for the information of the Department and the Prisons Board. In twentyfour other cases prisoners were transferred to mental hospitals for observation, or upon certification as being mentally defective. A noticeable feature has been the freer use made of the provisions in the Mental Defectives Act for the mental examination of persons charged with offences where the question of mental impairment is involved. In this connection many persons may be certifiable as " socially defective " within the provisions of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act, 1927, but are not thereby relieved of criminal responsibility at law, it being impossible to certify that they were not aware of the nature and quality of their act and that they did not know such act to be wrong. A fixed term of imprisonment in such cases rarely affords adequate protection to society, and is not always in the best interests of the offenders themselves. It is hoped that as soon as the financial position improves it will be possible to make provision for the treatment of such cases in an institution or institutions under the Mental Defectives Board, where they can be detained as long as they are regarded as a danger to themselves or the community, regardless of the expiration of any sentence imposed.

„ Offences against Offences against Miscelfaneous Total Distinct Ratio to 10,000 of Person. Property. Offences. Persons. Population. 1925 .. .. 173 721 1,996 2,890 20-88 1926 .. .. 217 836 1,702 2,755 1949 1927 .. .. 192 937 1,582 2,711 18-84 1928 .. .. 165 877 1,506 2,548 17-37 1929 .. .. 196 854 1,546 2,596 17-62

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Borstal Institutions. The foregoing prison statistics include commitments to Borstal institutions, but a separation shows that 164 lads and 12 girls, a total of 176, were committed by the Courts, while 11 youths and 3 young women were transferred to Borstals from industrial schools and penal institutions for the purpose of training and discipline. The idea of the Borstals, which were constituted under the Prevention of Crime Act, 1924, is to endeavour to carry out a programme of training in citizenship for young offenders who have passed the age or who are regarded as unsuitable for commitment to industrial schools. It is a recognition of the possibilities of reformation in the youthful offender whose mind is still plastic and impressionable, and whose outlook on life is hazy and distorted. It is a departure from the purely penal idea, and stresses the matter of training and discipline rather than punishment. Bach year witnesses a further development of a programme of activities that will conduce to the development of a higher ideal of citizenship, and in this respect special reference is made to the reports attached hereto of the Superintendents of the Borstal institutions. These give an interesting outline of the varied activities of the three Borstal institutions. The Department is greatly indebted to the many voluntary helpers who give valuable assistance in connection with lectures, special classes, and the training of the inmates. It has been suggested that the Department does not provide facilities for training inmates in any useful trade or industry. In this connection it must be borne in mind that New Zealand is essentially a primary producing country, and in consequence there is a natural bias towards the teaching of farming pursuits. Besides there being little scope for the absorption of labour in v/hat may be termed secondary industries, the terms of detention of inmates do not as a rule allow sufficient time to enable an inmate to undergo a full course of apprenticeship in any particular trade. At the same time 35 tradesmen officers are employed by the Department as instructors, and these are paid specially by the Department to give regular courses of instruction to the inmates. The trades taught are the following : Carpentering, bricklaying, blacksmithing, motor (mechanical repairs), gardening, dairying, cooking, bootmaking, tailoring, painting and signwriting, plumbing, bridge-building, wool-classing, and plastering. The aim is to teach inmates a useful artisan trade which will involve the minimum of outlay in technical equipment, and at the same time enable an inmate to take up an honest calling on release. The Department has evidence by way of numerous letters from ex-inmates, and reports from Probation Officers, showing that a large number are in useful employment of a nature that is directly associated with the training received whilst in detention. After the expiration of a term of Borstal detention, the Prevention of Crime Act provides for a period of twelve months' supervision or oversight to ensure as far as possible complete rehabilitation. It is recognized that much institutional effort would be futile in the absence of some system of aftercare. The Women's Borstal Association continues to function most helpfully in this resjject with regard to young women discharged from the Point Halswell Borstal. This organization arranges for voluntary associates to maintain friendly oversight in whatever town a discharged girl takes up domicile, and there is no doubt that this is a material factor in preventing subsequent lapses. As an indication of the splendid maimer in which voluntary Probation Committees exercise a similar function in regard to discharged Borstal lads, an event which is probably unique in the history of prisons may be mentioned. The Dunedin Probation Committee arranged for the Superintendent of the Invercargill Borstal to give an address on the work of the Borstal, and at the same time invited all the ex-Borstal lads under its care to a tea at the local Y.M.C.A. to meet the Superintendent. The fact that over thirty lads, some coming a considerable distance, took the trouble to foregather to meet the Superintendent, besides reflecting creditably on the organization of the Probation Committee, is not only striking evidence of the abandonment of the repressive official relationship, but also is an eloquent testimony of the attitude of friendly esteem in which the Superintendent is held, such being the very essence of the Borstal system. The Borstal scheme is now past the experimental stage, and the satisfactory results amply justify the great amount of thought and attention given by the staff and by a large band of voluntary helpers in both in-care and after-care work. A summary of the case records show that of the total of 3,208 young offenders who have passed through the Invercargill and Waikeria Institutions, only a fraction over fO per cent, have again been reconvicted during the past eight years and a half. The : total number of committals to the Point Halswell Borstal Institution since its inception five years ago up to the 31st December last was 123. Of this number 88 have been released and only 6 have again appeared before the Courts. Of the total, number of persons (male and female) released under the Prevention of Crime Act only 16 per cent, have turned out to be failures. It has been suggested that these remarkably high percentages of successes are probably due to the majority of those committed to Borstal being first offenders. This is by no means the case. Out of 176 direct committals to Borstal last year no less than 113 had been previously convicted or dealt with on one or more occasions by the Courts for delinquency. Industry and Development. It is axiomatic, so far as the Department is concerned, that the welfare of prisoners should not be subordinated wholly to economic considerations, and for this reason the choice of industries is restricted according to their suitability as prison undertakings. It is also noticeable that the improved conditions and the greater privileges now granted prisoners are bearing fruit in the shape of better discipline and increased industry.

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Reviewing the prison industries as a whole, notwithstanding the unfavourable economic conditions and the depressed prices that were prevalent throughout the year under review for primary produce, the revenue for the past year is the maximum yet earned in any one year. In reviewing the results it is necessary not merely to have regard to the extent of the business done and the total revenue received, but rather to the net revenue and its effect in reducing the cost of prison maintenance. It is satisfactory to note that due to the vigorous prosecution of industries, together with the farmdevelopment programme of recent years, which is now coming into fruition, the year has shown a greatly improved cash surplus within the industries. The total cash receipts including institutional items amounted to £83,806, which is approximately £10,000 in excess of the preceding year, while a comparison of the net cash surpluses from the industries alone, compared with previous years, shows the following : — Cash Expenditure Cash Receipts Cash Year. on Industries. from Industries. Surplus. £ £ £ 1927-28 .. .. .. .. 34,670 63,310 28,640 1928-29 .. .. .. .. 33,528 70,389 36,861 1929-30 .. .. .. .. 39,070 80,365 41,295 The principal contributions to this revenue are from the following sources : Farms and garden products, £21,642 ; cfuarries, £29,989 ; road works and contracts, £17,781 ; bootmaking, £4,288 ; mail-bag repairs and tailoring, £2,386 ; miscellaneous industries, £4,279. It is to be borne in mind that the actual revenue earned by the Department does not by any means indicate the total value of production. The clothing, feeding, and housing of the inmates comprises a substantial production in addition to the production which leaves the prison, and a heavier expenditure from the Public Account woirid be involved were the Department not producing its own requirements in this respect. A statement is given hereunder which reveals what may be termed a maximum acceptable figure of the value of prison production. It is by no means easy to estimate the aggregate economic value of prison labour, and in the figures quoted the following classes have been omitted : Value of output of bakehouses, £7,000, which can hardly be included to the exclusion of kitchen production, internal laundry, clothing, repairs, and produce grown for domestic consumption.

Touching on the activities of the various industries, the following are the main points for mention. The volume of farm production showed a substantial increase over any previous year, but towards the close of the year when most of the revenue normally comes to hand, practically all commodities were seriously affected by the fall in the markets. Notwithstanding this, the farm revenue amounted to £21,6-42, being only £277 lower than for the previous year, which was a record. The drop in butterfat, wool, mutton, and lamb prices cost the Department, at a conservative estimate, £5,000 for the year. At the prison farms, where the honour system can be applied and men placed on trust to a greater degree, are the conditions favourable to the best results from a reformative point of view. Farm life and broad acres provide the freedom and the healthful physical exercise which are so essential to impart the resistance necessary to break anti-social habits, and at the same time inspire a feeling of confidence and promote the extension of those higher qualities of manhood which must develop in the process of reformation. While the main direction of prison labour is in farm-development, it is not practicable to employ all classes of prisoners on farms. For the safety of the community many must be kept on intra mural occupations, or where they can be kept under close surveillance.

Distributed Farm and Garden Workshop p , a .° u , j out of the Produce to Manufactures a 1 ions Total. | Department. Institutions. to Institutions. 0 Work? a " £ £ £ £ Addington .. .. 867 82 .. .. 949 Auckland .. .. 23,538 582 5,314 .. 29,434 Hautu.. .. .. 665 573 .. 2,133 i 3,371 Invercargill .. .. 5,960 1,668 1,032 1,546 10,206 Napier .. .. 552 40 .. .. 592 New Plymouth .. .. 1,258 156 .. .. 1,414 Paparua .. .. 16,579 1,729 333 1,294 19,935 Point Halswell .. . . 779 29 .. .. 808 Rangipo .. .. 13 152 .. 1,455 1,620 Waikeria .. .. 9,209 1,127 .. 1,110 12,446 Waikune .. .. 16,943 15 .. .. 16,958 Wanganui .... 45 17 . . . . 62 Wellington .. .. 4,629 241 60 2,695 i 7,625 WiTako .. .. 4,794 490 ... 352 5,636 Minor gaols .. .. 15 .. .. .. 15 85,846 7,901 6,739 10,585 I 111,071 I

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Many prisoners also, by physique or their mental or moral outlook, are quite unsuitable for farm-work. Many are short-sentence men whom it would be relatively costly and uneconomical to transfer for short periods to prison farms. It is because of these difficulties the Department is often obliged to embark, to a limited extent, on competitive enterprises, although every effort is made in accordance with the expressed Government policy for many years to avoid State competitive friction as far as possible. It should be borne in mind that the Prisons Department is in a somewhat unique position. It would be distinctly uneconomical for the Department not to utilize its labour force to the best advantage for the purpose of keeping down the burden on the taxpayer for the upkeep of prisoners. It would also be a definitely retrogressive step were the Department to withdraw prison labour from the existing avenues of employment, for to do this would, apart from all other considerations, eventually lead to the condition of affairs similar to that existing a few decades ago. when a prisoner released was essentially a more potent law-breaker than on his committal. Dealing with the part played by the individual institutions in the industries and agricultural programme of the Department, the following briefly outlines nature of activities at each. At Auckland Prison the work is almost wholly industrial, except for the garden. Quarrying, bootmaking, tinsmithing, clothing-manufacture, and laundering for Defence Department, are the main occupations, the quarry absorbing the greatest number of inmates. At the Addington Women's Reformatory a few inmates are employed in cottage gardening, and a number in laundry-work for other Departments. This continues to be a profitable venture, and substantially assists in reducing the cost of maintaining the institution. At Hautu and Rangipo, near Tokaanu, the scheme of developing an area of 13,500 acres of pumice land continues to be actively pursued, with gratifying results. Slightly over 3,000 acres of what was hitherto absolutely waste country have been cleared, and the total area in grass at the 31st March, 1930, was as follows : — Hautu. Rangipo. Total. Acres. Acres. Acres. Temporary pastures .. .. .. ..1,100 1,250 2,350 Permanent pastures .. .. .. .. 560 50 610 1,660 1,300 2,960 A recent geological survey of the district and an analysis of soils by officers of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department justifies this Department's optimism as to eventual success, as these reveal that the peculiar fertility and freedom from bush sickness of the Hautu area is due to a volcanic deposit of andesite ash which shows high iron, lime, and magnesia content. Coupled with an adequate rainfall in almost all months of the year, the growth is such that, notwithstanding the severe winters, stock can be successfully carried throughout the year. Owing to the necessity for providing hay, ensilage, and root crops for winter feed, slightly larger areas than were originally contemplated will be required when the land is ultimately subdivided for settlement. At Invercargill a number of inmates are engaged in bootmaking for the footwear requirements of the South Island institutions, and in carrying out certain building extensions, but most of the labour is engaged in reclaiming and draining the farm and carrying on farming operations on the reclaimed areas. Reclamation has been proceeding for a considerable number of years with an expenditure of a vast amount of human energy and not a little cash. On the whole the results are disappointing, and the farm is, more or less, dependent on some drier leased areas for wintering of stock. It is doubtful if the reclaimed area will ever prove an asset in any way compatible with the work and money put into it. However, the money still required to complete the original proposals is now small; most of the work in future will involve only inmates' labour. Having done so much work in attempting to create a farm, if only as a means of salvage, the Department should continue to occupy and work it for the most that can be obtained from it. At Napier Prison the main outlet for the labour available is the gravel-pit. There is so little demand for metal that all requirements can be met without the aid of machinery. As with most of the institutions, sufficient vegetables, except potatoes, are grown for institution requirements. At New Plymouth the position is similar to Napier in respect of occupation and industries. Paparua Prison a few years ago was wholly a farm institution occupying 1,350 acres. Since development was completed it has been necessary to find alternative employment for from thirty to forty prisoners, and this has been met by developing a gravel-pit, which has proved a most profitable industry. On the farm itself the work is varied. Sheep-raising, pig-rearing, poultry, and growing grain, fodder and vegetables, are all carried on. At Point Halswell, Wellington, dairying previously was carried on, but this has been transferred to Wellington Prison, where this work can be more satisfactorily undertaken. Laundering and mending for a number of Departments and cottage gardening are the main occupations, and continue to be profitable. At Waikeria in the Waikato District operations are at present confined principally to dairying, but within the next few seasons a considerable additional value will be coming ofi in wool, sheep, and beef. Since a portion of the Mental Hospital estate was taken over a few years ago, the Department has been stocking up gradually in cattle and sheep as the paddocks are being brought into cultivation. The dairy production of three dairies continues to increase year by year. For the year ended 31st March, the total production was substantially higher than the year preceding, but in value was approximately the same due to the collapse of the market. The average butterfat for 1928-29 season, while not quite as high as the best season (1927-28), was particularly good, and continues to be well above the average of the registered herds in the district.

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Waikune Prison, in the National Park area, continues to be mainly a road-construction camp, the roads in the district being constructed and maintained for the Public Works Department. The year just passed has been most successful from a working and revenue point of view. At Wanganui the situation of the prison excludes industry almost entirely, gardening being carried on only with great difficulty. A few men have been occupied in cutting firewood for the State Coal Depot. At Wellington, evacuation of the Terrace Prison site and completion of the demolition of the buildings were effected, and the site is now in occupation by the Wellington Education Board. At the new local prison at Mount Crawford the principal works have been the completion of the new access road, erection of several cottages, and the completion of the main buildings. Gardening and dairying have also been carried on, together with minor industries including manufacture of floorpolish, sand-soap, and lead-headed nails for departmental purposes. At Wi Tako Prison the drainage of the 500-acre valley in which the farm is situated has been proceeded with, and an increased area cultivated for vegetable garden and for sheep and cattle. This farm, which will have a high productive value, is steadily reaching the stage of complete development. The brickworks are now leased to a company. The Department does not expect to make a profit out of the lease —this would be impossible —but merely hopes to cut the loss which would be involved if the works were allowed to remain idle and untenanted. Expenditure and Revenue. It is pleasing to report that the net vote expenditure, which had been reduced from £94,220 in 1927-28 down to £89,457 in 1928-29, has been further reduced during 1929-30 to £88,442. This last-mentioned decrease is to some extent the result of a reduction in the average number of prisoners by seventy-five compared with the previous year. The net cost on Consolidated Fund amounted to £62 os. Id. per prisoner for the year representing an increase of £2 10s. as compared with 1928-29. This may be attributed to the falling prices of farm-products which in an earlier part of the report were estimated to have cost the Department £5,000 in reduced revenue from the farms last year, or approximately £4 10s. per prisoner. In perusing the following table the sudden increase in cash expenditure following 1926-27 will be noted. Prior to that year all the expenditure on machinery and implements, seeds and manure, and live-stock required for land-development purposes at Hautu and Rangipo Farms was provided by Public Works Fund, but from Ist April, 1927, it became a charge on Consolidated Fund. Although it cannot be regarded as cost of upkeep of prisons, it inflates the total charge against the vote. This extra load of capital expenditure without any immediate material revenue can be expected to continue for some years yet until development is completed of these areas.

Summary of Payments and Receipts on Account of Prisons Vote from 1924 to 1930.

Profit and Loss Account. The annual Income and Expenditure Account and Balance-sheet drawn up on commercial lines, following the practice recently instituted in Government Departments, is appended hereto as Table B. These show that the total gross cost of prisons, including all capital charges such as interest and depreciation and other assessed charges for rents, &c., and making due adjustments for industry profits or losses, amounted to £176,131, as against £175,287 for the previous year. If the charge as nominally debited for prison labour is reversed, the net cost for the year including all customary overhead charges amounted to £122,003, or £85-58 per prisoner. As already stated, many of the charges included in the foregoing are purely nominal, and do not represent actual expenditure. As indicated earlier in the report, the average net cost on Consolidated Fund per prisoner amounted to £62, which represents the direct cost to the taxpayer. Expenditure on Prisoners' Rations. The total cost of food consumed by inmates during the year —that is, cost of purchased food plus value of food grown in the prison farms and gardens — amounted to £23,427, averaging approximately £16 10s. per prisoner per annum. The following table is interesting in illustrating the trend in cost of purchased food rations over a course of years. During 1929-30 the total cost was slightly in excess of the previous year, although

, Gross Expenditure. Credits. Net Expenditure. Daily Average Year. Number of i 1 j Inmates. Total. Per Head. Total. ' Per Head. Total. ' Per Head. I J ' [ ■ ££££££ 1924-25 .. 1,227-81 144,484 117-67 68,118 55-56 76,366 62-11 1925-26 .. 1,340-13 152,794- 114-00 79,099 59-02 73.695 54-98 1926-27 .. 1,397-25 148,766 106-47 70,915 50-76 77,851 55-71 1927-28 .. 1,489-62 161,199 108-21 66,979 44-95 94,220 63-26 1928-29 .. 1,501-82 163,451 108-83 73,994 49-27 89,457 59-56 1929-30 1,425-54 172,248 120-83 83,806 58-87 88,442 62-04

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the lesser number of prisoners would in the ordinary course have reduced the bill by £750. A slight increase of 3 per cent, in the average of wholesale food-prices for the year compensated for this reduction to the extent of £450. The increase in cost per head amounted to merely 3d. per head per week. A reduction in the cost per head in the last three years compared with years preceding will be observed. This is the result of the policy of increasing the ratio of prison-produced food to purchased food, including meat, vegetables, and bread. The cost per head is at present approximately £3 per head lower than four years ago, and the total saving being maintained is no less than £4,000 per annum.

NET COST OF FOOD RATIONS (NOT INCLUDING TOBACCO).

Prison Labour. Reference lias been made in an earlier portion of the report to the utilization of prison labour in agriculture and industry. In Table 81, at the conclusion of the report, is shown a detailed statement of the value of labour applied to each class of work at each institution. Following the decreased prison population, the aggregate valuation of labour for 1929-30 was £82,535, compared with £86,850 for the prevous year. The value per head was almost similar at approximately £57 17s. The decrease in value of labour expended in erection of prison buildings has been very marked in the last'two years. The value of £4,500 in 1929-30 was approximately half the value of the previous year, and approximately one-third of the value of each of the two preceding years. This result follows upon the halt in building programme of the Department, which is dealt with more fully in the Public Works Statement submitted by the Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Miscellaneous. During the past four years many opportunities have been taken to institute improvements in industry management, stores and accounts control, economies, housing, attention and feeding of prisoners, and general matters. It has been usual to refer to such matters in each year's report. It is not proposed to here recapitulate the alterations and changes made in previous years. The Department's officials are at all times invited to bring forward for consideration suggestions having efficiency, economy, and general improvements as their aim. Apathy between periods of energy does not, make for real efficiency, and the Department always aims at steady and continuous improvements. Matters which when instituted have then proved or been considered improvements may not necessarily continue to be so indefinitely, or in practice may not constitute real or unqualified advantages. Subsequent conditions may at times call for reversion to earlier methods in some of the multifarious details of prison organization. The following outlines a few of a number of matters of interest occurring in the Department and relating to improvements effected during the year : — Damage caused wilfully by Prisoners. —Authority was provided last year to enable inmates to be debited with losses of property caused by wilfulness or negligence, this necessarily being operative only where an inmate has earnings. Careful perusal of debits made under this scheme over a period of fifteen months indicate that the step has had a good effect in minimising the wanton destruction of public property. Dental Treatment Contracts. —During the year all existing dental arrangements were reviewed, and two-year contracts entered into with various dentists, all institutions being provided for. In most of the cases the terms arranged gave decided improvements upon the existing ones. In others where the existing arrangements were good they were embodied into definite contracts on similar terms. Dental Treatment, Payment of. —In order that all institutions should be brought into line in respect of the above, the respective liability of the Department and of the inmate to defray cost of dental attention, was also reviewed and the following provisions made —viz., that an inmate pays for all dental attention, except where extractions are required to relieve pain or where the Medical Officer considers extraction for health reasons cannot be deferred until release. Where it is desirable that dental attention other than extractions be given to a prisoner who has no earnings to meet same, the Department will consider such case on its merits, and if necessary defray the cost.

ear ' (Twelve Months to ,, j°, „ i s ? er to 1914 Price 31st March). Foodstuffs. j Head. | l!asia . £ £ £ 1934. .. .. .. 979-81 11,555 11-79 11-79 1919-20 .. .. .. 965-07 17,294 17-93 1924-25 .. .. .. 1,227-50 18,332 14-93 10-58 1925-26 .. .. .. 1,340-13 19,547 14-58 10-19 1926-27 .. .. .. 1,397-25 19,389 13-88' 10-60 1927-28 .. .. .. 1,489-62 15,736 10-57 8-09 1928-29 .. .. .. 1,501-82 15,363 10-23 7-35 1929-30 .. .. .. 1,425-54 15,526 10-89 7-59

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Medical Supplies for Institutions. —The bulk of the Department's drugs and medical supplies are now being imported and a substantial annual saving is resulting. Fuller use is being made of the Auckland Prison dispensary than hitherto by instituting definite regulations for distribution therefrom, special " urgency " requirements being met by special provisions to minimize as far as possible the local purchase of medicines at chemists' retail prices. Steps have also been taken to ensure that at each visit of a Medical Officer a catalogue of drugs and medicines in stock in General Store is made available to him, it having been found that Medical Officers in ignorance of stocks held, have frequently prescribed mixtures necessitating special purchasing of drugs not in stock. Miscellaneous Stocks in General Store. —During the year steps were taken to acquaint all institutions of all stores held in Auckland General Store in order that such would be drawn on before purchase of similar or alternative articles. Up to the time that this procedure was adopted institutions were never fully acquainted with what the Department already had in stock. . Uniforming System of Record of Earnings.—For some time it had been felt that there was insufficient uniformity at institutions in the recording of prisoners' wages and earnings. During the year complete regulations were issued prescribing detailed procedure of a uniform character for all institutions in respect of assessment of marks, records of marks, earnings, wages, and deductions, and payment of earnings before, upon, and after release. Inquiries from a number of institutions have indicated that the revision has effected a great improvement. Care of Footwear and Leather. —A number of comprehensive tests of foot-wear leather under various working-conditions have been continued at the prisons on behalf of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in its endeavour to ascertain the effect of various climatic and underfoot conditions on leather, particularly for comparison of results of English and New Zealand tanning. • The results have been of value to the Department, although their main object is to supply reliably recorded data to the Leather Research Chemist with the object of assisting him in his research into each and every point of difference between, and similarity of, English and New Zealand leathers. Re-footing of SocJcs.—The annual cost of supplying socks for prison use has been a matter of special inquiry during the year, and as a preliminary step towards reducing the cost, instructions have been issued that socks which are past further darning should be sent to Auckland Prison for refooting if the uppers were in good condition, it having been found by experience that the " refoots " outwear the best machine-made article purchased. Investigations are at present in hand to further this matter, and it is very probable that before long the Department will be confining its purchase to tops of a relatively light quality, and fitting original " foots "in the prisons. From analysis up to the present there is reason to believe that our preliminary conclusions will prove correct, and that the existing costs can reasonably be expected to be halved by saving £200 per annum. Legislation. It is hoped that legislation will be introduced during the present session which will remedy certain anomalies which experience has shown to exist at present. It is hoped to amend the Prevention of Crime Act to make provision for the payment of wages to dependents of Borstal detainees who are in necessitous circumstances similarly to prisoners undergoing ordinary imprisonment. The Prevention of Crime Act was based on the English statute where the maximum age for commitment to Borstal is twenty-one years. In New Zealand the age is twentythree years, and in case of transfer twenty-five years. Many such lads have wives or dependants in necessitous circumstances. Provision will also be asked for to enable Borstal escapees to be punished under the Prevention of Crime Act, by the extension of the term without requiring the inmate to be charged as " a rogue and vagabond " under the Police Offences Act, as at present. An amendment of the Crimes Act will be sought, providing for a period of probationary supervision to prisoners undergoing ordinary imprisonment on similar lines to persons released from Borstal. Now that voluntary probation committees are functioning effectively, it is considered that a period of supervision will assist in rehabilitation and lessen the chance of a subsequent lapse. As pointed out in my 1927 report, it is somev/hat anomalous that the well-conducted prisoner who is granted a remission of his sentence is released on the recommendation of the Prisons Board under probationary supervision, whilst the bad prisoner who does not earn any remission is released unconditionally. It is those coming within the latter category who require probationary oversight during the difficult period when they first emerge from prison, and thereby minimize the likelihood of any early relapse. An amendment of the Prisons Act is proposed which will define more specifically the Public Trustee's position as administrator of prisoners' estates under Part 111 of the Prisons Act, 1908. Part 111 of the Prisons Act, 1908, provides for the Public Trustee to administer the estates of persons sentenced to imprisonment for terms of three years or more. Section 24 of the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, however, provides that " every person sentenced to reformative detention for any period " shall be subject to Part 111 of the Act. A prisoner sentenced to reformative detention in this respect should be similarly placed to one sentenced to ordinary imprisonment. By section 24 of the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, provision is also made to enable an habitual criminal or habitual offender who is released on probation to resume control of his property, but no similar provision exists to enable a prisoner sentenced to simple imprisonment or to reformative detention to regain control of his affairs in similar circumstances. Although Part 111 of the Prisons Act, 1908, provides for the administration of the affairs of all persons sentenced to three years' imprisonment or upward, no provision is made to meet the case of cumulative sentences on two or more charges on one indictment —e.g., the estate of a prisoner undergoing a sentence of two years' hard labour with two years' reformative detention to follow, a total of four years—would not be provided for by Part 111 of the principal Act.

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Acknowledgments. I again desire to place on record the Department's deep sense of gratitude for the assistance and co-operation of the Visiting Justices and Official Visitors who have regularly visited the institutions and have contributed materially in maintaining contentment and discipline. The thanks of the Department are due to the various Borstal committees for their continued interest and help in connection with the administration of the Borstal institutions. To the Women's Borstal Association and its associates the Department is also much indebted for the maintenance of oversight and care of discharged girls. Thanks are also due to the ladies who have regularly, week in and week out, visited the Point Halswell Borstal Institution for the purpose of giving lectures and providing entertainments. To numerous members of the Workers' Educational Association, the Howard League for Penal Reform, and many teachers and other citizens who have assisted voluntarily in a similarmanner the Department also desires to extend its thanks. The helpful co-operation and valuable assistance given by the Prisoners' Aid Society, the Justices' Association, and the Voluntary Probation Committees is gratefully appreciated by the Department. To these organizations which give such splendid assistance in connection with after-care work is largely due the credit for the comparatively small percentage who again appear before the Courts. I desire to make special mention of the work of the late Mr. David Todd of the Dunedin Voluntary Probation Committee whose optimism and wholehearted interest in the welfare and rehabilitation of those who came under the Department's care was a helpful inspiration both to probationers as well as to those members of the staff who were privileged to meet him. Recognizing the peculiar amenability of those in prison to the refining influences of religion, the Department greatly appreciates the care and interest, often at considerable personal inconvenience and expense so far as the visits to the prison camps are concerned, shown by the various ministers of religion who attend to the moral and spiritual welfare of prisoners at the various institutions. In placing on record my sense of gratitude to the members of the staff for their loyalty and the zealous manner in which they have endeavoured to carry out their duties and promote the efficient administration of the Department, I should like specially to mention Mr. D. A. Mackintosh who, as Acting Controller-General during my absence at the Public Service Commissioner's Office, has ably attended to the multifarious matters of routine prison administration. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons. Inspector of Prisons to the Controller-General of Prisons. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st March, 1930, regarding the inspection of the prisons and institutions under the control of the Department. At intervals throughout the year, and as necessity arose, the principal prisons, prison farms, camps, and Borstal institutions were inspected, and opportunities given to prisoners and inmates to discuss with me matters relating to their treatment and general welfare. Officers of all ranks were also given facilities to discuss any question which they desired to bring under the notice of the Department. In the larger prisons a considerable number of the male prisoners serving long terms availed themselves of the opportunity to interview me. Comparatively few complaints were made regarding treatment, but requests for special privileges by way of variation of food-ration or extra tobacco and for transfer to camps and country institutions were fairly numerous. The cells, bedding, &c., at the larger institutions, and the huts at the prison camps, were examined on each of my visits. The accommodation provided at the various institutions is satisfactory, and for the present sufficient. The institutional buildings, interior and exterior, have been kept scrupulously clean, and every possible precaution is taken to ensure that prisoners suffering from contagious diseases are not permitted to come in contact with the other men until the Medical Officer certifies that there is no further danger of infection. Apart from the requests already mentioned by a few of the men who are serving indeterminate sentences at the Auckland Prison, no complaints were made regarding the quality or the adequacy of the food ration. An examination of the Reception Registers at the Institutions reveals the fact that prisoners invariably gain in weight whilst in detention —an indication that the food provided is both adequate and wholesome. With regard to general prison works and industries the progress recorded during the past few years has been well maintained. The available labour is handled in a systematic manner by the officers in charge of the principal works. Comparatively few skilled artisans are received into the institutions, the great majority of the men being labourers. It is therefore necessary that a proportion of the warders should be tradesmen or men experienced in farming, roadmaking, &c. The officers in charge of the working parties allot conduct and industry marks daily, and the Chief Warder subsequently checks the earnings of each man. In allotting industry marks the officials take into consideration the mental and physical condition of each individual prisoner so that those who are unable, through no fault of their own, to perform as much work as the physically fit men, are not deprived of the privileges which follow the earning of maximum marks. The principle of piece-work or task-labour is not indulged in at any of the prison institutions, but men who apply for permission to work overtime, for the purpose of earning extra money for their dependants, are given that privilege, providing they are suitable and work is available. A considerable amount of " overtime "is performed by men at country institutions without continuous supervision. The classes in agricultural science conducted

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by the Schoolmaster at the Waikeria Borstal Institution, and the agricultural experimental work carried on by Mr. Matthews at Invercargill, tend to make the practical work on the farms of greater interest to the inmates. Similar classes at all farm institutions would result in correlating theoretical instruction with practical work, and would be of considerable value to inmates who show aptitude in agricultural pursuits. Requests for assistance in obtaining employment on release are frequently made by prisoners when the date of their discharge draws near. It is satisfactory to find from the reports of Superintendents of institutions that an increasing interest is being taken by active social workers in the welfare of ex-inmates of prisons, but the problem of finding suitable employment for discharged men is a difficult one. The rehabilitation of ex-prisoners is a work which provides many opportunities for those who are anxious to do some useful social service. It is considered that if social workers, who are at present working independently of each other, were to co-ordinate their efforts somewhat on the lines adopted by the Voluntary Probation Committees ex-prison inmates could be more expeditiously and systematically assisted. The success attained at Dunedin and other centres is an indication of what can be done by a body of social workers representative of the principal religious denominations acting together under the guidance of experienced Probation Officers. In this work a greater measure of success attends the efforts of the social worker who obtains the assistance and co-operation of the prison management. Disappointment and waste of time and energy would be frequently avoided were the views of the Controlling Officers first obtained. Prisoners with lengthy criminal careers should not be dealt with by inexperienced social workers, except with the advice of the officials. The inexperienced worker who prefers to base his opinion of prisoners' characters entirely on his own observations, with no regard to their past histories, wastes much time which could be more profitably used on other and more hopeful cases. Those experienced in dealing with hardened offenders realize that it is unsafe to place too much reliance on the statements and promises of prisoners made whilst in detention, nor should good behaviour and industry be regarded entirely as indications of true reform. Dr. James Devon, Medical Officer to the Glasgow Prison institutions, in "The Criminal and the Community " sounds a note of reserve in his reference to the question of social work amongst prisoners in the following terms, viz.:— " Very likely he (the prisoner) will talk freely to any person who is of an inquiring turn of mind. . . . He learns to take advantage of every opening that offers any chance of increased comfort to himself, and he may readily make a general confession of sin and promise of amendment'if thereby he can gain sympathy and obtain privileges. It is not surprising that he should behave in this manner —the principle of making friends with the mammon of unrighteousness is not unknown outside prison—but it is strange that people who might be supposed to know the conditions in which he is placed should talk as though the criminal were usually a stupid kind of person." D. A. Mackintosh, Inspector of Prisons.

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PRISONS AND PENAL INSTITUTIONS: EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS. Auckland Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. J. Dickison.) At the commencement of the year there were 362 males and 11 females in custody ; during the year 1,452 males and 69 females were received, whilst 1,455 males and 65 females were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in the prison on the night of the 31st December, 1929, 359 males and 15 females. I am again pleased to be in the position to report that there were no executions during the year There were four deaths during the twelve months—three of the deaths occurred in the District Hospital, and one was a case of suicide. The daily average on the sick-muster was : Males, 8-9 ; females, nil. In view of the fact that the daily average of prisoners in custody was approximately 375 throughout the twelve months, it must be admitted that the health of the inmates has been excellent. Included in the average is quite a number of aged and infirm prisoners who remain under treatment from the time of receipt until discharge, and if, in addition to these, allowance is made for the inclusion of prisoners sustaining petty injuries on the works, it must be conceded that this prison has remained particularly immune from sickness during the twelve months under review. The prison school has continued under the control of Mr. Grice, M.A., and his tutorship has produced excellent results, as will be evidenced by the annual examination return. There is no doubt whatever that the annual expenditure incurred in maintaining the school is amply warranted, as the marked progress made by the pupils is very obvious to those in close touch, and is one of the main factors in assisting the backward individual to rehabilitate himself in the outside world. The average attendance of 90 per cent, shows the keen interest displayed by the pupils themselves. During the year 115 breaches of the regulations were dealt with by Visiting Justices, whilst a number of minor breaches were dealt with by myself. On the whole the conduct of the prisoners may be considered to have been very satisfactory, as consideration must be given to the fact that quite a number of individual prisoners were dealt with on several occasions. With a daily average muster of 375, the weekly number of offenders dealt with shows an average of three for the twelve months. Evening drill has been continued under the instruction of a Principal Warder, the prisoners participating benefiting considerably from the exercises. Work completed and in progress. —In terms of an arrangement made with the Defence Department, a number of Ordnance buildings adjoining the prison were dismantled, and a boundary-fence erected. The materials made available by the demolition were taken over by this Department as payment for the services rendered. From materials in hand for general maintenance purposes a new fumigating room was erected, with the result that the work in this connection has since been handled much more expeditiously than previously. Owing to the hot - water service becoming faulty as the result of corrosion, the tanks and pipes were renewed throughout the system, and no further trouble has since been experienced in this connection. The whole of the requisite maintenance of prison buildings was executed throughout the year. A good deal of work was carried out around the prison proper, whilst quite a number of repairs and replacements were effected in connection with the maintenance of the staff, cottages. Roadmaking at Rangitoto Island. —A party of twenty prisoners under the supervision of two officers has been working continuously at Rangitoto Island since November, 1925. Work executed to the 31st December, 1929 is as follows: Summit Road via the Beacon —4 miles 62 chains formation completed, 20 ft. wide ; 3 miles of Summit Road blinded, 14 ft. wide ; 2J miles reblinded and blinded to full width. Islington Bay Road —3 miles formation completed to waterfront at the bay, 16 ft. wide ; 1 mile 10 chains of footpaths formed, 4ft wide. Sports-ground area levelled ; approximately 50 yards of scoria rock shifted in this work. Stone wall built to retain water for swimmingpool ; approximately 200 yards of rock used at this work. Road to link up Islington Bay Road and Summit Road, 1J miles, formation completed. 11 chains of 10 ft. roadway leading to sportsground formed. Institutional Industries. —The prison vegetable-garden continues, to be a decided asset to the institution, and with the exception of potatoes all requirements of vegetables are readily met. Under the control of a Principal Warder bootmaking continues to furnish an excellent return, and the requirements of other Departments, as well as our own, are handled with very satisfactory results. Quite a number of the younger prisoners placed in the shop from time to time are inexperienced in the trade ; nevertheless, they readily adapt themselves to requirements, with evident benefit to themselves and satisfaction to the Department. The output from the tailoring factory has been well maintained throughout the year. All orders from other Departments, together with our own requirements, have again been handled expeditiously. An innovation during the period under review has been the manufacture of civilian suits for inmates desiring a new outfit before release. This privilege has been generally appreciated, and a large number of suits were made during the twelve months. Repairs to mail and parcel bags are carried on in conjunction with the tailoring, and the whole of the demands of the Post and Telegraph Department during the past year have been handled expeditiously. For the first time we have this year executed a contract for the manufacture of parcel-bags, and as the result was quite satisfactory we are hoping for increased orders in the future.

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With the exception of blankets, the whole of the prison laundering, and the repairs to socks, continue to be executed by the female prisoners, and the small cost to the Department speaks volumes for the capable control of the staff of this division. In addition to the prison laundering, work is performed for the Police and Department of Internal Affairs, whilst " soft " laundering is executed on behalf of the Defence Department's various encampments. The washing of prison blankets, repairs to moleskins, shirts, &c., are executed by male labour, and here again the cost to the Department is relatively small. During the past year several thousand blankets were laundered on behalf of the Defence Department, the undertaking proving profitable to this Department. It is pleasing to be able to report that both crushing plants in the prison quarry have been kept practically in full commission throughout the year. At present we have sufficient orders in hand to guarantee the output remaining at a high standard until the end of the current financial year, and it is confidently anticipated that the returns will at least be equal to those of the past few years. The detailed reports furnished by the quarry-manager monthly throughout the year will have enabled you to closely follow the trend of our activities in this sphere of the prison's industrial operations. Early in the current financial year all the horses with the exception of one were- disposed of, and were replaced by a Case tractor, which was transferred here from Hautu. The whole of the general haulage has been executed by this machine with the minimum of trouble, and the innovation has proved highly successful in all respects. Entertainments.—Concerts have been held periodically, some excellent programmes having been presented and keenly enjoyed by the inmates. Thanks are due to the City Missioner (Rev. Jasper Calder), Messrs. J. Stewart (0.V.), Samuel Falls, and Alfred Eady, in conjunction with the other social workers who maintain a kindly interest in the welfare of the inmates. The Salvation Army has also contributed entertainments of merit, whilst Messrs. John Fuller and Sons have at all convenient times shown readiness to arrange for professional artistes from their circuits to appear at the various concerts. Lectures under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association have continued to be given monthly, and have proved most instructive and enjoyable. The director of the association, Mr. N. W. Richmond, has been mainly responsible for the arrangement of this form of entertainment, and is deserving of warm thanks for his efforts. Christmas Cheer. —The several organizations which in past years have provided additional comforts for the inmates during the festive season again contributed freely, with the result that an adequate and varied stock of " extras " was available for each individual inmate during Christmas and New Year. Naturally, such continued practical sympathy yearly is very keenly appreciated, and the recipients are loud in their praise of the kindly interest displayed by those responsible for these gifts. Mention must be made also of a substantial amount subscribed this year by a band of city business men, headed by Mr. G. Uren, the amount being expended in the purchase of Christinas cheer in accordance with the expressed desire of the donors.. Religious Services.—Throughout the year the various denominations arranged for services each Sunday, and sincere thanks are due to the interested parties, who spare no effort to make these services enjoyable as well as beneficial to those in attendance. Prisoners' Aid Society. —The representative of the Prisoners' Aid Society has been assiduous in attending to the needs of prisoners, both during confinement and subsequent to discharge, and there is no doubt that his efforts have resulted in many men having an increased chance of making good upon release. The conduct of the staff on the whole has continued to be excellent, with the result that a high standard of discipline has been maintained throughout the year, and consequently the various industrial activities have been carried on smoothly and with profit to the Department. The daily average of prisoners in custody throughout the past twelve months has been approximately 375, and with the numerical strength of the staff remaining unchanged, adequate supervision has been made possible. The staff in the Prison Office, under the Principal Clerk, has dealt with the clerical work of the institution in an efficient manner. In conclusion, I would respectfully tender my thanks to the Department for the guidance and assistance afforded me in dealing with various matters throughout the twelve months under review. Schoolmaster's Report. I have the honour to present my annual report for 1929 on the working of the above school. The roll number is thirty-three, and a good average attendance has been maintained throughout. The school has had an entirely satisfactory year. The work accomplished by the pupils, the results as measured by the annual test, and the working-spirit of the school as a whole are all to be reviewed with satisfaction. Much consideration has been shown by the officials of the Institution, and understanding of the difficulties inseparable from such a school ; and every assistance has been given, as far as the exigencies of the larger organization allowed, to make the school a benefit. There is no need to stress certain difficulties of instruction and organization within the school arising from unavoidable circumstances with which you must be familiar, but the greatest problem is that of finding enough time to help the less educable, who need individual personal help so much. Many of the pupils have to start at the very beginning, learning to read, write, and do numbers ; and, unless someone is constantly at their elbow, their progress is held up most of the school time because they are unable to solve their difficulties. The pupils are distributed as follows : Standard VI, 5 pupils ; Standard V, 11 pupils ; Standard IV, 3 pupils ; Standard 111, 8 pupils ; others, 6 pupils. Unfortunately, the receptivity and speed of the pupils in each group varies so much that it is difficult to provide much group-instruction in arithmetic ; in other subjects it can be done to better advantage.

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The instruction has been based on the primary-school scheme of instruction, adapted to suit the conditions. In arithmetic the work follows the text-books, supplemented by special instruction and exercises in short methods and mental calculation, and an attempt is made to emphasize the more practical and useful phases. In English the aim is to improve the vocabulary, raise the standard of expression, and increase the facility in the use of the mechanical aids—punctuation, spelling, &c. Work on broader lines is given to interest the men in healthy topics, and to give a sane outlook on life. This is accomplished by means of a study of good literature, discussions of current events, reading of poems, debates, and lecturettes, and a survey of geographical and historical topics. This phase appears to be invaluable, and to reflect in the working-spirit of the men which is very good. The final examination in December was arranged to test the progress of the pupils and to check projected promotions for the New Year's work. All the men were examined, except one or two doing very elementary work. The subjects examined were written and mental arithmetic, formal English, composition, spelling, dictation, writing, and reading. A study of the papers and marks showed that the progress during the year varied greatly ; some pupils having benefited considerably, while others had not shown sufficient advance to warrant promotion. This variation seems to be due partly to innate educability, partly to age, and partly to the desire to improve. The first factor is undoubtedly the most significant one. Quite a number of the pupils have shown excellent effort, and these are the men who quickly make their way into the upper classes, where they are more independent of help. The school could deal with three or four times this class of man. Three of the pupils in Standard VI elected to sit for Proficiency, and all were successful. From a disciplinary aspect the school is working very smoothly, corrective measures being practically unnecessary. This has been accomplished largely through gaining, by interest, a good workingspirit, but is due in a great measure to the excellent influence and tactful control of the Assistant Schoolmaster. The Disciplinary Officer has also rendered great assistance in the carrying-out of his duties in the school. In conclusion, I must record my appreciation of the help and courtesy of the Superintendent and officers of the Prison throughout the year. Hautu Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. T. Banks.) At the commencement of the year there were in custody 44 males ; during the year 43 were received, 31 were discharged, 13 were transferred to other institutions, leaving a total of 43 in custody at the 31st December, being a daily average of 38-66 prisoners in custody for the year. The health of the prisoners has been excellent, there being only a few minor cases of colds, &c. The general conduct and industry of the prisoners has been satisfactory, the majority of the men taking a keen interest in the farm-work. There were six prisoners punished for breach of regulations, and one escaped and was recaptured. In the course of the year a new kitchen with conveniences has been erected, also an officers' mess-room, which is a great improvement on the temporary building, and is greatly appreciated by the staff. During the year the prisoners' Sports and Social Committee has been active. A sports meeting has been held monthly, also swimming events were held on four occasions. The tennis-court has been keenly patronized, and provides good healthy pastime for their leisure hours. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been well attended to by the local ministers of the various denominations. During Christmas season the inmates of Hautxi Prison were thoughtfully considered by the different organizations. Parcels of luxuries were received from local Church people, a parcel of cake from the Howard League for Penal Reform, and a package of tobacco from the National Tobacco Co., which were greatly appreciated by the prisoners. The vegetable-garden continues to be a success, a good supply of fresh vegetables being maintained for the prison requirements throughout the year. Ten thousand Pinus radiata seedlings were raised. Owing to the increased development of land during the year considerably more cattle and sheep have been purchased. A start was made last season to breed our own flock of Romney ewes. Fourteen Romney rams were purchased for this purpose, and the ewe lambs left by these rams show every prospect of developing into first-class ewes. The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year : 500 acres stumped of tutu and manuka, cleared of fern, and burned ready for ploughing; 670 acres ploughed; 200 acres sown down in temporary pasture, 300 acres in permanent pasture, 150 acres in turnips, and 2 acres in potatoes ; 80 chains of boundary-fences erected, consisting of four posts to the chain and seven wires ; 760 acres of pasture top-dressed. A sheep-dip was also erected. The conduct of the staff has been very satisfactory. Napier Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. W. R. Cook.) At the commencement of the year there were 25 males and 4 females in custody ; during the year 223 males and 4 females were received, and 221 males and 3 females were discharged, leaving at the end of the year 27 males and 1 female in custody. The above figures show an increase of 13 prisoners over the preceding year, but the apparent increase is accounted for by transfers from other prisons and not direct receptions.

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The prison quarry still continues to be the chief source of revenue, the gross returns from the year being £476 Bs. 4d. ; while the prison garden, after supplying the institution's own needs, shows a credit balance of £3. As in former years, all suitable prisoners were transferred to Wellington for allocation to prison camps, &c. The industry and conduct of the inmates has been good, no serious breaches of the regulations having to be dealt with. The officers' cottages have been thoroughly renovated, and the institution has been kept in thorough repair. The social side of prison life has not been overlooked during the year. Again I have to thank the Misses Ellison for gifts of magazines and papers; also Messrs. W. Letham, of the Cosmopolitan Club, Mr. E. Swailes, and others, for their generous gifts of fruit, cakes, &c., which made Christmas a pleasant one, and conveyed to the inmates the fact that although in gaol they were not forgotten. The health of the inmates has been good, only complaints such as colds and the after-effects of drink requiring the attention of the Medical Officer. I wish to express my thanks to all those kind friends who during the year have assisted me in finding work and in other ways helping the discharged offender to make good again. New Plymouth Pkison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. Djneen.) At the beginning of the year 1929 there were 58 prisoners in custody ; 157 were released, 66 were handed to the police or transferred to other prison institutions, 155 were received, and 56 were in custody at the end of the year. The main industry for the year has been the quarrying of metal for roadmaking, the output being disposed of to the New Plymouth Borough Council. Gardening, &c., has been carried on, and, in addition to the providing of a plentiful supply of vegetables to the institution, there has been a surplus which has been sold by auction, the cash return therefrom being £69 2s. Bd. The general conduct of the prisoners has been fairly satisfactory when the weak mentality of the class of prisoners confined here is considered. There were no escapes or attempted escapes, and only one case of serious misconduct. The general health of the prisoners has been good, and there has been no case of serious illness. One man was sent to the public hospital for operative treatment of an old-standing hernia. He was successfully treated, and has been returned to prison. On every Sunday Divine service is held in the prison, the different denominations taking their turn in supplying the minister to conduct the service. For the first time at this prison an educational class was commenced under the teachership of Mr. Johnston, of Fitzroy. Mr. Johnston has given his services free, and is deserving of the greatest thanks from all concerned. It has been very gratifying to see the progress made by his pupils. The success is all the more noted when one realizes that a number of the pupils would in a school be termed retardates. Several of the men have been complimented by their friends and relatives on the wonderful improvement in their letter-writing. The improvement in this one subject alone would make the school worth while. As the majority of the prisoners in this prison are more or less mentally weak, and the nature of their offences is inclined to have a depressing effect, it has been deemed advisable to counteract the feeling of despondency that might ensue from these circumstances. With this object in view you gave permission for the giving of lectures and sing-songs to the prisoners. On one night a week each sentenced prisoner has been allowed to attend a lecture from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Many of the lectures were ably given by prisoners, and the time taken in their preparation was well and profitably spent. Local gentlemen gave lectures on a wide range of subjects. Prisoners are also allowed to attend wireless recitals on two evenings a week. The thanks of the Department are due to a number of citizens for the great assistance they have rendered in these matters ; the culminating act being the donating of a piano to the prison by the Rotary Club. At Christmas and New Year special teas were provided by the Methodist and Christian Science Churches. No report from this prison would be complete without mention of Mrs. A. Eason. This good lady has visited the prison weekly for the past four years, and talks to the men who have no local friends. Her visits are eagerly looked forward to by the men, and there is no shadow of doubt in my mind as to the beneficial influence she has with the prisoners. She is one of the few social workers who can continually visit and assist in prison work without desiring to interfere with the management, and, as a consequence, Mrs. Eason is as popular with the staff as she is with the prisoners. Schoolmaster's Report. I am pleased to say that, considering the mental equipment of some of the members of the class, general progress has been very satisfactory. As you are aware, one pupil is to be presented shortly for examination for his proficiency certificate ; two others, one in book-keeping, the other in English literature, have made excellent progress ; while four, whom I may class as distinctly subnormal, have astonished me at the all-round improvement they have made.

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Paparua Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. T. Leggett.) At the beginning of the year there were 138 males in custody ; during the year 586 males were received and 588 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 136 males in custody at the end of the year. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 162 and the least 118. The daily average number in custody during the year was 133-54. The health of the prisoners generally has continued very good, there being only four cases of serious illness during the year requiring treatment at the public hospital. One instance was a case of pleurisy with an old-standing miner's phthisis ; in another instance, a case of rupture or gastric ulcer, prisoner complained of illness on reception, and shortly after required operative treatment. Another case was duodenal ulcer ; and the fourth case was that of an inmate received in very poor condition suffering from cardiac distress. In all instances the men were eventually returned to prison after treatment in the public hospital. There were four males transferred to a mental hospital during the year, and in three cases the terms of imprisonment were completed there, leaving one case still in detention there at the end of the year. The conduct of the prisoners has been uniformly good, there being no escapes or attempted escapes during the year. There were nineteen cases against fourteen individuals for minor breaches of the prison regulations requiring to be dealt with by Visiting Justices. The food-supplies have been of excellent quality, and a plentiful supply of vegetables was available from the prison garden. The bread produced in the institutional bakery was of the highest quality, and of the same standard as in public use. The meat-supplies have been mainly from stock supplied from the Invercargill Borstal Institution farm and have been quite satisfactory. The industries of the prison and farming operations have usefully absorbed all available labour. The farming operations here do not absorb a great deal of the labour available, owing to the larger proportion of the farm being old river-bed and at the best fit only for grazing. Therefore, if it were not for the gravel industry a large number of men could not be found suitable employment. During the year continued supplies of gravel and sand have been disposed of for main-highways construction, to local bodies, Government Departments, and small cartage contractors. During the time the gravelpit has been in operation a very keen and intelligent interest has been taken by the men employed in connection with the plant and production, and this is reflected in the fact that since such operations were commenced three years ago there has not been any single attempt to escape, although great freedom of action is given to those employed on this industry. The primary object of the gravel industry is the provision of suitable employment, and it is pleasing indeed to find the prisoners build up mentally and physically, thus leading in a number of instances to being able to place them in suitable employment on release. The manufacture of concrete blocks and fencing-posts for our own requirements and pavingblocks for disposal has been continued during the year. The poultry industry in conjunction with the market-garden has been successfully operated during the year. In addition to providing institutional vegetable requirements, the Health Department at Hanmer Springs has been fully supplied with both vegetables and eggs. Tree replacements in the existing shelter-belts have been provided for from the garden nursery, likewise some of the planting requirements of other institutions have been supplied. The farming section has again been worked successfully, with satisfactory yields of cereals, roots, &c. The sheep section has again shown good results, with an excellent lambing average of 135 per cent. Our early fat-lamb production was again a feature of the metropolitan market. The wool-clip for the year averaged over 12 lb. per head, but owing to the substantial drop in prices the realization was not up to that of last year. The pig industry has shown a small profit notwithstanding that this market has been at a low ebb for some seasons. The Farm Manager has again obtained good results generally from all sections of the farm. Various alterations and additions to buildings have been carried out as follows : Additional exercise-yard accommodation for unconvicted prisoners, allowing for better segregation and control; relaying of the bituminous roofing in cells of both the cell ranges ; renovation of all cells and corridors of the cell buildings ; renovation of various prison residences, with installation of water and sanitary services when required. The social and spiritual welfare of the prisoners has again been well looked after by ministers of the various denominations who hold weekly services, also by Mr. and Mrs. Smith, of the Richmond Mission, who have continued their periodical evening services, and who still extend their practical sympathy in suitable after-care in a number of cases. The social welfare has been again well evidenced by the weekly Workers' Educational Association classes, and thanks are due to the secretary, Mr. Manning, for his organization, and the lecturers for their services, and Rotary Club members for the provision of conveyance. The Rotary Club has also kindly provided interesting lectures and entertainments. Mrs. Holmes and party have entertained the prisoners monthly with high-class vocal and instrumental items, and these concerts are a feature of the social activities in connection with the prison. The educational side of the institution has been carried on by Mr. W. C. Smith and one of the institutional staff, and steady progress has been maintained, as covered by the Schoolmaster's report herewith. I am again pleased to be able to report that the officers of the prison as a body have performed their duties very satisfactorily and have taken a keen interest in their work. While maintaining a good standard of discipline, it is owing to their fair and conscientious treatment, with tact and judgment in dealing with prisoners placed under their charge, that so few have required to be punished. Schoolmaster's Report. On assuming control of the evening school classes at this prison in February, 1929,1 at once noticed the individual differences in the types of men comprising the classes, and after investigation it seemed paramount that as far as possible personal instruction should take the place of class-work, and this has been given effect to during the year with marked results in some cases.

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The curriculum of the school includes English, spelling, arithmetic, geography, interspersed with odd evenings on social subjects and lectures on the current topics of the year. The majority of the men attending the classes are equal to the Fourth Standard of education, and the above subjects for Standards 111, IV, V, and VI are studied in the classes. Most of the students take a very keen interest in the work—this phase was very surprising at the outset—and some have progressed from Standard IV to Standard VI work during the year ; others again have maintained but steady progress, these being men who look upon the evening classes as more a part of their punishment than an opportunity to improve their knowledge. Again, there are others whose mentality is subnormal, and who, although anxious to progress, have not the mental capacity necessary for study past the Third Standard. Four hours per week are given to the classes. On a few occasions during the year the men were allowed debates amongst themselves on various subjects —non-sectarian and non-political. These evenings have been allowed as a reward for keenness and progress, and have helped materially to overcome the individual self-consciousness so apparent in the majority of the men. The discipline throughout the year has been excellent, the older students very quickly remonstrating with any new student of the larrikin type. The discipline officer has carried out his duties very satisfactorily, and has been a great help with the backward students in routine work. A Chinese prisoner unable to speak any English is making quite good progress with our language, and in this I have been fortunate in obtaining assistance from another Chinese prisoner well versed in the subject. Waikune Prison (Road-constructing Camp), Erua, (Officer in Charge, Mr. H. W. Glynn.) There were 92 prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year ; during the year 89 were received from other prisons, whilst 93 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the night of the 31st December, 1929, 88 prisoners. The general health of the prisoners has been good ; most of the illness has been of a minor nature and dealt with by the Medical Officer locally. The conduct of the prisoners on the whole has been satisfactory. Seven prisoners escaped during the year ; six were recaptured after one or two days' liberty, whilst the seventh escapee returned to camp of his own accord. The six who were recaptured were taken before Court and punished. The food-supply has been very good ; no complaints of any importance were received. The meat supplied by the contractors was of good quality, and the pork supplied was grown at the prison. Wholemeal bread is now issued to all prisoners on three days per week, with a view to keeping more evenly balanced food values, and is relished by the prisoners. The spiritual welfare of the men was well c'ared for during the twelve months under review. Divine service at regular intervals was held at the camps by ministers representing the Church of England, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic faiths. The Raetihi Branch of the Salvation Army visited the camps on several occasions and rendered a musical programme. Reviewing the industrial side of Waikune Prison, I consider the standard of progress of past years was maintained. Our activities on the main highway between Raurimu and Horopito continue. During the year a deviation 2 miles 28 chains between Pokako and Horopito was formed and metalled. The task itself was very trying, but now that the job has been finished, and the new road open for vehicular traffic, it has reduced the distance by road between Pokako and Horopito and eliminated two dangerous railway-crossings. We were also called on to put through another deviation between Oio and Raurimu. The work was accomplished and the section metalled. A bridge 120 ft. long was constructed over the Makatote Stream. The structure was erected on three solid concrete piers, with huge steel girders spanning the gap, and the decking, which is of concrete with a bitumen surface, is 40 ft. above the level of the stream. In all 5 miles 29 chains of the main highway was formed and metalled. The construction of the bridge over the Makatote Stream, and general maintenance of the whole section of road between Raurimu and Horopito, was carried out on the Te Kuiti- Bulls (via Taumarunui) section of the main highway. General maintenance work on the National Park - Tokaanu Road was carried on throughout the year. Although the greater portion of this road is unmetalled and at the present time is carrying the maximum of tourist and heavy traffic, I am pleased to report that our efforts were successful in keeping the road open for traffic throughout the year. The contract for supplying metal to the Kaitieke County Council for metalling the Erua Road was recommenced during the latter part of the year. Up to the present we have supplied sufficient metal to enable one mile of the road to be metalled. The supply and delivery of crushed metal and sand to be used in the construction of the hostel at National Park was supplied as required. This contract alone called for the supply of approximately 3,500 cubic yards of metal and sand. An agreement was also entered into between the Waimarino County Council and the Prisons Department for the supply of metal for use on roads under the jurisdiction of the county, and approximately 2,500 cubic yards of grit was supplied for that purpose. A new vulcanizing plant was purchased during the year, and such has been the cause of a great reduction in the cost of tires and tubes replacement, and is earning further revenue by effecting repairs to rubber goods for other prison institutions and Government Departments. Our special thanks are due to the National Tobacco Co., Ltd., the Howard League for Penal Reform, and the Revs. J. W. Burley and R. S. Bovt, for providing cheer for the men at Christmas time ; to Miss B. E. Baughan for her efforts in obtaining a gramophone and records for use at the camps ; also to Mrs. L. Swallow, of the W.C.T.U., Christchurch, for several lots of gramophone records despatched for use at this prison.

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In conclusion I would respectfully tender my thanks to the Department for the guidance and assistance afforded me in dealing with various matters throughout the twelve months under review, also to the officers of the institution for their assistance. Wanganui Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. B. Ching.) During the year there were received from all sources 100 males and 6 females, this being 49 less males and 3 less females than 1928, it being approximately a daily average of 30-42 males and 10 females. At the commencement of the year there were in custody 35 males, and at the close of the year 30 males. Employment has been found for those able to do some little work in the kitchen-garden, prison grounds, laundry, cleaning, &c., besides cutting firewood into 8 in. lengths for the Mines Department. The latter work has been very much delayed this year, the wood coming to hand later than expected. Considering the age and other infirmities of most of the men, they take a good interest in their work —more so the garden, grounds, and wood-cutting, which is a good, clean, healthy employment for them. The kitchen-garden has done better this year than ever before, and I think we shall have enough vegetables to keep going for the greater part of the year. The rations supplied have been of the very best, and it can be said that not one complaint about the food has been made to the Surgeon, Visiting Justice, Inspector, or myself. The Medical Officer makes an examination of the kitchen and food on all his visits, also the Visiting Justice. In the opinion of the Surgeon and Visiting Justice, who have had considerable experience in connection with the management of other and similar institutions, the food supplied is ample and most suitable. The bread which is still supplied from the New Plymouth Prison, is a first-class article in every way, and the arrangements made for our supply are perfect, and not the least inconvenient. The conduct of the men has been very good, there being six offences by three men, and one of those was a prisoner who was sent to the hospital for medical attention. He left the institution without permission, and was away for a few hours only, when he was returned to the prison. Taking all things into consideration, the health of the prisoners has been quite satisfactory. The building is very dry and well ventilated, and the surroundings are good in every way. During the year three old men died in the public hospital. An inquest was held in each case, and a verdict of dea.th through natural causes was returned, the doctors' reports being to the effect that their ailments were of long standing. The main buildings are all in good order, except a few minor matters which are being attended to. The earthquake in June did considerable damage to the brickwork of the two officers' cottages, laundry, &c. Again I have to thank the many religious bodies for holding service in the institution, the Protestant services being held in the mornings and Roman Catholic in the afternoons each Sunday. I have also to thank the Salvation Army for sending their band to play in the grounds, and many other friends for wireless and other concerts. Thanks are due to the Cosmopolitan Club for their generous gift of over four hundred library books for the use of the prisoners. Again, thanks are due to the Rev. Mr. Patterson and his band of helpers for the fine tea given to the prisoners on Christmas Day ; the Rev. Mr. Marshall and his choir for New Year gifts to the prisoners ; the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Cosmopolitan Club, and the New Zealand Tobacco Co. for gifts of tobacco for Christmas and New Year, all of which were highly appreciated. The conduct of the officers has been satisfactory, and no changes have been made during the year. Rangipo Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. A. Banks.) At the beginning of the year there were in custody 32 males ; during the year 21 were received, 21 discharged, and 4 transferred to other prisons ; leaving in custody 28 males at the end of the year. The general conduct and industry of the prisoners have been very satisfactory. The health of the prisoners has been exceptionally good. The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year : 420 acres of virgin land were cleared of tutu, fern, and manuka, and burnt off in preparation for the ploughs ; 200 acres were ploughed, disked, and harrowed, of which 100 acres were sown in temporary pasture ; 50 acres of temporary pasture were disked and harrowed and sown down in permanent pasture ; 100 acres of temporary pasture were ploughed, disked, and harrowed, and sown down in permanent pasture ; three miles of fences, of three posts to the chain and five barb wires, were erected to protect the shelter-belts from the stock ; 2,000 posts were split in the bush on the property for fences on the farm ; 20,000 young Pinus radiata trees were planted out for shelter-belts. The prison vegetable-garden has again been a success, sufficient vegetables for local requirements have been grown. A building, 20 ft. by 18 ft., was erected for the purpose of drying the prisoners' clothing in wet weather. It is also used for church services, concerts, &c. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been well attended to by the ministers of the various denominations. I am again pleased to report that the officers have performed their duties very satisfactorily.

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Wellington Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. J. Down.) There were in custody at the commencement of the year 131 males ; during the year 806 males were received and 825 were discharged, leaving in custody at the 31st December 112 males. The discharges were as follows : On expiration of sentence (hard labour), 430 ; reformative detention, 1 ; simple imprisonment, 5 ; special remission, 49 ; on bail or probation, 10 ; died, 1 ; absconded and not taken, 1. Released on the recommendation of the Prisons Board: Hard labour, 18; reformative detention, 16 ; habitual criminal, 1 ; debtors, 28 ; transferred to mental hospital, 1 ; transferred to other prisons or to police, 259 ; acquitted after remand, 5. The daily average number in prison during the year was 135-21, the number of admissions to the public hospital during the year being 19. One prisoner was received from Wi Tako Prison on transfer to the mental hospital, and the one death was through senile decay, the man concerned being an old offender. Though provision is now made for a permanent clinic at this prison, it is often found necessary to transfer prisoners from the prison clinic to the public hospital clinic for special observation by Dr. Aldred : this partly accounts for the large number of admissions to the public hospital for the year. The conduct of the prisoners on the whole has been good, and we are indebted to the several religious denominations for their services, and more especially those who have to come a long way to carry out their service on a Sunday. We are also indebted to the Presbyterian Social Service Guild, with Mrs. Chatfield and other ladies, who were prominent participants in providing Christmas cheer and a concert, both of which were thoroughly appreciated by the inmates. Thanks are also due to Mr. Salek, Visiting Justice, for the special attention he has given to the prison throughout the year, also for the concert he arranged at Christmas, and the gift of a liberal supply of tobacco to the prisoners. I also wish to call attention to the charitable spirit shown by the Honorary Justices Association in giving monetary Christmas gifts to the wives and families of the inmates who were in need of assistance. A concert was given by Colonel Toomer and other members of the Salvation Army, including Major Avenell, who worked very hard to make their concert a success, and also arranged for refreshments to be handed round at the conclusion of the entertainment, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the men. Thanks are due to the Salvation Army for their good work throughout the year. Thanks are also due to the National Tobacco Co., Ltd., Napier, for their liberal and generous gift of tobacco to the inmates. The conduct of the officers has been good, there being only one minor breach of the regulations for the year. Farm and Garden Produce. —There is great improvement in the dairy herd, and the supply of milk is well maintained, with a good percentage of butterfat. The results for the year are as follows : Total milk, 7,804-5 gallons ; average production per cow, 867 gallons ; estimated average butterfat production per cow, 347 lb. Dairy-produce issued to prison for rations, £101 14s. Id. ; dairy-produce sold to Point Halswell and staff, £218 6s. 2d : total, £320 os. 3d. Included in the above there are 5,000 gallons of skim-milk supplied to the piggery, 1,155 lb. butter sold to staff and local grocers, 259 lb. butter supplied for institutional rations. The pigs are all looking very well, and with the plentiful supply of skim-milk they come in for the butcher very early. The pigs sold to the butcher numbered 85, of a total value of £174 ss. lid. Nine calves, of the value of £2 18s. 6d., were sold to Wi Tako Prison. The vegetable-garden has many improvements, and an extra area of ground has been taken into cultivation. The crops of vegetables are making good growth ; the potatoes are promising, and surplus vegetables are sold to officers, but this does not include potatoes. A liberal supply of green vegetables is issued to the inmates throughout the year, as well as dried beans and peas in the winter months. Two large stacks of hay were taken from the paddocks, and these have kept the cows well supplied in feed during the winter months. The Controller-General is to be congratulated for arranging for a wireless plant at this prison, and I have no hesitation in saying this will be of educational value ; also in the absence of a minister of religion Divine service can be supplied. Wireless concerts have already been conducted on one night per week, and the little time they have been going has already proved them a great success. The work of demolition of the buildings at the old Terrace Prison is now complete, and a start has been made to remove the garage. A small temporary garage is being constructed at a lower level to temporarily accommodate the two cars. The excavating is almost complete, and the surplus buildingmaterial, rails, trucks, &c., have yet to be trucked to the new prison when opportunity offers. The two cottages at Mount Cook vacated by two of the staff have been demolished, most of the timber being only fit for firewood. The whole of the material was cleared from the ground and removed to Mount Crawford. The boundary-wall of the new prison is all plastered except for a small section on the south end. The finishing coat of Colfix asphalt on all yards and passages is well in hand. The painting of the steel window-frames has been completed, and the alteration of the separate cells is well in hand, consisting of lights, improved wooden floors substituted in place of concrete, also additional ventilation arranged for, all window-frames hinged, and ribbed glass replaced by plain. A grille has been placed across the passage to allow for a greater volume of fresh air. The rewiring and grouping of the hot-points has been carried out, also a start has been made with doors of the newlibrary in the east wing. Industries. —The manufacture of sandsoap is now well established, and large supplies are being manufactured and sold to Government Departments : 135 gross cakes were manufactured during the year.

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We have had a machine manufactured for the making of lead-head nails, with the result that a very good nail is being turned out; also the special mixture of the metal for the head of the nails has made a wonderful improvement. The total quantity manufactured for the year was 6 ton 10 cwt. 2 qr. Several experiments have been tried with the object of improving the quality of the floor-polish, with the result that a very good article is now being manufactured. During the year 4 ton 1 qr. 8 lb. of polish was made. The Public Library has donated a large quantity of second-hand library books, which I have had rebound. A large number have been distributed to the several institutions and prisons. The printing of labels for the different industries has been carried out successfully. A large number of boots have been repaired throughout the year. A sewing-machine was purchased, with the result that repairs to the clothing can now be done not only better than by hand, but with a greater saving of time. Packing-cases are being manufactured out of motor-car cases ; these cases are used for packing sandsoap, nails, &c. The new workshop is now complete ; shelving has been fitted and coppers built in, &c. The formation of Massey Road is now complete. Culverts have been built in, and a 9 in. pipe carried from each across the road. The battering of the bank is almost complete, and the whole of the road has been covered with 8 in. of second-class metal, twice rolled with the steam-roller, and a second coat of first-class metal is now being spread on the road. A start has been made to topdress the metal that has been rolled, and a large quantity of metal chips has been carted to the side of the road at intervals. Two hired lorries from the Public Works Department, assisted by the prison lorry part time, made a start to cart the metal from the Townsend quarry to the road. The daily average quantity carted was 80 cubic yards. A good deal of delay was caused through bad weather and several heavy slips after the road was formed. Only a certain class of metal obtainable from the quarry is of any use, and this the Public Works Department has been taking. The old hoppers are becoming very worn and require a great deal of repairs. Several parts have been made good both to the hoppers and the crushing plant. The total quantity of stripping done was 2,000 cubic yards. A start was made with the crushing plant on the 29th November. The traction-engine was received from the Public Works Department after some delay, and placed in position, also several adjustments were made. Five new departmental cottages have been completed. One is in course of erection on the left side of the road. From the prison reservoir the following places have been supplied with water : Public Works Department (Massey Memorial) —pipes were connected to the Borstal service and meter fixed ; Internal Affairs (magazine, Shelly Bay) —pipes laid and meter fixed ; Defence Department (Fort Ballance) —pipes laid and meter connected. Water was laid on to the cottages in Massey Road and the garden at the Massey Memorial. The electric pump has been overhauled and replacements effected. The replanting of the area destroyed by fire has been carried out on the west side of Point Halswell, and a small area on the top of Mount Crawford was also replanted. Gravel: 722£ yards of gravel has been carted from Breaker Bay to Mount Crawford Prison, and a large reserve is now in hand. The following works have been carried out at the Borstal Institution : New shower-baths in Fergusson House and under kitchen wing; copper reset; new drains from new W.C.; repairs to drains ; ■painting buildings ; repairing stoves, telephones, drying-room lines, kitchen roof ; rewiring irons ; repairs to electric wires, and alterations to lights ; sharpening gardening tools ; painting and papering cottage, &c. The motor-cars and lorries have been overhauled and repaired at the prison garage, also two vehicles have been repainted. The following works have been carried out at Wi Tako Prison : The new water-service has been laid from Heretaunga to the prison and cottages, also site for the reservoir has been cleared ; one of the cottages has had one room added, and one house was papered ; also, one cottage had alterations to electric light. The old store at the Terrace Prison was taken down in sections and carted to Wi Tako Prison, and erected on the land near the warders' cottages, and is to be used as a wool-store and shearing-shed. Pens have been built, and the building painted on the outside. The building is now in use, and the cost was very reasonable. Wi Tako Prison, Heretaunga. (Superintendent, Mr. D. Blain.) At the beginning of the year there were 39 hard-labour prisoners, and 36 men serving terms of reformative detention, in the institution, a total of 75 men ; 87 men were received during the year, and 26 hard-labour prisoners were discharged on expiration of sentence ; 27 hard-labour and 25 reformative-detention prisoners were released on remission on the recommendation of the Prisons Board ; while 16 prisoners were transfered to other institutions. The total in custody at the end of the year was 69. The general conduct and industry of the prisoners has proved satisfactory, and their health has been good. There were no escapes. During the year 84 acres of freehold were cleared of gorse, blackberry, scrub, &c., and stumped, 72 acres being dug or ploughed and sown in permanent pasture ; 65 acres of leasehold were cleared and dug, and 10 acres sown in grass ; 108 chains of fence were erected.

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The return from the garden-produce and root crops amounted to approximately £1,000, our produce being in good demand in the markets. 300 ewes and nine rams were purchased. 482 lambs were sold for £577 125., thirteen head of cattle realized £93 10s., five turkeys, £3 lis. 10d., and 110 pigs (including weaners supplied to Point Halswell and Mount Crawford), £149 3s. 7d. Twenty head of cattle, eleven sheep, and five pigs were killed for rations. The 1928 wool-clip realized £167 2s. sd. 4,921 lb. of wool were forwarded for the Janua.ry, 1930, sales, but with the reduced prices offering the return will not be so great proportionally. Hides realized £20 3s. 4d.; skins, £10 7s. Bd.; tallow, £4 2s. 5d.; bones, £5 ss. Lambing was good, the return being 106 per cent. An up-to-date wool-shed was constructed from material supplied from the old Terrace Prison, and a wool-press was installed. This with the new yards has made the shearing and handling of the sheep much easier and more expeditious. A dip will be constructed in the near future, and water will be laid on from the main. Some 2,000 Pinus insignis and 2,000 macrocarpa trees were purchased from Paparua Prison for shelter purposes. Eight gates were built to replace manuka gates and slip-rails. A horse-mower, a Planet Jr. hill and drill machine, and a Planet Jr. wheel-hoe were purchased during the year. A seed-drill and a hay-rake are required for the expeditious working of the farm. Owing to the tractor being sent to Paparua, work was somewhat delayed, digging and stumping having to be carried out by manual labour during its absence. A certain amount of papering and repair work was carried out at the officers' cottages, but the need for painting and repairing these cottages is urgent. The cottages were connected with the Upper Hutt water-supply, and provision was made for fire hydrants. It is hoped that the prison will be connected up during the early part of the new year. A memorial cairn to the late Rev. James Holmes, which was erected by the inmates (who also painted a suitably worded tablet), was unveiled by Mrs. Holmes—the service being conducted by the Rev. Mr. Hunt. The Hon. T. M. Wilford, Minister in Charge of the Prisons Department; Mr. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons ; and several friends of the late Rev. Mr. Holmes, and members of the Church were present. A choir of inmates, hidden in the native bush, sang suitable hymns. Afternoon tea was provided by the officers' wives. The ceremony was very impressive. Breadmaking has been a continued success; 39,5901b. were supplied for rations, 6,136 Ib. to officers, and 19,351 lb. to the Defence Department. The industry showed a substantial profit for the year. Divine service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Kenrick, Father Kelly, the Rev. Mr. Hunt, Mr. Chappell of the Y.M.C.A., and Salvation Army officers. Cinema entertainments were given at intervals by Mr. Chappel and Mr. Power, of the Y.M.C.A., and concerts by the Commercial Travellers' Orchestra, Salvation Army, and Presbyterian Church. Mr. W. P. Sommerville, prison dentist, presented a number of gramophone records. Christmas cheer was provided by the New Zealand Tobacco Co., Mr. P. Robertson, V.J., the Hon. Justices' Association, W. P. Sommerville, Salvation Army, and the Y.M.C.A. The conduct of the staff has been most satisfactory. Their success in dealing with prisoners, while at the same time maintaining discipline, shows that they fully appreciate the present ideas of prison treatment. Addington Reformatory Prison (Women). (Superintendent, Miss E. M. Hunt.) In the beginning of this year there were 28 inmates in custody ; 91 were admitted during the year ; 63 were discharged on the expiration of their sentences ; 13 were released on the recommendation of the Prisons Board ; 2 were transferred to the mental hospital ; 13 were transferred to other institutions or handed to the police ; 2 paid their fine and were discharged, leaving 26 inmates in custody at the Ist January, 1930. The general health and conduct of the inmates have been good. The inmates' work consists of domestic work, making prison clothes, mending, knitting stockings, milking, feeding poultry, and attending to the vegetable and flower gardens. Sufficient jam to meet the institutions requirements for the year was made, and the surplus fruit' sold in the open market. The laundry is now in working-order, and we repair all the clothing for the different Departments we wash for, so that every inmate is usefully employed and always kept busy. I regret to state that Mrs. Miller, the Official Visitor, died very suddenly last May. She was very interested in this institution, and both officers and inmates feel that they have lost a very sympathetic friend. Rev. P. Revell has supplied money and clothing for discharged women whenever they have required it. Father McKeon has undertaken to help any woman who wants help on discharge, and he arranges board and lodgings as well as employment for those who are out of work. The concerts and entertainments have been carried out all the year round. High teas on holidays, Christmas, and New Year dinners have been supplied by the Salvation Army, Official Visitors, and social workers. This year the public have been very generous with their donations. A good supply of books, magazines, papers, and clothing has been received during the year. Religious services are held regularly by the Rev. P. Revell, Father McKeon, Salvation Army, and Sisters of the Mission, so every inmate attends a service once a week.

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Invercargill Borstal Institution. (Superintendent, Mr. C. G. L. Pollock.) At the beginning of the year there were 230 inmates in custody, 224 of whom were Borstal inmates and 6 inmates of the Invercargill Prison. During the year 107 inmates were received into the Borstal Institution and 144 inmates were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 187 males in custody at the 31st December, 1929 ; 93 males and 3 females were received into the prison and 92 males and 3 females discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 7 males in custody at the end of the year. 117 Borstal inmates were released on the recommendation of the Parole Board, and 19 discharged on the expiration of their terms of detention under section 16 of the Borstal Institutions Establishment Act. The daily average number of inmates in custody was 199-32 in the Borstal Institution and 9-69 in the prison. The conduct and industry of the inmates have been very good. Twenty-five Borstal inmates were admitted to the Southland Hospital during the year. Unfortunately, one of the lads who had only a short time previously been admitted to the institution died after a short period in the hospital. On the whole the health of the inmates has been good. Occupational Training by Day.—The preliminary reclaiming and draining operations on the occupied estuary lands being now well advanced, farming and dairying proceed on an improved footing. Instruction is kept in touch with directed observation of processes and results. Additional special instruction in agriculture as imparted in a Saturday class is elsewhere referred to. Increasing interest marks the activities of those engaged in this division. That applies even more to the gardening, in which nursery and experimental work as well as a wide range of horticulture evoke the best efforts of the learners. The other occupations taught and put to regular or occasional use within the institution are carpentry, blacksmithing, shoemaking, painting, plumbing, bricklaying, baking, and butchering. The manner in which the wants of the institution in respect of these trades are met from within is substantial evidence of the progress made. Evening Instruction. —Technical classes in carpentry, bricklaying, and signwriting, under the instruction of our own officers, have been held regularly throughout the year. When the new workshops have been erected it will be possible to extend further the range of work taken up in this section. Under three outside teachers, school classes, which have been regularly conducted throughout the year, gave instruction efficiently in English (including literature, oral and written composition), arithmetic, geography, history, and drawing. The interested co-operation of the pupils was well maintained and definite progress made. Singing, which was introduced this year, proved a valuable leaven : for example, what was learned in the class was turned to acceptable account in the entertainments organized among the lads during the year. The Southland Branch of the Workers' Education Association continues to take interest in our educational needs. During the winter months Mr. F. C. Lopdell, M.A., conducted a very successful class of thirty pupils in elementary economics. Mr. Lopdell, whose recent promotion to Vice-Principal of the Auckland Training College deprives us of a greatly appreciated teacher, reports in the following terms : " This class [economics] has done a year's work which for individual study as well as socialized effort has been even more successful than that of the previous year. While the class has been willing to throw itself heart and soul into the economic studies which lend themselves to debate, it has been equally ready to pursue the less attractive groundwork studies on which real progress depends. The tone of the class and discipline generally are remarkably good. The lecturer has no difficulty at all in this respect, and his work is made pleasant on account of the spirit of inquiry and the good will which is very evident." Saturday Instruction —Wool-classing and Agriculture.—We are again under deep obligation to Mr. T. Mathews, agricultural instructor to the Southland Education Board, for his voluntary services in conducting two special Saturday morning classes, the first in wool-classing, the second in agriculture, the instruction in both cases being practical as well as theoretical. The work shown in the agricultural plots wins unqualified commendation from those competent to judge. The detached well-lighted building for wool-classing provides exceptional facilities, which are reflected in work of exceptional quality. In the course of his report on this class Mr. Mathews says : " The results of the examination as a whole are most pleasing, and the percentage gained by the first three students speaks for itself. No doubt you will be surprised at a student gaining the possible marks, but I have been unable to trace one error, and, considering the time available, fail to see how the paper could be improved upon. This is the first occasion in my experience that any student has been awarded full marks." The two classes here referred to have proved among the most popular in the institution, showing that, under suitable conditions, practical education connected with rural industries can be at once efficient and attractive. Acknowledgments are again made to the Reginald Mackinnon Trustees, who yearly provide special prizes for the best work in wool-classing. Library. —Both numerically and in respect of its educational values the library continues to expand. During the year, friends presented to the institution 453 books, many of which are quite new, the rest being in good order. They are all modern publications of such character that none of them are likely to be dead stock in the collection. The reading-matter was further enriched by gifts of magazines to the number of 829. Bookbinding done in the institution has proved of service, 103 books, showing wear-and-tear, being rebound, while 311 magazines of more than passing value were bound. There are now 2,364 volumes in the library, 1,993 being fiction and 331 other literature. As in public libraries, the tastes of readers show preference for light fiction, but there is a demand also for informative works and practical manuals. One of the donors, Mr. Charles Gilbertson, who presented nineteen volumes of Pitman's Common Commodities Series, invited readers of any of these volumes to furnish written answers to the following two questions : " (1) What subjects in the book

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were interesting or surprising ? The answer will show whether the author has handled his subject successfully. (2) At what part of the industry do you think you could become useful as a means of advancement ? The answer may be only a day-dream, but it will lead to speculations which might become useful in later life." There was no element of competition, only a desire to ascertain how far the books had aroused thoughtful interest. A ready response came from an unexpected number of readers, and the answers received made interesting reading. Physical and Social Education.—A considerable advance has been made in this phase of our work, more especially in regard to games. The indispensable basis of sound physical culture is to be found in such a comprehensive range of developing exercises for limbs, trunk, and breathing functions as the physical instructor conducts thrice weekly. The pupils are divided into grades to which the exercises are adapted, and the impress of the training on their physique is manifest. In our football a notable departure marks the season of 1929. On the 27th April and thereafter the Borstal team, which competed in the third grade under the Southland Rugby Football Union, met its opponents in the public grounds. To this important concession the Union added a most considerate gift by providing for our team a complete outfit of jerseys, stockings, and boots. The trust and the kindness thus shown were not misplaced: in sportsmanship and seemly conduct the Borstal players proved themselves worthy of the new footing on which they have been placed. Frequent changes in our team arising from releases operated against success. Thus, after the fourth match, an entirely new set of backs and two new forwards had to be found. At the end of t.Ke season only four of the original fifteen were left, while thirty-four fresh players were required to keep the vacancies filled. Despite that handicap, Borstal won ten matches out of fourteen, secured 214 points against 129, and finished up a good second, the winners being the Southland Boys' High School. In the seven-a-side tournament, in which the Invercargill Club proved winners, the Borstal teams were again runners-up. Mr. W. F. Sutton, our enthusiastic coach, deserves the chief credit for this good record. He has inculcated the true spirit as well as the approved art of Rugby, and at the same time has won the appreciation of his pupils. Their gratitude is not lessened when they afterwards find ready admission into clubs wherever in the Dominion they may happen to be located. That one act of friendly recognition helps towards social restoration : and this institution is deeply indebted to the good sports who have set so fine an example. As the outstanding summer pastime cricket maintains undiminished interest. The Borstal representative team, after an unbroken run of seven victories, lost the trophy to the Marist by one run in the eighth and final match. For the current season we have again recorded seven wins and no losses. Our heartiest thanks are due to Mr. A. E. Wish for his excellent services as coach, also the Invercargill Sports Trust and the Southland Cricket Association for providing funds for the purchase of material. Opportunities are arranged also for general athletics, including swimming. On public holidays and other suitable times the inmates are given the use of the recreation grounds for sports. These occasions take the form of a family picnic with out-of-doors lunch and scope for free pastimes. At the Labour Day gathering a special feature was the presence and active participation of all members of the staff. Under such conditions, engendering a less constrained social intercourse and a better mutual understanding between staff and inmates, the influence of the former and the response of the latter are greatly enhanced. During the festive season the Association class, whose conduct record for the year was of the best, enjoyed a fortnight's outing under canvas on the former camping-grounds at Otatara. The Y.M.C.A. again lent a big marquee, besides a cinema outfit, which its representative, Mr. Wallace, operated to good purpose in a neighbouring barn, films being kindly lent by the Invercargill picture-theatres. The radio equipment, for which we have once more to thank Mr. Hazeldine, gave pleasing results. Despite broken weather the most was made of the varied facilities at hand for outdoor recreations. All fatigue duties were efficiently carried out. The utmost tidiness was maintained in every part of the camp and its precincts. The rival efforts to add a decorative setting to each tent produced attractive effects. The good taste displayed and the cheerful unity of purpose pervading the whole company of campers appealed to the numerous visitors, whose presence and whose keen interest added zest to the proceedings of our sports day. The spiritual welfare of the inmates is attended to by the ministers of the various denominations and the City Missionary, Mr. McLean, who conduct the usual services in the institution every Sunday. Bible classes are conducted weekly by the Rev. Canon Lush and Mr. McLean, and a service is conducted by the latter gentleman at the Farm Ranch every Sunday afternoon. Visits that Help and Cheer. —On the 11th December last, on the occasion of their farewell visit to Southland, His Excellency the Governor-Genera] Sir Charles Fergusson and the Lady Alice Fergusson, paid a visit to the institution. Fine weather enabled the reception to be held out of doors on the recreation grounds. The staff and inmates were assembled in front of the dais erected for the viceregal party, which was accompanied by His Worship the Mayor, the Mayoress, and the Town Clerk. On arrival of the party the institution band played the National Anthem, after which the Maori lad's gave a welcome in characteristic Maori fashion. The Superintendent having conveyed greetings and loyal sentiments from the whole of the Borstal community, Lady Alice, who had to leave early to keep another engagement, spoke to the boys in apt terms that placed her in touch with them. His Excellency then delivered a very appropriate address, which was followed with close attention by his audience. By his two visits to the institution, by his ready recognition of its educational character, and by his attitude of sympathetic support, His Majesty's representative gave a clear lead, the influence of which should not fail. The Invercargill Rotary Club extends its active concern in the welfare of the Borstal lads. The regular weekly " Rotary night," when members come along and entertain the lads with song and story, is eagerly looked forward to. One special service gracefully rendered by the Rotary has left

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its memory. A Maori youth, who from the first came under the care of the Medical Officer, died in the Southland Hospital a few weeks after his enrolment at the Borstal. Before the funeral left the latter institution the Rev. Canon Lush held in the chapel a service rendered doubly solemn by the tense accord of the listeners. In motor-cars furnished by Rotarians all the Maori inmates, together with six representatives of the pakeha, were able to pay last honours to their deceased comrade and to accompany the funeral to St. John's Cemetery, where an allotment had been provided by the authorities of the Anglican Church. The Invercargill Orphans Club gave us a handsome entertainment. To lend it the better effect, the Orphans, by means of furnishings and decorations, transformed our gymnasium into a club-room. Their ablest talent was laid under tribute in a programme voted by the lads to have been the best yet. Other musical friends have likewise won welcome and thanks for their contributions to our evening entertainments. The Visiting Committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. W. H. Woodward, S.M., continued its good work. This year it gave special attention to the Sunday evening meetings, undertaking the responsibility of making full provision for the programmes fortnightly. It also liquidated the debt on the wireless set. The Ladies' Committee continue their much appreciated services in visiting regularly the lads sent over to the public hospital, and also the sick ward at the institution. Further, they sent in an abundant supply of cakes and other Christmas fare for the festive season. In that respect our tables were further bountifully furnished by generous contributions from the Southland Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society, the ladies of Invercargill, and friends in various" parts of the Dominion. The Invercargill Rotary Club, the Prisoners' Aid Society, the New Zealand Tobacco Co., Ltd., and Messrs. W. D. and H. 0. Wills sent in liberal gifts of cigarettes and tobacco. Each year these mindful donors help to bring the spirit of Christmas into our company. Obituary.—lt would be remiss were no mention made here of the loss sustained by the Invercargill Borstal through the death of Mr. George Hawthorne, an esteemed and faithful member of the staff for the past eighteen years. Mr. Hawthorne, who had been on active service in South Africa and northern India, brought to his work a soldier's sense of duty and discipline, the trained habit of promptly and punctually fulfilling every detail of his trust. Above that, his kindly interest in the lads under his care kept him in individual touch with them. Farm Manager's Report. —The following account gives in specific form a summary of the year's operations on the farm : — Dairying has again been our principal industry. The average number of cows milked during the summer was 130 and during the winter 88. A large quantity of milk, practically the whole surplus output in the wintertime, was sold to local milk-vendors, the balance being separated and the cream sold to the factory. Herd-testing has been successfully carried out throughout the year, enabling a number of the poorer cows to be culled from the herd. The whole of the dairy herd has also been subjected to the tuberculin test. A large number of pigs have been fattened and sold with very satisfactory results, the price of pigs having shown a considerable improvement since last year. There has again been practically no demand for purebred pigs. During the season 480 ewes lambed and 108 per cent, of lambs were marked. The lambs are looking well, but present indications are that the proceeds will be considerably lower this year. A little over eleven bales of wool have been shorn from the ewes, but here again owing to the big drop in prices it is not expected to realize nearly as much as last year, when twelve bales realized £209 6s. lOd. Cattle for rations were purchased by the Farm Manager as opportunity offered. These, together with the culls from the dairy herd, provided sufficient for rations for the institution and in addition allowed for about 150 head to be railed to Paparua Prison for rations for that institution. A heavy yield of hay was stacked, nearly all being as winter feed for stock, with the exception of about 15 tons which was baled and sold. There is an abundance of grass on the farm at present and every indication of another heavy hay crop. The turnip crop was very satisfactory, and with the hay provided ample winter feed for the stock on the farm. Approximately 70 acres have again been sown in turnips to provide feed for next winter. Forty acres of oats were harvested and cut into chaff, practically all of which is being used on the farm. Another 40 acres have been sown in oats this year, which promises to be a fine crop. The potato crop grown on Rhodes's property at Otatara was very satisfactory, providing table potatoes for the institution throughout the year, in addition to which about 16 tons were sold and approximately 20 tons of seed potatoes were supplied to northern institutions. An additional 10 acres on Rhodes's property at Otatara were stumped and ploughed during the winter. This section, with an additional 9 acres, has been planted in potatoes. There is every indication of a good crop, and there should be a considerable quantity for disposal after the requirements of the institution are provided for. An additional 35 acres of reclaimed land north of the Main Farm Road have been sown down in grass. The total area of reclaimed land laid down in grass during the last four years is now 65 acres. Nearly two miles of shelter-belts were fenced and planted with young trees on the freehold property, and about 1,200 trees for shelter were planted on the western boundary of the rifle range. Our lease of Lot 3, Corporation leasehold, expires on the 31st March next, and the lease of the area has been offered for sale by the Borough Council at public auction in three lots. We were successful in purchasing the lease of one section of 70 acres for a term of seven years. This section lies alongside No. 2 dairy, and is of great assistance in our dairying operations. The garden and experimental area provided more than sufficient vegetables to supply the institution for rations all the year round. The Railway Refreshments Branch, Queenstown (Lake steamers) is being supplied with vegetables, and the surplus has been sold in the local auction markets. The following works were carried out during the year : The water-supply has been further extended in the outer paddocks on the farm by the erection of four additional concrete watertroughs. A large drain was cut from the northern boundary of the freehold to the Spey Street

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channel, a distance of about 40 chains. This drain runs between Lots 3 and 4 of the Corporation leasehold, and has effected a considerable improvement by cutting off nearly all the water that flowed through the freehold and taking it to Spey Street channel. It also lowers the water-level on the land through which it is cut. The work of levelling the reclaimed land north of the Main Farm Road has been completed. The dredge is still engaged pumping spoil into the area south of the Main Farm Road. It is expected that this work will be completed early in the year. The electric pump for draining the freehold has been kept going throughout the year, with the result that a great improvement is now apparent, the land being drier than at any time previously. In connection with the pumping of water a great deal of work has been carried out cleaning and deepening drains. In the main drain leading to the pump a large number of piles have been driven and the sides fascined. The work of forming the balance of Spey Street in terms of our agreement with the Borough Council regarding the estuary lands has been commenced, and good progress is being made, about 50 chains having been completed. A great deal of repair work has been carried out to the western wall and weiwei planted to strengthen the banks. A bank was erected along the west side of the experimental area to keep back the tide water, and the path has been raised on the north end for the same purpose. Alterations have been carried out to the windows in the south wing to make them uniform with the pattern on the new portion recently erected. The iron on the roof of the north wing of the institution was removed and replaced with new iron, and No. 1 dairy and yards were repaired during the winter. A large shed was erected at the back of the stable on the farm to provide extra accommodation for horses, and a septic tank with the necessary conveniences has been erected at the Farm Ranch. Two bridges across Spey Street channel were replaced, and a loading-bank erected at the explosives magazine. The bootmaking industry has been carried on throughout the year with satisfactory results. Large orders have been fulfilled for the Mental Hospitals Department, and footwear provided for this institution and Paparua Prison. In conclusion, I desire to take the opportunity of thanking the staff for their assistance and co-operation during the year. Schoolmasters' Report.The most encouraging result of the year's work is that the twelve retardates have advanced from the illiterate stage to one of being able to read and to figure. Natives are the more numerous in this group. They display, as indeed do all the other inmates, a marked liking for singing and drawing, the periods allotted for these being eagerly awaited. Commendable advance has been achieved by the intermediate division in the matter of black-and-white sketching, and a widening of interest is being encouraged. As might be expected, information regarding world movements is readily absorbed, geographical and historical facts being eagerly acquired. Reading has pride of place in the students' curriculum, and the well-equipped library appears to be well used. Constant reference to works of readable authors stimulates interest; and the results may be considered highly satisfactory. The very generous supply of high-class literature in prose and verse reflects the greatest credit on the Superintendent, whose aid is invaluable. Tests, as mere examinations, are not very favourably received. However, many of the latest norm-finding papers are given, the novelty attracting students who are physically jaded. From these testings it has been found that the mental average of 1929-30 is not so far behind that of 1927-28, 1928-29, that it may not be accounted for by a younger set of inmates. Weekly and monthly opportunities are afforded in order that the classes may learn to conduct their own entertainments, a spirit of false shame being discouraged. The lads arrange short dialogues, songs, recitations, and choruses, conducting their own staging and chairmanship. Hobbies in study are urged. A fair percentage evince interest in stenography, languages, and inventions. The teachers confer frequently on such matters as mental outlook, grading, and subjects of interest. Class-work is rendered easier by the excellent order and discipline that have been maintained. Undoubtedly a fresher mind prevails ; and this must be in great part ascribed to the influence of healthful athletic contests. Waikekia Borstal Institution (Te Awamutu). (Superintendent, Mr. D. Dunlop.) On the Ist January, 1928, there were in custody 123 Borstal inmates, and 76 were received during the year ; the discharges were 2 at. the expiration of sentences, 64 on probationary license, 1 inmate was transferred to a mental hospital, and 1 inmate died, thus leaving 124 inmates in custody on the 31st December, 1929. In the reformatory section there were in custody at the beginning of the year 25 inmates, and 33 were received during the year. Of these 4 inmates were discharged on the expiration of their sentences, 9 were released on probationary license, and 15 were transferred to other institutions, leaving 30 in custody at the end of the year. Four attempts to escape were made during the year, but in each case the escapees were retaken within a few hours. In my former reports I have outlined the general policy adopted here in the administration of the Prevention of Crime (Borstal Institutions Fstablishment) Act, and further reference to the procedure is hardly necessary, but another year's review of the system convinces me that with the regular hours given for sleeping and for meals, good food, ha.rd outdoor work on the farm, and a little recreation each day with interesting games on Saturday afternoons, the system is a sound one, and I think can in general only meet with success. On being released many of the inmates go to other parts of the Dominion, and except in a few cases I do not learn how they fare, but in quite a number of cases where employment has been found for released inmates in this district very few have given any cause for anxiety.

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In my last annual report I had to record that towards the end of 1928 we suffered from an outbreak of typhoid fever. -The disease again manifested itself in a milder form in June, and one officer and two inmates were removed to the Waikato Hospital. The patients in each case recovered after a short illness and were returned to the institution. For some unaccountable reason there has been a heavier toll of sickness at the institution than in any previous year, and in addition to the typhoid cases mentioned eight other inmates were treated at the Waikato Hospital. Of these cases four were suffering from appendicitis, a disease which was very prevalent in this district throughout the year. During the year improvements were effected at the institution in building a new baker's oven, and as a result there has been a marked improvement in the quality of the bread baked. While the work was in progress a regular supply of good fresh bread was obtained from Waikune Prison. Other works carried out were the installation of a septic tank and the building of new lavatories, these being connected up with a new system of sewer drainage with water flushing. New drains were also put in for carrying away the storm-water from the main building and yards. The electric-light system was also improved by rewiring and changing over from the 110 voltage to 230 voltage. This work was carried out by officers from the Public Works Department assisted with labour from the institution. The clay bank on the east side of the main building was finally removed, thus affording greater access of light and air to that side of the main corridor and cell-house building as well as affording a fine playing-area for the recreation classes. The cell house itself was improved by widening the window-spaces and allowing more fresh air through the building. A good deal of work was also carried out in painting and repairs at the main building, at the cottages, and with the farm buildings. A new road to take vehicular traffic was formed between the main institution and the officers' cottages, making access to the latter much more convenient. A certain amount of work was also carried out on the maintenance of the main road, but the farm absorbed the greater portion of our labour, and further progress was made in draining swamp lands and in clearing portions of the estate from weeds and rough scrub. By constant attention to the testing and culling from the dairy herds and by top-dressing the pastures a further increase in the revenue from this industry is shown. An average of 312 cows are being milked this summer, and during the past year over £6,000 was received from the sale of milk and cream. From the sale of a little over 200 pigs we realized £734, and the flocks of sheep being gradually increased we have been able to sell this summer 604 fat lambs : 520 of these realized £1 3s. 6d. per head, and 84 brought an average of £1 4s. each, the prices being well above the average for the district. Last year we obtained over £200 for our wool, but although owing to the increase in the flock our output of wool has been greater it is not anticipated that we shall gain much in revenue owing to the general fall in prices this season. The abnormal wet summer we have experienced has affected several of the crops, and although last year we obtained £500 from the sale of apples it is not expected that we shall do so well this year. The tomatoes and potatoes have also suffered from the excessive rainfall. For our own stock the following crops have been harvested : Hay, 20 tons ; oaten sheaves, 80 tons ; and ensilage, 200 tons. A few tons of chaff were supplied to Waikune Prison during the past year. Other crops grown are : Mangolds, 16 acres ; Belgian carrots, 8 acres ; soft turnips, 10 acres ; swedes, 200 acres ; maize, 8 acres ; and artichokes, 3 acres. A steady supply of vegetables has been maintained from the garden for the use of our own and other institutions throughout the year, and some further planting of young trees from the nursery was carried out in the early spring, approximately two thousand trees being planted along the river-banks and in other waste corners. The apiary is becoming better established again, and an increased output of honey is assured. As the present supply of water at the No. 2 camp is not adequate during a dry period fort-use for domestic purposes and for the dairy, the District Engineer of the Public Works Department has . made a survey of the position and has submitted a report outlining what will be required to put the matter on a more satisfactory basis. It is hoped that this work will be undertaken in the near future. Although during the previous year many games of football were played through arrangements made by the Waipa Rugby Union, during the last season the Union went further and admitted the Borstal team to the senior grade of its regular competition. Flight teams competed, and our team finished in fourth place, but in a further competition at the end of the season for the Ballastite Cup the Borstal team finished in second place, being just beaten by the champion team by one point in an exciting finish. During the summer several clubs of the Waipa Cricket Association have visited here and entered into matches with our players, In all games played, in football and cricket, the conduct of the boys both on and off the field has been excellent, and I think our players have merited in some degree tljfi laudatory utterances made by the visitors from time to time on their sportsmanship. Throughout the year members of the Hamilton Branch of the Howard League have continued;/ their weekly visits to the institution and furnished the inmates with entertaining lectures and concerts. The thanks of the Department are due to this body for its kindly assistance, and also to the members, of the Borstal Visiting Committee. This body, comprised of Te Awamutu business men, not, only deals with charges of insubordination, but also hears complaints, and from time to time investigates, the ration-supplies and sleeping-quarters and other matters concerning the welfare of the inmates, ~ Under the Schoolmaster night classes were taken on three nights per week, no inmate being exempted until giving satisfactory proof of qualifying for a Fifth Standard pass. A separate repqrt from the Schoolmaster is appended. Drill classes were taken on five evenings in each fortnight during the year. There are th,ree classes, one for the beginners in the probationary grade, one for the advanced pupils, and one of lesser duration for those working on the dairies or otherwise engaged in longer hours of labour than the average. The drill undertaken consists mostly of Swedish exercises to improve the physical fitness of the trainee, and marching exercises to improve his carriage.

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In addition to oaring for the physical fitness of the inmates and aiming at building up their bodily strength, the moral welfare has not been lost sight of, nor has the value of religious training in the reformation of the delinquents. In this respect our thanks are due to the four visiting chaplains from To Awamutu and Kihikihi, who see to it that 110 Sunday passes without some service being arranged for here. To the staff associated with me at' the institution I have also to tender my appreciation for the services rendered and the loyal support given in all our undertakings during the past year. Schoolmaster's Report. During the year school was held on three nights a week, each lesson being of one hour and half duration, and the average attendance being 44* 1 inmates. A continuation of the work on the more formal side, which includes English, dictation and spelling, composition, and arithmetic, has been carried on. The work ranged from satisfactory to very good, the progress in the middle and upper divisions being more• pronounced than that in the lower division, where the inmates are of a rather subnormal type, or of very low educable capacity. In the lower division the inmates receive individual teaching in the rudiments of English and arithmetic as intensive as the time and the staffing will permit. It is astounding the number of New-Zealand-born inmates who are of low educational standard, and who through no fault of their own are of a low educable capacity. The work on the three nights on which school was held was divided as follows : Monday evening, arithmetic ; Wednesday evening, English, spelling and dictation, correction of common errors of speech ; Eriday evening, upper division, arithmetic ; middle and lower divisions, English for the first hour and lecturette for final half-hour. The majority of the inmates attending the school are very interested in the work given them, and when a special class at which dairy science, agriculture, and book-keeping are given was started, although it meant an extra night at school, more than could be accommodated applied to be admitted. This class was composed of inmates who wished to learn something about the theoretical and technical part of the farming life which they wished to take up when discharged. The interest which those who joined evinced in the work of the class was above the ordinary. The fact that no disciplinary officer was required for this class speaks for the interest which the inmates took in the work. During the year I have been assisted in the ordinary night-school work by two inmates from the reformatory section of the institution, and I must say that their work has been of the very best and of the greatest assistance to me. When it is considered that these men receive no special privileges for this work it is very gratifying to receive such freely given help, for in many instances they have forfeited pleasure in order to assist me. The discipline and tone of the school is very good, due in no small measure to the tactful and efficient way in which the disciplinary officer handles the school, thus enabling me to cover the work with no friction. Point Halswell Borstal Institution. (Acting Superintendent, A. Escott.) At the beginning of the year there were 33 inmates in the Borstal Institution and 6 in the reformatory ; during the year 15 girls were received into the former institution, and 24 were released either on the recommendation of the Parole Board, on expiration of sentence, or by transference to other institutions, leaving 24 at the end of the year : 40 older women were received into the reformatory and 42 discharged, released, or transferred elsewhere, leaving 4 in custody at the end of the year. The health of the inmates has been exceptionally good, seven being admitted to the hospital during the year, four to the Maternity Home, and three to the public hospital. There were two escapes during the year. These two girls were only away a short time, and were captured quite near to the institution. The laundry and repair work for the Defence Department, and the laundry work for the Department of Internal Affairs and the Government Printing Office, are still carried on. The kitchen-garden and grounds round the institution are kept in order by the inmates, the garden providing practically all the vegetables required. We find the open-air life most suitable for inmates whose nervous temperaments and physical health make it almost impossible for them to be employed constantly inside the institution. School drill and games have been carried on as usual during the year. Church services have been held regularly by the ministers of the different denominations. Before leaving New Zealand Her Excellency the Lady Alice Eergusson visited the institution, when the girls had the honour of presenting Her Excellency with a doll dressed in Maori costume, and a supper-cloth which had been made by the inmates. The ladies of the Borstal Association have provided weekly entertainments during the year. Mrs. Coventry continues the weekly knitting class, thus enabling every girl to learn this branch of work. Home nursing classes have been conducted by Dr. Sylvia Chapman. At the close of six weeks instruction, nine girls sat for the examination, and all passed. We have again to thank all those kind people who thought of the inmates during the festival seasons —the J.P.'s Association for the delightful concert and tea, Mrs. Glover and officers of the Salvation Army for their annual tea-party, Mrs. Sprott for concert and tea given to the inmates on New Year's Day, the Borstal Association for gifts to the girls at Christmas and their annual tea-party at Easter. Thanks are also due to the ladies of the Borstal Association for the gift of a piano to the institution, which is very much appreciated. I should also like to thank Mr. Wood for renewing the wireless outfit; also the many kind people who have sent us books, gramophone records, kc. All these help greatly to promote peace and pleasure in the institution. The Borstal Committee, with Mr. I. Salek in the chair, has met regularly, dealing with any necessary business, after which the members talked with the inmates at their various occupations, giving them kindly advice, which is always helpful.

27

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Table A. PRISON ACCOMMODATION AND PRISONERS. Table showing Accommodation, Number of Prisoners, etc., at the several Prisons of the Dominion during the Year 1929.

Number of Persons for whom there is Accommodation. ■Moma r,f s Number of Persons at Number received during Number discharged or Number in Prison a$ . In Separate Cells for In Wards or Cells for Beginning of Year. Year. transferred. End of Year. Uv ,- more than One Total. One Prisoner. Prisoner. ; i i ! ! If M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. i T. M. F. T. M. F. T. M. | F. T. Addington (Women's Reformatory) .. 32 .. .. .. 32 .. 28 i 28 j 91 91 .. 93 93 j 26 26 Auckland .. .. .. 298 22 132 9 430 31 362 11 373 ! 1,451 ; 69 1,520 1,454 65 1,519 359 ! 15 374 Hautu (Tokaanu) .. .. 53 .. .. .. 53 .. 44 .. 44 43 .. 43 44 .. 44 43 ! .. 43 Invercargill .. .. . 11 ■ ■ 9 .. 20 .. 6 .. 6 93 3 96 92 3 95 7 .. 7 Invercargill (Borstal Institution) .. 203 .. 9 .. 212 .. 224 .. 224 107 .. 107 144 .. 144 187 ; .. 187 Napier .. .. .. 22 4 3 .. 25 4 25 .. 25 223 4 227 221 3 224 27 1 28 New Plymouth .. .. .. 69 .. j • .. 69 .. 58 58 155 I .. 155 157 .. 157 56 56 Paparua (Templeton) .. .. 130 .. 35 I .. 165 .. 138 .. j 138 586 j .. 586 588 .. 588 136 ; .. 136 Pt. Halswell (Women's Reformatory) .. 14 ' .. 14 .. 6 6 .. 40 40 .. 42 42 ,. 4 4 Point Halswell (Borstal Institution) .. 43 .. •• .. 43 . . 33 33 .. 15 15 .. 24 24 .. 24 24 Rangipo .. .. .. 26 .. 8 34 .. 32 ! 32 21 .. 21 25 25 28 .. 28 Waikeria (Reformatory) .. .. 27 .. 4 .. 31 .. 25 25 33 .. 33 2S .. . j 28 30 .. 30 Waikeria (Borstal Institution) .. S4 .. 40 .. 124 .. 123 .. 123 76 76 75 75 ]24 .. 124 Waikune (Erua) .. .. 42 .. 72 .. 114 .. 92 92 89 .. 89 93 .. 93 88 .. 88 Wanganui .. .. .. .. .. 40 3 40 3 35 .. 35 100 6 106 105 6 111 30 .. 30 Wellington .. .. 78 .. 56 .. 134 .. 131 131 806 .. 806 825 .. 825 112 .. 112 Wi Tako (Trentham) .. .. 70 .. 10 .. 80 .. 76 .. 76 86 .. 86 94 .. 94 68 .. 68 Minor prisons and police-gaols .. 52 16 55 11 107 27 35 .. 35 841 34 875 847 33 880 29 1 30 Police lock-ups* .. • • •. .. .. • • .. .. .. .. • • 104 .. 104 104 .. 104 Totals .. •• 1,165 131 J 473 j 23 1,638 154 1,406 78 1,484 j 4,814 | 262 5,076 j 4,896 269 5,165 1,324 71 1,395 * Deemed to be prisons under the provisions of section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917.

28

H.—2o

Table A—continued. PRISON ACCOMMODATION AND PRISONERS—continued. Table showing Accommodation, Number of Prisoners, etc.—continued.

Sickness. I (o.) Number of Distinct Prisoners ill on One or More Occasions, ft , aQfaat . t vt i with Number of Occasions, Total Number of Separate «. m# p r : aAn Prinnn pSqS, Daily Average Number of Illnesses, Total Number of Days, and Daily Average on Name or Prison. Prison Pru jou Prisoners. (a.) Greatest Number (b.) Admissions Sick-list. at une lime. at One rime. m at any 0ne fco Hospital during Time. Year. . 4 B Number Total Daily • o © ® 32 5 ® * S'tf & of Number Average ; a S S.I £.§ gl 33.1 Sg Separate of on O eh |HEH H H EH O Illnesses Days ill. Sick-list M. I F. T. M. F. T. M. F. T. M. F. T. M. F. T. Addington (Women's Reformatory) ' 32 32 .. 15 15 .. 23-45 23-45 .. 2 2.. I 172 .. 11 163 0-45 Auckland .. .. .. 383 22 405 338 12 350 359-56 15-73 375-29 38 38 31 31 142 33 13 7 4 2 317 3,446 9-44 Hautu (Tokaanu) .. .. 46 46 31 31 38-66 .. 38-66 3 .. 3 .. .. .. 2 1 1 .. 11 32 0-09 Invercargill .. .. . . 15 15 4 4 9-69 .. 9-69 1 .. 1 2 2 16 0-04 Invercargill (Borstal Institution) .. 238 .. 238 179 .. 179 199-32 .. 199-32 47 .. 47 25 25 87 29 9 7 .. 4 224 3,902 10-69 Napier .. .. .. 31 31 9 1 10 20-47 0-35 20-82 3.. 3.. 1 1 3 1 5 32 0-09 New Plymouth .. .. .. 68 68 49 49 56-44 .. 56-44 4.. 4 1 1 15 721.. 1 45 185 0-51 Paparua (Templeton) .. .. 162 162 118 .. 118 133-54 .. 133-54 5 5 4 4 27 3 33 239 0-65 Pt. Halswell (Women's Reformatory) 8 8 1 1 - • 3-80 3-80 .. .. .. .. .. .. Point Halswell (Borstal Institution) .. 34 34 22 22 •• 27-10 27-10 .. 3 3.. 7 77 .. 7 395 1-08 Rangipo .. .. . . 34 . . 34 28 28 30-30 .. 30-30 4 4 j 6 2 2 16 83 0-23 Waikeria (Reformatory) .. .. 37 37 25 25 30-67 .. 30-67 5.. 5 1 4.. 455.-2.. 1 34 339 0-93 Waikeria (Borstal Institution) .. 125 .. 125 104 .. 104 115-76 .. 115-76 7.. 7 7 7 18 94.... 1 54 627 1-72 Waikune (Erua).. .. .. 126 126 87 87 104-20 .. 104-20 11 11 37 15 6 7 5 4 166 664 1-82 Wanganui .. .. .. 40 .. 40 22 .. 22 30-52 .. 30-52 2 .. 2 3 .. 3 3 1 .. 5; 119 0-33 Wellington .. .. .. 165 165 103 103 135-21 .. 135-21 11 11 19 19 60 14 7 .. 1 .. 114 963 2-64 Wi Tako (Trentham) .. .. 85 85 56 56 69- 1 1 .. 69-11 7 7 2 2 13 6 .... 1 .. 30 208 0-54 Minor prisons and police-gaols .. .. .. .. .... .. 34-38 .. 34-38 .. .. .. 4 2 6 31 .. 31 262 0-72 Totals .. 1,367-83 70-43 1,438-26 100 11 111 465 127 43 25 12 13 1,105 I 11,675 31-97 1 I i I , i

29

H.—2o

Table A1. Table showing Particulars, for each Prison, of Prisoners at Beginning and End of Year, and received and discharged during Year 1929.

-=• 4 ~ 5 ~ i «• 2 • ~ d « d £ 3 c c P. co a" - cS S © 2 ■" £ a> T3 c 0.2 ** .ri & § i sc 7 a3 § « * gf jSJ-g S ® ~ ce «■§ ojH S © 5 ?i 3 o "£ 2 O eS • i? ffi W >2 13 2 'C S-M fl *" 53 " 2c O EH I I I- I l«! I * II g ««! S 1 If 1 | | si Pi | | 5 o £ S a a s 5 SS. '5 o £ § 5 -sa i 5 5 -- £■§ o o £ < <! m a z & is & p ■ & **§ . £ & a » In prison at beginning of year: — ' ! I [ 1 Undergoing— : m. p. m. f. M. f. M. , p. m. f. m. f. | m. j f. ! m. p.'m. f. m. f. m. f. m. p. j m. f. m. f. m. p. m. f. m. f. m. p. m. f. m. f. Simple imprisonment., hard labour — Under three months .. .. .. .. .. 5 28 1 4 .. 1 .. 5 2 ■. 16 10 66 6 72 Three months and under one year .. .. .. 5 57 2 2 13 .. 4 .. j 45 .. .. | 2 2 .. 46 .. 8 .. 10 187 9 196 One year and upwards .. .. .. .. ..10 165 6 21 .. 2 .. 48 .. 28 .. .. 13 .. 10 47 .. 15 .. 32 .. 30 411 427 Detention as habitual criminals .. .. .. .. 1 32 .. 2 .. . .j .. .. I .. ..! 8 .. .. 2 6| . . 8 .. 3 61 1 62 Reformative detention .. .. .. .... 6 64 2 191 .. 4 .. .. | 5 ..45 .. 4 .. .. 17 .. 15 39 .. 8 .. 27 .. 38 281 12i 293 Detention in Borstal Institution .. .. 1 225l 33 123 .. . 1 350 33 383 Total criminals in prison .. .. .. ..27 347 11 44 . . 4 .. 225 .. 19 .. 58 .. 131 .. .. 6 .. 33 32 .. 25 .. 123 .. 92 .. 35 .. 125 .. 76 .. 20 1,356 77 1,433 For trial or on remand .. .. .. .. .. 1 14 .. ..: .. 1 6 7 6 14 48 1 49 Total in prison for criminal offences.. .. .. 28 361 11 44: .. 5 ..225 .. 25 .. 58 ..138 .. .. 6 .. 33 32 .. 25 ..123 .. 92 .. 35 ..131 .. 76 .. 34 1,404 781,482 Debtors .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 ! 2.. 2 Total persons in prison .. .. .. .. 28 362 11 44 .. 5 ..225, .. 25 .. 58 ..138 .. .. 6 .. 33 32 .. 25 ..123 .. 92 .. 35 ..131 .. 76 .. 35 1,406 781,484 (b) Received during the year :— Sentenced to— Simple imprisonment, hard labour — Under three months .. .. .. .. ..42 807 24 .. ..30 86 1 33 .. 294 .. .. 15 27 1337 279 5 104 ..1,997 88 2.085 Three months and under one year .. ' .. ..23 218 28 .. .. 9 32 .. 14 .. 91 .. .. 8 10 1 138 .. .. .. 70 13 .. .. 582 73 653 One year and upwards .. .. .. .. I ..j 5; 43 1 .. .. 2 7 .. 5 .. 25 .. .. 4 3 .. 43 14 142 10 152 Hard labour, reformative detention, and declared habitual criminal Hard labour and reformative detention .. 16 1 .. 6 1 .. 6 3 33 33 Reformative detention and declared habitual criminal .. Reformative detention only .. .. .. .. 1 25 1 .. .. 1 5 .. 10 .. 32 .. .. 4 2 2 .. 35 17 129 6 135 Hard labour and detention in Borstal Institution i .. Detention in Borstal Institution .. .. 15 .... 63 .. 5 1 14 .. 9 10 30 23 8 167 11 178 Hard labour and declared habitual criminal 3 2.. 2 1 8.. 8 Declared habitual criminal .. .. 1 1.. 1 Death-j-.. .. .. -. .. 1 1.. 1 Under conviction for sentence .. .. 7 2 .. 5 .. 3 5 10 32 .. 32 Total new prisoners received .. .. .. 71 1,134 54 .... 42 .. 63 .. 139 2 84 ..461 .. .. 31 .. 10 .... 2 .. 30 43 2I587 403 18 104 ..3,0921883,280 On remand or for trial .. ■■ .. .. 12j 194 14 .... 44 2 .. .. I 53 1 49 .. ; 66 .. .. 5 .. ..| 38 3: 84 271 15 .... 799 52 851 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 831,328 68 .. .. I 86 2 63 ..192 3 133 .. 527 .. .. 36 .. 10 .. .. 2 .. 30 81 5671 674 33104 ..3,8912404,131 Debtors .. .. .. .. .. 56 5. 11 .. 11 .10 11 .. 28 94 226 .. 226 Lunatics .. .. .. .. .. | .. .. j .'.j . J 1 ... j Total new persons received .. .. .. 831,384 68 .. . J 91 2 63 ..203 3144 .. 537 .. .. 36 .. 10 .. .. 2 .. 30 92 5 699 768 33104 ..4,117 2404,357 On transfer or in transitu .. .. ■■ .. .. 8 67 1 43 .. 2 1 44 .. 29 1 11; .. 49 .. .. 4 .. 5 21 .. 31 .. 46 .. 89 .. 8 1 107 .. 86 .. 73 1 .. .. 697 22 719 Grand totals .. ■■ 91 1,451 69 43; . ■ 1 93 3107 ..'223 4|l55; . ■ 586, .. .. 40 „ 15 21 .. 33 1 ,.;76 .. 89 .JlOO 6 806 1 .. 86 ..841 34104 ..4,8142625.076 * Deemed to be prisons under the provisions of section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917. f Commuted to imprisonment for life.

H.— 20.

30

Table A1 —continued. Table showing Particulars, for each Prison, of Prisoners at Beginning and End of Year, and received and discharged during Year 1929—continued.

i I J i lil !I| lit , i !i j i i J !i | I I ! If I n I ! il i fi ! I II I I I |£ !l ! 1 i •< < ffi £ lazt 0;!BH m & & HC I EN I ' i j I il i (c) Discharged during the year On expiration of sentence — m. r. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. Simple imprisonment, hard labour .. .. •. 641,021 47 6 .. 35 117 1 45 ..394 .... 23 .. 4 3.. 3 27 .. 33 ..484 .. 26 ..319 5104 ..2,6171442,761 Reformative detention .. .. .. .. • • 1 5 1 .. 3 5 .. 1 7 .. 2 .. 1 10 1 .. .. 34 3 37 Detention in Borstal Institution .. .. 19 2 1 22 .. 22 On bail or probation .. .. .. 38 1 .. .. 3 8 .. 18 .. 7 2 .. 10 23 .. 1 .. .. 109 1 110 Died .. .. .. .. .. 3 1 1 3 .. 1 1 1|.... 10 1 II Absconded and not retaken .. .. • • ; 1 1 .. I .. .. 1 .. 1 Committed suicide .. .. - ■ .... .. 1 1 ; I .. .. 1 .. 1 Released on recommendation of Prisons Board — Hard labour .. .. .. .. .... 8 24 3 10 14 .. 28 4 .. 1 13 .. 1 .. 18 .. 27 140 11 151 Reformative detention .. .. .. .. 4 26 1 15 .. 3 3 .. 21 .. .. 2 .. 17 9 .. 8 18 .. 2 .. 16 .. 25 146 24 170 Detention in Borstal Institution .. , 117 1 64 .. 3 1 186 .. 186 Habitual criminals .. .. .. ■- .. 1 10 10 1 11 > — : — I ■ _ Total criminals discharged to freedom .. .. 781,128 53 31 .. 41 ..137 ..125 1 80 ..454 .. .. 25 .. 21 21 .. 13 .. 67 .. 68 .. 43 ..532 .. 78 ..354 7 104 ..3,276185 3,461 Acquitted and after remand .. .. 46 2 .. .. 2 3 .. 29 .. 60 .. .. 6 j 2 .. 5 17 2 .. .. 164 10 174 Debtors .. .. .. .. .. 57 5 11 .. 10 .. 9 11 .. 28 94 225 .. 225 Lunatics transferred to mental hospitals .. 3 4.. .. 1.. 1 1 8 2 10 Total persons discharged from prison .. .. 781,231 55 31 .. 48 ..140 ..139 1119 ..527 .. .. 32 .. 22 21 .. 13 .. 68 .. 68 ..156 ..565 .. 78 ..465 9104 ..3,6731973,870 Transferred to other prisons or to the police .. .. ..15 223 10 13 .. 44 3 4 .. 82 2 38i .. 61 . 4 .. 10 .. 2 4 .. 15 .. 7 .. 25 .. 49 6260 .. 16 ..382 24 .. -.1,223 721,295 Grand totals .. .. .. .... 931,454 65 44 .. 92 3144 ..221 3157 ..588 .. .. 42 .. 24 25 .. 28 .. 75 .. 93 ..105 6 825 .. 94 .. 847 33104 ..4,896 269 5,165 (d) In prison at end of year Undergoing — Simple imprisonment, hard labour — ! Under three months .. .. .. .. .. l 29 1 7 .. 2 .. 8 .. .. 1 1 .. 15 11 74 2 76 Three months and under one year .. .. ..12 67 7 .... 1 14 .. 1 .. 30 .. .. 1 2 .. 1 .. .. 2 .. 2 .. 37 .. II .. 6 172 21 193 One year and upwards .. .. .. .... 9 166 6 21 2 .. 41 .. 36 15 .. 12 44 .. 12 .! 32 .. 23 404 15 419 Reformative detention .. .. .. .... 4 43 1 20 .. 4 8 .. 44 10 .. 17 38 .. 4 .. 18 .. 34 240 5 245 Detention in Borstal Institution .. .. 187 24 124 311 24 335 Detention as habitual criminals .. .. 44 .. 2 9 2 1 4 .. 7 1 70 .. 70 -[ 1 H_ Total criminals m prison .. .. .. .. 26 349 14 43 .. 6 ..187 .. 23 .. 52 ..127 .. .. 4 .. 24 28 .. 30 ..124 .. 88 .. 26 ..103 .. 68 .. 17 .. „ ..1,271 681,339 For trial or on remand .. .. .. 10 1 .... 1 .... .. 4 1 3 .. 8 4 .. 9 11 1 .. .. 50 3 53 Total in prison for criminal offences.. .. ..26 359 15 -43 .. 7 .. 187 .. 27 1 55 .. 135 .. .. 4 .. 24 28| .. 30 .. 124 .. 88 .. 30 .. 112 .. 68 .. 28 1 .. ..1,321 71 1,392 Debtors .. •• •• .. 1 • • 1 ! 1 3.. 3 i I i • ! J j Total persons in prison .. .. .. .. 26 359 15 43 .. 7 .. 187 .. 27 1 56 ..136 .J ... 4 .. 24 28 .. 30 ..124 .. 88 ..30 ..112 .. 68 .. 29! 1 .. .. 1,324; 711,395 ! i : 1 ; ] I : I * Deemed to be prisons under the provisions of section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917.

31

H.—2o

Table B. PRISONS DEPARTMENT. Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1930. Liabilities. Assets. Capital Account— £ s. d. £ s. d. Rangitoto Island Improvements Public Works Fund .. 471,017 17 9 Account— £ s. d. £ s. d. Consolidated Fund .. .. 200,581 15 9 Expenditure to 31st March, 1929 7,136 3 I Departmental (prison labour on Expenditure for year ended improvements) .. .. 290,381 0 0 31st March, 1930 .. 2,321 18 5 970,980 .13 6 9,458 1 6 Treasury Adjustment Account .. .. 19,863 17 4 Land and buildings— Depreciation Reserve .. .. .. 121,484 12 4 Freeholds .. .. .. 165,902 16 7 Sundry creditors .. .. .. 8,026 15 3 Leaseholds .. .. 11,580 5 5 Accrued earnings of prisoners .. .. 7,228 3 5 Taupo Land Development Deposits .. .. .. .. 1,240 5 9 Account .. .. 43,024 17 4 Writings-off Suspense Reserve .. .. 1,407 13 6 Buildings .. .. .. 613,045 11 4 833,553 10 8 Farm and garden assets — Live-stock .. .. 23,867 19 0 Crops .. .. .. 8,705 1 9 Gardens, orchards, and nurseries 2,348 8 11 Implements and machinery .. 5,825 19 II Tractors .. .. .. 516 I 8 Harness, loose tools, and sundry stores .. .. .. 2,981 8 6 Apiary .. .. .. 114 3 5 44,359 3 2 Miscellaneous industry and institution assets— Fixed plant .. .. 36,014 6 6 1 mplements and machinery .. 6,896 17 10 Motor-vehicles .. .. 5,616 14 0 Lighters .. .. .. 1,064 0 0 Loose tools and harness .. 2,276 7 3 Arms and accoutrements .. 806 6 0 Library and school books .. 807 12 5 Furniture and fittings .. 12,065 10 0 Clothing and bedding .. 15,073 4 4 Band instruments .. .. 230 0 0 Stock-in-trade and raw materials 3,201 3 1 Stocks in general stores .. 9,130 18 7 Stocks in local stores .. 2,879 10 8 Horses in quarries and roadworks 498 8 0 • 96,560 18 8 Sundry debtors .. .. 9,146 5 4 Cash in deposit accounts .. 1,240 5 9 Butterfat bonus held on deposit 879 4 8 Expenditure paid in advance .. 185 5 5 Postage-stamps .. .. 79 5 1 Brickworks Improvement Instalment Account .. .. 34 17 4 Mount Cook Cottages Demolition Account .. .. .. 1,511 0 0 —— 13,076 3 7 Writings-off in Suspense— Sundry stores and live-stock 1,407 13 6 Terrace Prison demolition .. 5,718 17 0 7,126 10 6 Departmental cost for vear ended 31st March, 1930— Maintenance of institutions .. 109,948 2 4 Industries.. .. .. 12,054 18 4 Prison Board and probation expenses .. .. .. 4,094 12 4 126,097 13 0 £1,130,232 1 1 £1,130,232 1 1 The above balance-sheet has been audited and a duly-certified copy thereof will appear in Parliamentary Statement 8.-l [Part IV]. —ft. 0. Hall, A.R.A.N.Z., Departmental Accountant.

H.— 20

32

Table B —continued. Institutional Income and Expenditure Account foe the Year ended 31st March, 1930. Expenditure. \ Income. £ s. d. To Opening stocks— £ s. d. £ s. d. By Rents and deductions for use of houses and Loose tools .. .. 1,122 2 2 quarters .. .. .. 3,751 2 6 Local stores .. .. 2,066 13 11 Miscellaneous credits and re- ■ 3,188 16 1 1 coveries of expenditure— £ s. d. Rations .. .. .. 24,178 16 1 Maintenance of prisoners .. 432 17 6 Tea and tobacco .. .. 2,309 5 5 Sales to staff .. .. 957 10 2 Clothing and bedding .. 10,775 0 5 Cartage recoveries .. 2,642 19 7 Wages to prisoners'dependants 9,845 411 Sundry sales .. .. 102 411 Prisoners'industry earnings 6,506 12 11 Sale of kitchen-refuse .. 18 0 0 Gratuities to prisoners on release 192 0 6 Prison infirmary charges .. 99 18 0 Hospital maintenance and Salary recoveries from other medicines .. .. 2,298 2 11 Departments .. .. 1,248 15 4 Burial of prisoners .. 45 0 2 Expenses of prisoners proTransport charges and travel- duced at Court .. 32 5 7 ling-expenses .. .. 6,748 6 9 Services to other DepartMaintenance of buildings and ments .. .. 232 18 5 grounds .. .. 3,359 6 8 j Sundry boot repairs and Salaries, allowances, and uni- laundering . . .. 87 13 9 forms .. .. .. 55,819 8 4 Bread and stores to other Advertising, books, and news- institutions .. .. 659 19 1 papers .. .. .. 201 15 6 Boot repairs to other instiFuel, light, power, water, and tutions .. .. 36 0 9 sanitary .. .. 7,189 14 0 Floor-polish manufactured Postages, telegrams, telephones, for General Stores .. 54 3 0 and stationery .. .. 1,175 6 1 6,605 6 1 Office requisites .. .. 24 16 10 Closing stocks— Equipment and instructional Loose tools .. .. 916 11 7 work .. .. .. 650 19 1 Local store stocks .. 1,715 5 7 Sundry expenses .. .. 8 6 6 2,631 17 2 131,328 3 1 Gross cost of institution upkeep, carried down . Prison labour on domestic work 19,958 5 4 (cost per prisoner per annum, £123-55) .. 176,131 8 8 Less wages and earnings already charged .. 16,351 17 10 3,606 7 6 Interest on capital .. .. 30,155 12 3 .Depreciation of buildings, plant, and furniture .. .. .. 14,384 12 3 Overhead burden .. .. , . 6,456 3 3 £189,119 14 5 £189,119 14 5 £ s. d. By Value of prison labour supplied for institution £ s. d. To Gross institution cost, brought down .. 176,131 8 8 services and capital works .. .. 19,729 13 9 Industry balances— £ s. d. Net balance after charging labour .. Dr. 11,514 4 7 Labour allocation . . 46,453 12 7 Public Account surplus .. 34,939 8 0 Less profit on Wellington roadworks credited to Capital Account .. 540 13 9 34,398 14 3 Balance—Net cost of prison upkeep and administration (cost per prisoner per annum, £85-58) .. .. .. .. 122,003 0 8 £176,131 8 8 £176,131 8 8

33

H.-20

Summary of above, and also of Previous Years.

Table B1. Analysis of Value of all Prison Labour for the Year ended 31st March, 1930, together with Corresponding Totals for Previous Years.

5 —H. 20

Improvements. Works and Industries. Institutional Maintenance. Annual Value of Labour per Head. Erection Boot Block n . Domestic | Domestic ' Domestic Total, Total. Total, j 1929-30. 1928-29. of Farm- Manu- Farms and Tile w A Miscel- Cleaning ' Launder- Cooking, 1929-30. 1928-29. 1927-28. Buildings develop- facturing and Manu- ianeous ™ and j ing and Baking, Averaee iveiaae I A ! ment ' Pit, .Contraetsf" ies.j J Ea | £ £ £ £ | £ £ £ £ £ £ ' £ £ £ \ £ £ £ £ Addington .. .. .. .. .. .. 128 ! .. .. 248 .. 168 25 101 670 819 905 21-34 I 31-40 26-74 30-63 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 1,592 205 .. 8,207 1,637 2,326 357 2,763 390 609 18,086 17,887 18,629 373-75' 48-39 383-21 46-68 Hautu .. .. .. .. 77 .. 2,056 .. .. .. .. 22 62 61 292 2,570 2,932 2,767 39-1.3 65-67 44-77 65-49 Rangipo .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,455 I .. .. .. .. 12 63 60 73 1,663 1.987 1,631 29-30 56-76 31-70 62-68 Invercargiil .. .. 44 1.502 594 5,209 .. .. 17 .. 736 1,172 728 806 10.808 13,267 14.546 201-12 53-74 236-18 56-17 Napier .. ,. .. .. .. ; 27 462 .. .. 158 122 64 91 924 920 886 20-28 45-56 20-08 45-81 New Plymouth .. .. .. 1 246 i 1,692 11 .. 53 I 337 228 200 I 2,767 , 2,885 2,594 55-42 49-93 62-84 45-91 Paparua .. .. .. 1,286 8 .. 1,832 161 2,606 12 .. 718 658 408 385 8,074 1 8,676 10,009 136-21 59-28 140-46 61-76 Point Halswell .. .. .. .. .. 179 .. .. 357 85 238 9 107 975 1,362 1,509 29-80; 32-72 39-71 34-29 Waikeria .. .. 321 789 .. 6,643 .. .. .. .. 864 , 871 528 561 10,577 10,448 9,214 147-02 71-94 142-33 73-40 Waikune .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ! 8,603 ! .. 122 290 211 725 9,951 9,224 7,739 98-02 ] 101-52 90-90 101-47 Wanganui .. .. .. .. ... .. 33 . . 56 .. 233 129 116 91 658 705 597 29-02 22-68 33-60 20-98 Wellington .. .. 2,658 37 .. 629 .. 34 4,364 110 269 967 389 405 9,862 10,153 10,360 135-91 I 72-56 136-80 74-22 WiTako .. .. .. 184 168; .. 3,338 .. .. 235 115 3! 202 119 136 4,500 5,131 5,549 69-36 i 64-88 I 72-65 70-63 Minor gaols .. .. .. .. ... 22 .. .. .. 250 178 ... .. 450 454 496 39-86* 11-29 39-85 11-39 Totals, 1929-30 .. 4,493 2,581 j 2,186 j 22,002 161 13,001 * 14,935 3,156 j 3,882 8,220 | 3,336 , 4,582 82,535 j ... .. 1,425-54 | 57-89 Corresponding totals — 1928-29 .. .. 9,477 3,541 2,286:23,273 155 13,783 10,966, 4,164 3,883 8,034 2,609 4,679 .. 86,850 .. .. .. 1,501-82 57-83 1927-28 .. .. 13,078 3,012 3,024 22,063 ! . 174 12,547; 9,883 1 3,61(1 5,164: 8,118 2,711 4,047 .. ! .. 87,431 .. 1 .. ;

Year Capital Works and Institutional Total Improvements. Industries. Maintenance. ! £ £ £ £ 1929-30 .. .. .. 7,074 55,441 20,020 82,535 1928-29 .. .. .. 13,018 54,627 19,205 86,850 1927-28 .. .. .. 16,090 51.301 20,040 87,431 1926-27 .. .. .. 16,676 48,499 18,271 83,446 1925-26 .. .. .. 16,139 46,457 16,984 , 79,580 1924-25 .. .. .. 13,167 51,890 18,266 : 83,332

H.—2o.

Table C. Table showing the Offences and Degree of Education of Distinct Convicted Prisoners received buring the Year 1929.

Table D. Table showing the Actual Number of Distinct Convicted Prisoners received into Gaol during the Year 1929, classified according to Principal Offences, Birthplace, and Age.

34

I ' ~ .' I Superior Able to read and Able to read Unable to i , PAfolo Ultences. Education. write. only. read AotalB 7 p j j r Offences against the person— m. f. , m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. Convicted 011 indictment . . .. .. .. 94 2 .. .. 1 .. 95 2 Convicted summarily .. .. .. .. 98 I .. .... .. 98 1 Offences against property— Theft and deceit . . .. 1 .. 765 22 .. .. 1 .. 767 22 Mischief .. . .. 1 .. 62 2 .. .... .. 63 2 Miscellaneous offences — « Drunkenness .. .. .. .. .. 410 15 1 .. .. .. 411 15 Vagrancy* .. .. .. 1 .. 225 57 .. 1 1 2 227 60 Others .. .. 791 19 1 22 .. 814 19 Totals .. .. .. 3 .. 2,445 118 | 2 j I 25 2 2,475 121 Maoris included above .. .. .. .. 165 4 2 | .. ! 2 .. 169 4 * Including importuning, consorting with rogues, &c.

Offences against the Offences against Miscellani-nnc Person. Property. Miscellaneous. A Totals. onvictcd summarily Theft and Mischief Drunkenness* Va-rancv + otlu ' r Indictment. ™ nvicte<i - Deceit - Mlsch!et - Drunkenness. \ agrancy.f Offenoes _ - . . Birthplaces— m. f. | m. r. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. 1 m. f. jm. f New Zealand .. 60 2 68 .. 525 17 50 1 191 10 108 51 | 458 j 15 1,460 96 Australia .. .. 10 2 44 1 4 22 2 14 1 j 41 1 137 5 England and Wales .. 17 14 102 2 6 91 2 47 3 152 ! 1 429 8 Scotland .. 5 38 1 1 52 .. 13 2 45 ; .. 154 3 Ireland .. .. 1 5 1 16 1 1 38 1 27 3 37 ; .. 125 6 Other British countries 4 15 3 .. 2 .. j 27 j 1 51 1 China . . .. 1 3 .. 2 .. I 34 I .. 40 Other countries .. 1 4 18 1 1 14 .. 13 .. ! 15 [ .. 66 1 At sea .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ] Not stated .. .. 1 .. .. 5 .. .. .. .. 1 .. 5 | 1 12 1 Totals .. 95 2 J 98 1 767 22 63 2 411 15 227 1 60 814 19 ! 2,475 121 Ages— 15 and under 20 years 8 5 .. 112 6 21 .. .. i 2 3 24 1 ! 172 9 20 „ 25 „ II .. 18 .. 152 4 15 .. 15 | .. 12 I 120 2 343 7 25 ,, 30 „ 26 1 18 152 6 26 : . 24 7 139 1 391 9 30 „ 40 „ 22 .. 29 1 176 6 6 .. 73 4 40 14 220 ' 3 566 og 40 „ 50 „ 16 1 19 ... 110 6 8 1 131 I 4 63 24 189 : 7 542 43 50 ,, 60 „ 6 8 .. 42 4 1 110 14 61 7 82 6 313 18 60 and over.. .. 5 1 17 3 55 3 23 4 37 ]41 7 Not stated .. . . 1 . . . . . . .. .. .. 1 ; .. 2 .. 3 7 Totals .. 95 2 | 98 I 767 22 63 2 411 j 15 | 227 60 814 19 ' 2,475 121 Maoris included above .. 4 16 78 2 10 9 .. j 1 2 51 j .. ! 169 4 * It must be remembered that drunkenness is punished more by fine than by imprisonment, so that the figures in the <*aol tables do not represent the full number of persons punished for that offence. f Including importuning, consorting with rogues, &c.

H.^2o

35

Table E. PRISONS.—NEW-ZEALAND-BORN PRISONERS RECEIVED, 1929. Table showing the Number of Distinct New-Zealand-born Convicted Prisoners of each Sex (including Maoris) received during the Year 1929, classified according to Ages and Offences.

Table E1. PRISONS.—MAORI PRISONERS RECEIVED, 1929. Table showing the Number, Ages, and Offences of Distinct Convicted Maoris (Male and Female) received into the various Gaols during the Year 1929.

Table F. Table showing Distinct Persons imprisoned after Conviction during each of the last Ten Years.

6—H. 20.

! n , 1ft 10 and ! 12 and 15 and 20 and 25 and 30 and 40 and ! Not m * , under 12. under 15. under 20. under 25. under 30. under 40. upwards. stated. totals Offences . ! 1 I 1 _ I . M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. ~ j j i j j i j j ! I i n i Offences against the person— Convicted on indictment 5 .. 7 1 19 11 .. 17 1 1 .. 60 2 Convicted summarily 4 .. 15 .. 13 .. 20 .. 16 68 Offences against property— Theft and deceit 99 4 114 3 107 j 110 4 95 6 .. .. 525 17 Mischief .. 19 .. 12 .. 5 4 I .. 10 1 .. .. 50 1 Drunkenness .. 13 .. 10 .. 34 3 134 7 . . . . 191 10 Vagrancy* .. I 2 3 5 1 17 i 6 24 13 58 28 2 . . 108 51 Other offences .. J 21 .. 72 2 81 1 119 2 163 10 2 . . 458 15 Totals, 1929 .. .. 150 7 238 7 | 252 7 322 j 22 493 53 5 I .. 1,460 96 Totals, 1928 j 1 .. 138 12 259 9 j 241 9 345 j 15 469 40 ... | ., 1,453 ! 85 Totals, 1927 178 21 259 9 225 11 364 27 436 37 3 .. 1.465 105 Totals, 1926 1 .. 168 ! 20 288 12 215 6 326 i 23 455 49 1 .. 1,454 110 Totals, 1925 I .. 771 .. .. | 76 j 23 184 8 184 10 j 281 j 11 437 34 3 I .. 1,190 86 * Including importuning, consorting with rogues, &c.

TT-nHor in *0 anc * an( * anc * anc * and 30 and 40 and Not T . , unaer iu. under 12. j under 15. : under 20. under 25. under 30. under 40. upwards. seated. totals. Offences. j _ M. F. | M. I F. M. | F. M. | F. | M. J F.. M. 1 F j M. I F i M. F. j M. | F. M. i F. Offences against the personConvicted on indictment .. j .. .. .. I 1 .. 3 j .. j .. .. 4 Summarily convicted .. 1 6 • ■ I , .. ! (i .. .'i .. 16 Theft and deceit .. j • ■ 29 .. 21 i 1 16 .. . 6 1 , 5 i .. j .. .. 77 2 Mischief .. .. • • • • 5 • • 3 j 1 j .. , 2 | . j .. .. 11 Drunkenness .. .. 3 •• 2 .. 1 .. 3 .. .. .. 9 Vagrancy .. •. ' • • 2 i .. .... .. 1 2 Other offences .. .. 2 .. 12 .. 17 .. 11 . . 1 9 .... .. i 51 ! I 'I . ! ! I Totals j • • • • | • • | • • i • • 37 .. | 45 j 1 36 .. j 26 3 j 25 ,. I .. .. 169 I 4

V Prisoners Proportion per 10,000 Year Prisoners I Proportion per 10,000 Yeai. Prisoners. of Mean Population. ' of Mean Population. I | " • j 1920 1,955 15-74 1925 2,890 20-88 1921 2,120 16-61 1926 2,755 19-49 1922 2,249 17-23 1927 2,711 18-84 1923 2,358 17-75 1928 2,548 17-37 1924 2,405 17-78 1929 2,596 17-62

H.—2o

36

Table G. PRISONERS.—AGES AND SENTENCES. Table showing the Ages of Distinct Prisoners received under Sentence during the Year 1929, with Information as to Length of Sentence.

Total Length of Sentence. -^ ge - Under 1 Week 1 Month ; 3 Months 6 Months 9 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 7 Years 10 Years 12 Years 15 Years i wool- and under and under and under and under and under and under and under and under and under and under and under and under and under and under Life. , ,, rl " j Totals. ee • i 1 Month. 3 Months. : 6 Months. 9 Months. 12 Months 2 Years. 3 Years. 4 Years. 5 Years. 7 Years. 10 Years. 12 Years. 15 Years. 20 Years. denmte. i i ! i i i i i i i rrSh i r i t i i i i i i M. I F. ' M. F. M. K. M. IT. M. F. M. F. j M. ! F. i M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. ! M. F. M. F. 15 and under 16 .. ! .. . • • • • • 4 .. 3 .. .. 7 16 „ 17 ! .. I .. 2 .. 9 1 .. 1 13 .. 17 „ 18 2 | .. 2 5 1 .. 11 2 10 1 3 2 36 3 18 19 2 | .. 3 ; .. 3 .. 4 4 .. 24 3 8 1 I .. 1 ; 50 4 19 „ 20 3 .. 7 13 .. 4 .. 2 4 .. 20 1 12 j 1 .. , .. 1 ! 66 2 20 „ 21 2 j .. 15 j .. II:.. 5 .. 5 .. I .. .. : 7 .. 19 1 6 .. .. J 1 . . 71 1 21 „ 25 21 ! .. 49 | . . 70 L 40 1 11 .. 3 .. 21 2 29 2 20 .. 3 ' .. 2 .. 2 .... . ,| 1 .. 272 6 25 ., 30 31 1 73 ! .. 100 1 54 5 27 .. 7 .. 42 1 26 1 21 .. 4 .. 3 3 .. 391 9 30 35 ; 31 1 | 52 ! 1 87 3 48 4 33 3 4 .. 20 1 3 7 1 6 1 1 .. 290 16 35 „ 40 36 2 : 65 2 79 3 36 4 16 .. 1 .. 17 1 11 . 6 .. 2 .. 4 .. 1 1 1 276 12 40 „ 45 63 3 53 4 62 2 45 9 22 1 1 .. 9 2 7 .. 4 .... 1 4 1 I* . . 1 . 273 22 45 „ 50 55 2 58 1 65 6 45 10 18 1 1 .. 13 1 7 .. 1 .. 2 .. 1 .. 1 2 269 21 50 55 65 2 38 4 34 3 25 4 9 1 1 .. 8 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 185 14 55 „ 60 40 1 32 .. 26 1 16 1 4 4 .. 5 1 1 ... .... 128 4 60 .. 65 35 .. 15 .. 19. I 12 2 3 1.1.. 1 87 3 65 „ 70 13 1 7 7 5 1 2 1 1 .... 2 1 38 3 70 „ 75 i 2 .. 1 4 .. 7 75 „ 80 2 1 4 1 .. J .. .. 1 .. 8 1 80 and over 1 1 1 Not stated .. 1 ( -- 2 .. 2 .. > 1 i 1 j 7 Totals .. 404 14 476 12 584 21 1 345 41 153 6 18 153 | 11 174 12 110 3 17 1 22 .. 6 .. 1 . J 1 1 ..10 ..2,475 121 1 1 1 ' 1 ' 1 I I | ! ' I I 1 i II * Prisoner sentenced to death but sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

H.—2o.

Table H. Return of Offences and Punishments for the Year ended 31st December, 1929.

Table I. Visits of the Visiting Justices to the Larger Prison Institutions during the Year 1929.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (725 copies), £47 10s.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93o.

Price Is. ]

Offences. Total Number Prison Total i Number ; of Prisoners Aeainfiti Disobedience Other Offences. * n Custody nSK™ of Orders, Breaches of punished. during the umcers. and IdlenesB Regulations. Year. j • j • | | j Addington .. .. .. 5 1 10 16 6 119 Auckland .. .. .. j 45 j 33 106 184 155 1,893 Hautu .. .. .... 2 5 7 7 87 Invercargill Reformatory .. I .. .. .. .. .. 101 Napier .. .. : n 9 19 39 "i 9 252 New Plymouth .... 8 6 19 33 30 213 Paparua .. . . . . 4 6 20 30 25 724 Rangipo . . . . .. .. II.. 1 I 53 Waikeria (Reformatory) .. 1 .. 4 5 3 r;y Waikune .. V. .. 11 25 13 49 36 181 Wanganui ...... 1 3 2 6 3 141 Wellington .. .. .. : 7 15 67 89 80 937 WiTako .. .. 12 14 11 37 11 j 162 Borstal Institutions — Invercargill .. .. | 22 31 152 205 159 332 Point Halawell .... 29 6 28 63 30 48 Waikeria .. .. .. j 13 11 59 83 48 ! 199 Totals .. .. ! 169 163 515 847 613 5,500

fc* tj Prisons and Visiting £? * "§ 5r" *9 s -S3 % | j ! fill fe s | S a ha ha . -flj as O Q H T T __ r ■ Addington— H. A. Young, S.M. .. j .. .. 2 1 I ] . . .. .. .. 1 I 6 K I). Mosley, S.M. .. 1 .. .. .. .... . . .. .. .. .. ., i Auckland— F. K. Hunt, S.M. .. 2 .. 1 4 2 3 6 5 4 5 4 36 W. R. McKean,. S.M. 3 .. 3 j 3 ! j .. .... 9 J. H. Hannan, V.J I 2 I .. 2 .. 11 1 1 J 1 11 B. C. Cutten, S.M 4 1 .. ; . . .. .. .. .. .. .. g Hautu — •J. Cullen; V. J. .. .. 1 .. .. 1 j .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 3 Invercargill— G. Oruickshank, S.M. 3 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Napier— J. P. Thomson, V.J. 1 1 I .. 2 I .. .. I 12 .. 10 J. C. Stevens, V.J .. | 1 .. 1 1 .. .. 1 ..1 .. 5 New Plymouth— R. W. Tate, S.M .. v. 1 .. 1 1 : .. 1 1 5 Paparua— 0. P. Kissel, V.J. .. ! 1 .. | v. | 2 .. | 1 1 ! .. 5 E. D. Mosley, S.M. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. ., .. .. .. 1 J. Leslie, V.J. .. 1 .. .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. ] 1 5 H. A. Young, S.M ..j.. j .. 1 J .. I .. 1 1 .. 3 Point Halswell— I. Salek, V.J. 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 13 Rangipo— J. Cullen, V.J 2 1 .. . . 3 Wailceria— W. J. Jeffery, V.J. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. .. 1 1 .. .. . 4 Waikune— J. Cullen, V.J. . . 2 ...... 2 .. 3 1 1 .. 9 Wanganui— j J. Driver, V.J. .. 1 .. 1 1 2 1 2 .. [ 1 . . 1 1 11 IVellington— 1. Salek, V.J. .... 2 .. 13 2 1 2 1 .. ! 1 .. 13 D. C. Bates. V.J I 1 Wi Tako— P. Robertson, V.J. .. .. .. .. 1 1 1 i 1 1 j .. .. .. 5 W. Greig, V.J I 2 1 .. .. 3 1 /ifSHsgr