PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR1 THE YEAR 1938-39.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, H-20

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1939. NEW ZEALAND.

PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR1 THE YEAR 1938-39.

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

The Hon. the Minister op Justice to His Excellency the Governor-General. Wellington, 11th August, 1939. 1 have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report on the prisons and Borstals of the Dominion for the year 1938-39. I have, &c., H. G. R. Mason, Minister of Justice.

The Controller-General op Prisons to the Hon. the Minister op Justice. Sir, — I have the honour to present the annual report of the Prisons Department for the financial year ended 31st March, 1939, and the criminal statistics for the calendar year ending 31st December, 1938, together with reports from the controlling officers of the various institutions administered by the Department. These reports outline in detail the numerous activities carried on at the several institutions. Prison Statistics. The daily average number of prisoners in custody during 1938 (870) varied but slightly from the number for the previous year (866), which was the lowest figure for the Dominion on record. The aggregate number of receptions during 1938 was 4,328, or 225 more than were received during 1937. The aggregate of receptions included 792 inter-institutional transfers besides offenders admitted more than once during the year. The number of distinct persons received was 2,224, as compared with 1,991 for the previous year. Receptions. The following table sets out in comparative form the total receptions, the number of distinct persons received, and the daily average for several years past. The inter-institutional transfers have been eliminated from the figures shown in the total receptions column : —

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Year. Total Receptions. m ' Ratio to 10,000. Daily Average. 1938 .. .. .. 3,536 2,224 13-84 870 1937 .. .. .. 3,213 1,991 12-52 860 1936 .. .. .. 2,980 1,790 11-36 1,005 1935 .. .. .. 3,409 2,158 13-76 1,212 1934 .. .. .. 3,816 2,376 15-33 1,360 1933 .. .. .. 4,157 2,731 17-75 1,543 J 932 .. .. .. 5,198 3,401 22-29 1,669

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Although from the foregoing figures it will be observed that there has been an increase of 233 in the number of distinct persons received into prison during the year 1938, the following table shows that over the past five decades there has been a general downward trend in the number of commitments to prison in the Dominion. It should be noted that receptions for the purpose of these statistics cover all persons received under sentence, regardless of the shortness of duration, and include 543 persons received into police gaols and lock-ups. This fact should be kept in mind when comparing with statistics of countries overseas :— Y Ratio of Prisoners to 10,000 of Population. 1890 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38-61 1910 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 32-45 1914 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..31-05 1932 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22-29 1933 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17-75 1934 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15-33 1935 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13-76 1936 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..11-36 1937 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12-52 1938 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13-84 Nature of Offences. The following table shows the nature of offence, classified under three main headings, for the past six years :—

For purposes of convenient grouping the offences are classified under the headings " Offences against the Person," " Offences against Property," and " Miscellaneous Offences," the last-mentioned being mainly offences against good order, and are sometimes styled mala prohibita as distinct from mala per se. They are generally of a more venial character than those in the first two groups. An examination of the figures for last year shows that there was an increase in the offences against property, but that the greater proportion of the total increase in the number of commitments comes under the group " Miscellaneous Offences," and it is interesting and significant to note that the increase under this heading is accounted for almost exclusively by two types of offence, which unhappily show an increasing tendency. One is for being " drunk in charge of a motor-vehicle," for which offence no fewer than 146 persons were imprisoned during 1938, as compared with 63 for the previous year, and the other is for default of maintenance orders which showed an increase of 55. Considering the improved industrial conditions and the higher wages prevailing, the increase under this head seems strangely incongruous. With regard to crimes classified in the group " Offences against the Person," it is satisfactory to observe that there has been a decrease in the number of commitments for offences of a sexual nature, particularly offences against children, but this decrease has been offset in the aggregate by an increase in the number of criminal assaults and negligent driving offences. With regard to offences against property, there have been fewer commitments for the more simple felonies, but the diminution in number in the group has been more than counterbalanced by an increase in the commitments for " breaking and entering," " fraud and false pretences," and " unlawful conversion." Whilst it is satisfactory to note that there has been a falling off in the number of commitments for non-payment of fines, it would still appear, having regard to the fact that no less than 540 persons last year were committed to prison for non-payment of fines, that the prison population is unduly swelled thereby, and there is no doubt the passing of the proposed amendment to the Justices of the Peace Act requiring Courts to have regard to the means of offenders and to allow time for the payment of fines will materially diminish commitments under this head. If the intrinsic gravity of an offence is such that the Courts in the first instance consider it can be adequately met by the imposition of a fine, then imprisonment should not ensue automatically simply because the offender has not the means to pay.

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I I v j Offences against Offences against Miscellaneous , ear " | the Person. Property. Offences. j oa. 1938.. .. .. 197 740 1,287 2,224 1937.. .. .. 191 675 1,125 1,991 1936.. .. .. 189 599 1,002 1,790 1935.. .. .. 175 887 1,096 2,158 1934.. .. .. 155 889 1,332 2,376 1933.. .. .. 196 1,048 1,487 2,731

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Nationality of Offenders. The following table shows in comparative form the nationality of offenders received into prison :—

Ages of Offenders. Hereunder is set out in tabular form the number of prisoners received, during the year, classified in age-groups, and for the purposes of comparison similar figures for the past five years are shown. The increase, it will be observed, is fairly evenly distributed over each age-group.

Length of Sentences. The following table gives an analysis according to the term of sentence imposed, showing the proportion of each group to the total number of persons received, tt is to be noted that substantially the greater proportion of persons admitted to prison are sentenced to short terms, over 60 per cent, of the total number received being for sentences under three months. As examples of these, no fewer than 553 distinct persons were imprisoned for drunkenness or breaches of the Licensing Act, and 64 persons were committed for using obscene language. Most of these offences are in the nature of nuisances rather than crimes. Short sentences are imposed by the Courts primarily for punitive and deterrent purposes, but as our prisons are run on humanitarian lines directed primarily towards rehabilitation to good citizenship it is questionable whether these short sentences served under the ameliorated conditions fulfil a useful purpose. Time is an essential element in habit-formation, as well as in the matter of affording an opportunity to provide some form of vocational training designed to assist the offender to earn an honest livelihood on release. Time is also an important factor from the deterrent point of view, for loss of liberty, apart from the stigma and disgrace, is virtually the only punishment that imprisonment under present-day conditions involves. Unless an offence is sufficiently grave to warrant the imposition of a fairly substantial term some alternative to imprisonment in many cases would be more fitting. It is observed in the Criminal Justice Bill (Imp.) that it is provided a Court shall not impose imprisonment on an offender under twenty-one years of age unless it is of opinion that no other method of dealing with him is appropriate, and where it imposes imprisonment it is required to state the reason for its opinion that no other method of dealing with him is appropriate. The general trend in most enlightened countries overseas lies towards extra-mural treatment of offenders, as far as practicable, having due regard to the safety and interests of society.

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New-Zealand- t. .,. , , Year. born (excluding Maoris. ana Total. Maoris). Forel § n - 1938 .. .. 1,248 252 724 2,224 1937 .. .. 1,383 257 351 1,991 1936 .. .. 1,022 199 569 1,790 • 1935 .. .. 1,256 226 676 2,158 1934 .. .. 1,416 211 749 2,376 1933 .. .. 1,604 253 874 2,731 1932 .. .. 1,941 316 1,144 3,401

Age-group. | 1933. j 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937. ' 1938. Under 20 .. .. 175 120 131 96 115 --T23 20-25 .. .. .. 459 391 350 185 303 362 25-30 .. .. .. 403 343 321 254 282 321 30-40 .. . . .. 747 640 545 437 456 . 555 40 and upwards .. 937 878 809 715 831 861 Not stated .. .. 10 4 2 3 4 2 Totals .. 2,731 2,376 2,158 1,790 1,991 2,224

Number of Prisoners. Percentage to Total JNumber sentenced. Term of Sentence. 1937. 1938. 1937. 1938. Under one month .. .. .. 808 873 40-5 39-3 ■One month and under three months .. 413 514 20-8 23-1 Three months and under six months .. 230 291 11-8 13-1 ■ Six months and under twelve months .. 155 161 7-8 7-3 One year and under three years .. .. 303 287 15-4 12-9 Three years and under five years .. .. 72 79 3-2 3-5 Five years and over .. .. .. 10 19 0-5 0-8 Totals .. .. .. .. 1,991 2,224 100-0 100-0

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Punishments and Infractions of Discipline. Capital Punishment. —No executions took place during the year. Floggings.—No Hoggings were administered during the year. Corporal Punishment. —There is no statutory provision for the imposition of corporal punishment for breaches of discipline in either prisons or Borstals in New Zealand. No corporal punishment was administered, and no form of mechanical restraint was required to be used upon any refractory prisoner during the year. Escapes.—During the year thirty-nine persons escaped, and all were recaptured. Twenty-two of these were Borstal. Under a system in which trust is an essential element a certain number of escapes is inevitable, but the number of escapes last year was slightly higher than the average. This was due to the misguided activities of a small intractable group of persistent escapees at the Invercargill Borstal. These lads on reception were entirely undisciplined and anti-social in their outlook, and were quite unresponsive to any socializing influences. From the outset they evinced no interest in anything but their plans to escape. It was ultimately found necessary, in the interests of the peaceiul and ordered management of the institution, to separate this group and transfer the inmates to other prison farms. The Superintendent of the Borstal states that many of those now finding themselves committed to Borstal show a lamentable lack of early training and discipline. With a large number of young offenders it is manifest their offences are due to adverse circumstances or to moral blindness and not to original sin, but with many recently received at Borstal their early environmental influences appear to have been so unfortunate and inimical to their moral well-being that they have developed, an entirely warped mental outlook in which any worth-while idealism finds no place. These cases not only constitute a complex problem from an institutional point of view, but they also present a grave social problem. Whilst many of these young offenders are to be pitied rather than blamed for their anti-social attitude for the reason already indicated that often they have not had much chance in life, it- is not in their best interests to humour them or to encourage self-pity, or to induce an idea of mental invalidism. What is more to be desired is an awakening of a consciousness of social obligations. The Borstal endeavours to do its part by subjecting them to a firm discipline that does not cramp selfreliance and initiative, but the root of the problem lies at an earlier stage. As an indication of the general problem the following figures convey some idea of the material required to be dealt with. On the 31st December, 1938, there were 100 inmates at the Invercargill Borstal. Of these, only 14 were first offenders, 52 had previously been under the care of the Child Welfare Department, 34 had other previous convictions either by way of fine or probation, and 4 had been in the Borstal before. Approximately one-third of the total number were Maoris. The nature of the offences involved were—27 for wrongful conversion of cars, 52 for breaking and entering and theft, 4 for robbery with violence, 4 for assault, 4 for illegally being on premises with intent, 4 for sexual offences, and 5 for false pretences. The fact that only 15 per cent, of those who pass through the Borstal again appear before the Courts is in itself fairly eloquent testimony of the efficacy of the methods employed at Borstal in an endeavour to deflect these young people from criminal careers to ways of useful citizenship, but how much better it would be if character-training commenced before they reached Borstal. Developments in Penal Methods. In view of the approach of the Centennial it may be an opportune time to outline some of the improvements that have been effected in prison-management. It would serve no useful purpose to contrast present-day methods with the primitive conditions of a hundred years ago, except to stress the change that has ta.ken place in the basic approach to the problem whereby the retributive theory has given way to the idea of reclamation. It is also interesting to note from entries in one of the principal Gaoler's journals in the " forties " of last, century that all classes of prisoners, young and old, even including lunatics, were housed together. It is in the direction of classification that the greatest advances in penal administration have been made. Although many other comparisons could be made, it is proposed to confine these references to improvements effected during the last decade and a half. The policy the Department has striven to follow has been one of cautious progressiveness. In dealing with offenders against society it has always been considered unwise to proceed too far in advance of public opinion. Thus the many improvements that have been made have not been, effected dramatically, but by a steady evolutionary process of experimentation designed to keep the system in accord with developments overseas, and at the same time making due allowances and modifications to suit local requirements. It is proposed for the sake of orderliness and convenience to marshal the many matters adverted, to in the following order, although in many cases it will be observed that the objectives aimed at overlap :— (1) Improved basis of classification of offenders. (2) Improvements designed to develop character and a sense of social responsibility. (3) Improvement of conditions in so far as the physical comfort and general health of prisoners is concerned. (4) Changes designed to add interest to the work carried out in prisons and make it of value vocationally. * (5) Changes designed to reduce the cost to the taxpayer for the upkeep of prisoners, j (6) Improvements in so far as relatives and dependants of prisoners are concerned, j (7) After-care of released prisoners.

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(1) Improved Basis of Classification of Offenders. The proper classification of offenders is the pivotal feature of the prison system. A recognition of the benefits derived in England from the separation of young offenders from older criminals resulted in the passing of the Prevention of Crime (Borstal Institutions Establishment) Act towards the end of 1924 on the recommendation of the late Mr. C. E. Matthews, though be did not live to see it put into operation. Through delays pending staff changes and the acquisition of equipment, &c., the system did not commence to function fully until about 1927. Under the Borstal system punishment is made a secondary consideration to training and discipline. The system is founded on a balanced programme of work, education, and recreation. The work is designed to establish habits of industry and to equip an inmate to earn a livelihood on release. The • educational classes are taken by qualified teachers and are conducted on a more liberal basis than ordinary school classes, femphasis being placed on civics, economics, social history, and technical subjects, the object being to stimulate ideas of social obligation, civic responsibility, and manipulative skill. The recreational programme is designed to break down selfish individualism and to inculcate the team spirit and, by regular intercourse with outside teams, to dispel any feeling that inmates are regarded as social outcasts. In the general scheme of classification Borstals take the youngest group, from fifteen to twenty-three years. The extreme of this group —i.e., the aged, seniles, and decrepits —are segregated at Wanganui Prison, where a special milieu suited to their physical condition has been devised. The livingconditions have been planned on the basis of a large well-lit, and well-ventilated common dormitory equipped with hospital beds ; lavatories (water flushed) are conveniently arranged. The prisoners are employed on domestic work and gardening. The grounds arc laid out in lawns and shrubs, which the inmates tend. Sexual perverts are segregated at the New Plymouth Prison. The programme at this institution provides for work under conditions permitting of close observation. During the last twelve years extensive truck gardening has been undertaken, and, in addition, cows, pigs, and sheep are kept. The Medical Officer is a qualified psychiatrist who makes a special study of each inmate and endeavours (with satisfactory results) to treat the inmates psychologically. The inmates have established a special physical drill class, and they have their own orchestra. Prisoners sentenced to reformative detention and hard labour who, after a period of observation at the city prisons, are deemed to be trustworthy and of suitable character are transferred to the prison farms and camps where the honour system has been largely extended and special privileges permitted. Prisoners who are not reliable or who cannot with safety to the community be trusted at the farms are segregated at Mount Eden Prison. Women prisoners are kept entirely separate from men prisoners, there being a Borstal institution for young women run with an objective similar to those for young men. Instead of criminal experience and the nature of the offence being the primary basis of classification, the present-day considerations are age, personality, and criminal propensities. A close-working arrangement has been effected with the Mental Hospitals Department whereby the psychiatrists attached to that Department are made available whenever required to examine and to advise on the treatment of inmates of prisons and Borstals. A more definite regard is now had to the mental condition of prisoners, and, in co-operation with the Mental Hospitals specialists, treatment more appropriate to the needs of defective prisoners is now arranged. (2) Improvements designed to develop Character and a Sense of Social Responsibility. (а) Extension of educational classes (correspondence and classroom) for inmates. Establishment of first-aid classes and technical instruction. (б) Extended co-operation with representatives of religious and social organizations, and freer encouragement of visits to prisons. (c) Encouragement of concert parties. (d) Extension of libraries (purchase of magazines and books). (e) Installation of wireless at all institutions. (/) Provision of facilities for organized games calculated to induce the team spirit (football, cricket, tennis, &c.), and the introduction of competition with outside teams. (g) Provision for monthly display of educational sound films and lectures at all institutions. (h) Appointment of Matron at Invercargill Borstal. (3) Improvement of Conditions in so far as the Physical Comfort and General Health of Prisoners is concerned. (a) Prison Buildings : General Accommodation. —Improved cell-ventilation; wooden floors replacing concrete ; improved lighting -larger windows—stronger electric lights in cells ; improved accommodation for women prisoners ; bathing accommodation improved (hot and cold showers at all prisons) ; improved cooking facilities and facilities for keeping meals hot; eating-utensils— replacement of enamelware by alii minium ware and crockery ; improved hospital infirmary facilities ; provision of common-room at every institution. (b) Bedding, Clothing, Ac. —Wooden beds and stretchers in substitution for hammocks ; pyjamas issued ; pillows, towels, and handkerchiefs improved in quality and size ; sheets provided for all prisoners ; extra changes of sox for men employed at wet work.

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(c) Cell Furniture. —Shelves provided for books, &c. ; special cupboards provided for storing foodstuffs ; knives, spoons, and forks of good quality supplied instead of tin knives as hitherto ; desks supplied to all prisoners who desire to study ; chairs replace cell stools. Flowers and pictures allowed in cells. (d) Food. —Regular puddings as an extra to the regulation ration scale ; milk for all prisoners ; cocoa at one meal daily ; butter for prisoners serving sentences of three months or over ; improved bread (wholemeal and flour alternately) ; treacle or syrup to all prisoners ; increased ration of green vegetables ; increased meat ration ; extras for long-sentence prisoners, including change of diet at two-monthly intervals ; choice of certain items such as jam and syrup, and a special ration of cheese. Improved system of serving food (at certain prisons plates being substituted for ration tins). (e) General. —Development of farms and gardens for the purpose of providing extended open-air work ; increased ration of tobacco —cigarette papers supplied ; improved footwear ; improved shirts, hats, and shape of sox and improved suits of clothing at Borstals, with provision of necktie and special soft-collar shirts ; introduction of annual summer camps at Borstal; improvement in free dental treatment. (4) Changes designed to add Interest to the Work carried out in Prisons and making it of Value vocationally. Extended technical education in wool-classing, woodwork, &c. ; installation of modern plant in boot-factory, clothing-factory, joinery-shops, machine-fitting shops, and on farms (milking-machines, sheep-shearing machines, tractors, and farm implements) ; work planned for use rather than as a task. Appointment of Warder Instructors in all artisan trades for the purpose of teaching inmates. (5) Changes designed to reduce the Cost to the Taxpayer for the Upkeep of Prisoners. (а) Establishment of bakery in each prison (cheaper than outside purchases and provides work of vocational value). (б) Supply chilled meat and milk to city prisons from farms. (c) Growing and manufacturing of institutional tobacco requirements instead of purchasing. (d) Manufacturing of concrete posts for fencing. (e) Undertaking of laundry work for Government Departments. (/) Laundries mechanized with modern plant which provides work of vocational value. (g) Undertaking manufacture of footwear for other Departments. (h) Supplying quarry metal for other Departments. (i) Extensive development of unimproved and waste lands (Hautu and Rangipo), and reclamation of land (Invercargill Estuary). (j) Increased farm and garden production, including selling in open market. (k) Manufacture of sandsoap and floor-polish for all Government Departments. (I) Manufacture of Department's requirements in sox, clothing, and footwear —also for Mental Hospitals Department and Child Welfare Department. (m) Improvements effected at Rangitoto Island (roading and levelling of play areas). (n) Land improvements at Waikeria and certain areas made available for settlement, (o) Erection of residences for staff by prison labour. (p) Development of orchard and apiary at Waikeria. (q) Closing of small prisons (Naseby, Okarito, Mangonui, Port Awanui, Timaru, Greymoutk, Westport, Tolaga Bay). (r) Removal of Wellington Terrace Prison, and site made available for school purposes. (s) Improvements in fire-prevention equipment. (t) Universal herd-testing at all institutional dairy-farms. (u) Organization of stores, accounts, and industries—placed on proper accounting and costing basis. (v) Improved kitchen organization--installation of electric cooking and oil-burning ranges. (w) Discontinuance of uneconomic industries (sawmilling and brickmaking). (a;) Extensive development of farming on scientific lines. (y) Manufacture of furniture and olfice fittings for courthouses and birth, death, and marriage offices. (6) Improvements in so far as Relatives and Dependants of Prisoners are concerned, (a) Increase in allowance to dependants from '225. to 265. Bd. per week. (ft) Facilities provided to enable prisoners to visit sick or dying parents or near relatives. (c) Increased facilities for letter-writing. (d) Special extra concessions in respect of visits where parents are obliged to travel long distances. (e) Closer contact between Superintendents, Matron, and parents of younger inmates. (7) Organization of After-care. After-care is now recognized to be an integral part of the prison system, and during the past ten years special emphasis has been given to the development of this side of the work. Special after-care committees have been established in connection with Borstal institutions, and encouragement has been given to the establishment of prisoners' aid societies and voluntary probation committees in the cities and main secondary towns. The members of these organizations and the Probation Officers do their utmost to cushion the re-entry of ex-prisoners into social life and to assist them during that hazardous period when they are first finding their feet.

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Revenue and Expenditure. A comparative statement of revenue and expenditure covering a period of ten years is given hereunder :— 1

The position disclosed above from both gross and net expenditure aspects is an improvement for the year ended 31st March, 1939. Whilst the credits for the year are lower than for the previous years they have not declined to the same extent as has gross expenditure, the result being that the net expenditure position is definitely improved. In last year's report mention was made of the fact that there had been a large increase in the item " Farm Expenditure," because of the payment during March of the amounts for autumn live-stock and fertilizer purchases instead of their being paid, as is usual, in April. There was in consequence a reduction under this heading in the net expenditure for this year. The daily average number of inmates for the year under review, as already mentioned, showed little variation from that of the previous year, hence it was to be expected that the net expenditure would be about the same for the two years. Actually, however, it was considerably lower for the year 1938-39 for the reason that, notwithstanding the revenue was down by £4,000, the net expenditure was nearly £8,000 less. The decrease in revenue was accounted for mainly by a reduction of £2,000 under the heading " Farms and Gardens," which decrease was due largely to the generally lower level of prices received for farm-products rather than by any diminution in farming output. In addition, there was a reduction of approximately £3,400 in revenue for roadworks. This was due to the fact that a portion of the roadworks previously carried out by prison labour is now undertaken by the Public Works Department. Health of Prisoners. The health of prisoners has been uniformly good throughout the year. The daily average on the sick-list was 10-82, which represents 1-2 per cent, of the daily average in custody. This is an average of two per day less than were laid up with sickness last year. There were 53 admissions to public hospital, and there were no deaths in prison during the year. The Medical Officers, in addition to undertaking the care of the sick, examine all prisoners before transfer from the city prisons to the farms and camps. Where it is considered that a mental examination would assist in the treatment of a prisoner this is arranged through the Mental Hospitals Department, which. Department's specialists co-operate in a most helpful manner. Three prisoners were transferred to mental hospitals under section 4 of the Mental Defectives Act; 4 were transferred for special observation under section 37 ; and 16 were transferred after sentence under the provisions of section 38. Conclusion. It is desired to place on record the Department's appreciation of the generous assistance given by a large body of voluntary workers who visit the institutions and who undertake the after-care and placement of discharged prisoners, and also to express gratitude for the sympathetic co-operation and help given by the clergymen and missioners of the Various religious denominations, the officers of the Salvation Army, and others, who have regularly visited the institutions to minister to the spiritual well-being of prisoners. Special mention must be made of the valuable assistance given by the Women's Borstal Association, the Young Men's Borstal Association, Visiting Committees, the Prisoners' Aid Societies, and the Justices' Association. I also wish to record my appreciation of the zealous and loyal service rendered by the staff of the Department. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons.

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Daily Gross Expenditure. Credits. Net Expenditure. , 7 Average ear " Number of Inmates. Total. I Per Head. Total. Per Head. : Total. Per Head. I I £ £ £ £ £ £ 1929-30 .. .. 1,425 172,248 120-83 83,806 58-87 88,442 62-04 t930-31 .. .. 1,525 171,382 112-36 70,669 46-33 100,713 66-03 1931-32 .. .. 1,641 152,581 92-93 55,867 34-03 96,714 58-90 1932-33 .. .. 1,661 142,940 86-04 52,412 31-84 90,528 54-49 1933-34 .. .. 1,488 138,193 92-88 54,823 36-77 83,370 56-11 1934-35 .. .. 1,306 137,484 105-25 60,242 46-12 77,242 59-13 1935-36 .. .. 1,170 144,460 123-47 69,933 59-77 74,527 63-70 1936-37 .. .. 985 146,314 148-54 68,661 69-70 77,653 78-83 1937-38 .. 852 164,132 192-64 69,075 81-07 95,057 111-56 1938-39 .. .. 855 152,093 177-89 64,910 75-92 87,183 101-97

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PRISONS AND PENAL INSTITUTIONS : EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS. Auckland Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. T. Leggett.) At the commencement of the year there were 1.80 males and 13 females in custody. During the year 1,415 males and 65 females were received, whilst 1,436 males and 74 females were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in custody at the end of the year 159 males and 4 females. There was an increase of receptions during the year of 250 males and 10 females over that of last year. Of the 1,415 males admitted during the year, 136 were received as second offenders, also there were 67 males admitted who were sentenced for being drunk in charge of motor-vehicles. The health of the prisoners generally has been good, sickness in most cases being of a minor nature and in a number of cases attributed to alcoholic excesses and other conditions of neglected health prior to reception. There were 18 males and 3 females received into prison suffering from venereal disorders and were cured before release. The Medical Officer has given every attention to all prisoners requiring his services, and consequently the daily average of 1-67 males on sick-list must be considered low, taking into account the number of derelict and physically unfit received here. As in the past, there has been full co-operation from the Medical Superintendent of the Avondale Mental Hospital in conducting examinations of prisoners indicating mental abnormality, and the specialist's opinion has been much appreciated in defining a suitable line of action in such cases. The conduct generally of the prisoners has been good, there being no escapes or attempted escapes. Disciplinary punishments for breaches of the regulations were administered by the Visiting Justices in a number of cases, and such offences were of a minor nature excepting in one instance when an officer of the prison was attacked and struck by a violent Maori prisoner. Prison labour has been fully utilized in the various industrial activities, and this greatly in connection with services to other Departments. The boot-factory, with modern equipment, has now met all the requirements of the Mental Hospitals Department and General Prisons Store for distribution to other prisons and prison institutions. The tailoring factory has worked full capacity in manufacturing Prisons Department and other Departments requirements in clothing, chair-cushions, and departmental clothing and uniforms. Several old darning-machines used in the repairing of mail-bags were replaced, and a total of 32,000 mail and parcel bags wore dealt with for the Post and Telegraph Department. 11l addition to the foregoing there were several thousand blankets laundered for the Defence Department, and with the installation of proposed modern laundry equipment much better results should be obtained in this direction. Tinsmithing and carpentering work has been carried out to meet the maintenance requirements of this institution, and a number of cabinets were manufactured for the Registrar-General's Department. The manufacture of tobacco for the whole of the departmental institutions has been carried out. Quarry and crushing metal screenings has been carried on, but to a much lesser extent than formerly, owing to the decreasing prison population. This industry is now only a medium of utilizing labour not suitable for our factory industries or transfer to country prisons. The vegetable garden has provided the whole of our requirements. Potatoes were supplied from Waikeria Reformatory and southern institutions as seasonably available. During the year interior renovations have been effected to departmental residences, and this work will be fully completed during the coming year. Renovation work has been carried out inside the prison, the offices and corridors receiving much-needed attention. The institutional school under the direction of Dr. Dale, M.A., and assisted by a member of the staff, has been continued with success, and the Schoolmaster reports as follows : " The aims of the school have not been altered since my last report, and it would appear from the remarks of the prisoners that once these are understood by those who attend they are worth while. In the routine class-work some of the Maoris have made considerable progress in the use of both English texts and their ability to use the language in written form. They have applied themselves well. The general attitude to education by the prisoners has been sound, and they have themselves contributed to the plan by speaking and developing their ideas. In continuance of the policy used a year ago with success, I have this year continued the use of visual aids, by moving films and strips, to enhance the value of both geography and history. The interest and discussion that arose from such methods show clearly that permission given for such schemes has not been wasted. Certain non-academic subjects related to agriculture have also been taken during the year. The central topic for civics has this year been methods of government, designed to stimulate thought along lines of conservancy." Additional educational lectures have been given from time to time by the W.E.A., and these have been most instructive. The first-aid class conducted by the St. John Ambulance Association has been continued, and the lectures were given by Dr. Nicks, assisted by Ambulance Officer Cummings and Rev. Moreton, and keen interest has been displayed. All but one of the class received creditable passes, and, in addition, 3 prisoners have qualified for medallions and one has passed four examinations.

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The physical-drill class is conducted in the evenings under the direction of a member of the staff and is certainly beneficial to those prisoners employed in workshops and others who physically require development. Monthly concerts have been given under arrangements with interested social workers, and thanks are specially due to Mrs. Webster of the Returned Soldiers' Association, Mr. R. Talbot of IZB concert party, and the Rev. G. Moreton, who has been most helpful in this direction. Xmas cheer for all inmates was again freely contributed by several organizations and was much appreciated by the recipients. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has again been well cared for by regular Sunday services of the various denominations and also by individual visits. The food-supplies have been of excellent quality, including meat supplied from Waikeria Borstal Farm and the bread baked in the institution bakery. The Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society has continued to give every assistance to discharged prisoners in assisting them to rehabilitation in providing clothing, board, and fares to employment ; also the services of the Port Chaplain (Rev. Vickery) have been appreciated in his obtaining berths on overseas vessels for suitable cases. The conduct of the staff generally has been satisfactory. The officers responsible for the industrial activities of the prison have maintained an excellent standard of industry in their respective departments. The clerical and stores staff have continued to deal with that phase of the institutional matters in a very efficient manner. GISBORNE PRISON. (Gaoler, Mr. D. Davies.) At the beginning of the year there were 2 males in custody. Received during the year, 76 males, 2 females, total 78, which is a decrease of 8 males and an increase of 1 female on that of the preceding year. Discharged, transferred, or otherwise dealt, with, 76 males, 2 females, thereby leaving in custody on the night of 31st December, 1938, 2 males. With the exception of 1 male prisoner being sent to the district hospital for treatment for an old injury to a leg, the health and conduct of the prisoners generally have been good. Employment consisted of gardening, cleaning, laundry-work, clothing repairs, and painting. Messrs. L. C. Morris and D. J. Heffernan visited the prison and conducted Divine services during the year. Hautu Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. T. Banks.) At the commencement of the year there were 28 males in custody, 32 were received during the year, 24 discharged, and 5 transferred to other institutions, leaving a total of 31 in custody on 31st December. The conduct of the men has been satisfactory and there were very few breaches of discipline. There were no escapes during the period under review. A good standard of health was maintained, there being only one admission to public hospital. The Medical Officer visited the prison frequently and attention was given to those requiring it. Dental attention was also made available to the men. Divine services were held by the visiting chaplains from Taupo and Waihi. A new eight-valve Ultimate radio set was purchased to replace the five-valve set, and the result has been most satisfactory. Programmes are given nightly and during week-ends. We are indebted to the Rev. J. G. Laughton, Presbyterian Superintendent of Maori Missions, and Rev. J. A. L. Carter, Presbyterian Minister, Taupo, for gifts to the men at Christmas ; also to the Howard League for Penal Reform, Christchurch Branch, for cake supplied. Our thanks are also due to the Auckland Mayoress's War Memorial League ; the Church of Christ (Scientist), Auckland and Wellington ; and Mr. Witty, Palmerston North, for reading-matter supplied. The rations were of good quality. Vegetables were supplied from the prison garden, and beef and mutton from the farm. The bread was baked in the institution and was of excellent quality. Butter was also made for issue to the prisoners. The prison buildings were kept in good repair, and the following buildings were erected : A hutment for the accommodation of one officer, a milking-shed, separator-room, tractor-shed, and Officer in Charge's office. The preliminary work of a scheme to have the prison and officers' cottages fitted with electric light has been commenced, and should be completed early in 1939. The : installation of a paddock water-supply comprising windmills, storage-tanks, and troughs was commenced and is almost completed. The supply should prove an asset, enabling the paddocks to be well watered and improving the grass. General farm-work was carried on during the year, the existing fences kept in good repair, and a rabbit-proof fence erected. The season's wool clip weighed 6 ton 18 cwt. 17 lb. Facial eczema affected the flock, causing a good many deaths. Two hundred and forty-eight sheep were sold and 122 killed for rations. The cattle were also subject to disease during the year, and the Department of Agriculture was consulted on the matter. A lick was prescribed and the situation greatly relieved. Thirty-three cattle were killed for rations and 51 head sold during the year.

2—H. 20.

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The raising of pigs was carried on as previously. One boar was purchased and 93 weaners sold. Several teams of young horses were broken in and are working well. The following crops were harvested : 150 tons hay, 20 tons carrots, 200 tons swede turnips, and 10 tons oaten sheaves. From a crop of 28 tons of potatoes, 14 tons were sold and the remainder used at the prison. The rabbit pest was dealt with as usual and the skins marketed. I should like to conclude with thanks to the members of the staff for their co-operation and loyalty. Napier Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. C. J. McMullin.) At the beginning of the year there were 15 male prisoners in custody. During the year admissions totalled 140 males and 3 females, while 70 were discharged on the expiration of their sentences, 8 on special remission, 2 on probationary license, 62 were transferred to other institutions or otherwise disposed of, leaving 16 in custody at the end of the year. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 21, and the least 9, the daily average being 13-99. The health of the prisoners has been good, there being no cases of a serious nature. Divine services were conducted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army, and the members of the Gospel Hall; the Napier Brotherhood held services on every alternate Wednesday evening during the year. The Colenso Fund has proved most beneficial in assisting prisoners on their discharge. Thanks are due to the Toe H, Hastings, who provided a plentiful supply of clothing ; the St. Vincent de Paul Society; and to Mr. Robert Magill, Mr. Herbert Mercer, and Mr. Claude Stevens, who have been untiring in their efforts to assist the prisoners to rehabilitate themselves on their release. The radio has been made use of frequently to amuse and to instruct, and has been much appreciated by the inmates. The prison quarry has been the principal means of providing employment, and the revenue derived therefrom compares favourably with that of former years. The prison garden has provided an abundant supply of vegetables for the use of the prison, and the surplus has been sold in the local mart. Although returns received were much below city prices, on the whole the results have been satisfactory. The prison buildings and grounds have been maintained in a fair state of repair, and the cottages occupied by the staff have received attention and are now in good order. The food supplied has been ample and of good quality. There have been at no time complaints as to quantity or quality. Bread has been manufactured in the prison, as formerly, and of good uniform quality. The conduct of the prisoners has been good, and only in one instance has a prisoner been dealt with by a Visiting Justice. The thanks of the Department are due to Mr. J. P. Thomson, Visiting Justice, Mr. Miller, S.M., Mr. Robert Magill, the Napier Brotherhood, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, who have as in former years provided Christmas cheer during the festive season. Their thoughtful and practical sympathy has been much appreciated by the inmates. The conduct of the staff generally has been satisfactory, and I much appreciate their loyal co-operation. New Plymouth Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. Dineen.) There were 57 prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year, and during the year 105 male prisoners and 1 female prisoner were received. During the same period 103 male prisoners and 1 female prisoner were discharged or handed to police, leaving 59 male prisoners in custody at the end of the year. As in the past, the main working-party was employed in the quarry during the year, the daily working-party averaging 11-43 men, and the total quantity of metal sold during the year amounting to 2,857 yards. This was sold to the New Plymouth Borough Council and Fitzroy Quarries, Ltd. The institution garden also provided useful occupation for a number of men, the daily average employed in this work being about 7 men. The garden supplied the institution kitchen with a good variety of vegetables during the year, and the surplus over requirements was sold at the local auctionmart, fetching the sum of £308 3s. Id. for the year. The piggery is still being operated successfully, and is a useful and profitable means of using to advantage the waste food from the kitchen, and waste vegetables, &c., from the garden. Six breeding-sows are kept, and surplus milk from the dairy is fed to the young pigs. These are sold to local buyers when ready for the market. The pigs are usually killed and dressed by prison labour, and this provides useful training for some of the men. The dairy cows, which are grazed on Marsland Hill and the Kindberg Estate, keep the prison supplied with an ample quantity of milk for ration and medical requirements. The Kindberg Estate has been recently purchased by the Department, and sufficient grazing-land is now assured for the live-stock requirements of the prison. In the bakehouse bread is made for this prison and Wanganui Gaol, and endeavours have been made to improve the quality of the bread made. Some success has attended our efforts in this direction. Soapmaking, boot-repairing, and tailoring are occupations which are also carried out, and they provide

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a useful and interesting form of employment for the prisoners. Cattle are grazed for killing for rations, the beef diet having been varied with mutton at different times throughout the year. The killing is done by the prisoners, and all meat is inspected by the Stock Inspector before being used. In general it can be stated that the conduct of the prisoners has been good. Five cases of breaches of discipline were dealt with by the Visiting Justices. One was an attempt to smuggle uncensored correspondence out of the prison, and another was an attempt to smuggle forbidden articles into the prison. There have been no escapes or attempts to escape during the year. All working-parties are under constant direct supervision ; and during the week-ends, when vigilance is particularly necessary owing to the nature of the offences for which these men are imprisoned, officers are especially on the alert. The health of the prisoners on the whole has been good, with two exceptions. One was a case of pneumonia which was treated successfully at the prison, the patient making a complete recovery. The Medical Officer visits the prison regularly, and has given the utmost attention to the prisoners, being always available when called specially. Prisoners who are ill are given every attention by the Medical Officer and by the prison staff. A welcome innovation during the year from the point of view of the prisoners has been the introduction of a fish ration for prisoners serving over two years. The increased leisure hours (due to the forty-hour week) of the prisoners are being well occupied during the week-ends. The men are encouraged to learn music and quite a number have taken advantage of this privilege. A few can now play the piano and other instruments fairly well. The main object is, of course, to occupy their minds in a beneficial way. Some of the men play chess and draughts in the yards during the week-ends. The Rev. F. Hart has earned our thanks by his efforts on behalf of the prison orchestra. He has attended on many Saturdays to conduct the orchestra in practices, and this in itself has been a great stimulant to the men. The prison Debating Society has continued to hold a debate once weekly duritig the year, and it is evident from the conduct of the men that these debates have done an immense amount of good, both in increasing their general knowledge and also in giving them a little self-confidence, enabling them to stand up and place their views before others in a clear and lucid manner. Thanks are also due to the members of the New Plymouth Debating Society for the assistance they have given us in this direction and for the debates to which they have contributed during the year. The New Plymouth Chess and Draughts Club visited the prison once a month during the year, and these evenings provided a useful and beneficial topic of conversation, as well as an enjoyable diversion for the men. During the year the game of Badminton was introduced into the prison, and it is safe to say that this is easily the most popular innovation that has taken place. The game was introduced to the men by the members of the New Plymouth Badminton Club, and it caught hold at once. Our thanks are due to the members of the club who have visited the prison on various nights to give exhibition games and to instruct the prisoners in the fine points of the game. Most privileges pall on this class of men after a time, but there has been no falling off in the interest displayed in Badminton. Through the instrumentality of Toe H, Mr. G. Wigley has continued with his leather-work classes throughout the year, and although the class is small, the members are very enthusiastic, and the work, which is done in their own time while they are in their cells, must be very beneficial. Numerous prison concerts have been held throughout the year, and the new concert platform and stage scenery was put into use and created a very favourable impression. Concerts are well supported by the local residents, and on one occasion a special invitation was extended to the residents of Waitara, a large number of whom attended. The concerts have the effect of keeping the minds of the prisoners busily occupied during their spare time, for even those who are not engaged in the performance are pressed into service for the manufacture of equipment. Band concerts were given during the year by the Municipal Band, the Salvation Army Band, the Waitara Band, and the Pipe Band of the New Plymouth Caledonian Society ; this latter evening was much appreciated, and included the ceremony of bringing the haggis. As in the past, the New Plymouth Rotary Club gave many excellent entertainments during the year. Our thanks are due to all these societies for their generous efforts on behalf of the prisoners. It will be appreciated that no effort has been spared to take the men out of themselves and to give them elevating and beneficial entertainment. The annual tea given by Mrs. Eason towards the end of the year was, as usual, a great success. Mrs. Eason and her band of lady assistants worked for the whole afternoon in decorating the Central Hall and the supper tables in order to make the evening a success. Musical items were given and enjoyed, and the evening closed with speeches from different prisoners thanking Mrs. Eason and her committee for the many good things provided, and wishing her success in her work. The ministers of the various denominations visited the prison throughout the year, and the spiritual welfare of the men was well cared for. The Department is under a debt of gratitude to the very many citizens who assisted during the year by their presence at concerts and in other ways in showing the men that society is still willing to help them, and so stimulate their endeavours to be useful and law-abiding citizens on their release. Paparua Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. C. E. Spittal.) On the Ist January, 1938, there were in custody 88 male prisoners ; during the year the receptions totalled 525, while 534 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, thus leaving a total of 79 prisoners in custody as at 31st December. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 109, the least 69, and the daily average over the period 9848.

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The health of initiates; in an institution, such as this is always a matter of paramount importance, and I..am pleased to state that the position in that regard over the past year has again been satisfactory. Cases of sickness and accident are, of course, inevitable, but practically all of these were- of a minor nature, responding immediately to the treatment prescribed. Pour prisoners were admitted to the public hospital for medical and surgical attention which could not conveniently be given in the prison. Two main factors contribute to a large extent towards a general state of good health being maintained. In the first, place, the physical .and'mental characteristics of the-prisoner are earefully studied upon his reception, in order to ascertain ; the class of work at which in his own interests he can be most advantageously employed. The avenues for employment are sufficiently diversified to permit of useful employment for all types —such work as quarrying and farming for the more robust, and gardening and domestic work within the institution for those men who are more or less physically handicapped. Most of the labour is employed out of doors, and the benefits derived from this are apparent. Advantage is also taken, as far as possible, of employing artisan prisoners at their own particular trade. Allied with this is ample opportunity for rest and relaxation. Then, again, an adequate dietary scale is maintained. The food-supplies are of excellent quality ; meat is supplied from stock fattened on the institution farm, and all requirements in the way of vegetables are grown on the premises, ensuring fresh supply at all times. Bread is made in the institution bakehouse. Frequent and regular visits were made by the Medical Officer, Dr. A. C. Thomson. In addition to attending to the wants of sick prisoners, Dr. Thomson carried out regular inspections of the cooking-arrangements in the kitchen and of sanitation. The conduct of prisoners throughout the year was, on the whole, very good. Fourteen charges arising from breaches of the disciplinary regulations (mostly minor ones) were preferred against 11 individuals. , Two escapes occurred during the year, in both cases the escapees being recaptured ana returned to the prison. The activities of the institution school were continued under the direction of the Schoolmaster, who has reported satisfactory results from the year's work. The curriculum is sufficiently wide in its application to ensure the classes being both instructive and interesting. In addition to subjects of a practical nature, current events in world affairs were dealt with and. discussed with the pupils. Work on the educational side was augmented by the delivery of a series of fifteen lectures by. members of the Christchurch Branch of the Workers' Educational Association. These lectures, inaugurated in the preceding year, continue to be a marked success, a wide range of topics being discussed. The recreational facilities afforded the prisoners during the year have again been excellent, thanks to the willing band of sympathizers who arranged and carried out varied forms of entertainment. Twenty-seven visits in all were made by parties of entertainers, and I.desire to record my appreciation of the voluntary services rendered in this respect by Mrs. Holmes, the Richmond Mission, and the . Salvation. Army, together with the members of their concert parties; also by the Christchurch Orpheus Choir, the Christchurch Working. Men's Club Choir, and the students of Christ's College. During the Christmas season, appropriate entertainments were given by Mrs. Holmes and party, the •Salvation Army, and the Woolston Brass- Band, and a motion-picture display by Mr. J. Curragh. Mr. A. Paynter and the members of the Richmond Mission again provided the customary form of . Christmas cheer for the prisoners, while an appeal for assistance launched by the Rev. W. F. Hine, a visiting: chaplain, elicited a gratifying response. To all of these well-wishers and organizations thanks are due for the excellence of entertainments and fare provided. Religious services were regularly provided throughout the year, clergymen of various denominations attending to the spiritual needs of the prisoners. During the past year extensive work was carried out in connection with buildings. Three new cottages for the accommodation of-staff officers were completed, while another was in course of construction at the end of the year. The activities of this institution .on! the. industrial' side , have been carried on successfully during the year, being assisted to some extent by the installation of additional plant and machinery.- At the quarry the provision of a new electric motor of considerably higher power than the one formerly in use has resulted in an appreciable increase in the output of shingle and crushed, metal, while the acquisition of a mechanically-operated loader has facilitated the despatch of quarry products from the yard and at the same time released labour Tor more profitable employment in . other branches of the industry. A power-driven hay-baler has been purchased for use on the farm and is giving excellent service. Additional implements for use in the cultivation and harvesting, of .crops have also been procured. At the poultry-run a change-over front, kerosene.heat to electrically controlled heating of the incubation and brooder plants has been put in hand, and: it is. anticipated that the provision of this up-to-date method will result in a larger percentage of chicks. being- reared than .would otherwise be the case. . .. The laundering of blankets for the Defence - Department is undertaken, and, during the pant twelve months over nineteen thousand articles-of this-kind-were-dealt with. ...... A fair measure of success has been met with in the poultry and garden industries. In addition to institution requirements, sources of supplyr.uof produce, from these industries is mainly confined to Government Departments. .- .5 . Good progress was made in the farming, section, .under the guidanc.e- of Mr.. H. J. S. Wilson as Farm Manager, the principal activities in this direction being the cultivation of crops and sheep-raising. In the sheep industry the wool clip this year amounted to fifty-six bales shorn from

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1.734 sheep, fleeces averaging 11*11 lb. A total of 1,314 lambs were raised, the lambing percentage being 109*5. Two drafts of lambs have been disposed of to the local freezing-works at schedule rates. During the past year a series of inoculations were carried out by Veterinarians of the Department of Agriculture to combat the ravages of ■" pulpy kidney " disease, which, was prevalent amongst flocks in Canterbury last season. Cropping was carried out on an extensive scale and with excellent results. Produce of the farm over and above that required for our own needs met with a ready sale at satisfactory prices. An area- of 55 acres was sown down in turnips for feeding off to stock during the winter months. Good progress was made in the rearing of pigs, enabling sales for the year to reach the total of 277. Dairying was also carried oh on a relatively small scale. In conclusion, I am pleased to be able to report that all members of the staff performed their duties in a diligent and praiseworthy manner, thus enabling a good standard of discipline to be maintained and the work of the institution in its various branches to be carried out as expeditiously and as economically as possible. Rangipo Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. A. Banks.) At the commencement of the year there were 15 males in custody. During the year 33 were received, whilst 20 were discharged and 4 transferred, leaving- in custody at the end of the year 24 prisoners. The health of the prisoners has been good, most cases of illness being of a minor nature. One man was sent to hospital to be operated on for appendicitis. Examinations were regularly made by Dr. Feltham, Medical Officer, and dental treatment was given by Mr. Davies, practising dentist, of Raetihi. The conduct generally of the prisoners has been good. Two men escaped, but were recaptured. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners have been well cared for by the Rev. Father Van Beck, Rev. J. G. Laughton, Mr. J. Moffatt, Mr. H. L. Furlong, Mr..N. J. A. Carter, and Mr. H. Potatau. Regular supplies of reading-matter, which is very .much appreciated by the men, were received from the Mayoress's War Memorial Library League, Auckland, and the Church of Christ Scientist, Wellington. Christmas letters were again received by the men from Miss Dimsdale, 62 West Hill, Sydenham, London. We record our special thanks to the Christchurch Branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform and the Rev. J. G. Laughton, Taupo, for Christmas gifts to the prisoners. Owing to the small muster, no new development work has been undertaken, and the work mainly has been further improving land that is already under cultivation and general farm-work. During the year 200 tons of hay, 3 tons of oaten sheaves, 40 acres of swede turnips, and. 12 tons of potatoes were harvested. The surplus potatoes were disposed of to other institutions. A windmill and concrete tank which were erected at the camp are now supplying the camp with ample water. Three windmills, three concrete water-tanks, and six troughs were erected to supply the water to paddocks that had been cut off water on account of the new Waioura Road being formed through our paddocks. These are proving very satisfactory, giving a good supply of water to the cattle. Seven hundred Pinus radiata pines were planted out during the winter for shelter-belts. A. plentiful supply of vegetables were obtained from the prison garden, and beef was killed on the place for rations here and at Waikune Prison. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation through the year. Waikune Prison (Roadmaking Camp), Erua. (Officer in Charge, Mr. J. G. Quill.) At the commencement of the year there were in custody 42 prisoners, and 59 were received during the year. The discharges were 17 on special remissions and 26 on probationary licenses. Altogether, 18 prisoners were transferred to other institutions, leaving 40 prisoners in .custody at the end of the year. The greatest number of prisoners in detention at any one time was 45, the least 31, the daily average being 38*62. Four prisoners escaped during the year, but all were apprehended within twenty-four hours. The Medical Officer and dentist were in regular attendance at the institution throughout the year. During the year religious services, were regularly conducted by the Brethren, Owhango, the Rev. Noakes, Taumarunui, the Rev. Nummy, Ohakune, and the Rev. Father McGlone, Ohakune. : ... Ws- hayjeuagain. to. thank .the..Christchurch .Branch of the. Howard League for Penal Reform for their gifts- ;to -prisoners: We are also greatly indebted to Sister Alison, .of the Child Welfare Department, Taumarunui, and Mr. Frank Findlay, of Hamilton, for their thought;.in providing books for our library.

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The prisoners at Waikune were afforded every opportunity to indulge in all types of sport. During the week-ends and on holidays tennis, cricket, and quoits were played while at Christmas time a general sports meeting was held and thoroughly enjoyed by all. During the evenings and on cold days most of the men adjourn to the common-room, where a good fire is available. Here there is a radio, ping-pong and card tables by which prisoners are able to amuse themselves at leisure. During the Christmas holidays the prisoners organized a concert amongst themselves, and this was held in the common-room. The close of the year saw our building programme almost completed. Further huts were brought into the main camp from the old Papakai sub-camp, and these were repaired and erected. The new store was completed, and shelves and compartments arranged as required. This store is a decided improvement and allows us to control the rat pest, which was so troublesome in the old store. Due to the unseasonable weather experienced during the spring and early summer months, our garden did not come up to expectations. Most of the seeds were sown later than formerly, but it is hoped that better weather will allow the crops to mature before the advent of winter. The year just past saw some changes in our roadwork programme. The Public Works Department took over the maintenance of the whole of the Tokaanu Road, and this left us with the WaimarinoOhakune Road, extending from the Spiral Crossing in the north to the Tohunga Deviation (OhakuneRaetihi Junction) in the south. The Public Works Department also arranged to do all grading on our section of the roads. We have been able to concentrate all our efforts to improving the Waimarino-Ohakune Road, and to this end we widened the Makatote Gorge on either side. This is a decided improvement and allows the drivers of vehicles greater width of road and better visibility. One crusher has been installed in a new position at the Makatote Gorge, while it is proposed to place the second one at the Horopito Quarry. This arrangement will allow us to supply metal chips for either end of the road with a minimum of cartage. In order that the grader might safely negotiate the whole length of the road, we have employed men at removing all heavy metal and boulders. lam pleased to be able to report that the local Public Works Department's officers have commented favourably concerning the work being carried out by the officers and prisoners of this prison. As in former years, we carried out all transport for the Hautu and Rangipo Prisons, also the cartage of goods for local Government Departments. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation. Wanganui Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. H. Robinson.) At the commencement of the year there were 15 male prisoners and 1 female in custody. Received during year 108 males, and discharged or otherwise disposed of 109 males and 1 female, leaving in custody at end of year 14 males. The daily average number in prison during the year was 14-964. The health of the prisoners has been good on the whole, there being only two sick during the year. The conduct of the prisoners has been good, there being no cases for inquiry by the Visiting Justice. The prisoners have been employed to the best of their ability keeping the prison grounds in order, growing vegetables for the prison, laundry-work for the prison and Police Department, cleaning and keeping the interior of the prison in order, also cooking the rations and repairing the prison clothing. The surplus vegetables have been sold in the open market. Divine service was held every Sunday by the representatives of various denominations. The thanks of the Department were tendered to the members of the Church of Christ for their kindness once again in giving the prisoners a sit-down tea on Christmas Day, and also the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for gifts of Christmas cheer. The members of the staff have performed their duties in an efficient manner, and have been loyal and co-operative. Wellington Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. P. McGrath.) At the commencement of the year there were 77 males in custody. During the year 757 males were received, whilst 763 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the night of 31st December, 1938, 71 males. The discharges were as follows —On expiration of sentence hard labour or simple imprisonment, 350. On special remission : hard labour, 16. Released on the recommendation of the Prisons or Parole Board : Hard labour, 17 ; reformative detention, 9. Debtors, 36. Lunatics transferred to mental hospital, 6. Acquitted and after remand, 2 ; transferred to another prison or to the police, 320; released on bail, 7. Total, 763. The greatest number in confinement over night at any one time during the year was 103, and the least 61. The daily average number in prison during the year was 77-67. The Medical Officer, Dr. Douglas Brown, has visited the prison regularly each week and prescribed and attended to prisoners requiring his care. Seven men were admitted to the public hospital during the year, and with the exception of a case of acute appendicitis the others were suffering from various complaints contracted prior to their detention in prison.

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During the year 22 males suffering from venereal disease were received. All these cases were treated at the prison clinic and were taken to the public-hospital clinic once weekly for special treatment and examination. The general conduct of the prisoners has been good. There were no escapes or attempts to escape during the year. Concerts have been held periodically at the prison, the excellent programmes presented being keenly enjoyed by the inmates. Thanks are due to the Presbyterian Social Guild, the Salvation Army, and the Justices' Association. Each of these organizations also provided Christmas cheer. Christmas contributions were also received from Mrs. Chatfield, J.P., W. P. Sommerville, Esquire, J.P., the Controller-General of Prisons, and the Returned Soldiers' Association. Evening radio programmes were held regularly each week. Throughout the year church services have been held regularly each week, and to the ministers of the Anglican, Presbyterian, other branches of the Protestant churches, Father Uhlenberg, and the officers of the Salvation Army who have visited us at various times we are deeply indebted. The industrial activities of the prison have been fully carried on with satisfactory results. The output of floor-polish and sandsoap, also soapmaking, have been well maintained. The printing and bookbinding shops continue to furnish very satisfactory returns. The manufacture of bread for rations and supplies to the Borstal Institution, Point Halswell, still maintains its high standard of excellency. The vegetable garden continues to be a valuable asset and has provided the whole of the prison requirements of fresh vegetables, also rhubarb. Supplies of milk and butter for rations, also sales of milk to Point Halswell and our local staff, have been supplied by the dairy herd during the year. In the pig-raising industry good progress was made, sixty-eight pigs being disposed of throughout the year. Several thousands of native plants and seedlings were raised in the nursery during the year and distributed by the Wellington Beautifying Society to local bodies, schools, and colleges for planting on Arbor Day. Repairs and minor alterations have been carried out for the Head Office and Justice Department. Office furniture has been manufactured and repaired. At the Borstal Institute, Point Halswell, maintenance of buildings and plant have been maintained. The upkeep of all motor-vehicles has been carried out in the prison garage. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation. A high standard of discipline has been maintained throughout the year. Wi Tako Prison, Heretaunga. (Superintendent, Mr. A. St. P. Jordan.) During the year 123 prisoners were received and 126 discharged or transferred. The muster was 35 at the end, as against 38 at the commencement of the year, and the average daily number in custody was 42-7. One prisoner was admitted to hospital during the year, otherwise the general health of the prisoners has been excellent; any minor ailments were attended to by the Medical Officer on his regular visits. One prisoner escaped during the year, but was recaptured almost immediately. Apart from this the conduct and industry of the men have been satisfactory. Five individuals were dealt with by Visiting Justices for minor breaches of the regulations. Farming operations were again fairly successful, the revenue from sales or produce amounting to £3,116 ; and, in addition, institutional requirements of vegetables, potatoes, milk, meat, and firewood were provided. No work involving capital expenditure was undertaken, all available men being engaged on routine and maintenance work. Concerts were provided by the Upper Hutt Male Voice Choir and the Rev. Mr. Harding's party, and these were much appreciated, as was a motion-picture film shown by the Controller-General. Donations of Christmas cheer from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, Rev. Mr Harding's party, Mr. Morrall, Mr. Sommerville, and Mr. Chappell were very acceptable, as was the special extra issue of tobacco provided by the Department. Ministers and laymen of various denominations visited the prison regularly and conducted Divine services, and in many cases have assisted in rehabilitating prisoners after release. It is with deep regret that I have to record the death of the Rev. Mr. Harding, who for many years past organized regular monthly concerts and was a constant visitor at this prison. In conclusion, I would like to thank members of the staff for their loyal co-operation. Addington Reformatory Prison (Women). (Superintendent, Miss M. Hewitt.) At the beginning of the year there were 12 females in custody, 29 were admitted and 36 were discharged during the year, leaving 5 females in custody at the end of the year. The health of the inmates has been good, there being only four cases of minor sickness and no admissions to the public hospital. Two cases of mental disorder were transferred to the mental hospital. The conduct of the inmates, with one or two exceptions, has been good, and all have worked well. Our laundry is now fully equipped with modern machinery, a new electric ironer having been installed this year, so that even with the continued small musters prevailing we have again been able to undertake a considerable amount of laundering for various Government Departments.

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The spiritual welfare of the inmates is now being oared for by the chaplains —the Rev. N. Friberg and the Rev. Father Kilgour —who have replaced the Rev. P. Revell and the Rev. Father Joyce respectively. The Salvation Army and the Sisters of the Missions also conduct religious services. The Ladies of Charity visit inmates regularly, and Miss E. Hey wood comes every second Sunday to read to the inmates. Concert parties organized by Miss Nicholls and by the Women's Christian Temperance Union have taken place regularly throughout the year and have been much appreciated by the inmates. The Salvation Army and the Women's Christian Temperance Union provided tea. parties at Christmas and New Year, and numerous other friends have contributed to our fund to provide Christmas cheer and recreation on other holidays throughout the year. The institution has been well supplied with books and magazines by the many friends who are interested in our work. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff and the clerical officer, who at all times have carried out their duties in a loyal and tactful manner. Invercargill Borstal Institution. (Superintendent, Mr. R. W. Arnold.) On the Ist January there were 93 inmates in custody in. the Borstal Institution. During the year 77 were received and 70 were released or otherwise disposed of, leaving thus 100 in custody on 31st December, 1938. Of the 70 discharged, 60 were released on probation on the recommendation of the Parole Board, 2 were discharged on expiration of sentences, 7 were transferred to other institutions, and 1 was admitted to a mental hospital. The greatest number in custody at one time was 107, and the least number 83. The daily average in confinement during the year was 974. In the Reformatory Section there were 14 inmates (males) in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 85 males and 2 females were received, while in the same period 94 males and 2 females were discharged, leaving thus only sin custody on 31st December, 1938. The greatest number in custody at one time was 19, and the least number 5. The daily average during the year was 13-1. There were 11 admissions to the public hospital during the year. One of these patients suffered from a weak heart, a complaint of long duration. He had to be put into hospital very soon after arrival and remained there until his release, which was specially arranged. Slight operations were required in the other Borstal cases. Medical attention is regularly given by the staff Medical Officer, and dental treatment is given as required by a local practising dentist. There were no cases of venereal disease during the year. There were a number of successful escapes during the year and a few abortive attempts. All the escapees were rearrested. Six escapes were made as individual efforts, on three occasions two went together, and three timeß there were groups of three. One inmate escaped three times and made two unsuccessful attempts. A certain amount of trust is an essential feature in Borstal reformation. One of the troubles during the year was that some new arrivals were recalcitrant from the start, and took no interest in anything but planning to escape, corrupting others in the process. Coupled in the boy's mind with the planning of an escape, the taking of a motor-car appears to be part and parcel of the scheme, without reference to the right or wrong of such, action. The type of individual finding his way into the Borstal nowadays is more difficult to deal with, in the prevailing circumstances, than was the case in former years. There is no doubt that a lack of adequate discipline in early years, especially in the home, is a factor contributing in a large degree to the commission of crimes subsequently. As far as the home is concerned, many of the inmates are just naturally unfortunate in this respect —perhaps no father or no mother, parents separated, and so on. In fact, the majority have been under the care of the State from childhood. Again, certain types of novels and picture-shows are sure to have a harmful effect on immature minds. From an analysis of figures it appears that most of the inmates began their criminal careers about school age, and the means of checking this drift was not sufficiently deterrent, so that by the time they reached Borstal they were well versed in wrong-doing. The task of reformation at this stage is thus the more difficult. As it was quite obvious that some inmates had a bad influence on others, especially certain recaptured escapees, authority was obtained to transfer the worst offenders, seven in number, to other institutions where there were greater facilities for dealing with that type. It may also be mentioned that a few inmates are not quite up to standard mentally, and at the present time there are two deaf and dumb inmates. Mental cases are examined by a psychiatrist from Seacliff who visits Invercargill regularly. The institution is divided into Houses —Wak.ati.pu, To Anau, Manapouri, and Monowai —and as an aid to good behaviour a House Competition is conducted throughout the year for the best-kept cubicles and best behaviour generally. Schooling is an important part of the curriculum, and permanent outside teachers are engaged to attend to the educational progress of the inmates while in the institution. These classes areconducted in the evenings. Certain day classes are also held by members of the staff; this includes a few very backward inmates —retardates unable to read or write. Hereunder are quoted the reports for the year submitted by the several instructors : —- " In February the school was tested and classified according to the mental capacity of the boys. Special tuition was given to those most in need—those whose previous general education appeared to be most inadequate. " The course of instruction in English followed the lines adopted in our own schools to develop the power of both written and oral expression. Letter-writing was specially featured throughout the classes.

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" The senior section covered a comprehensive course in English grammar, poetry, spelling and dictation, and literature. As an added stimulus, general-knowledge tests, drawn from the recognized sources, were given at regular intervals. These created interesting and educative discussions. " The arithmetic course aimed to inculcate the appreciation of number work to everyday problems. To those showing special aptitude, opportunity was given to do advanced work, business methods, and the elementary principles of algebra and geometry. European and English history was studied with the object of showing their close connection with the conditions of to-day. At all times care was taken that the lessons were associated with current events. " The Students' Digest was again greatly appreciated by the pupils, as its articles kept them informed of the changing condition of world affairs. " The W.E.A. class syllabus covered twelve meetings. The session opened with play-readings by members of the Invercargill W.E.A. Literature Class. For the rest of the session members of the class provided much of the work done. A short talk 011 international affairs generally commenced the evening. The remainder consisted of lecturettes, debates, or play-readings. On one evening a debate was held with the W.E.A. class, the decision of the judge being in favour of the Borstal class. « " Most of the members of the class entered willingly into the work and, I believe, derived much profit from taking part therein. " The year commenced with full classes in both subjects, and the attendance was well maintained throughout the year. As in. past years, the majority of the lads took a lively interest in the course of instruction. As a result, steady progress was made, and altogether a satisfactory year's work was accomplished. I. am particularly pleased with the high marking of first-placed wool-classing lads. In the agriculture class several lads also obtained exceptionally high marks." As in previous years, the Reginald MacKinnon trustees made a donation of books to the value of £4 for prizes in connection with these classes. They were distributed to the winners on a social evening. Dealing with the problem of the education of inmates generally, the difficulties will be understood when it is known that there are 27 Maoris and half-caste Maori inmates, and the standards of education of all range from practically nothing to secondary school. The teachers in charge of the classes are as follows: Mr. L. J. Clapp, Headmaster of the Edendale School, assisted by Mr. T. A. D. McFarlane, First Assistant of St. George School in Invercargill. Mr. James Stobo, M.A., of the Southland Technical College, and Mr. Thomas Mathews, Instructor under the Southland Education Board. To employ the inmates usefully, and 011 work in which they are interested and may subsequently follow, is a fundamental feature of the system. Technical classes under the guidance of tradesmenofficers are conducted in the evenings, adding a knowledge of theory as well as practice. One of the chief fields of occupation is the farm, and here all classes of farm activities are carried 011. Recently a new milking-plant was installed, thus enabling the inmates to obtain up-to-date knowledge of such machinery as well as saving labour and getting better results. There are various industries carried on —carpentering, painting, blacksmithing, butchering, breadmaking, boot-repairing, gardening, &c. Singing, music, and art classes also are conducted for boys with talent or inclination in that direction. The library is overhauled at intervals and damaged books repaired or put out. In 1938, 121 books were donated by the Dunedin Public Library, and a large number of overseas magazines were received from another source. Various periodicals and magazines are supplied by the institution —English and New Zealand publications, as well as some from America. Unfortunately, some of the boys appear to have little respect for books and inflict unnecessary damage. The religious aspect of life at the institution is looked upon as of very great importance, and services are arranged by the Ministers' Association for all denominations which they represent. Bible-classes are also held by the ministers, by a representative of the Roman Catholic Church, and by an officer of the Salvation Army. On Christmas Day, Good Friday, King's Birthday, and Anzac Day special services are arranged. We are greatly indebted to all who so freely offered their services in connection with entertainments and the general social life of the institution. The boys are also encouraged to entertain themselves, and at the " Happy Hour " on Sunday evenings many contribute items. On many occasions concert parties have come to the institution—Miss M. Harvey and party, Imperial Ex-Servicemen's Association, Mr. Kingston and friends, Mr. Alex. Sutherland and party, the Old Timers' Concert Party, the Invercargill Male Voice Choir, St. Peter's Church Choir, Salvation Army Ladies' Choir, Salvation Army Band, Civic Band, all these have given of their talent. Toe H members visit once a month. On each occasion musical items are usually given and an address. These included the following: " Egypt" ; Life of the Australian Aborigines " ; " World Affairs "; " Time " ; " Mothers' Day " ; Brighton and the Fisher Folk and their Work " ; " The Ford Motor Works at Petone " ; " Friendly Societies " ; " The European Situation " ; and " History of Cricket." Various talks and addresses were given by numerous people interested in the welfare of the inmates on these subjects : " Thermal Regions of New Zealand " ; " The Rescue of the Chelyuskin Survivors " (Russian tragedy) ; " Trip to Honolulu " ; " Samoa " (with numerous exhibits); " Football " ; " Gallipoli " ; " Plant-life " (with lantern-slides); " Play the Man " ; " The Possibilities

3 H. 20.

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of Life " ; " Ballarat Gold-mines " ; " Army and Civilian Life in England, India, and Canada " ; " Paper and Papermaking " ; " India and Africa " ; " Poland " ; " General Travel Talk " ; " World Affairs, especially European Tangle " ; " Mexico " ; " The Sentimental Bloke " ; " The Wreck of the Dundonald " ; "A Trip to Australia and Singapore " ; " The Foreign Legion " ; " Bridge Building " ; and " Music." On one occasion the local W.E.A. gave a lecture on " Life in China," illustrated with lanternslides. On another, Mr. A. Louden, a missionary from Anglo-Egyptian Soudan, gave a lantern lecture dealing with life in the Soudan. Sister Wilcox, a Maori missionary, paid a visit to the institution and held a service for Maori boys. Three members of the Otago University Evangelistic Union, who with others visited Invercargill during the winter vacation, addressed the boys at a morning service. To the Rotary Club we are greatly indebted. Members come in on Thursday evenings and join the association class, which for the evening becomes the Kiwi Club, keeping regular minutes of the proceedings. After musical items and a " smoko," addresses are given. These covered the following wide range of subjects : " Petrol and its uses " ; " Golf," and a demonstration, by a professional of the use of the clubs and the hitting of the ball; " A Trip through Honolulu, America, and England " ; " South Africa " ; " Radio Broadcasting " ; "A Trip to Australia," with moving-pictures ; " A Trip to Sydney " ; "A Trip through Canada " ; " Cricket," with actual demonstration of play ; " Scott's Expedition to the South Pole " ; " Refrigeration, and the development of the Frozen-meat Industry " ; " India " ; " West Indies " ; "A Trip through South Westland " ; " Flying, and the Piloting of Aeroplanes " ; " Travelling in Europe and America " ; " Experiences in the Great War " ; " St. John Ambulance Brigade " ; " Cinematograph, and Latest News Reels " ; " Trout-fishing " ; "Latest Types of Buildings"; "Tying Knots"; "Deep-water Fishing"; "Early Mining Days in Australia " ; " History of the Ranfurly Shield Matches " ; " The Holy Land during the Great War " ; " The Rotary Club and its Aims " ; " Experiences when training as an Air Pilot" ; " Cricket " ; and " Motor-car Trip in New Zealand." During the year a concert was held in the local theatre in aid of funds for the Boy Scouts' Association. The institution was asked to help, and the Social Officer and Physical-drill Instructor trained a group of boys, who put up a creditable performance. On one evening the Hammond electric organ, kindly loaned by Chas. Begg and Co., Ltd., for the occasion, was played by a local leading pianist. A lantern address was given on " Whaling in New Zealand." Humorous cinematograph films were shown and travel films of Australia, South America, and the cold lakes in New Zealand. The institution Medical Officer gives a quarterly address. From the above it will be seen that an endeavour is made to enlarge the outlook and improve the minds of the inmates. There is no lack of opportunity for sport at the institution. At cricket the Borstal team did fairly well, but failed to retain the Times Cup, which it held for three years. However, there is a good chance of recovering it in 1939. Besides the competition games ran by the Southland Cricket Association, many House matches are played and friendly games with outside teams. Mr. R. C. Abernethy, S.M., has presented a bat for the boy who makes the highest average number of runs for the season. As is usual, the season was opened with the annual fixture, Staff v. Boys. The latter had a handsome victory, which also is as usual. The staff explain that they get older each year, whereas new boys are available for each game. Football is very popular in season. Two teams are entered in the Rugby Union competition. Success this year was varied. Swimming is well liked. With the steam-heating of the baths, swimming is possible all the year round. Races are held, and games such as water-polo indulged in. The Oreti Beach Surf Life-saving Club train those interested in life-saving, and several medals and certificates were won. A first-aid class was conducted during part of the year, under the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Physical drill is part of the routine of the institution, classes being taken in a well-appointed gymnasium by an instructor from the Southland Boys' High School. A good many enjoy tennis and are becoming sufficiently proficient to put on a good game. On Easter Saturday a Borstal team was invited to play in a curtain-raiser at Rugby Park, commencing the football season. The boot-shop has been kept busy repairing old boots and slippers and making new goods for this institution and for Paparua. In the bakery all the bread required is baked. Soap is made on the premises ; also floor-polish. The carpentry-shop was fully occupied on different works for the regular maintenance of the institution. At the blacksmithy all farm-implement repairs, shoeing of horses, &c., is attended to. The work of rock-facing the rifle-range wall was carried on as weather permitted. For the butcher's shop a sausage-machine, was purchased, enabling sausages to be added to the ration issue. The farm garden supplies all the vegetables required by the institution for rations and sufficient for sale to the staff and to St. Helens Hospital. Any surplus is sent to the auction-rooms for disposal. The area in garden was reduced last year, and so there is less surplus. The thirteenth Annual Summer Camp for the association class was held as usual at Otatara grounds from Christmas Eve until 3rd January, twenty boys being taken down. The weather was not altogether seasonable, but nevertheless all had a good time. The days were occupied with swimming, rabbiting, fishing, boating, rambling, &c., with moving-pictures and talks in the evenings. Sports Day, when visitors were invited, was held on 2nd January. A. City Councillor (Mr. Scott) presented the prizes. We are indebted to the City Council for the use of the boat, to the Young Men's Christian Association for the loan of a marquee and picture apparatus, and to the Invercargill public and business firms for

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donations of cakes, prizes, &c. Funds and goods collected are also for the benefit of the Christmas Cheer Fund for those who do not attend the camp. In this respect the Rotary Club, the Justices' Association, the Prisoners' Aid Society, and various individuals are to be thanked. The Invercargill Borstal Visiting Committee, with the Magistrate, Mr. R. C. Abernethy, as chairman, attended periodically at the institution for the purpose of considering selected cases and making recommendations for release to the Parole Board. The Honorary Ladies' Borstal Committee, consisting of Mrs. R. Henderson and Mrs. J. D. Campbell, made regular visits to the institution during the year, and gave interviews as desired. The members of the Invercargill Borstal Society were always available to assist in any way, as also were the members of the Invercargill Voluntary Probation Committee, who interested themselves in after-care. In this connection I regret to have to report the death of Mr. Charles Gilbertson, who had been a good friend to this institution. The ration scale is well varied. Beef and mutton is grown on the farm. There are plentiful supplies of green vegetables and root crops. During the last year or two butter and fish have been added to the menu, and recently sausages as a change. On special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, &c., relations and friends of the boys send in cakes, fruit, chocolate, &c. 11 is with pleasure that I record my appreciation of the work of the various members of the staff during the year closed. The Matron, who was appointed towards the end of 1937, has had a particularly arduous year, but has tackled the work with unfailing courage and devotion, despite occasional disappointments. The new Farm Manager, Mr. P. McMillan, appointed at the end of 1937, has ably co-ordinated the working of the farm. His report on the year's work is as follows : — " The 1938 season was, on the whole, inclined to dryness in the early months of the year, but towards the end there was rather too much, rainfall for this type of farm. " The dairy herd showed a slightly better average butterfat yield per cow than the previous year. The figures are not, however, very high yet, but it is hoped with culling and improved pastures to produce better results in the near future. "Iu the past the dairy herd has been entirely of Friesian breed. Early in the year twelve Shorthorn dairy cows and five Shorthorn heifers were purchased. Since then there have been four bull calves and two heifer calves. One Shorthorn bull was purchased recently. The Shorthorns have proved quite satisfactory milkers. It is intended to carry the two strains. Gradually the Shorthorn herd will be built up. " A Gane milking-plant, six bail, was installed in November and is giving satisfactory results, enabling a saving to be made in labour and producing better milk returns. " Pig-raising is an important feature. A steady weekly supply of porkers has been made to the local butchery trade. This branch is capable of further development. There is also a good demand for the Borstal pedigree boars. At the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Summer Shows each year the institution invariably wins prizes with its pig exhibits. " The ewe flock was increased in the year by 200 ewes, and from a Hock of 1,030 there were tailed 1,21.4 lambs. This season 100 Romney ewe lambs were retained for the flock ; in addition, 400 ewe hoggets and 46 wether hoggets were brought in. " The wool-clip this year comprises 34 bales and 3 bags, as compared with 18 bales last season. "It is proposed to select 300 ewe lambs this year and hold for the flock the following year. The purchase of the ewe hoggets was for flock purposes also, and for the coming season a fair percentage of the flock will be young sheep. " Regarding crops, the hay in 1938 was exceptionally heavy. All surplus grass was cut and pressed. There was a good demand for hay during the year, and in many cases orders were filled by pressing direct from the windrows and carting direct to the trucks, thus saving stacking and cartage to barn. There was a carry-over of hay in stack from the previous year, but all this was pressed and all sold together with the 1938 crop, except what was required for our own purposes. The price was very satisfactory. Some six thousand bales were disposed of. " Oat crops were on the whole very fair. Ten acres were threshed for seed and feed purposes. Some was cut into chaff, and sales made to other Government Departments as well as to private buyers. " There were good crops of rape and ohou moellier, which were used for fattening our own lambs and for sale to outsiders. " Potatoes were fair, and supplied seed, pig, and ration requirements, as well as a certain quantity for northern institutions." Waikeria Borstal Institution (Te Awamtjtu). (Superintendent, Mr. D. Dunlop.) At. the commencement of the year there were in custody 36 Borstal inmates, while 25 were received during the year ; the discharges were 24 on probationary licenses, while I was transferred to Tokanui Mental Hospital, thus leaving 36 in custody on the 31st December, 1938. The greatest number of Borstal inmates in custody at any one time during the year was 36, the least number 26, and the daily average was 29-9 inmates. In the Reformatory Section there were in custody at the beginning of the year 76 inmates, while 111 were received during the year ; of these, 12 were discharged on expiration of sentences, 21 by special remissions of sentences, 49 on probationary licenses, while (i were transferred to other institutions and I to Tokanui Mental Hospital, leaving 98 inmates in the Reformatory Section at the end of the year. There were no deaths during the year. The greatest number of reformatory inmates in custody at any one time was 99, the least number 78, the daily average being 94- inmates.

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Generally speaking, the health of the inmates has been very satisfactory. During the year 5 inmates were transferred to the Waikato Public Hospital for treatment that could not be provided at the institution. Three of the cases sent to hospital were for treatment for accidental injuries, while only 2 were for sickness. The institution is regularly visited by the Medical Officer, Dr..). B. W. Roberton, of Te Awamutu, who has given every attention to those inmates requiring medical attention. Dental treatment is given by the visiting dentist, Mr. W. Mackenzie, of Te Awamutu. The food supplied has been of very good quality. Ample quantities of vegetables of sufficient variety to permit of frequent changes in the menus were made available from our own garden, while meat-supplies have been provided from stock fattened on the farm. The bread has been baked in the institution bakery and has been of excellent quality. During the year no difficulty was experienced in obtaining suitable employment for the young men discharged from the institution, and it is again pleasing to note that farmers in the surrounding districts are always willing to give discharged inmates a start. As there is a general demand for tradesmen, inmates who have learnt a trade have been readily placed. During the year there has been ample work of a useful and productive nature available to keep inmates fully, employed 011 the farm property. Skilled tradesmen arc given work, as far as possible, at their particular trades, while other inmates are given tasks for which they are particularly adapted or for which they show a desire to learn. The conduct of the inmates throughout the year was very good, such breaches of the disciplinary regulations that occurred being mainly confined to offences of a more or less minor nature. In this connection the Department is indebted to the Visiting Justices, Mr. W. Jeffrey and Mr. S. Clark, and to members of the Borstal Visiting Committee, Mr. F. Quinn, Mr. F. W. Bevin, Mr. G. A. Empson, and Mr. F. J. Gilbert. Religious services were provided during the year by visiting chaplains from Kiliikihi and Te Awamutu. , The recreation of the inmates received full attention, and it is again my pleasure to record our thanks for the valuable assistance given by Mr. F. Findlay, of Hamilton, who voluntarily undertakes the task of organizing concert parties from Hamilton for the benefit of the inmates. Thanks are also due to local artists for providing occasional entertainments. During the year a concert party was organized by the inmates themselves, and two concerts were given, one in Kiliikihi. and one in Te Awamutu, in aid of local charities. These concerts were such unqualified successes that a further concert was given towards the end of the year in the Kihikihi Town Hall in aid of the inmates' Christmas Cheer Fund, which was considerably augmented thereby. The concert was also presented 'kt the Tokanui Mental Hospital for the benefit of the patients at that institution. Wireless programmes were also provided during the year. The evening educational classes at the institution were held regularly, the average attendance being 16-6 inmates. During the year routine work in arithmetic and English was given, the work being made more interesting by use of cards from the English educational weekly, The Teachers' World. Cards published by the same journal covering general knowledge, geography, and intelligence testing were also extensively used, and aroused great interest among the inmates. Lectures were given each, week 011 subjects which were suggested by or were of interest to those attending. Each week since May a film forwarded by the Auckland Visual Educational Association was shown twice, especially those dealing with, mechanical or manufacturing subjects. In April, Mr. Broadfoot, M.P., visited the institution and gave an extremely interesting talk on the Coronation and his trip to and through England. He also brought a number of films which were thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. Bryce, of Hamilton, came through in June and gave another of his interesting lectures, illustrated by slides from photographs taken by himself, on the Colorado Canyon. Several inmates while attending night classes took courses such as book-keeping, mechanical drawing, poster-drawing, and signwriting. Quite a number also pursue individual studies in a variety of subjects, the courses being set and corrected by different correspondence colleges. One inmate is following up his studies with the Auckland University College with a view to completing his degree. Similarly, a number, while not taking any particular course of study, have made good use of educational books and encyclopaedias in order to enlarge their general knowledge. It is interesting to note that those inmates who work in the dairies have gained quite a considerable knowledge of the practical and theoretical sides of the industry, and this knowledge should be of practical value to them later. Similarly, those who take an. active part in the various activities necessarily required in an institution and farm of this size have also gained much practical knowledge which should help them in their civilian life. A team was again entered in the local Rugby football competition under the control of the Waipa Rugby Union, and was successful in winning the "A " division in the junior competition. The team then met Pirongia, the winners of the " B " division, and the match resulted in a draw, 3 all. The deciding match was due to be played at a later date, but owing to inmates being discharged a full team could not be raised, and it was unfortunate that the match had to be lost by default, the championship going to Pirongia. The team spirit during the season and the conduct of the men 011 and off the field was very good. Although losing the championship, it is pleasing to record that the team finished the season with an unbeaten record. Six. inmates were again selected to represent Waipa Rugby Union in representative matches played at Te Awamutu and Te Kuiti. Cricket was again played during the summer season, our team being entered in the local competitions, and matches were played each Saturday afternoon. A total of twenty-two inmates in all participated in the matches during the season. In all twelve matches were played, and the Waikeria team won ten, drew one, and lost one, the team winning the championship and the " Jubilee " Shield. The games were very much appreciated by the inmates, who enjoy the added liberty, and the trust imposed upon them is by no means abused

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During the*year considerable exterior and interior renovations were carried out to the main institution buildings, Pedestals, cabinets, and. floor-rugs have been provided in the cubicles'; and a three-bed hospital, which is well equipped, was completed during the year. To provide extra bedroom and bathroom accommodation for the single officers, extensions wore carried out to the officers' quarters. The question of providing adequate sewerage for the institution and the staff cottages has been investigated and arrangements made for the work to be put in hand. Since the western portion of the estate was exchanged with the Mental Hospitals Department in 1927, the buildings taken over with the property have been occupied as a separate institution. When the musters were high this arrangement was found quite convenient, and the " Camp " buildings served a useful purpose as an overflow block. Recently, with decreased musters, only a minimum number of men could be quartered at the " Camp," and it has been found expedient to transfer the men to the main buildings and transport them to the outlying portions of the farm each day by means of motor-trucks. This arrangement has resulted in labour economy, and there has also been a certain number of the staff released for other dutiesThe farm section has progressed satisfactorily, and, although the dairy herd has been reduced, increased market-values have maintained revenue at the high level of £17,023 for the year, exclusive of the value of a large quantity of produce consumed at the institution for rations purposes and on the farm itself. Nearly all branches of farm-work are carried out, including dairying, cattle, sheep, horse, and pig raising, vegetable, fruit, honey, and tobacco culture, and ordinary crop-production. Topdressing on the usual maintenance basis was carried out, and an area of 53 acres was sown down in permanent pastureDairying is the main farm activity, and during the season 1937-38 an average of 416 cows were milked, with an average butterfat production per cow of 291 lb. The total milk-yield was 2,804,485 lb. ; cream-yield, 258,618 lb.; and butterfat produced, 103,534 lb. The average cream and milk tests were 40-61 per cent, and 4-28 per cent, respectively. Of the total cream supplied to the factory, 88-42 per cent, was graded first quality. Herd-testing was carried out by inmates, and the heifers were subjected to the tuberculin test by a veterinarian of the Department of Agriculture, with the result that very few were reactors. All supplies of beef and mutton both for this institution and that of Auckland Prison were obtained from the farm. The quality of the meat produced on the farm received favourable comment from visitors to the institution. Good prices were obtained for all hides, skins, and tallow disposed of through the auction-rooms. I n the sheep section a total of 102 bales of wool were produced during the season, while 2,340 lambs were sold for export. The garden continues to be a valuable asset and provides the institution with the whole of its requirements of vegetables, and any surplus finds a ready market at satisfactory prices. Young trees are grown in the nursery for eventual planting out on the farm to provide essential shelter for the stock. During the past season no tobacco was grown, but a further 4 acres were planted out in the spring, and if weather conditions remain favourable a good crop should result. For the orchard the season was a poor one and only 1,830 cases of apples were produced, giving a revenue of £305. Apart from the apples supplied to the institution as a change of diet for the inmates, the whole of the apple crop was disposed of either locally or through the auction-rooms. A much heavier yield is expected during the coming season. During the off-season a further 450 young trees were planted out, and an excellent strike was obtained. These extra trees should make a valuable addition to the orchard at a later date. Prom the apiary 6,890 lb. of honey received a ready market, the revenue from this source being £177. The prospects for the coming season are, however, not so bright, and apiarists, generally, are expecting a much lower crop, mainly through unfavourable weather conditions in the spring and early summer. The following crops were harvested during the year : Ensilage, 251 tons ; hay, 162 tons ; oaten sheaves (for chaff), 49 tons ; potatoes, 77 tons ; artichokes, 24 tons ; and horse carrots, 30 tons. The swede crop proved a failure, and after an investigation by an officer of the Agriculture Department the trouble was traced to dry-rot, which had been seed-borne. The majority of the crops are raised for the requirements of the institution and stock, but potatoes are disposed of to all prisons in the North Island. The usual display was made at the annual show held under the auspices of the Te Awamutu Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and several firsts and numerous second prizes were secured. The institution exhibit always attracts considerable attention and favourable comment from the general public. The conduct of the staff generally has been very satisfactory, and a suitable standard of industry and discipline has been maintained by them throughout the year. In conclusion, I desire to record my appreciation of the co-operation of the members of my staff throughout the year. Point Halswell Borstal Institution. (Superintendent, Miss A. E. Stswkll.) For the second year in succession the number of inmates in the Borstal Section has shown a decrease ; we commenced 1938 with 15 inmates, 8 were admitted during the year and 11 discharged, leaving 12 girls in the institution on the 31st December. Ail the 11 girls discharged were released on probationary license.

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In the Reformatory Section we commenced the year with 5 women in custody; a further 35 were admitted and 32 discharged, leaving 8 in custody on 31st December. The health of the girls has been exceptionally good. Two girls were admitted as in-patients at Wellington Hospital for surgical treatment for venereal disease, being absent for seven and ten days respectively. Four other inmates attended the out-patients department for treatment for this disease also. There were no other cases of illness for more than one day. Three girls with optical weaknesses were tested and supplied with spectacles, and regular dental supervision was available for all inmates. The conduct of the institution for the year constitutes a record, in that there were no run-aways and no " offences and punishments " in 1938. This is significant, in that the policy of steadily increasing liberty wherever possible has been sustained during the year. The modernly equipped laundry continues to furnish our chief industry, the revenue for the year being £1,664 13s. lid., representing a trading profit of £475 13s. lid. This work is economically sound, and equips the girls to undertake journey women laundress positions on release if they so desire. The work done includes New Zealand Railways and Government office towels, &c., and Defence Department, puttees. We aim also at giving each girl training in domestic work and cooking, and the institution kitchen has this year been equipped with electric stoves, which are a great improvement on the old coal-range they replaced. A large vegetable and flower garden gives interesting employment to another working-party and ensures a good supply of green and fresh vegetables daily. School-work has this year been conducted three nights weekly by a visiting teacher, the girls working in two groups, the larger one being mostly retardate work and the other more advanced. The work has included some dramatic work and topical-discussion groups on current events, thus keeping the girls in touch with the community life of the world. For the most part the girls have evinced much interest and made good progress with their general school-work. Singing-classes and sports haye been encouraged and supervised by the staff, and three tennis matches and six basketball matches against visiting Bible-class teams have been enjoyed. Swimming is very popular with all, and most of the inmates are now swimmers. Tennis is played for half an hour each morning when weather permits, it having been found that this is more popular than the daily drill it superseded. On several occasions parties of girls have been taken into the city for shopping before release, visits to the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum, or church services. On 9th December the generosity of a friend made possible a picnic per Railways bus to Titahi Bay, when staff members and all inmates of more than three months' sentence enjoyed a happy day. The girls enjoyed the change of environment and the complete freedom of the day, and there was not the slightest breach of the trust so reposed in them. It is very evident that the breaking-down of any sense of environmental deprivation or repression materially assists in the rehabilitation to good citizenship, towards which all our work is directed. During the year the institution has enjoyed many fine concerts, &c., and we are deeply indebted to the many people who vary our weekly routine in this way. These have included an annual party on New Year's Day given by Mrs. Sprott and members of the Anglican Mothers' Union ; a tea and concert given by Mrs. Glover and members of the Salvation Army; two evenings with the Drama Circle of the Victoria League, with some most interesting plays ; an entertainment arranged by the J .P. Association with members of the Wellington Operatic Society ; two talkie entertainments, one " The Song of the Plough " and the other topical gazettes ; regular first-aid lectures by Mrs. Gaby; several parties by Bible-class girls, and at Christmas-time a beautiful nativity play and a choir evening of carols, &c. On another occasion the institution was visited by the Dominion Executive of the National Council of Women, the president, Miss M . Trent, speaking most interestingly to the girls of the activities for women which that organization fosters. Indoor games such as Badminton and table tennis have been taught, so that the year's programme has been exceptionally varied. In October the institution's second annual concert was held, when the girls entertained with a varied programme the many friends who usually are their entertainers. Arrangements were organized by the girls themselves, the Fergusson House girls (seniors) acting as hostesses on that occasion. The Women's Borstal Association continues to make itself responsible for the welfare and after-care of the girls when they leave on probationary license, and their sympathetic services at this most critical time are invaluable, and I wish to record our most sincere thanks and appreciation. This work is all the more effective because of the regular visiting and interest shown before the girl leaves the institution, so that her temperament is understood and her confidence already won We are indebted also to the many ministers who conduct regular church services, to Mrs. Sprott and Mrs. Glover, the Seatoun Convent Sisters, and Father Uhlenberg. All these have brought a hopeful note for the future and encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and build more surely in the future. The Visiting Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. G. C. Edwards, J.P., has met on eight occasions, interviewing and advising helpfully each girl on admission and discharge. In conclusion, I wish to record my appreciation of the loyal co-operation and interest at all times shown by the staff in their work.

22

H.—2o

Table A. Table showing Particulars, for each Prison, of Prisoners at Beginning and End of Year, and received and discharged during Year 1938.

23

~ 1 i ! - ~ _■ is 1 a ~ ~ -J9 ~ 1 I a = s 1 o f I g a '£=•= l§St « a • S = 5*3 | III |3§ Sa « - =' ! li 3 3 3 a o 2? i o £ 5 I > s - g* Q .3 i « 3 2 2 3 OS =4 o o I P — S _ H § © O -3 j it 5T* 3 2 .— j • o 33 ft jl 1 - S ft j?"o I in -rl | 3 I §~ I I I n l I •§ " as « a«| 1 2 !sf I B = Hb i£ I ! -1 : 1 -3 § =s g m M §■ $ s o ; £ M § £ : 3" .? S. £ I e Sj o 1 o 2 < -< ' M £ i ft J4 ; * M P s IS # £ ! £ fl a g | H I 59 (a) In prison at beginning of year :— Undergoing — m. f. m. r. : at. F. M. f. m. p. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. : f. M. f. m. f. m.J f. m. f. m. f. m. p. m. f. a. f. m. f. m. i . Simple imprisonment, hard labour — Under three months .. .. .. 26 2 .. .. 2 3 13 .. . . 1 16 .. 2 .. 6 68 3 71 Three months and under one year .. .. .. 4 23 5 3 .. 3 8 .. 4 .. 37 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. 11 3 .. 2 .. 11 .. 12 .. 2 120 10 130 One year and upwards .. .. .. .. 1 71 2 18 .. 6 1 .. 42 . . 27 8 .. 38 28 .. 3 .. 23 .. 18 281 3 284 Detention as habitual criminals .. .. 23 . . 1 1 .. 3| 1 .. 3 .. 2 34 .. 34 Reformative detention .. .. .. .. .. 7 16 2 6 .. 3 1.. !) .. 5 .. .. 3 .. .. 6 .. 27 10 .. 5 .. 18 .. 8 114 12 126 Detention in Borstal institution .. .. 93 15 36 1 130 15 145 Total criminals in prison .. .. .. 12 159 11 28 .. 14 .. 93 .. 13 .. 56 .. 85 .. .. 5 .. 15 15 .. 76 .. 36 .. 42 .. 13 .. 71 .. 38 .. 8 747 43 790 For trial or on remand .. .. .. 20 2 2 .. i 3 2 1 6 7 41 3 44 Total in prison for criminal offences .. .. 12 179 13 28 .. 14 .. 93 .. 15 .. 57 .. 88 .. .. 5 .. 15 15 .. 76 .. 36 .. 42 .. 15 1 77 .. 38 .. 15 788 46 834 Debtors .. .. .. .. 1 1.. 1 Total persons in prison .. .. .. .. 12 180 13 28 .. 14 .. 93 .. 15 .. 57 .. 88 .. .. 5 .. 15 15 .. 76 .. 36 .. 42 .. 15 1 77 .. 38 .. 15 789 46 835 (b) Received during the year :— Sentenced to— Simple imprisonment, hard labour — Under three months .. .. .. .... 9 796 18 .... 36 50 .. 32 .. 219 .... 12 4 4l] .. 353 .. 3 .. 197 2 60 ..1.791 41 1,832 Three months and under one year .. .. .. 7 136 5 1 .. 16 25 1 * 1 .. 108 .. .. 7 .. .. 1 .. 4 4 110 .. 10 .. 26 1 .. .. 442 21 463 One year and upwards .. .. 62 .. 8 3 1 6 .. 17 .... 1 .... 5 .. j 5 9 .. 3 .. 24 ..i 6 .. 3 151 2 153 Hard labour, reformative detention, and declared | j habitual criminal Hard labour and reformative detention .. 4 2 i 1 .. .. 1 . . 1 5 13 1 14 Hard labour and flogging .. .. j ; Reformative detention only .. .. 38 3 2 7 .. 4 .. 4 .. .. 2 4 3 42.. 3 .. 6 113 5 118 Reformative detention and declared habitual criminal 1 Hard labour and detention in Borstal institution I j Detention in Borstal institution .. .. 5 62 2 | . 7 .... j .... 15 8 6 98 7 105 Hard labour sua declared habitual criminal 4 1 .. 3 ■ 1 9 .. 9 Declared habitual criminal .. .. 4 . . Death .. .. .. .. f2 .* t2 .. +2 Detained until the pleasure of the Minister of Justice ; ! is known Under conviction for sentence .. .. .12 .... ..; 4 i .. 10 j | .. .. ! .. .. 8 35 .. 35 Total new prisoners received .. .. .. 161,059 26 11' ..i 56 .. 62 .. 88 2 47 ..360 .. .J 23 .. 7 7 ...' 17 .. 15 ..' 17 .. 44 .. 551 .. 22 .. 238 3 60 ..2,654 77 2,731 On remand or for trial .. .. .. .... 10 280 37 .... 16 1 .... 25 .. 25 1 83 .... 6 .... 18 .. 76 79 8 .... 602 63 665 Total .. .. .. .. .. 261,339 63 11 .. 72! 1 62 ..113 2 72! 1443 .. .. 29 .. 7 7 .. 17 .. 15 .. 17 .. 62 .. 627 .. 22 .. 317 11 60 ..3,256140 3,396 Debtors .. .. .. .. .. 27 .... .. I 7 .. 7j .. 4 .. .. 1 13 .. 35 32 .. 3 .. 129 1 130 Lunatics .. .. .. .. I 1 .. 3 .. .. 1 1 4 1.... 82 10 Total new persons received .. .. .. 261,366 63. 11 ..73 1 62 .. 120 2 79 1450 .... 31 . . 7 7 .. 17 .. 15 .. 17 .. 75 .. 663 .. 22 .. 353 12 63 ..3.3931433,536 On transfer or in transitu .. .. .. .. .. 3 49 2j 21 .. 12 1; 15 .. 20 1 26j .. 75 .. 4 .. 1 26 .. 94 .. 10 .. 42 .. 33 .. 94 .. 101 .. 127 8 .. .. 745 20 765 Grand totals .. .. „ .. 291,415 65j 32 .. 85 2! 7?| ..140 3105i 1525 .. .. 35 .. 8 33 ..111 ■■ 25 ■■ 59 ..108 .. 757 .. 123 .. 480 20 63 .. 4,138 163 4,301 * Deemed to be prisons under the provisionsof section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917. t Subsequently commuted to imprisonment for life.

H.—2o

Table A— continued. Table showing Particulars, for each Prison, of Prisoners at Beginning and End of Year, and received and discharged during Year 1938— continued.

24

t X > a d i ifi g . 1'1|" „• : 1 . I I I j i s-i i a 1 I 3 S-sl I 1 ! « i ! I I-3-I I || I I I c I .11 I 3 — s g 2 b |ig £ «t i 5 • 5?s o i • «I ! g- g : f • og fiH o I .1 3 gb ! 1 Isi I? S ?a 5 isi S S |l 1 1 ; f 1 sg % a 5 S3 3 1 ® a a ! & ; c,C a ~ a 9 : £ c £S a S ; e "3 a t2 a cs - I ® i & ' o <? =s ; «8 ,_: I « ® r- Si'o -r 1=; g <! | s j a [ ! a }*!&<;* »§ g g g (c) Discharged during the year :— On expiration of sentence — m. f. m. f. m. : f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. :>i. 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 .. .. ..17 923 27 -• •• 42 63 .. 20! ..301 .. .. 15 12 41 .. 350 .. 76 .. 216 2 60 ..2,110 612,171 Reformative detention .. . . .. .. .. j Detention in Borstal institution .. .. .. 2 2 .. 2 On special remission — Hard labour .. .. .. . . 31 .. 7! .. 10 8 .. 1 .. 19 . . 4 . . 19 16 16 .. 19 150 .. 150 Reformative detention .. .. .. .. . • 1 1 .. .. 2 1 .. 2 1 7 i g Died .. .. .. . . . . j Executed .. .. .. . . I Absconded and not retaken . . .. } .. j ; Committed suicide .. . . . . i .... . . j . . . Released on recommendation of Prisons or Parole Board — Hard labour .. .. .. .. .. .. J 19 2 13; . . 7 1 .. 10 .. 21 .... 11 .. 32 17 2 .. 17 .. 11 161 3 164 Reformative detention . . .. .. .. -. 4 8 2 4 1 . . 3 1 . . 3 .. 4 . . . . 3i . . . . 4 . . 17 9 . . 5 .. 9 . . 10 77 9 86 Detention in Borstal institution .. * 19 60 11 .. .. .. ..24 103 11 114 Habitual criminals .. .. .. . . 1 .. 1 i 3.. 3 Total criminals discharged to freedom .. .. 231,001 31 24 .. 62 .. 62 .J 73 .. 43 ..348 .. .. 18 .. 3] 20 .. 82 .. 24 .. 43 .. 48 .. 392 .. 117 .. 216 2 60 ..2,613 85 2 698 Acquitted and after remand . . . . 16 2 .. .. 2 (5 1 25 . . .. 1 8 1 2 18 77 5 ' 82 Debtors .. . . . . .. .. .. 1 28 7 . . 12 .. 2 .. . . 3 13 . . 36 23 .. 3 . . 124 4 128 Lunatics transferred to mental hospitals .. .. .. 2 3 1 1 I .. 3 1 1 6 4 1.... 20 4 24 Total persons discharged from prison .. .. 26 1,048 34 24 .. 64 .. 63 .. SO .. 60 1378 .. .. 22 .. 11 20 .. 83 . . 25 .. 43 .. 69 1 436 ..117 .. 261 3 63 ..2.834 98 2 932 Transferred to other prisons or to the police .. .. 10 368 38 5 .. 29 2 7 .. 57 3 42 ..148 .. .. 10 .. .. 4 .. 6 18 .. 40 .. 320 .. 9 .. 219 15 1 272 78 1! 350 Released on bail .. .. .. 20 2 .. .. 1 . . .. .. j 2 .. 1 .. 8 7 5 44 2 46 Grand totals .. .. .. .. .. 361,436 74 29 .. 94 2 7o| ..139 3103 1-534 .. .. 32 .. 11 24 .. 89 .. 25 .. 61 ..109 1 763 ..126 .. 485 18 63 ..4.1501784,328 (d) In prison at end of year : - Undergoing — Simple imprisonment, hard labour — Under three months .. .. .. 23 1 7 9 .. .. 1 1 1 14 5 qj j g2 Three months and under one year .. .. .. 2 20 2 1 .. 1 5 27 .... 3 .. .. 1 .. 4 1 21 .. 15 5 .... 101 7 108 One year and upwards .. .. .. .. 1 74 .. 22 38 .. 27 .. .. 1 .... 14 .. 45 21 . . 7 .. 14 . . 16 278 2 '80 Detention as habitual criminals .. .. 15 .... 1 . . 5 .. 6 1 . . 3 3 34 " "34 Reformative detention .. .. .. .. .. 2 14 1 8 .. J ] . . 16 .. 8 .. .. 2 .. .. 9 .. 48 17 .. 3 .. 10 4 139 5 144 Detention in Borstal institution .. .. 100: 1 .. 12 36 ] 36 13 149 Total criminals in prison .. .... 5 146 3 31 .. 3 .. 100] .. 14 .. 59 .. 77 .. .. 8 .. 12 24 .. 98 .. 36 .. 40 . . 14 . 62 .. 35 10 ...... 749 28 777 For trial or on remand .. .. .. 13 1 .. .. 2 ....... 2 2 9 2 -?8 3 31 Total in prison for criminal ott'ences .. .. 5 159 4 31 .. 5 .. 100: .. 16 . . 59 .. 79 ,. .. 8 .. 12 24 .. 98 .. 36 .. 40 .. 14 71 .. 35 10 2 777 31 808 Debtors .. .. .. .. ; j — j— ■ • " " LI " " " —\— - - Total persons in prison .. .. .. .. 5 159 4 31 .. 5 ..100: .. 16 . . 59 .. 79 .. .. 8 .. 12 24 . . 98 .. 36 .. 40 .. 14 .. 71 .. 35 .. 10 2 ..j 777 31 808 * Deemed to be prisons under the provisions of section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917.

11, -20

Table Ai. Table showing Number of Prisoners at each Prison or Institution in the Dominion during the Year 1938.

4 —H. 20

25

Sickness. (c) Number of Distinct Prisoners ill on One or More Occasions, r., «,+ „+ -v. ; t at with Number of Occasions, Total Number of Separate Name of Prkon Greatest Isumber in Least Number m Dail Average dumber of Illnesses, Total Number of Days, and Daily Average on ot Prison. ™ o2tU> Prisoners. (a) Greatest Number (i b) Admissions Sick-list. at One lime. at One iime. m at any 0ne to Hospit ai during Time. Year. . . • « » • Number Total Daily © S of Number Average - Is ® S : Si gg.5 Separate of on O H HH H | H H Illnesses. Days ill. Sick-list. M. F. T. M. F. T. M. F. T. M. F. T. M. F. T. Addington (Women's Reformatory) .. 17 17 4 4 .. 9-11 9-11 .. 1 1 .. .. .. 4 .. 4 23 0-06 Auckland .. .. .. 213 7 220 152 4 156 179-35 5-65 185-00 12 12 13 13 54 15 2 .. 1 1 101 872 2-39 Hautu (Tokaanu) .. .. 37 37 22 22 31-30 .. 31-30 2 2 1 1 8 .. 1 11 53 0-15 Invercargill .. .. .. 19 19 5 5 13-10 .. 13 10 6 6 4 4 15 4 6 .. 1 46 260 0-71 Invercargill (Borstal institution) .. 107 .. 107 83 .. 83 97-40 .. 97-40 13 13 7 7 49 17 6 7 2 1 147 1,081 2-96 Napier .. .. .. 21 21 9 9 13-99 .. 13-99 2 .. 2 7 7 100 0-27 New Plymouth .. .. .. 65 65 53 53 58-83 .. 58-83 4 4 3 3 12 4 2 .. 1 1 37 238 0-65 Paparua (Templeton) .. .. 109 109 69 69 91-48 .. 91-48 3 3 4 4 15 1 17 142 0-39 Pt. Halswell (Women's Reformatory) .. 8 8 3 3 .. 5-20 5-20 .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 7 0-02 Point Hals well (Borstal institution) .. 16 16 11 11 .. 13-40 13-40 1 1 .. 1 1 1 1 10 0-03 Rangipo .. .. .. 27 27 12 12 20-00 .. 20-00 3 3 1 1 8 1 .. 1 .. 14 164 0-45 Waikeria (Reformatory) .. .. 99 99 78 78 94-00 .. 94-00 9 9 2 2 18 6 5 45 323 0-88 Waikeria (Borstal institution) .. 36 36 26 26 29-90 .. 29-90 4 4 3 3 7 3 13 73 0-20 Waikune (Erua).. .. .. 45 45 31 31 38-62 .. 38-62 2 2 2 2 10 1 12 83 0-23 Wanganui .. .. .. 21 21 10 10 14-96 .. 14-96 2 .. 2 2 4 46 0-13 Wellington .. .. .. 103 103 61 61 77-67 .. 77-67 7 7 7 7 30 1 32 274 0-75 Wi Tako (Trentham) .. .. 54 54 34 34 42-76 .. 42-76 4 4 1 1 8 3 14 86 0-24 Minor prisons and police-gaols .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15-36 0-30 15-66 .. .. .. 4 ..| 4 5 5 113 0-31 Police lock-ups* .. .. .. •• .. .. .. .. 18-19 .. 18-19 .. .. .. .. .. Totals .. .. 836-91 33-66 870-57 52 1 53 252 58 22 i 8 5 3 511 3,948 10-82 * Deemed to be prisons under the provisions of section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Aet, 1917.

H. —20,

Table B. Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1939. Expenditure. £ a. d. Income. £ s. d. Rations .. .. 15,971 ti 0 Rents of departmental buildings .. .. 3,818 4 6 Clothing, footwear, and equipment .. .. 6,537 19 0 Sundry credits and recoveries.. .. .. 4,929 22 Earnings, wages, and gratuities: Prisoners and Value of prison labour capitalized on work .. 537 12 5 dependants .. .. .. .. 11,832 17 9 Surplus on industry working .. .. .. 10,312 17 0 Hospital maintenance and medioines .. .. (149 17 6 Net cost, departmental upkeep .. .. 132,108 16 7 Transport and travelling expenses .. .. 5,082 5 6 Maintenance of buildings and grounds .. .. 3,194 1 3 Salaries and allowances .. .. .. 62,022 0 2 Fuel, light, water, &c. .. .. .. 5,709 14 1 Postages, telegrams, stationery, &c. .. .. 1,392 13 8 Interest and depreciation .. .. .. 32,760 15 2 Administration expenses .. .. .. 6,553 2 7 £151,706 12 8 *£151,706 12 8 Balance Sheet as at 31st March, 1939. Liabilities. £ s. d. Assets. £ s. d. Capital Account .. .. .. .. 758,936 12 9 Land, buildings, and improvements .. .. 651,721 18 4 Sundry creditors .. .. .. .. 4,721 13 9 Farm, live-stock, implements, &c. .. .. 55,139 12 7 Accrued earnings .. .. .. .. 2,804 16 10 Plant, machinery, equipment, and stores .. 50,827 1 4 Deposits .. .. .. .. .. 640 12 1 Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. 6,868 1 1 Writings-off in Suspense .. .. .. 2,683 8 8 Deposits .. .. .. .. .. 1,888 12 7 Treasury Adjustment Account .. .. 135,828 15 7 Expenditure paid in advance .. .. .. 38 19 10 Writings-ofE in Suspense .. .. .. 2,683 8 8 Departmental cost for year— Prisons and administration .. .. .. 132,108 16 7 Prisons Board . . .. .. .. 383 6 9 Probation .. .. .. .. 3,956 1 11 £905,615 19 8 £905,615 19 8 K. Menzies, Accountant,

26

H.—2o,

Table Bi. Analysis of Value of all Prison Labour for the Year ended 31st March, 1939.

5—H. 20

27

Capital "Works. Industries. Institutional. Annual . i Daily Value Erection Boot Block ; ~ , HfPJ*™ Domestic Domestic Domestic rr rt( ._i Average of ol Farm- Manu- Farms and Tile , " . Miscel- aTlfi Main- Cleaning Launder- Cooking, 10tal - Number of Labour Buildings develop- factoring and Manu- r ~~. laneous tenance of and Ing and Baking, Inmates. per and ment. and Gardens, factur- IfZ, r . " Industries. Buildings Sanitary, Repairs to and | Head. Plant. Repairs. ing. ' contracts. and &c. Clothing. Rationing. Sites. j | £££££££££££££ £ Addington .. .. •• -- •• 7 .. .. .. 23 .. 89 7 26 152 7*20 21-11 Auckland .. .. .. .. -- -• 444 45 .. 481 .. 1,258 77 746 345 256 3,652 177-61 20-56 Hautu .. .. .. .. 49 25 .. 539 .. .. .. 76 57 48 89 883 32-39 27-26 Rangipo .. .. .. .. 11 26 .. 361 .. .. .. .. 36 31 67 532 22-22 23-94 Invercargill .. .. .. -■ 88 .. 146 909 .. .. .. 407 363 168 202 2,283 111-70 20-44 Napier .. .. .. -• •• •• 36 250 .. .. 27 23 30 46 412 15-08 27-32 New Plymouth .. .. .. .. .. .. 490 .. 670 .. .. 144 212 186 122 1,824 59-88 30-46 Paparua .. .. ■■ •• 108 .. .. 679 34 731 .. .. 254 223 190 243 2,462 90-95 -27-07 Point Halswell .. -- -- -- .. 56 .. .. 161 16 66 1 44 344 18-22 18-88 Waikeria .. .. .. -• 189 .. .. 2,371 .. .. .. .. 498 394 195 244 3,891 124-75 31-19 Waikune .. .. .. -• 24 .. .. 30 .. .. 1,914 .. 78 37 41 132 2,256 39-75 56-75 Wanganui .. .. .. -• •• •• 19 .. .. .. 136 46 29 29 259 14-92 17-35 Wellington .. .. -- -- •• -- 411 .. .. .. 149 472 325 129 175 1,661 78-38 21-19 WiTako .. .. .. .. 17 .. .. 740 .. .. .. 100 93 34 168 1,152 41-25 27-92 Minor Gaols .. .. .. . • • • • • ■ • • • - - - - - - - - 41 6 1 . . 48 20-89 2-29 Totals .. .. .. 486 51 590 6,693 34 2,132 1,914 1,591 2,326 2,716 1,435 1,843 21,811 855-19 25-50

H.—2o.

Table C. Table showing the Actual Number of Distinct Convicted Prisoners received into Gaol during the Year 1938, classified according to Principal Offences, Birthplace, and Age.

28

Offences against the Offences against MisrAilnnpnim Person. Property. Miscellaneous. Totals. Con £ cfced Summarily Theft and \ri«nh««* hmnUnn^a« Vn „„ n .,. + Other Indictment. con ™ te<i - Decelt - Ml8cllief - Drunkenness.* Vagrancy.t oBencee. Birthplaces — m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. New Zealand .. 99 2 49 .. 477 21 71 2 143 4 51 11 565 10 1,455 50 Australia .. .. 6 2 27 1 2 12 7 2 54 1 110 4 England and Wales .. 11 1 14 .. 60 1 7 1 29 12 .. 163 2 296 5 Scotland .. .. 3 31 1 2 .. 15 6 68 2 125 3 Ireland .. .. 2 .. 2 .. 13 I 2 1 11 5 41 .. 76 2 Other British countries .. .. 2.. 5.. 1 4.. 1 1 12 1 25 2 China .. 28 . . 28 Other countries . . 2 2 11 .. 1 4 .. 1 .. 20 40 I At sea Not stated . . I . . .. .. 1 2 Totals .. 123 3 71 .. 625 25 85 5 218 4 83 14 952 16 2,157 67 Ages— 15 and under 20 years.. 8 4 62 I 24 .. .. 3 3 18 119 4 20 „ 25 „ .. 26 1 14 .. 135 4 30 .. 19 11 5 116 1 351 11 25 „ 30 „ .. 15 .. 15 .. 117 4 14 .. 25 8 2 120 1 314 7 30 „ 40 „ 35 1 21 .. 156 5 10 1 71 17 237 1 547 8 40 „ 50 „ .. 20 1 10 .. 85 7 3 2 44 1 18 3 213 7 393 21 50 „ 60 „ 12 .. 4 .. 58 2 3 2 38 2 16 1 159 3 290 10 60 and over.. .. 7 .. 3 . . 12 2 1 . . 21 1 10 87 3 141 6 Not stated .. .. . . . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . .. .. 2 2 Totals .. 123 3 71 .. 625 25 85 5 218 4 83 14 952 16 2,157 67 Maoris included above .. 14 .. 19 .. 72 3 23 2 25 6 84 4 243 9 * It must be remembered that drunkenness is punished more by fine than by imprisonment, so that the figures in the gaol tables do not represent the full number of persons punished for that offence. t Including importuning, consorting with rogues, &c.

H.—2o.

Table D. PRISONS.—NEW-ZEALAND-BORN PRISONERS RECEIVED, 1938. Table showing the Number of Distinct New-Zealand-born Convicted Prisoners of each Sex (including Maoris) received during the Year 1938, classified according to Ages and Offences.

Table E. PRISONS.—MAORI PRISONERS RECEIVED, 1938. Table showing the Number, Ages, and Offences of Distinct Convicted Maoris (Male and Female) received into the various Gaols during the Year 1938.

29

12 and 15 and 20 and 25 and 30 and 40 and Not Tntnla under 15. under 20. under 25. under 30. under 40. upwards. stated. J-oiais. Offences. | | M. I F. M, V. M. P. M. I F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. j F. Offences against the person- - Convicted on indictment 8 . . 24 1 14 25 28 1 99 2 Convicted summarily 4 . . 12 . . 9 . . 14 . . 10 49 Offences against property— Theft and deceit .. 56 1 119 4 97 4 118 4 87 8 .. .. 477 21 Mischief .. .. 24 .. 24 .. 12 .. 6 1 5 1 .. .. 71 2 Drunkenness .. 19 .. 21 . . 57 . . 46 4 .. .. 143 4 Vagrancy* . . . . 3 3 9 5 8 2 8 . . 23 1 . . .. 51 11 Other offences .. 14 .. 81 1 84 j 1 147 .. 237 8 2 .. 565 10 Totals, 1938 109 4 288 11 245 7 375 5 436 23 2 .. 1,455 50 Totals, 1937 98 8 235 15 215 5 333 8 433 31 2 .. 1,316 67 Totals, 1930 74 12 238 16 192 6 273 6 371 31 2 .. 1,150 71 Totals, 1935 109 13 291 12 233 8 390 14 381 30 1 .. 1,405 77 Totals, 1934 103 8 323 19 262 9 411 22 418 51 1 .. 1,518 109 "■Including importuning, consorting with rogues, &c.

12 and 15 and 20 and 25 and 30 and 40 and Not T , . under 15. under 20. under 25. under 30. under 40. upwards. stated. J-Otais. Offences. I I 1 M. F. M. F. M. | F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. J F. M. F. Offences against the person— Convicted on indictment 1 .. 6 .. 5 .. 2 14 Summarily convicted .. 3 .. 6 .. 5 .. 3 .. 2 19 Theft and deceit .. .. 15 .. 35 2 14 6 2 1 .... 72 3 Mischief .. .. .. 8 . . 13 2 ... . 1 1 .... 23 2 Drunkenness .. .. 3 .. 6 .. 11 .. 5 25 Vagrancy .. .. 1 .. 3 .. 1 1 6 Other offences .. .. 4 2 25 2 24 .. 17 . . 14 84 4 Totals .. .. 32 2 91 4 57 .. 39 1 24 2 .. ..243 9

H.—2o

Table F. PRISONERS.— AGES AND SENTENCES. Table showing the Ages of Distinct Prisoners received under Sentence during the Year 1938, with Information as to Length of Sentence.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (720 copies), £42 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1939.

Price. 9d.']

30

Total Length of Sentence. "* ge * TTnripr 1 Week 1 Month 3 Months 6 Months D Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 7 Years 10 Years 12 Years 15 Years Habitual i wili 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. Death. Crimi- „ [ in i * °J Totals • 1 Month. 3 Months. 6 Months. 9 Months. 12 Months. 2 Years. 3 Years. 4 Years. 5 Years, 7 Years, 10 Years, 12Years, 15 Years. 20 Years. nals not stated Periods. ' M. I". 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. 15 and under 16 2 2 is „ 17 i 2 .. 2 .. i .. i " ;; " " 7 17 „ 18 1 2 11 1 9 23 "l 18 „ 19 2 2 1 .. 2 1 .. 2 12 2 11 33 2 19 „ 20 4 .. 6 .. 9 4 3 5 .. 17 1 3 .. 1 .. 2 54 20 „ 21 .... 5 12 .. 5 3 1 . . 1 .. 11 1 4 1 43 1 21 „ 25 20 .. 80 1 78 .. 48 2 13 1 7 .. 24 .. 23 5 11 1 1 .. 1 1 .. 1 308 10 25 „ 30 23 1 74 2 94 1 40 1 17 .. 9 2 39 .. 11 .. 3 2 -J* 314 7 30 „ 35 23 .. 71 1 64 .. 35 .. 22 .. 7 1 23 1 15 . . 5 .. 1 .. 1 . . 1 1 268 4 35 „ 40 36 1 67 1 73 2 43 .. 19 .. 4 .. 20 . . 9 .. 3 .. 4 .. 1 279 4 40 „ 45 43 1 57 5 54 .. 32 2 13 1 .... 10 .. 6 .. 3 1 1 .. 2 . ... 221 10 45 „ 50 48 3 33 2 34 .. 25 6 14 6 .. 3 .. 6 .. 2 ,, 1 172 11 50 „ 55 38 1 41 1 33 2 21 2 8 1 3 .. 5 .. 3 . . 3 1 1 . . 157 7 55 „ 60 43 1 39 .. 28 2 10 .. 6 .. 1 ; . . 2 .. 3 1 133 3 60 „ 65 30 1 19 1 16 .. 9 1 2 .. .."I .. 2 .. 3 .. 2 1 .. " 84 3 e5 70 21 1 7 1 8 2 1 ' 39 2 70 „ 75 6 .. 4 1 1 1 " j 3 75 „ so 2 1 1 3 x 80 and over .. 2 2 Not stated .. 1 .. 1 .. ,. 2 Totals .. ; 341 11 506 15 507 7 277 14 122 3 3-3 3 145 1 131 10 64 2 13 .. 12 .. 1 1 2 1 2* 2~157 67 1 I I | * Subsequently commuted to imprisonment for life.