PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1945-46

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1946 Session I, H-20

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1946 NEW ZEALAND

PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1945-46

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

The Hon. the Minister of Justice to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral. Wellington, Bth August, 1946. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the ControllerGeneral on the prisons and Borstal institutions of the Dominion for the year 1945-46. I have, &c., F. Jones, for the Minister of Justice. The Controller-General of Prisons to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. I have the honour to present the annual report for the Prisons Department for the financial year ended, 31st March, 1946, showing also the criminal statistics for the year ending 31st December, 1945. Attached hereto are the reports of the officers controlling the various prisons and Borstal institutions. These reports outline the various activities carried on and the programme instituted with a view to giving effect to a reclamative policy. The work at the various institutions, in addition to being of general benefit, is reformative, in that it is designed to conduce to selfesteem and habits of industry among the prisoners by reason of it being of definite economic worth in addition to providing practical vocational training. STATISTICS Last year, due to a shortage of staff in the Statistician's Office, it was not found practicable to produce in my report the customary statistics relating to the nationality and age-groups of offenders. This year these statistics are available, and I set out hereunder the comparative tables for a number of years. It is interesting to note that the aggregate number of commitments to prison and the number of distinct persons dealt with have declined substantially as compared with the numbers handled during the war years, when the prison population was augmented by military offenders and military defaulters, the majority of whom have now been released. The most satisfactory feature of the statistics is the fact that the ratio of distinct persons committed to prison to the general population is less than the figure for last year, thus maintaining the general downward trend of our prison population. The following

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rfhow the ratio per 10,000 of the general population: 1890, 38-61; 1910, 32-5; 1914, 31-05; 1932, 22-9; 1935, 13-76; 1939, 15 38; 1942, 18 46; 1943, 15-17; 1944, 12 68; 1945, 12-13. RECEPTIONS The usual table of receptions and discharges is published as an annexure hereto. The following is a comparative summary for the past five years. The figures for receptions include in some cases the same person more than once and also persons received on transfer as between one institution and another. The net receptions of direct committals by the Courts during the year were 3,008, as compared with 3,284 for the previous year. The number of distinct persons dealt with was 2,065, made up of 1,973 males and 92 females, as compared with a total of 2,099 for the previous year.

NATURE OF OFFENCES The following table gives a comparative summary showing the offences classified under three main groupings—i.e., offences against the person, offences against property, and miscellaneous offences. It is to be noted that although the aggregate number of offences has fallen slightly there has been a small increase in the number of offences against the person and against property. These figures unhappily are symptomatic of a drift that appears to have set in, the numbers since the beginning of this year having shown an upward, movement.

LENGTH OF SENTENCE Hereunder is set out a comparative table showing the lengths of sentence imposed on offenders. It is interesting to observe that the proportions under the various terms of sentence have remained fairly static, although the number who received sentences of five years or over is fewer than for several years past. During the year approximately 50 per cent, of the total number of distinct persons dealt with by the Courts were sentenced to terms of three months or less.

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— 1941. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. Number in custody at beginning of year 895 1,015 1,064 1,077 993 Number received during year 4,828 5,216 4,622 4,089 3,996 Number discharged or transferred 4,708 5,167 4,608 4,173 3,949 Number in prison at end of year 1,015 1,064 1,077 993 1,040

Year. Offences against the Person. Offences, against Property. Miscellaneous Offences. Total. 1945 226 985 854 2,065 1944 218 947 934 2,099 1943 239 1,060 1,183 2,482 1942 309 969 1,751 3,029 1941 249 781 1,339 2,369 1940 238 789 1,174 2,201 1939 238 777 1,490 2,505 1938 197 740 1,287 2 224 1937 .. 191 675 1,125 1^991 1936 189 599 1,002 1,790

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The late Lord Hewart stated: " Imprisonment is the last resort, necessary, of course, for cases that really call for serious punishment, and in these cases a substantial term might d,o some good. A short sentence hardly ever does any good." The experience of a short sentence usually merely serves to accustom a man to prison conditions and diminishes what should be a wholesome dread of penal institutions. Approximately 30 per cent, of the total receptions are what may be called petty recidivists who have been in and out of prison several times, many of whom have qualified to be declared habitual offenders. Short sentences do not deter these, as time is an essential element in habit formation and in giving effect to a course of training which might assist in rehabilitation on release. Time also is a factor from a deterrent point of view, for the reason that under the present ameliorated prison conditions the loss of liberty is virtually the only punitive factor in imprisonment. Unless the offence is such as to really call for a salutary penalty, it is often better to have recourse to some alternative to imprisonment, such as probation.

NATIONALITY OF OFFENDERS The following table shows the receptions classified on a nationality basis. I have shown the figures for the past ten years because they indicate the marked upward movement until recently in the number of Maoris committed to prison. The number of Maoris sentenced to imprisonment last year was 123 less than during the previous year; nonetheless, on a population basis, the proportion of Maoris committed to prison still substantially exceeds those of European stock, and unhappily the number of serious crimes of a sexual nature by Maoris has increased. The number of New-Zealand-born prisoners (excluding Maoris) was almost the same as for the previous year.

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Number of Prisoners. 1939. 1 1940. 1 1941. 1942. ' 1943. 3944. 1945. Under one month 964 774 638 552 430 367 364 One month and under three months 642 527 739 1,283 824 627 639 Three months and under six months 286 260 356 398 421 327 318 Six months and under twelve months 194 210 181 206 241 189 187 One year and under three years 320 362 364 444 475 456 449 Three years and under five years 76 57 76 98 60 78 64 Five years and over 23 11 15 48 31 31 18 Indefinite (including " defaulters ") 24 26 Totals 2,505 2,201 2,369 3,029 2,482 2,099 2,065

Year. New-Zealand-born (excluding Maoris). Maoris. British and Foreign. 1 Total. 1945 1,109 430 526 2,065 1944 1,105 553 44] 2,099 194B 1,401 523 558 2,482 1942 1,880 450 699 3,029 1941 1,402 346 621 2,369 1940 1,257 330 614 2,201 1939 1,427 310 768 2,505 1938 1,248 252 724 2,224 1937 1,383 257 351 1,991 1936 1,022 199 569 1,790

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AGE OF OFFENDERS The following table shows the number of offenders qualified in age-groups over the past ten years:—•

MISCELLANEOUS Deaths.—There 6 deaths recorded during the year. With one exception all were due to*natural causes resulting from senescence or physical disability to which the prisoners were subject when admitted. One death resulted from toxgemia following an abscess caused through a prisoner swallowing foreign bodies. Escapes.—During the year 21 prisoners and 23 Borstal detainees escaped from custody. All were recaptured. Of the 23 escapees from Borstal, 12 were from the Arohata women's institution. This is a considerable drop from last year's figures, when, due to extremely unsettled conditions, the escapes from that institution and Point Halswell totalled 56. Having regard, to the character and dispositions of those in the Department's care, under a system where the reposing of trust is an important element, escapes are bound to occur. Those whose lapse into crime has largely been due to a life of indiscipline naturally chafe under restraint. Some in the early stages are unsettled and restive, whilst with others it is simply a manifestation of instability and independability, characterial traits which it is the purpose of imprisonment to correct. Escapes occasion serious inconvenience in institution management and dislocation of work, besides often causing grave anxiety to the . civilian population in the particular locality. The Courts generally take a grave view of these violations of trust when escapes do occur, but the Prisons Board gives close attention to these eases, and if the offender later shows he sees the folly of his ways and settles down, the practice is to remit a substantial portion of the added penalty. Mental Defectives. —A total of 21 persons were transferred from prisons and Borstal institutions to the various mental hospitals—l under section 34 of the Mental Defectives Act, 1911, 4 under section 37, and 'l6 under section 38. Borstal Receptions.—A total of 154 male and 19 female Borstal detainees were received direct from the Courts, and 8 females were transferred to Borstal from other institutions, 4 being transferred from the prison reformatory to Borstal. Military Defaulters. —The following table shows the number of military defaulters transferred from detention camps on Magisterial orders or under direct sentence of imprisonment to prisons during the years 1942 to 1945 inclusive:—

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Age-group. 1936. 1937. 1938. 1939. 1940. 1941. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1 1945. Under 20 96 115 123 178 203 201 308 354 -283 254 20-25 185 303 362 424 348 478 749 639 506 524 25-30 254 282 321 413 322 405 531 396 354 343 30-40 437 456 555 612 492 533 709 490 461 470 40 and upwards 715 831 861 875 833 745 732 603 495 473 Not stated 3 4 2 3 3 7 1 Totals 1,790 .1,991 2,224 2.505 2.201 2,369 3,029 2,482 2,699 2,065

Year. (a) For Duration. (b) For a | Definite Term, j Total. 1942 . 28 11 39 1943 • « i 2 11 13 1944 . • • 1 18 38 56 1945 . 10 6 16

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In June, 1945, two " Revision Authorities " were set up to review the ■cases of military defaulters detained for the duration of the war. Towards the latter part of the year a commencement was made in releasing these men, and by the 31st December, 1945, 14 had been released from prison. By the end, of May, 1946, all military defaulters detained in prison, with the exception of 2 serving* sentence for other offences, were released. Courts-martial Prisoners. —During the past four years the following number of prisoners were received into prison from the Army and Air Force:— 1942 .. .. 124 1944 .. .. 52 1943 . . .. 105 ! 1945 . . . . 63 HEALTH OF PRISONERS The general health of prisoners has been good. There were 88 males and 10 females admitted for treatment at the public hospitals or the prison infirmaries during the year. The daily average on the sick-list was 24-31, which is just over 2 per cent, of the daily average number of prisoners in custody. The controlling officers of the various institutions report that the Medical Officers have been attentive in their care of prisoners. The regular •conditions of living and the plain and wholesome diet has resulted in a low incidence of sickness and a general improvement in physical condition. With a view to avoiding any lessening of the calorific content of the ration, the meat ration to prisoners remains at 16 oz. per day. This is because prisoners are unable to procure substitutory foods. The butter, sugar, and tea ration has been reduced, bringing it into conformity with the ration allowed to the civil population. The Department has continued a close working arrangement with the Mental Hospitals Department. I should like to express appreciation of the ready co-operation and assistance given by the psychiatrists attached to that Department in advising respecting the treatment of any inmate of impaired mentality, and in helping those who labour under some tension or some real or imaginary compulsion neurosis, to resolve their difficulties and approach the problems of life in a more rational and socially acceptable way. INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL Hereunder is set out a comparative statement covering the gross expenditure from the departmental vote and the credits that have resulted from the sales of production derived by the effective marshalling of prison labour:—

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Year. Gross Expenditure. Credits. Net Expenditure. Total. Per Head. Total. | Per Head. Total. Per Head. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1936-37 .. 146,314 148-54 68,661 69-70 77,653 78-83 1937-38 .. 164,132 192-64 69,075 81-07 95,057 111-56 1938-39 .. 152,093 177-89 64,910 75-92 87,183 101-97 1939-40 .. 155,333 170-16 74,348 81-97 80,985 88-19 1940-41 162,426 179-47 77,908 86-08 84,518 93-39 1941-42 .. 158,704 163-44 80,514 82-92 78,190 80-52 1942-43 .. 166,982 161-34 99,336 95-98 67,646 65 • 36 1943-44 173,089 159-97 99,956 92-38 73,133 67-59 1944-45 .. 179,627 174-92 100,451 97-82 79,176 77-10 i945-46 .. 195,648 186-58 98,560 93-99 97,088 92-59

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The credits are slightly down on the peak figure for 1944-45, and this has been due mainly to the fact that through a shortage of staff it has not been practicable to operate the quarry at Mount Eden on occasions during the year. Despite the curtailment of pig husbandry following the closing of military camps, the production from the farms has been well maintained, the credits from the farms and gardens aggregating £55,655. The bootmaking industry returned £8,846, mail-bags £3,051, road-construction work £8,314, tailoring £2,032, and quarrying £8,375. During the year ending 31st March last the Department supplied goods and services to the Army to the value of £3,925, to the Air Department £2,367, and to the Ministry of Supply £4,137. The aggregate contribution in materials supplied by the Prisons Department for war purposes totalled a value of £58,798. Experience has shown that nowhere more than in prison does mischief follow in the wake of idleness, consequently it has always been regarded as important to plan to keep prisoners fully occupied, and' preferably usefully occupied, for work that is of economic worth, besides helping to keep down the cost of administration, is not so soul-destroying as the drudgery of task labour. In New Zealand we are fortunate in having an extra-mural programme of work on the prison farms to which any surplus prisoners can be readily dratted. As already mentioned, this work provides splendid opportunities for training inmates in a healthful avocation so that if they choose to follow the land they can earn an honest livelihood on release. Even if they do not so desire, the temporary occupation in the open air helps to build them up physically, and there is no doubt that health and moral outlook are closelv related. INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIES The following is a brief summary of the purpose and the main activities of the various institutions:— Mount Eden.+~To this prison are drafted all long-sentence prisoners and others who cannot with safety or convenience be transferred to the prison farms and camps, With a view to providing useful employment and affording facilities for suitable segregation, the following are the main industrial activities carried on: tailoring, boot-manufacturing, mail-bag making and repairing, tobacco-manufacturing, plumbing, carpentering, gardening, quarrying, and laundering. Mount Eden makes its own bread requirements and draws its requirements of meat and milk from the Waikeria Farm. Also, the tobacco leaf used in tobacco-manufacturing is grown principally at Waikeria. Both of these are economical arrangements designed to make the Department, as far as practicable, self-sustaining. The boot-shop has made quite a substantial contribution to the war effort, and the standard of military boot produced was high. Cells are equipped with wireless receiving-sets, and lectures, entertainments, &c., are frequently held. The library is fairly well stocked, but new books are needed. It is augmented by magazines, periodicals, and weekly papers. As soon as circumstances permit, the facilities of the Country Library Service are to be extended to prisons, Educational classes are regularly conducted under qualified teachers, classes being specially directed, with the aid of film strips, to the meeting of the peculiar needs of the prisoners. Facilities are afforded to any prisoner who desires to embark on any special study by correspondence, &c. The Department provides for regular showings of talkie films.

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Prison Farm Camps.—The pumice land development camps are located at Hautu and Rangipo, in the Tokaanu district. Between the two farms approximately 8,000 acres of land are cleared and are in cultivation or in grass, the farms being* stocked with sheep and cattle. Clearing, fencing, and general farm work provides the main industrial activities. During the war periods the shortage of fencing-materials and top-dressing have militated against progress. Owing to the light nature of the country, it affords a harbourage for rabbits, and the keeping of these in check presents an ever-pressing problem. Last year, £2,103 was taken for rabbit-skins, and, in addition, a considerable quantity of rabbit flesh was disposed of to other institutions and sold in an effort to conserve meat. The Waikune Prison Camp, whilst primarily engaged on roadmaking and construction work, besides having established a dairy farm, operates in close co-operation with Hautu and Rangipo and undertakes the whole of the transport to and from railhead of stock and supplies for these two farms. The honour system prevails at these camps, and frequently prisoners work at considerable distance from any supervising officer. Breaches of trust are rare. In addition to benefiting from the healthy open-air work, many prisoners acquire experience in handling mechanized road-construction equipment, farm equipment, and teams, which stand them in good stead on their release. For recreational and cultural purposes a regular circuit of sound films is provided by the Department, and each camp is equipped with wireless. Facilities are also provided for correspondence classes for those who desire to take up same. Prisoners at these camps, by industry and good conduct, can earn a special remission. New Plymouth Prison.—At this institution prisoners manifesting sex perversion are segregated. The principal industrial activities are quarrying, vegetable gardening, and pig husbandry. A fairly substantial business in developing seedlings has been worked up. The entire plan of the work of the institution is so arranged as to ensure a close vigilance being maintained over all prisoners because of their abnormal predilections. This institution has been exceedingly active in developing hobbies among the inmates, and through this means a substantial contribution has been made through the war years to Red Cross purposes. First-aid classes are popular and examination results have been highly satisfactory. The prison medical officer is a qualified psychiatrist with long experience with homo-sexuals. The policy of the Department is to strive, with the helpful co-operation of the medical officer, to develop new interests for prisoners with a view to diverting their attention from morbid impulses. The results from the point of view of recidivism are highly satisfactory, but this class of crime unfortunately appears to be on the increase. Wellington Prison.—This prison is primarily a trial and remand prison for holding prisoners in transit or for transfer upon classification to other suitable institutions. The facilities for employment are restricted, but several activities have been developed which have proved of economy and benefit. The printery undertakes a considerable part of the printing of departmental forms. A certain amount of joinery is made for departmental use—e.g., cabinets for the Registrar-General's Branch and Electoral Office, The nativeplant nursery is continuing to function, and some eighty thousand native trees have been distributed throughout the district through the agency of the Wellington Beautifying Society. The society is shortly replacing the ger-mination-shed, and this will enable a new programme to be developed to assist the Housing Department in beautifying State house areas.

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Wi Tako Prison. —This is a small mixed prison farm nestling in the foothills behind. Heretaunga. The prison farm comprises a swamp area which has been drained and is used as a market garden, the produce being supplied to the camp, and, in addition, makes a contribution to the Wellington markets. The farm also supplies milk to the Wellington town supply. During the war period, with the supply of offal from the military camp, the Department developed an extensive pig-fattening industry. The prison is in such a convenient distance from Wellington that it is used to accommodate the short-term prisoners from the southern end of the North Island where the expense of transfer to more distant institutions would not be justified. The type of work undertaken at Wi Tako provides a healthful break to a considerable body of short-sentence prisoners who would otherwise be engaged in non-productive labour at a city prison. Government at present has under consideration the question of closing W,i Tako and seeking an alternative site, the area being required for a comprehensive housing scheme. Papm^wa.—This is a reformatory prison farm near Templeton where more or less trustworthy prisoners are detained. Mixed farming is the main activity, and a fairly large number of men are employed in the quarry, which supplies crushed metal for roading and building works in Canterbury. At Paparua a high-grade Corriedale flock is maintained, and the Department also makes a feature of the early fat-lamb trade. Gardening and laundering are also carried on. Regular educational classes, lectures, &c., are provided under qualified persons, and the general cultural amenities provided by the Department—i.e. r pictures and wireless —extend also. Adding ton Prison, —This is a reformatory for women offenders. The main activities are domestic work, laundering, and gardening. During the war a heavy volume of this work was undertaken for Army purposes. Wamgamm Prison.—At this institution all the aged and feeble prisoners are segregated. Instead of the usual system of individual cells, the prisoners sleep in association (similar to a hospital ward). This enables mutual assistance to be rendered by one another. The principal industry is gardening and the cutting of kindling-wood. The inmates in the main are not capable of sustained effort. It is sad to see youths in an institution with their lives blemished at the commencement of their careers, but it is more pathetic tosee old men who have devoted a life to crime spending the evening of their days in a penal establishment. The Department strives to get these old men placed out in charitable homes wherever such can be arranged with safety tothe community. Napier Prison. —This prison is a small institution where short-sentence prisoners from the east coast are detained. The principal activities carried on are gardening and quarrying. Waikeria.—This institution comprises both a Borstal and a reformatory. The farm consists of just over 4,000 acres, and all phases of farming are carried on under qualified instructors, so that inmates can acquire a training in handling sheep, dairying, cropping, orchard and apiary work, and tobaccogrowing. Lads discharged from Waikeria have no difficulty in securing employment, their services usually being sought after. A wide range of cultural and recreational activities is carried on, the lads participating in football and qrieket with outside teams. Regular school classes are taken by a qualified teacher. Recently a Housemaster with some knowledge of English institutions was appointed to develop and co-ordinate the reelamative activities of the institution.

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iTwercar gill Borstal.—This institution is for younger lads than those detained at Waikeria, the ages being from fifteen to twenty. The purpose—i.e., " training and discipline "■—is identical, the aim being to develop the lads into self-reliant members of society. The curriculum at Invercargill embraces a wider range of cultural activities than is practicable at Waikeria, the nearness to the city making it easier to arrange for the services of people competent and willing to take special classes, &c. The usual school classes are held, and also special classes are taken by •experts in wool-classing, agriculture, singing, and music. The Borstal choir has given acceptable programmes over the air and to public audiences in the city for patriotic and other purposes. Special instructors on the staff take classes and teach the lads in artisan trades such as carpentering, blacksmithing, painting, signwriting, bootmaking, &c. A Housemaster with special experience in youth work was recently appointed to assist in co-ordinating the reelamative activities of the institution. The House Matron, who was away for a time during the war, has resumed duty and fulfils a useful function in assisting in the socializing work of the institution. Arohata Borstal.—This is the only Borstal for young women in New Zealand and was designed and equipped for a Borstal when it became, necessary during the Avar to vacate the Point Halswell institution. The underlying principles of management are similar to those of the young men's institution, subject to the necessary modifications on account of the sex of the inmates. The Arohata institution is fortunate in having a very earnest body of voluntary workers who co-operate with the staff in catering for the well-being and after-care of the inmates. The main industrial activities are domestic work, sewing, and laundering, a considerable volume of work under the latter two headings being done for other State Departments. General, —The Department in the planning of its activities and scheme of treatment of prisoners does not claim to have discovered any panacea for wrongdoing. Long experience shows that any cure must come from within a prisoner himself. Unless he is prepared to co-operate, to take advantage of the opportunities afforded, and to strive to mend his ways himself, the Department cannot prevent him from joining the ranks of the recidivists. As is pointed out by Dr. Dale, a prison teacher, " with many of the prisoners their ideology is erroneous and founded on wrong premises " —the result of fantasy rather than faetuality. The purpose of the Department is to provide stabilizing influences which will conduce to a more socially desirable pattern -of life. The results in general may be regarded as satisfactory. The efficacy of the methods employed is evidenced by the fact that less than 25 per cent, of persons sentenced to reformative detention or substantial terms of imprisonment offend again after release by the Prisons Board. The Borstal scheme, though given statutory recognition by the Prevention of Crime Act in 1924, was conceived a few years earlier and has been modified and developed over the years since 3 921, and between this date and 1945 less than 20 per cent. oi those who have passed through the three institutions have appeared before the Courts to face a subsequent charge. STAFF In my report last year I adverted to the difficult position which existed through shortage of staff and to the heavy strain that was being imposed on officers, who have been unable to take their recreational leave. The Public, Service Commissioner has been most helpful in an endeavour to secure staff and has recently improved the salary scale for disciplinary officers. There have been a few accessions as a result, but there are still a number of vacancies,/

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The work of the prison official is exacting and extending. In the language of" the Canadian authorities, " to take a group of men of varying dispositions: and temperament, to keep them steadily at work, guarding against escapesand infractions, to be prepared at any moment to endanger one's life or ready to grapple with a refractory prisoner, and bring the men back at closing a little better for having been under one's care, demands high qualities of manhood and resourcefulness." The Right Hon. the Minister of Justice for Canada was moved to say: " There is no occupation more open to criticism than that of those in charge of penitentiaries, working all the time earnestly, satisfying nobody." In the selection of men as prison officers character and personality are more important than purely educational qualifications. Experience shows that no amount of academic knowledge or training can make up for the absence of capacity to handle people in the right way. I desire to express appreciation of the loyal service of the prison staff,, who have laboured under overworked and trying conditions during the past year. Without their co-operation the satisfactory results of the year could not. have been achieved. CONCLUSION I desire to place on record the Department's thanks to the various ministers of religion, officers of the Salvation Army, voluntary welfare organizations, and the many kindly disposed individuals who have assisted in ministering to and ameliorating the lot of those placed in the Department's care. In connection with after-care work, which plays such an important part in rehabilitation after release, I desire specially to thank the Borstal Association, the various Prisoners' Aid Societies, and the Probation Officers. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons.

PRISONS AND BORSTAL INSTITUTIONS: EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS Addingion Reformatory Prison (Women) (Superintendent: Miss F. E. Mason) At the commencement of the year there were 21 inmates in custody. During 1 the year 26 were received, 10 discharged on expiration of their sentences, 16 released on license, 9 handed to the police, 4 transferred to Borstal institution, 1 released on special remission, 1 acquitted after trial, leaving 6 inmates in the institution on 31st December, 1945. The general health of the inmates has been good;" all appear to have improved in health since admission. One women received treatment for a septic finger at the out-patients department, public hospital. Four have attended for treatment of venereal disease. Three have been discharged. The conduct and industry of the inmates have been excellent, considering the fact that very few of the women have been accustomed to steady employment or any form of discipline. The laundry continues to be our chief industry and has proved to be a most satisfactory occupation. The vegetable garden and grounds are kept in order by the inmates. This always provides a popular and interesting change and helps to avoid the monotonv of too much indoor work.

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Excellent concert parties have been organized by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, Miss Nicholls, and Miss Stevens. The Salvation Army and the W.C.T.U. provided Christmas and New Year tea parties, and many other friends contributed to our fund for Christmas cheer and recreation on other holidays during the year. We are indebted to the ministers who conduct regular Church services— Rev., P. Re veil, Rev. Father McCarthy, Salvation Army, and Miss Bennett. The Ladies of Charity have been regular visitors on Sunday afternoons. Employment has been found and clothing supplied to inmates who, on leaving here, are anxious to reinstate themselves. In conclusion, I wish to record my sincere appreciation of the loyalty and assistance rendered by the staff during the year. Auckland Prison (Superintendent: Mr. W. T. Leggett) At the commencement of the year there were 210 males and 10 females in custody. During the year 1,127 males and 57 females were received, whilst 1,104 males and 53 females were discharged or otherwise disposed of. There was quite a substantial decrease in reception of 130 males and 36 females for the year. Included in the male reception were 3 males intoxicated in charge of motor-vehicles; 24 soldiers; 13 naval offenders; 9 naval offenders from Civil Courts; 19 Air Force male personnel; 12 offenders under National Service Regulations.—viz., failing to report for military service, 9; assuming name, 3 26 from defaulters' camps were received for escaping and disobedience. The conduct generally of the criminal prisoners has been good, but the •defaulter prisoners have been very troublesome and militant by refusing to perform labour and other disobedience of the regulations. There were two escapes during the year—one being a Borstal detainee who while en route tO' Invercargill escaped at Frankton Junction (subsequently recaptured), and the other a female prisoner who left the Green Lane Hospital on three occasions and subsequently returned to prison. As the hospital authorities would not again admit her, she received out-patient treatment satisfactorily. The health of the prisoners generally has been very good and there has not been any general sickness. The daily average sick has been 5-16 males and 0-48 females. The cases of male sickness show an increase over last year, but this is accounted for by a number of the vagrant type and alcoholics who are in poor shape on admission and are on the sick-list frequently. There were 18 males and 3 females admitted to the public hospital during the year. There were 24 males and 8 females suffering from venereal disorders admitted during the year, and, of these, 12 males and 6 females were suffering from gonorrhea and 12 males and 2 females from syphilis. There were 7 males transferred to a mental hospital during the year; and again the Mental Hospital medical staff have given valuable assistance by making 53 alienist examinations, both for the information of the Courts and as a guide to institutional treatment. Prison labour has been as fully utilized as possible in the various industrial activities, but work outside the walls has been considerably hampered through shortage of staff. The activities inside the prison and in the workshop have been fully maintained.

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The boot-factory has worked at full capacity producing military and Air Force boots, Mental Hospital footwear, and leather satchels for the Post and Telegraph Department. In addition, a large number of repairs have been carried out to Child Welfare Department footwear. The tailoring-factory has had a particularly busy time manufacturing clothing for mental hospitals and prison institutions. Close on 998 cushions (office) were made for other Departments; 1,653 pairs of socks were made and 155 pairs refooted. The tailoring branch also repaired 36,292 mail and parcel bags. Tinsmithing has been carried on, supplying the various prison institutions with their requirements. The carpenters' shop has manufactured a number of cabinets for the Kegistrar-General's Department, and made fittings for local Courts and attended to the renovations of this institution. The laundering section has again laundered a large number of Defence and Air Force blankets; and in this connection 5,922 bars of soap were manufactured sufficient to cover all laundry and other institutional work. The manufacture of tobacco has been continued and all Prisons Department's institutional requirements have been met. A large portion of the leaf used was the product of Waikeria Borstal Farm. Quarrying and crushing metal screenings has been carried on only intermittently, and this industry could not be fully manned, owing to staff shortage. The prison garden has been fully cultivated and has produced most of the vegetables used in the institution. The food supplied to the inmates here lias been first-class quality, and r as previously, the meat and milk has been supplied by the Waikeria Farm and the bread made in the institutional bakehouse here. The institutional school has been continued during the year under the direction of Dr. Dale as Master and with the assistance of two members of the staff. Dr. Dale's report is as follows: In addition to the usual subjects, a special attempt has been made this year to* develop certain aspects of life along lines of discussion!. This was adopted because many of the men appear to accept the opinions of others without any real thought or question. Such ideas are apt to be dangerous not only to the men themselves, but also to society as a whole. Through discussion it has been possible to examine much of what the men held to be true and show that often their ideology is erroneous, founded upon wrong premises and the result of imagination rather than thought. Simple topics, including justice, the decent pattern of a life, economics, news reporting, and so on, have been taken, and from these subjects the elemental laws of logic and argument have been shown. Considerable improvement has been shown by many men, who have learned tocontrol themselves verbally, with consequent mental gain. Odd debates have been held at the request of the men themselves, who appear to appreciate the efforts made to assist them. It is hoped to continue this type of work next year. Some men have shown an earnest desire to pursue work beyond the scope offered at the primary level, and have started elementary book-keeping to assist them when they are discharged, since they have hopes of setting up in small businesses for themselves. For the first time a full survey of a man's potentialities was undertaken this year and I would suggest that every man attending school should be mentally tested beforeembarking upon any educational course, whether primary or secondary. Such a measurewould be in keeping with modern educational practice used i-n intermediate and secondary schools. It would enable the school to know whether the man was mentally equipped tobenefit, and to what extent, from the educational facilities offered. As in past years, the number of Maoris attending school is very high. The general education standard of the majority at commencement is extremely low, which may havesomething to do with their being in prison. Many are scarcely able to write, and reading is often quite beyond them. They indicate, in conversation, that their ideas of life and living is culled from sources which could be corrected if they had derived more from early schooling. They appear to be keen to assimilate what the school has to offer, and. make rapid progress. As a relaxation from direct schooling, they take up the study of their own language with enthusiasm.

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Letters received from 11 old pupils" of tlie school who have managed to rehabilitate themselves show that the school has contributed to this happy state of affairs. Others, who are in the Forces, have written good, informative letters expressing appreciation for what the school has been able to do for them. I believe- that, despite some failures, the school has done, and will continue to do, a real service to those <vlio desire to get the most out of what is an " extended schooling service." I should like to place on record the fine spirit of co-operation that marks all those in authority as far as the school is concerned. The men preserve a very "socially acceptable" pattern of behaviour without harsh disciplinary measures, and the officers responsible help to maintain this in an excellent fashion. So far as I am aware, nothing has marred this fine spirit during the year. My thanks are due to the Superintendent, who has made it possible to break new ground during the year, and who has always shown his interest in what has passed in the school-room. Mr. Warner, the Assistant Schoolmaster, has done invaluable work, and quite up to the standard required. He has shown tact and skill, and a fund of patience in doing a difficult job. The physical-drill class for the benefit of the younger prisoners has been continued under the direction of a member of the disciplinary staff. Christmas cheer of very ample proportions was again provided from various social organizations and was much appreciated. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners! has been fully looked after by the various denominations by holding Sunday services and individual visits. The conduct of the staff generally has been very satisfactory, and a good standard of discipline has been maintained under trying conditions. The officers responsible for the industrial activities of the prison have maintained a very satisfactory standard of industry in their respective departments. The clerical and stores staff have dealt with their phase of institutional matters efficiently. Hautu Prison (Officer in Charge: Mr. T. Banks) At the . beginning of the year there were 47 male prisoners in custody. During the year 47 were received, 39 discharged, and 11 transferred to other prisons, leaving 44 men in custody at the end of the year. The health of the men was good, and their conduct and industry generally satisfactory. Four men escaped during the year, but were recaptured within a few days. The Medical Officer carried out regular inspections as usual, and men requiring dental treatment were taken to the dentist's surgery at Raetihi. Divine services were held by Rev. Salt (Church of England), Taupo; Rev. J. L. Smith, Presbyterian Minister, Taupo; and Mr. Forlong, of Piriaka. On Christmas Day a service was conducted by Rev. J. L. Smith, and gifts from the Presbyterian congregation at Taupo were distributed to the men. The Church of Christ (Scientist), Wellington, and the Auckland Mayoress Memorial League continued to send regular supplies of readingmatter. We have also to thank the Christchurch branch of the Howard League for Christmas cake supplied. The prison garden was a success, yielding a good supply of green and root vegetables throughout the year. Garden produce in excess of ration requirements was sold. The prison and Hautu Defaulters' Dentention Camp were supplied with bread from the prison bakery, lb. being the total weight of bread baked during the year. During the year 264 weaner pigs were transferred to other institutions. Two young boars were purchased.

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Dairy production has been kept up and the cream supplied to the Kaitieke Co-operative Dairy Co. The Defaulters' Camp was supplied with milk. The sheep have done well during the period, and the wool clip was almost a ton heavier than that of last year. The eradication of rabbits was dealt with by trapping and poisoning. There were 25,300 skins sent to market. I should like to conclude with thanks to the officers for their co-operation and loyalty. Napier Prison (Gaoler: Mr. A. A. Douglas) At the beginning of the year there were 16 males in custody; during the year admissions totalled 161 males and 9 females, leaving in custody at the end of the year 20 males. The health, on the whole, has been good; four prisoners were admitted to the public hospital during the year, two from pulmonary tuberculosis, one from acute ulceration of the foot, and one from persistent vertigo. Two new stone retaining-walls at the back of the prison property were built during the year, which greatly improves the appearance of the site. The path leading from the prison to the Clyde Road entrance has been reformed and "kerbed. A considerable amount of maintenance work was carried out on the three cottages, and the work approved by the Department has been much appreciated by the staff concerned. Maintenance work has been carried out on the property of a neighbour adjoining the prison quarry, which has been a profitable means of employing prisoners. An overhaul of the lighting system has been carried out by the municipal authorities, A proper fire-alarm siren has been erected and two lengths of fire-hose has been purchased. Divine services were conducted by the following denominations: Church of England, Roman Catholic, Gospel Hall, Salvation Army, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist. The Napier Brotherhood conducted an evening service on Wednesday evening of every fortnight. All services being well attended and appreciated. Wireless entertainment is permitted daily to prisoners, including Church broadcasts on Sundays. There was one screening by the Department during the year. There were no escapes during the year. The returns from the prison quarry and garden have been good. The gardening season was not favourable owing to the continuous dry spells and the large falls of Ruapehu ash deposits. Flower-growing was commenced during the year, and a good return was obtained considering the ground used was really waste and unsuitable for vegetable-growing. The passion-fruit vines purchased last year are developing well and we should be able to commence marketing this fruit next year. There has been a plentiful supply of all varieties of vegetables for issue to the prisoners. The prison buildings are in a very fair state of repair. Breadmaking has continued with satisfactory results. The conduct of the prisoners has been good; there were five minor offences during the year. The thanks of the Department has, been conveyed to J. Miller, Esq., S.M., the Napier Brotherhood, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Gospel Hall, Salvation Army, Mr. Selby, and Mr. Husheer for their donations and gifts for additional comforts during the festive season. I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation during the year.

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New Plymouth Prison (Superintendent: Mr. T. Stocker) There were 43 male prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 77 male prisoners were received and 80 male prisoners were discharged, leaving 40 male prisoners in custody at the end of the year. Our industries have been carried on in much the same manner as in former years. Gardening is our main occupation and gives employment for the majority of the men. After supplying our own requirements, the surplus vegetables were sold at auction, also to the New Plymouth Hospital and to the boys' high school. Our potato crop was sufficient to supply our requirements for about four and a half months of the year, the balance being obtained from other institutions. Sales of vegetables for the year January to December amounted to £432 os. 6d., and a quantity of root crops were also grown for pig-feed. Work in the quarry has been continued and finds employment for that class of prisoner whom it is necessary to keep under strict supervision. The pig industry has proved a success and is continuing to expand, _ and with the ample quantities of offal received from the public hospital, in addition to refuse from our own kitchen, we were able to bring the pigs to the baconer stage very quickly. Purchases of cows for rations are now being made through the Farmers' Co-operative Association with very satisfactory results and the meat is of uniform good quality and reasonable in price. Killing is done by prison labour on the premises. Boot-repairing has been carried on as usual and has provided useful employment for one man throughout the year. A considerable quantity of soap has been made, and, in addition to meeting our own requirements, a quantity was sent to Wanganui Prison. Work in the laundry has provided employment for several men in washing prisoners' clothing in addition to towels and dusters for local Government Departments. The washing of blankets, which was done in the past for the Army Department, has now ceased. The cooking and water-heating arrangements continue to give satisfaction. All meals have been well cooked and of ample quantity, our supply of vegetables contributing greatly to their excellence. The menu has been raised by the addition of fresh fish when the supply has been available and is eagerly looked for by the men. We are still fortunate in having a first-class prisoner bread-baker who supplies us with excellent bread. Apples supplied by Waikeria Eeformatory in season were a welcome addition to the dietary scale and were much appreciated. Our meat-house, which was erected for the storage of fresh meat on. the drying-gmunds, is proving satisfactory and there has been very little cause for complaint regarding its efficiency, considering our low muster and the consequent length of time between killings. The social activities of the prison have continued in the same manner as in former years. The people of New Plymouth continue to take an interest in the Welfare of the men and have provided concerts on numerous occasions which have been much appreciated. In addition to concerts, we have physical drill and games on two evenings each week, badminton once a week, a class in first aid once a week, and cards once a week. The radio is also made full use of at the week-ends, and in the evenings when other activities are not in progress. The Tui Cribbage Club have also visited us and engaged the men in friendly card games.

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Departmental pictures were shown less frequently than formerly, caused, no doubt, by the travel restrictions and the scarcity of suitable films. Examinations in first aid and home nursing were held on several occasions, the results being highly satisfactorily, there being several passes in honours. Papier mache work and toymaking for the Red Cross was also carried out on one evening each week. Prisoners whose conduct and industry warrant it are allowed the privilege of wearing their private clothing after working-hours, and the privilege has so far not been abused. The local newspapers are displayed in the exercise yard at the week-ends, which is regarded as a great privilege. The benefit to the prisoners and to the administration as the result of all these social activities and privileges is very evident and should be encouraged. Most prisoners are grateful for the extra privileges, but there is always a small minority which is unappreciative of what is done for them. Our objective is to confine the men to their cells for as short a time as possible and to give them some form of recreation or entertainment in the evenings with a view to lessening the period of confinement in the cells. The general health of the prisoners has been good. There were 4 admissions to hospital, and 1 prisoner died in hospital from acute double pneumonia shortly after admission. Dr. Allen visited the prison once weekly throughout the year as well as at other times when called upon and attended to all eases of sickness. On admission all men were subjected to a psychological and medical examination. Also throughout the year the Medical Officer had a number of private interviews with prisoners. The general conduct of the prisoners has been good. There were no escapes or attempted escapes. Mr. Woodward, S.M., and Messrs. Weston and Nicol, Visiting Justices, visited the prison in the course of their official duties during the year and continue to interest themselves in the welfare of the men generally. The ministers of the various denominations visited the prison in turn and attended to the spiritual welfare of the men. Mass' for the Roman Catholics and Holy Communion for the Church of England men was celebrated regularly. Paparua Prison (Superintendent: Mr. C. E. Spittal) On the Ist January, 1945, there were in custody 77 male prisoners; during the year the receptions totalled 390, while 360 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, thus leaving a total of 107 prisoners in custody as at 31st December, 1945. The health of prisoners during the past year has been generally satisfactory, and an adequate medical service was maintained under the control of the Medical Officer, Dr. A. C. Thomson. Five prisoners were admitted to the local public hospital for necessary treatment, while in three cases prisoners were transferred to the control of the Mental Hospitals Department. Six prisoners were treated for venereal disease. No deaths occurred in the prison throughout the year. There were no outbreaks of any form of epidemic disease. The drainage and sanitation systems are working satisfactorily, and close attention was given to the matter of maintaining a high standard of cleanliness both in the prison and environs. The services of mental specialists were fully availed of in order to carry out examinations of those prisoners

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showing signs of mental disorder, as well as in specific cases where an expert opinion would serve as a guide in following a special method of treatment in certain individual cases. The- help and advice given has been most useful. A number of staple items of food included in the dietary scale were produced on the prison property, and these include beef, milk, potatoes, and vegetables, while eggs for those prisoners requiring a special diet under medical orders were available from the poultry-run. Bread of first-grade quality was manufactured on the premises. Supplies of mutton, to vary the beef ration, were obtained from a local freezing-works, and a satisfactory service was maintained. The conduct of prisoners throughout the past year has been generally satisfactory, and a good standard of discipline was maintained. Offences against the disciplinary regulations totalled 39, in which 35 individuals were •concerned. Eighteen of these cases were dealt with by Visiting Justices, and the remainder by myself. There were no incidents involving anything in the nature of an organized disturbance. One case of escaping from legal custody, involving two prisoners, occurred during the year, but they were recaptured after a brief period of liberty. The spiritual requirements of the prisoners have been adequately catered for, and the representatives of the various religious denominations visit the prison at regular intervals. The help and assistance received both from local organizations and individuals in providing entertainments and comforts for the prisoners, particularly during the "Christmas and New Year period, is greatly appreciated. Special mention is made of the efforts of the Salvation Army, the Richmond Mission, Mr. A. Paynter, and the Rev. J. M. Fisher, Anglican Chaplain, in this direction. Work in connection with the institution school was carried out under the direction of Mr. P. Schroeder. As an adjunct to this work, the voluntary effort which continues to be maintained by the local Workers' Educational Association in delivering a series of lectures during the winter months has "been of great assistance. The programme for the 1945 season comprised a total of thirteen lectures, and the average attendance of prisoners at these lectures was very satisfactory. Mr. Schroeder reports as follows regarding the year's work:— General.i —The work, as in former years, lias been mainly confined to the subjects arithmetic and English (with its associates, writing, spelling, composition, and letterwriting). Interest has also been widely aroused in history, geography, and nature study. jEnglish.—This includes (1) study of words, phrases, and clauses leading to the study of sentences!, and sentence building; (2) grammar as an aid to written and spoken English; (3) spelling as aid. to letter-writing and composition':. Arithmetic. —This course included work in mental and mechanical; also problems useful in daily life; addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of numbers, fractions, and decimals. Various problems in weights, measuresi, &c., were dealt with. Practical examples were included where possible. History, Geography, and Nature Study were correlated to centre round nations, countries, people, productions, government, and commerce. Talks on the progress of the World War and peace problems were included. That great interest was taken was shown by the attention given and discussions arising therefrom. The men were encouraged to give talks on industries in which they have had experience, much to their benefit and good generally. Attendance, interest, and attention were quite satisfactory, and discipline was very good. In regard to measures taken for the care and guidance of prisoners on their release, the Salvation Army, the Richmond Mission, and the St. Martin's House of Help are giving excellent service. The Prisoners' Rehabilitation Committee, formed in 1944, is carrying out its functions very well and maintaining an active interest in those prisoners requiring guidance and advice, particularly in the important matter of obtaining suitable employment.

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The question of finding suitable avenues of work for prisoners while they are in custody is always regarded with the importance it deserves, and as far as possible the labour available is directed into channels where the individual will, or at least should, derive benefit from applying himself to a worth-while task. With this end in view, the majority of the prisoners are employed on industrial activities, such as farming work, quarrying, gardening, &c., and the fact that this work is performed out-of-doors and in a number of cases without direct supervision of an officer does help to encourage self-reliance and interest in the task. In the case of prisoners, whose civilian occupation is in one of the recognized trades, every opportunity is taken to direct their work while in prison along that avenue. Daring the past year no works of a major kind in regard to buildings construction were carried out, and attention was mainly directed towards the carrying-out of necessary maintenance work to the prison buildings and the staff cottages, as well as to the various structures on.the prison farm and at the quarry. Certain repair and renovation work was also attended to at the Court buildings in Christchurch and at the Addington Women's Reformatory. The extensive electrical installations and plant at the prison have also received attention during the year and are giving satisfactory service. An abnormal fall of snow followed by severe frosts in the month of July was the cause of considerable damage, mainly to the power lines and to the water services, and this necessitated prompt attention in order to ensure that the services would be resumed with as little delay as possible. In this work a splendid effort was made by the staff and prisoners employed thereon. Thjb quarry industry, in which all grades of metal, shingle, and sand products were obtained, absorbs a large proportion of the prison labour. During the past year the industry has been working under difficulties, mainly brought about through the necessity for considerable repair and replacement work, and allied with unusually adverse weather conditions holding up the production of the various grades of metal and shingle. Production for 1945 amounted to a total of 14,108 yards and sales and transfers to 15,010 yards. The corresponding figures for 1944 were 15,325 yards and 17,731 yards respectively. It was expected that a mechanical loader would be available by the end of the year, but it seems that this unit has not yet been landed in New Zealand. When put into commission it will be a great help in maintaining a satisfactory turnover, and the present indications are that, it will not be long before there is an active demand for quarry products both for roadmaking and for building purposes. In the blockmaking industry very little progress has been made, although there is some business coming forward for concrete posts and for flagstones. The shortage of suitable reinforcing-steel for posts and the present shortage of cement are the main contributing factors, but I am confident that the position will be much improved before long. The laundering of blankets for the Army, Air, and Police Departments resulted in a turnover of 38,464 articles during the past year. In previous years blanket-washing to full capacity of 50,000 articles per annum was carried out, but the demand is now decreasing as the necessity for this service is gradually diminishing. In the garden industry, which provides employment for a number of prisoners not suited for heavier forms of manual labour, an area of 10 acres is under cultivation, and, in addition to the growing of vegetables, nursery trees are grown for planting out on the property, while the early crop of potatoes for ration purposes is also set in the garden. All classes of vegetables are sown and planted, and after meeting the requirements of the prison there is usually a substantial surplus available for disposal in the market. Some /

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excellent crops were grown in 1945, particularly onions. Extensive sowings and plantings were again made in the spring, but the prospects for the •coming season as regards production are far from bright, the long spell of -dry weather being the main contributing factor. The poultry industry continues to do well, and the very satisfactory returns in 1944 have been carried on into the past year. Egg-production amounted to 8,449 dozen, and a setting of 69 dozen eggs in the incubators turned out very well. The cockerels from these hatchings were fattened, and realized good prices in the local market. In connection with the timber-working industry, a good deal of work has been done. A total of 8,100 young trees were planted out in paddock No. 1— 7,300 Pinus radiata and 800 macrocarpas. It is hoped to have the work ■completed in the coming year, after which the only planting work needed on this area will be for the purpose of replacing dead trees, The work done to date has been generally satisfactory and the plantation as a whole is looking well. The July gale, followed by a heavy snowfall, brought down numerous trees in the established plantations, but the appearance of these plantations has not been marred to any extent as a result. Prom the fallen trees a total of 94 cords of excellent firewood has been obtained. The farming section, under the direction of Mr. H. J. S. Wilson as Farm-manager with sheep-raising and cropping as the main activities, has come through a successful season. In the sheep section the flock came through the trying conditions of the winter very well. A total of 1,294 lambs were reared from the Paparua flock, giving a percentage of approximately 104. The wool clip totalled 44 bales. Several lines of store wethers, totalling 785 in all, were purchased for fattening and resale. Of these, 125 were sold in the wool at Addington, and the remainder were shorn before being sold and produced 16 bales of wool. Altogether the venture turned >out a most profitable one, a gain of over £6OO on the deals being the final result. Abnormally dry conditions in the spring and early summer months had, an adverse effect on the pastures, and as a result the fattening of the lambs was considerably retarded, only 90 lambs being ready for the works by the end of the year. In the cropping section, the usual comprehensive -programme of sowings was carried out. Oats, wheat, turnips, rape, and mangels were sown for fodder purposes, with, in some cases., a surplus left over 1 for sale. The turnip crop was very good, and some revenue was obtained from grazing and from sale for removal from the paddock. The potato crop was fairly good, and considerable quantities were shipped to North Island institutions for ration purposes. Despite the dry spring weather, the grain crops are doing fairly well, but the pasture growth was very poor and hand-feeding will probably be necessary in the early months of 1946. Dairying was carried on on a small scale, the main purpose being to supply milk for institution use. There is, as a rule, a small surplus of milk to be seperated into cream and sold to a local dairy factory. All of the beef required for ration purposes was killed on the property. The cultivation work on the farm is carried out by teams of horses and by a tractor. Early in the year a new tractor was purchased, and is doing an excellent job. In conclusion, I am pleased to report that the members _ of the staff at this institution have given their enthusiastic support during the past year both in the maintaining of a good standard of discipline amongst the prisoners and in the carrying-out of the various industrial and other activities. The help I have received from all ranks has been most encouraging.

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Raxgipo Prison. (Officer in Charge: Mr. A. Banks) At the commencement of the year there were 30 males in custody. During the year 23 were received, whilst 17 were discharged and 3 transferred,, leaving in custody at the enw of the year 31 prisoners. The health of the prisoners has been good, most cases of illness beingof a minor nature. Examinations were regularly made by Dr. Feltham, of Raetihi, Medical Officer, and dental treatment was given by Mr. Davies r practising dentist, of Raetihi. The conduct generally of the prisoners has been good, excepting for 6 military defaulter prisoners who caused a considerable lot of trouble and inconvenience by refusing to work as a protest against their imprisonment. Two defaulter prisoners escaped, but were later recaptured by the police. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been well cared for throughout the year by the Rev. J. G. Laughton, Rev. Smith, and Mr. Forlong. Regular supplies of reading-matter, which is greatly appreciated by the men, were received from the Mayoress War Memorial Library League, Auckland, and the Church of Christ Scientist, Wellington. We record our special thanks to the Christ church branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform and the Rev. J. G. Laughton, Taupo, for Christmas gifts to prisoners. The rations supplied during the year were of good quality. Various kinds of vegetables were supplied from the prison garden, and beef and mutton for rations were killed on the farm. Farm activities carried out during the year were principally the maintenance of the area already brought under cultivation, such as the clearing of second growth, the eradication of weeds, and the draining of swamps, no development being earned out on account of the shortage of fertilizers. The sheep-farming carried out during recent years has progressed very favourably. During the year 50 bales of wool were obtained, a draft of 446 wether lambs were disposed of to the works, and 80 were sold through Westfield. The ewe lambs were kept to add them to the breeding flock. During the year 89 bullocks were sold through Westfield and the local butcher, and others were killed for rations for this and Waikune Prison. The following crops were grown: 15 tons oaten sheaves, 30 acres of swedes, 12 tons of potatoes, 200 tons of hay harvested, and a further 2 acres of pampas grass has been planted. In conclusion, I would like to thank all members of the staff for their loyal co-operation throughout the year. Waikune Prison (Roadmaking Camp), Erua (Officer in Charge: Mr. J. G. Quill) At the commencement of the year there were 55 prisoners in custody, and during the year 80 prisoners were received. The discharges were: 31 released on probationary license, 4 on expiration of sentence, 17 on special remission, and 23 were transferred to other institutions. The greatest number of prisoners in detention at any one time was 71, the least number 51, and the daily average was 58-28. Six prisoners escaped at various times during the year. They were all recaptured.

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The health of the prisoners throughout the year has been very good,, there being no serious illnesses, and no prisoners were admitted to hospital.. As in former years, the Medical Officer, Dr.- W. J. Feltham, and the Dentist, Mr. R. B. Davies, attended the medical and dental requirements of the prisoners. Religious services were conducted at the institution periodically by the following clergymen: Rev. Father Gerrahy (Catholic), Rev. W. H. D.Hartley (Church of England), and Messrs. H. L. and H. G. Forlong (Plymouth Brethren). Our thanks are again due to the Christchurch branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform for the fine cake presented at Christmas for the prisoners of 'the institution. Vegetable rations for the whole institution were supplied from the prison garden, and there was no shortage of greens and root crops throughout the year. Rangipo Prison supplied us with ration meat for a portion of the year. Towardsi the end of the year a number of cows were purchased from the Waikeria Borstal Institution and killed as required for rations. The slaughtering was. done by prison labour, and the hides were sold on the Auckland market. Killing our own beef for rations has proved very satisfactory, and it is hoped to continue this system. Dealing now with the farm, some 94 acres of pasture were top-dressed with eobaltdzed superphosphate at the rate of 3 cwt. to the acre. It is estimated that approximaely 1,700 bales of hay will be cut for winter feed for the stock from these pastures. The hay crop would probably have been heavier but for the fact that the spring was very cold and wet and pastures made very little growth. However, the haymaking season promises to be good, and what yield there is should be well saved. Approximately 38 acres of root crops, comprising swede turnips, chou mollier, and carrots, have been sown for winter feed. The milking-herd wintered well, and the stock are all in good condition, the calves being especially healthy. We were able to supply the Chateau Mental Hospital with milk throughout the year, and also to provide the butter ration from the surplus cream. The maintenance of the National Park - Taupo State Highway, the Waimarino-Ohakune State Highway, and the Bruce Road was again our major works. Metal was supplied on the order of the Public Works Department to the Raurimu-Oio State Highway. This work, which accounted for most of the production of the three quarries also provided labour for the greater part of the prisoners. All transport for the Hautu and Rangipo Prisons was undertaken by our motor-trucks. In addition, a great deal of the cartage required by the Chateau was carried out in our trucks. Wanganui Prison (Gaoler: Mr. P. S. Watters) At the commencement of the year there were 14 males in custody. During the year 80 males and 2 females were received into custody, 74 males and 2 females have been discharged during the year, 1 male inmate died in the Wanganui Public Hospital, leaving at the end of the year a total of 19 males in custody. The average daily number in custody was 18-80. The health of the inmates has been good, considering the class of inmates detained at this prison, some of whom are aged men with old complaints suffered before coming into prison, and who suffer from different disabilities on admission. One prisoner was admitted to the public hospital and is still a patient there. He is receiving medical treatment for an old complaint (sinus hip), and he is receiving penicillin injections.

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The Medical Officer visits the prison at least once a week, whether he is required to give attention to the inmates or not; sometimes his services •are. required more often than once a week. The conduct in general of the inmates has been good. A few minor offences were committed and the offenders were suitably dealt with by the Visiting Justice. There were no escapes or attempted escapes during the year. The main employment of the inmates is centred in the prison garden, maintenance of grounds and prison in general, and in the prison laundry. These different works provide a useful occupation and is beneficial to the health of the inmates. The more feeble inmates are occupied in cleaning and mending clothing, inside occupations being more suitable to their •disabilities. The garden has provided the institution with a plentiful supply of vegetables throughout the year, and any vegetables surplus to requirements liave been sold at the auction-market. Food supplied to the institution by the various firms under departmental contracts, &c., have been of good quality, and satisfaction has been given throughout the year. Representatives of the various religious denominations have visited the prison and conducted religious services for the uplifting of the inmates. Entertainment by way of moving-pictures have been provided at intervals by the Department, and on Christmas Day a party from the Church of •Christ entertained the inmates with a variety of song and service, concluding with a Christmas treat by way of cakes, fruit, sandwiches, and a donation of cigarette-tobacco.' These were much appreciated by the inmates, who showed their appreciation by thanking the party for their kindness. The Saint Vincent de Paul Society also provided a small gift of tobacco. Mr. Rogers, Visiting Justice, made a donation of cake and some cigarettes. In conclusion, I desire to express my appreciation of the loyal co-operation of the members of the staff throughout the year. Wellington Prison (Superintendent: Mr. P. McGrath) At the commencement of the year there were 69 males in custody. During the year 857 males were received, whilst 816 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the night of 31st December, 1945, 110 males. The discharges were as follows: on expiration of sentence, hard labour or simple imprisonment, 207; reformative detention, nil; Borstal detention, 1 ; on special remission, hard labour, 88; released on the recommendation of the Prisons and Parole Board, hard labour, 18; reformative detention, 5, habitual criminals, 1; debtors, 8; mental defectives transferred to mental hospital, 6; acquitted and after remand, 9; transferred to another prison or to the police, 428; released on bail, 44; died, 1. The greatest number in confinement overnight at any one time during the year was I'll, and the least 69. The daily average number in prison during the year was 94-79. Th& prison Medical Officer, Dr. Douglas Brown, visited the prison regularly each week examining all inmates requiring medical attention. The greatest number of cases of sickness at any one time during the year was 8, and the number admissions to hospital was 8. The inmate shown as died in hospital was a remand prisoner who was transferred from prison to hospital whilst on remand. Thirteen cases of venereal disease were received during the year, 10 of syphilis and 3 of gonorrhoea; of these 1 case of gonorrhoea was admitted to the public hospital for treatment. The remainder were treated at the prison clinic.

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There were during the year 34 breaches of the regulations, 21 were dealt with by the Visiting Justices, and the balance—a number of minor offences requiring disciplinary correction by loss of privileges—were dealt with by myself. The pig-raising industry has again shown a good return for the period and the sales were 321 baconers for a net total of £1,400. The total transfer in of weaners from other institutions numbered 321. The stock are in good condition. The dairy herd has kept in excellent condition and production greatly increased. Supplies of milk to institution for rations, and also sales to local staff, have been maintained, also butter for rations, and sales to Wi Tako Prison, &c. A good crop of hay has again been harvested this year. A number of heifer calves are being reared and will replace some of the old cows in due course. The vegetable supplies have been obtained from the institution garden and have been of good, quality. The bread manufactured in the prison bakehouse for rations and sales to the Arohata Borstal Institution has been maintained at a high standard. General maintenance of the prison buildings and cottages has been carried on with prison labour during the year. All the cottages have been renovated and roofs painted. The work of painting the cells and institutional buildings, &c., is now well in hand. Alterations, &c., have been effected during the year at Head Office, Patents Office, and Registrar-General's Office, &e. Office furniture for these offices has also been manufactured. The prison laundry has dealt with all institutional requirements and laundered, blankets for the Army and Air Departments. Towels, &c., have also been done for the Department of Industries and Commerce. The Mines Department were again supplied with a large quantity of kindling-wood; also, a large number of sacks were repaired for this Department during the year. The printing industry has maintained a good output of institutional stationery. Boot repairs have been carried out for the Arohata Borstal Institution and all institutional requirements. On the Borstal Farm at Arohata an officer and 12 men have been employed regularly during the year on general farm work. The screening of topical and educational films provided by the Department has been continued regularly during the year, and this, with the wireless installation, has provided much appreciated entertainment. A series of concerts arranged by Mr. Andrew Morrison, J.P., were again given during the year. The prison nursery and buildings have again been fully maintained during the period, and a large number of seeds have been planted, seedlings planted out, &c. A large number of trees were again supplied for distribution to the Wellington Beautifying Society. Throughout the year Church services were held regularly each week, and to the ministers of the Anglican, Presbyterian, and other branches of the Protestant Churches, the Roman Catholic clergy, and the officers of the Salvation Army who have visited us from time to time we are deeply indebted. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their co-operation. Their conduct has been excellent and the prison routine work has been carried out in a satisfactory manner. Wi Tako Prison, Heretaunga (Superintendent: Mr. A. St. P. Jordan) During the year 205 prisoners were received and 212 discharged or transferred, leaving the muster at 48 at the end of the year, as compared with 55 at the start. The daily average number in custody was 56-35.

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Two prisoners were transferred to public hospital during the year, and 1 of these, unfortunately, died after being in the institution for one month. The cause of death was thrombosis. Apart from this, there were no serious ■cases of sickness and all were treated by the prison Medical Officer. Two individuals were dealt with by Visiting Justices and 2 by the Superintendent for minor prison offences, but, apart from these breaches, the •general conduct and industry of the prisoners have been satisfactory. A large part of the farm has been subject to Army activities, but a small number of ewes was again carried this year for fat-lamb breeding. The revenue from the farm for the year was £5,830, to which the sale of 638 pigscontributed £3,313, whilst the dairy herd contributed £1,512 for milk sold to the Wellington municipal supply. As usual, the prison was self-supporting in vegetables, meat, milk, and firewood. Ministers and laymen of various denominations visited the prison regularly and conducted services for the inmates. The screening of the departmental pictures throughout the year provided ■entertainment, which was all the more appreciated because lack of transport prevented some of the usual concert parties from visiting the prison. Thanks to Mr. Morrall of Upper Hutt, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Upper Hutt, and Mr. Ellis of Taita, who provided gifts of Christmas cheer, the inmates were able to enjoy a much more varied menu on Christmas Day. In conclusion, I wish to thank members of the staff for loyal co-operation throughout the year. Arohata Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Miss B. L. Trevor) Borstal admissions during the year totalled 32, discharges 46. In the reformatory section 41 were received and 38 discharged. The health of the inmates was generally good. The venereal-disease rate was lower, only 6 Borstal and 8 reformatory -cases being treated during the year. The physical condition of inmates on admission has not been very good; many of the girls appeared undernourished and lacking in vitality. As is generally noticed, dental attention was badly needed in many cases; several inmates were also supplied with dentures. The girls admitted have been of a lower mental type; while not being certifiable, many were definitely of subnormal mentality. This renders training difficult, and presents obstacles when the question of placing after release arises, particularly when the girl has no relatives and needs to go straight to work. The general behaviour for the year was fair, 49 inmates being dealt with for breaches of discipline. Eighteen of these were escapes and attempted escapes. The foregoing might appear to give the impression that we have been able to accomplish little in the way of reclamation. Such is not the case, as will be shown by details of the industries and activities. Since May it has not been possible to have girls employed on the farm. The female officer in charge of the dairy and farm work resigned, and our numbers are depleted to such an extent that it would have been impossible to supply outside labour. We attend to the institution flower-gardens and lawns. All the wing enclosures are now planted and have presented quite an attractive appearance. A small orchard is also under cultivation and should in time prove a productive asset.

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The laundry employs between 5 and, 8 inmates, and despite many mechanical hitches contracts have been delivered on time. A good training is given in this Department. Value of work for the year was £1,366 7s. 2d. Army puttees have been washed and repaired during the year; with the decreased muster, less of this work can be handled. Between 4. and 7 inmates work in the sewing-room, a wide variety of articles being manufactured. To quote a few: sheets; pillow-cases; mattresstickings; infants' underwear; men's pyjamas, undershirts, and shirts; women's apparel for mental hospital; and school gymnasium uniforms. Apart from these garments staff uniforms, and clothing is made for the girls themselves on release, besides institution clothing and bedding, and repairs. The majority take an interest in this work, and I feel that it is a valuable training for any young woman and one that is not wasted. The value of work for the year was £4Bl Os. Id. for outside work, plus £5B ss. 2d. for institution clothing. Value of repairs and of sewing for girls on release is not included in these amounts. The kitchens provide yet another source of training which is useful in the future. All cooking done by the girls under supervision. In the staff kitchen the cook is left largely to her own initiative and trained to plan,, cook, and serve meals attractively, as well as bake for any visitors to the institution. In the main kitchen the cooking is naturally in bulk, but inmates are taught to cook well and practise the various economies which are necessary in any large kitchen. All the jam-making is done here, and is usually a popular occupation. On New Year's Day, 1945, Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day r 1945, all inmates were taken for walks or picnics over the hills. On Good Friday a picnic lunch was consumed with great relish by a wayside stream. These trips are greatly appreciated and talked of for many days after the event. During the year we have been indebted to the Borstal Committee for constant support and regular visits. At Christmas the Chairman handed me a donation from members to provide extras for the holiday period. Also at Christmas a donation was received from the Rotary Club per Mrs. Chatfield, the Borstal Association provided cake and gifts for both staff and girls, Major Glover of the Salvation Army sent a token for every one r and Miss Sloane gave some of her delicious home-made sweets, besides pictures,, for the girls' rooms, The Borstal Association have continued to visit twice monthly, as well as helping to outfit inmates and secure positions for those in need. Mrs. Steptoe has been instrumental in providing concert parties, which were most enjoyable. Visiting clergy, the parish priest, the convent sisters, and Miss Sloane ministered to the spiritual welfare of all during the year. By the death of Mrs. Brigadier Glover the institution lost a most valuable friend who had been associated, with the Borstal both as a Committee and Association member for very many years. Mrs. Glover will be affectionately remembered by many past staff members and inmates alike for her good works. Her daughter,. Major Glover, has recently become a member of the Borstal Committee. Mrs. Sharp has continued to give first-aid classes monthly and has been appointed to the Borstal Association. Various concerts and picture evenings were much enjoyed during the year. Before closing this report I would like to express my appreciation of the good service rendered by the staff of this institution. Most of them were new to the Department and the war years were arduous in many ways, but, despite this, the staff have proved themselves dependable in every situation.

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Invercargill. Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. H. C. Mathew) Statistics.—On Ist January, 1945, there were 152 inmates in custody in -the Borstal institution. During the year 127 were received and '142 discharged or otherwise d,ealt with, thus leaving 137 in custody on 31st December, 1945. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 161 and the least number 135. The daily average over the year was 148. In the reformatory section there were 5 males (no females) in custody on Ist January, 1945. During the year 37 males were received, while 41 were •discharged or transferred to other institutions, thus leaving 1 male in custody on 31st December, 1945. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 7, and the least number 1. The daily average over the year was 2. No females were received, during the year. In 1944 the Borstal inmates received totalled 136 (1943, 155), as compared with 127 (above) for 1945. In the reformatory section the figures were 37 for 1944 (1943, 36), as compared with 37 for 1945. Health of Inmates.—The number of Borstal inmates admitted to the Southland Hospital for the year was 34 (last year, 38). Of those admitted, -5 were in hospital on two occasions, and lon three occasions. Two were still in hospital on 31st December, '1945. There were 12 operations—hernia, 4; appendicitis, 1; tonsils, 2; mastoid, 1; septic poisoned hand, 2. One Maori lad, suffering from tuberculosis of the lungs was transferred to a northern sanatorium. Another Maori lad died from tubercular peronitis. There was 1 case of syphilis during the year and lof gonorrhoea. Both were successfully treated at the Southland Hospital. The health of the inmates was generally good, the main cause of minor illness being colds, boils, and injuries. There were several cases of mumps and measles, but no epidemic. All inmates were given a thorough medical examination on admission by the institution Medical Officer (Dr. J. Garfield Crawford), who recommended medical and surgical attention, x-rays, special diet, or other treatment as required. Special attention was given to the condition of the inmates' teeth, and in all cases extractions, fillings, and dentures were provided for by the Department. The work was carried out by Mr. M. Parr, 8.D.5., the institution dentist. Eyesight was also watched carefully and glasses prescribed and provided, where necessary. Dr. Crawford visited the institution regularly once a week and was on call whenever needed. Case Histories.—A study of the case histories of the 127 inmates received d.uring the year provides an interesting picture of their experience prior to their admission to the institution. The following tables show clearly that before they reach the Borstal institution they have in most cases been before the Courts on a number of earlier occasions, and that in some cases they are -well versed in crime before we receive them. The following table sets out the details of previous experiences:— First offenders (as far as can be ascertained) . . 12 Previously dealt with by Courts (fined, &c.) .. . . 13 Previously on probation . . . . .. . . 37 Previously under the care of the Child Welfare Branch 87 Previously in Child Welfare receiving-homes . . . . 15 Previously in orphanages . . .. . . 4 Previously attended Otekaike Special School .. . . 11 Previously committed to Boys' Training Centre, Levin . . 28 Previously served short sentences in prison . . 9 Inmates of Borstal institution once previously .. 19 Inmates of Borstal institution twice previously .. 2

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In the above table most individuals are included more than once, some of them having been subjected to more than one type of care cited prior to admission to the institution. For instance, 22 inmates had previously been both under the care of a Child "Welfare Officer and on probation, while 8 had been under the care of a Child Welfare Officer, had been inmates of the Boys'" Training Centre, and had been under probation before being committed toBorstal. It is interesting to note that 28 inmates had previously been committed to the Boys' Training Centre at Levin and that 21 of those admitted during the year had previously served, a term in Borstal. The indication here is that certain youths need a longer time to stabilize, and should perhaps have been kept under control for a longer period in the first instance. The following table shows the number of previous convictions:—

The offences for which inmates were committed to the institution during the year were as follows : Theft . . . . .. .. .. 37 Car conversion .. . . . . .. 38 Breaking, entering, and theft and similar offences .. 32 Bicycle conversion . . . . .. . . 1 Sexual offences . . .. .. .. 5 Assault .. .. .. .. .. 2 Idle and disorderly . . . . . . 3 False pretences .. .. .. .. 2 Wilful damage . . . . . . .. 1 Breach of probation . . .. .. 1 Licenses revoked . . .. .. .. 5 127 The ages of inmates admitted were as under:—

Educational attainment on admission was as follows: High school . . .. 24 Passed Standard 2 3 Passed Form I ... 38 Passed Primer 4 (Maoris) 2 Passed Form II 35 —- Passed Standard 4 17 Total . . .. 127 Passed Standard 3 . . 8

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Previous Convictions. Inmates. Previous Convictions. Inmates. 1 Previous Convictions. Inmates. 51 1 15 .. 3 5 7 34 1 14 .. 1 4 20 25 1 13 .. 3 3 14 24 1 12 .. 1 2 19 23 1 10 .. 4 1 11 22 1 9 3 Nil .. 12 21 1 8 4 19 2 7 4 Total 127 . 16 2 6 10

Age. Number of Inmates. Age. / Number of Inmates. 15 years 16 years 17 years 18 years 5 19 25 42 19 years .. 20 years 34 2 Total 127

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Of the 127 inmates admitted, 92 came from the North Island and 35 from "the South Island,. Maoris.—Thirty-five of the inmates admitted were Maoris or of part Maori blood. A good many of these came from either the extreme North or the east coast of the North Island, but an increasing number are coming from the larger cities and towns of the North Island. The Maoris present no special problem as inmates, either from the point of view of discipline or l of their ability and willingness to associate with other inmates. They are usually friendly, easy to handle, and good workers. Behaviour of Inmates.—The standard of behaviour of the inmates during the year has been good. There was no serious misconduct or any concerted misbehaviour on the part of the inmates. One of the reassuring aspects of the work has been the cheerful and co-operative spirit of the boys under our •care. The morale of the institution has been maintained at a high order, in -spite of a number of changes of staff, long hours of work, and the usual rapidly changing constitution of our muster. There were nine escapes during the year involving 12 inmates. This is .•slightly higher than the average for the past few years. There seems to be no special reason for this increase, other than the peculiar temperament of the individuals under care at the time. Escapes have a disturbing effect on the community and on the life of the institution itself, and therefore every -effort is made by diligence on the part of the staff, appeals to the loyalty of the inmates, and, the maintenance of a high morale to circumvent them where■ever possible. Nevertheless, as long as our programme is based on a system •of trust, as it must needs be, there will continue to be a certain number of ■escapes. One interesting factor is that in some cases the experience of -escaping seems to have therapeutic value for the individual. The returned •escapee is often more settled in his behaviour, and happier in his outlook, .apparently having worked something out of his system. Causes of Delinquency.—The factors that lead to the committal of lads to the Borstal institution are almost as varied as the inmates committed. There is, perhaps, room, however, for some general comment concerning the -causes of delinquency as revealed in our contact with Borstal lads. The great majority of Borstal inmates come out of poor or broken homes. Most lads admitted to Borstal have had a poor work history, changing from job to job, and have been poor, ineffective workers. * High wages and easy money also appear to have contributed to the delinquency of some lads. Intelligence •does not seem to be as important a factor as might be expected, although at least one-third of our inmates are of subnormal mentality and therefore easily led. Most of them have had insufficient recreational outlets or interests, and the great majority of them appear to be the orphans of society in so far as .any group or organization taking an interest in their welfare is concerned. There are without doubt psychological factors underlying every case of ■delinquency, such as emotional insecurity, unhealthy striving of the personality, marked inferiority, and overcompensation for loss of one kind or another. Fear, conflict, hatred, jealousy, and the neuroses all take their toll of youth. Yet, when each individual case is considered it is seen that greed, self-will, and a deliberate choosing of evil rather than good also play their part. Treatment. —Delinquent adolescents as a rule are not innocent lads who aire only waiting to be shown a better way of life in order to embrace it. Many of them, especially at first, have no desire or will to make good. The will to strive for good ends and a better way of life has to be cultivated and ■developed by the provision of a protective environment, encouragement, understanding, a steady routine and discipline; sport, group activity,

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•education, entertainment, and religious instruction. These are the means whereby we of the Borstal staff seek to assist the lads under our care to rehabilitate themselves. Direct psychological treatment is very difficult, and except in skilled hands is liable to do more harm than good. It is our experience that in the Borstal environment the great majority of lads seem to -work out their emotional conflicts so that when the time for their release ■comes they are invariably more stable, more integrated in their personalities, and better equipped to face the rigours of life in the community. Prior to the war every Borstal inmate was examined by a member of the psychiatric staff of Seacliff Mental Hospital and much valuable help was -given toward the understanding and treatment of inmates. It is our hope that before the end of the coming year this service may be revived. Administration,.—lt is no easy task to administer wisely an institution for delinquent youth. There are many difficulties that are not always recognized by the general public. A lad must be led, not driven. His spirit must not be crushed by destructive criticism or by harsh discipline. His imagination must be appealed to and his co-operation gained. His will to make good must be enlisted, and he must be encouraged to have faith in himself and be given assurance that he has the power to make a right adjustment to society. He must be subjected to discipline, but he must be given sufficient freedom in which to develop confidence and strength of character. He must be built up in health of body and mind. He must learn to be a •good worker and to be happy while at work. He must be guided and trained "to participate in sport and be helped to develop an interest in a hobby or ■some spare-time activity. These are some of the things that we strive to do for a boy who comes to Borstal, and with many lads we meet a ready response. Programme for the Year 1945.—The following is an account of some of "the activities carried on as part of the institutional programme for the year:— Occupational and Vocational.—One of the most important functions of the institution is to provide suitable work for the inmates and to teach them •good work habits. The average length of time spent in the institution is about •one year. In this short period it is not possible to teach a trade, so that we concentrate mainly on healthy outdoor work, which is calculated to build up the stamina and physique of the lads and accustom them to regular work habits. The largest number, of inmates is employed on the institution farm, which covers some 2,000 acres. The lads are engaged in dairying, pig and sheep farming, ploughing, crop-growing, shearing, harvesting, fencing, ditching, and all kinds of farm work. The officers in charge of the various parties are •qualified instructors and provide the inmates with practical and theoretical training in the various farm activities. Attached to the institution there is a blacksmith's shop, a carpentry and plumbing shop, a bootmaking shop, a bakery, and a well-equipped laundry where a certain number of boys become acquainted with the elements of these trades, and in some cases develop sufficient skill to follow up the work 011 release. Other inmates also work under the direction of a tradesman painter, .and, a fairly large number are employed in gardening activities. Wool-classing and Agriculture Classes. —These classes, which have been •conducted for many years, are held on a Saturday morning to give an opportunity to those boys who intend to take up farming as a vocation to a theoretical knowledge of modern farming methods. The classes are •conducted by Mr. T. Matthews, an agricultural instructor attached to the Education Board. The Reginald MacKinnon Trust donates £lO

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a year for prizes. At the present time two boys who learned wool-classing at the institution are taking further courses at Lincoln and Massey Colleges and intend to follow the occupation of wool-classing. The Evening School—During this year the inmates were divided into four 'groups for the evening school, which met two nights a week for two hours a night. The classes were conducted by four professional teachers from the Invercargill schools. As in the past, the main emphasis was placed on the three R's, the object being to ensure that inmates are taught the art of letter-writing, can read intelligently, and become familiar enough with figures to be able to meet the requirements of every-day living. Geography and history have also been included in the curriculum in an attempt to broaden and deepen the inmate's knowledge of the world. Much use has been made of the Student's Digest, and the strip-film projector has also proved useful as a visual aid to learning. The high-school group, under the leadership of a teacher from the Southland Technical High School, has developed skill in public speaking, debating, and plav-reading, as well as giving attention to the usual curriculum subjects. W.E.A. Classes. —This year the Otago and Southland W.E.A. conducted classes under two tutors for two periods each of twelve weeks. The classes were instructive and popular with the inmates, the weekly reviews of world events being specially appreciated. The class was run as a club, the boysappointing their own chairman and secretary and committee. Our thanks are due to the organizer of the Southland W.E.A., Mr. J. Brailsford, for making these classes possible. Borstal Choir. —The Borstal Choir of approximately 50 voices, under the direction of Mr. Kennedy Black, again, had a very successful year. Throughout the year great interest was shown by the boys, and the same high standard of previous years was maintained. The choir sang twice over the air from Station 4YZ, in February and August. Many letters of appreciation were received from various parts of New Zealand. Public concerts were given at the Civic Theatre and the Orphans Club, and the choir sang at the institution for the benefit of the delegates to the Presbyterian General Assembly. The singing of the choir received high praise from Mr. Eric Moss, one of the judges at the music festival held at Invercargill last year. Other Evming Classes. —During the year instructional classes in lifesaving and swimming have been conducted by one of the members of our own staff. Classes in signwriting and painting have also been carried on under the direction of a tradesman warder-instructor. It is to be hoped that in the near future the scope and effectiveness of these classes may be greatly developed. Training in handwork and hobbies is an important part of our programme which we. cannot afford to neglect. Social Life and Entertammsnis. —ln the life of an institution social activities and entertainments are a very important and necessary part of the programme. They help to build up morale and assist the inmates to maintain a cheerful outlook. We are greatly indebted to many Invercargill citizens for their fine contribution in this respect. Talks and addresses were given on such subjects as follows: "Life on the Gold Coast"; "Experiences in the West Indies"; "Life in Rural America"; "The Significance of Empire Day"; "With the Royal Air Force in Europe"; "Experiences on the Stage"; "Printing a Newspaper"; "Four Years with the Army Forestry Service"; "Life of a Missionary in China"; "How the Indians of the Punjab live"; "Fighting the Japs in the Pacific"; "The Eglington Valley"; a lantern talk on China; " Fighting with the ' Ramillies '"; " Vocational Guidance, or Finding a Job."

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There were also a number of concerts by the Civic Band and other interested parties and several musical evenings with gramophone records ■and string instruments. During the year a Social Club, under the direction of one of the members of the staff, was inaugurated, with the main emphasis upon discovering and utilizing talents among the inmates themselves. It has worked out very successfully and was always popular with the boys. A Maori party, which was also organized by a member of the staff, was not only an influence for good among the Maori lads themselves, but provided excellent entertainment in the form of > Maori hakas and songs. During the year an anonymous donor presented three valuable string instruments to the institution. The citizens of Invereargill were specially generous this year, in that they gave over £36 to our Borstal Christmas Cheer and Welfare Fund. With the aid of this fund we were able to supply extras for the Christmas and New Year periods and were also able to ensure that inmates whose parents or friends had not sent parcels received cake, sweets, and cigarettes on Christmas Day. During the year the Department added a 16 mm. sound projector to the equipment of the institution, and since then weekly programmes of educational and entertaining pictures have been screened. They have been greatly appreciated by the inmates and have become an important part of our weekly programme. Sports and Recreation: Cricket, football, and baseball teams were again entered in the competitions arranged by the local bodies, and the Borstal teams all made a good impression. Three asphalt tennis-courts provide ample scope for those wanting to play that game. Swimming is encouraged, and our heated pool lends itself to swimming and life-saving activities all the year round. A drill squad which meets twice a week throughout the year under the supervision of a trained gymnast is popular with the inmates. Athletic sports are encouraged, and three or four times a year competitions among the inmates are held with prizes for the winners. Library Facilities: During the past , few years we have relied mainly upon the Country Library Service for our supply of books, but now that books are becoming more readily available we are seeking to build up our own institution library again. We have set up a book binding and repairing department, and are hopeful that before long we may be able to offer our services to other libraries. The institution subscribes to a number of magazines for the use of inmates, and interested friends also keep us supplied with this type of reading matter. Religious Services: Regular services are provided at the institution every Sunday by the members of the Invereargill Ministers' Association. Instruction classes are held weekly by a representative of the Roman Catholic Church; there is also a weekly service by a representative of the Salvation Army and a weekly Bible class by a local minister. Special services were conducted on Good Friday, Anzac Day, and Christmas Day. Other Activities: The members of the Hon. Ladies' Borstal Committee, Mrs, R. Henderson, and Mrs. J. D. Campbell continued to interest themselves in the welfare of the boys visiting them and providing them with sweets whenever the opportunity presented itself. The Borstal Visiting Committee attended the institution to hold meetings as required in order to make recommendations to the Prisons Board concerning the release of boys deserving special consideration. The Chairman of the

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Visiting Committee, Mr. R. C. Abernethy, S.M., has been helpful at all times, and our special thanks are due to him for the keen interest he has. taken in the welfare of the institution. During the year a number of parents and friends have come from northern cities to visit boys and special facilities were provided to enablethem to visit as often as possible during their stay. New Buildings and Equipment needed.—At the present time our work is hampered to some extent by a lack of suitable buildings and equipment. Our kitchen and dining-room block badly needs rebuilding and reorganization. We need a new gymnasium, properly equipped workshops, and a central store, more class-rooms, and better accommodation for staff. Tentativeplans have been drawn up incorporating these changes, and it is hoped that before long some steps may be taken to improve the situation. Rehabilitation of Inmates. —When inmates are released the Department makes provision for clothing and footwear for those whose clothes are not in good order. It is our desire that inmates should not only be a credit to the institution, but that they should also be self-respecting citizens. A minimum amount of ready cash has also been made available to all inmates on release, and in cases of hardship provision has been made for board and lodging during the first few weeks after discharge. Probation Officers in th various centres are primarily responsible for the welfare of inmates after discharge from the institution, but there is room for more interest in these boys by responsible organizations and citizens. The first few months after release are often very difficult and a wise counsellor and friend would sometimes be able to save a boy from a further downfall. All discharged inmates were referred to the Man-power Officer in the centre to which they returned, and Man-power Officers co-operated fully in establishing lads in employment. In the future it is hoped to establish a close co-operation with the Vocational Guidance Officers in the various communities. Staff. —Early in the year Mr. R. W. Arnold, who had been Superintendent for many years, retired at the end of forty years' service. I took over charge of the institution towards the end of March, 1945. Near the end of theyear we welcomed Miss D. Pairweather on her return to the staff as Matron after an absence of three years. She fills a very important place in the life of the institution and her services are greatly appreciated. A number of new members of staff have been taken on, some of whom will eventually become permanent staff members. It is hoped that in the near future a. systematic method of training new officers will be worked out. No staff can expect to do its best work unless its members are trained both in the theoretical and practical sides of the task it seeks to carry out. This is particularly true in the case of the staff of an institution such as theBorstal, where so much depends upon the influence of the individual officeron the boys under his care. My warm thanks are due to the members of the staff for their wholehearted co-operation and loyalty during the year. I must also express my appreciation of the backing and support given to me by the Controller-General,, the Inspector of Borstals, and by the Head Office staff. Waikeria Borstal Institution (Te Awamutu) (Superintendent: Mr. P. McMillan) I have the honour to present my annual report on the activities of this institution for the year 1945. It is with much regret that we record the sudden death on the Ist June, 1945, of Mr. David Dunlop, who had held the position of Superintendent of the institution for twenty years. His death, after an illness of only two*

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days, came as a great shock to all not only at Waikeria, but in the whole district, where he was well known and respected. The resultant change in control has inevitably brought with it a number of changes' in the institution staff. x The behaviour of the inmates has been good on the whole. There have been few serious breaches of discipline, and these have been suitably dealt with by the Chairman of the Visiting Committee. To the members of the Committee I wish to express my appreciation of the willing co-operation and assistance they have given me. My responsibility for the health and welfare of those committed to my charge has been made easier by the conscientious manner in which professional duties have been carried out by Dr. Roberton, the Medical Officer, Mr. McKenzie, the Dental Officer, and Dr. Hunter, of Tokanui Mental Hospital. As a result, the health of inmates was well maintained, and though many of them are received in indifferent physical condition, they are almost always released in much better shape. The healthy conditions at Waikeria, regular hours, and plain, wholesome food soon have their effects on the men's physique, and medical and dental attention received while they are here mean that they return to civil life better fitted to become useful citizens. Two inmates were in the Waikato Hospital at the commencement of the year; 1 returned within a short period, but the other, a Maori suffering from tuberculosis, succumbed later to the disease. Six other inmates were admitted to the hospital during the year and all 1 were subsequently discharged. Minor ailments and accidents can be conveniently handled at the institution. Entertainments by way of concerts, moving-pictures, and lectures with the aid of lantern slides were provided at intervals throughout the "year. School classes were continued, catering for those who have not had a sound education. Mr. J. C. Riley, who had been teaching these classes for eighteen years, left at the end of the second term, and was succeeded by Mr. A. L. Kidson. The institution purchased Mr. Riley's 16 mm. projector so that the policy of varying the formal routine with films and other visual education aids could be continued; and, in fact, Mr. Kidson has extended the syllabus to include elementary civics, and hopes to introduce economics, physiology, handcrafts, &c. The easing of war restrictions and the increase in the size of the staff made it possible to reintroduce football for the inmates in the winter and cricket in the summer. These sports provide valuable outlets for the energies of those who desire to play, also incentives to good behaviour, variations in routine, and some degree of trust. One or two officers have taken an interest in the games and have devoted spare time to coaching. Tennis is always popular and the two courts are constantly in use when the inmates are able to play. Matches are occasionlly organized between the different sections. There is always ample work on the farm and in the various industries to keep employed all the labour that is available, and, in fact, we could make profitable use of a far greater number of inmates if accommodation could be obtained for them. There are large areas of swamp and scrub still to be drained and cleared, sufficient to provide years of development work at the present rate of progress. The question of introducing flamethrowers has been, receiving consideration, as it is thought they should speed up clearing operations a great deal. A programme of drainage by means of field tiles is also in hand; this will enable pasture to be grown over the drains, increasing the area and reducing the danger of stock losses. A swamp plough has already been purchased, and this should prove very useful in breaking in rough land.

2—H 20

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The weather has been abnormal throughout the year and affected all farming operations. The summer of 1944—45 was wet and thus favourable for dairying, but not so good for sheep-farming. As a result, we had a record dairy season for the year ended on 31st July, 1945, but the season's wool clip was not as good as the< previous year. The winter of 1945 was a wet one, but not particularly severe, though there were one or two frosts of more than 20 degrees. Wet and cold conditions persisted through the spring and retarded pasture growth. The summer was characterized by cold winds and low rainfall, so pastures did not have a chance to thrive at any stage. However, we received a 50-per-cent. increase in our superphosphate allocation that made some difference, though, in my opinion, the allocation is still far too meagre to obtain really good results. Dairy production cannot hope to reach the record levels attained last season, but it is hoped that the wool clip will show some increase both in quantity and quality. The Milk-in-schools Scheme has been extended during the year and we are now supplying nine schools in the Te Awamutu district and as far south as Te Kuiti and have increased our .output from 1,000 to 2,400 bottles per day. The pasteurizing and bottling plant are situated at No. 1 dairy, which supplies the bulk of the milk as well as that for Auckland Prison and the Air Force station at Te Awamutu. During the greater part of the season the production of milk from this dairy is ample for these purposes, but at times it is necessary to draw supplies from No. 3 dairy. The Health Department- desires us to extend the scheme to supply schools between Te Awamutu and Cambridge, but it will not be possible to consider that until more commodious premises are erected to carry on the processing work. Plans have been drawn up for a new building with modern plant capable of handling the extended scheme efficiently and hygienically. The other two dairies are supplied by Jersey herds and they provide milk for the institution and staff, but the bulk of their produce is separated, the skim-milk going to the piggeries. Dairy-produce has always been our most important source of revenue, which varies from year to year with weather conditions; a close correlation can be observed between rainfall and revenue. With the wartime upward tendency of prices, revenue has been bouyant and new records have been attained, but these conditions will not be likely to continue indefinitely. No other industry has any prospects of supplanting dairying in importance. All liye-stock came through the winter with fairly light losses, but the early spring saw an outbreak of grass staggers amongst the herd at No. .1 dairy; this caused some losses of good cows, but fortunately the epidemic was soon put under control. The lambing percentage was a. record, at 106—a very satisfactory result. I consider, however, that that figure can be improved upon. We are carrying larger flocks of sheep this, year than last year and more lambs are being carried over for fattening. The orchard has continued to progress satisfactorily. During the year, more ground has been cleared, and that around the trees has been continually cultivated and kept very clean. Last season's crop totalled neary 3,700 cases of fruit, which was. almost a record. This season seems to be a good one for peaches, but the apples do not appear to be as clean as they were last year. Prices continue to be high and the demand is keen. We have many regular customers amongst neighbouring farmers and people in Te Awamutu. Apples are supplied to some thirty schools in the district in the season. In addition, much fruit is sent to other institutions and to defaulters' detention camps, &c.

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The apiary produced almost 5,000 lb. of honey last season from 65 hives, a record crop. This season is not likely to prove as good, but the 3,000 lb. mark should be exceeded. The weather was not entirely suitable last year for the best tobacco vield, and the crop was not up to expectations. An effort was therefore made this season to increase the yield by extending the area. The dryness following an unseasonable frost in December will probably prevent our hopes from being realized. The institution garden was able to keep the inmates and some of the staff in vegetables, but this year the prevailing drought is making it difficult to maintain the necessary variety and constant supplies of about 100 lb. of vegetables each day, apart from potatoes. Vegetables are also supplied to Auckland Prison. ' The frost in December caused severe damage to young pumpkin and tomato plants, and though later plantings were made they will never really catch up the lost time. The well-being of the staff is a matter of importance, in my opinion, and I aim to promote it by removing causes for discontent. Conditions have been improved during the year, firstly, by the increase in the salary scales, secondly, by the easing of the man-power situation with the conclusion ot the war, and, thirdly, by the resumption of annual leave, which had to be stopped on account of the shortage of staff. As efficiency generally is affected by the morale of all members of this little community, I think any factor that can raise it is a step in the right direction. We are trying to obtain a recreation hall through the War Assets Realization Board, but so far have not succeeded owing "to the demand for housing. Members of the staff are keen to have grounds laid out attractively to provide facilities for sports such as tennis, bowls, and croquet, and also a play area for children. These grounds could be prepared when labour is available from farm work and no great expense would need to be incurred. Such measures, especially those catering for children, would have very beneficial results. In conclusion, I wish to record my appreciation of the fact that the staff have shown the same loyalty to myself as was accorded to my predecessor. When I was called upon suddenly to assume the responsibility of the administration of this institution, it helped considerably to know that I could rely upon their support. With the large amount of work ahead, much of it of a developmental nature, we will need the continued co-operation of every one.

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STATISTICS Table showing Number of Prisoners, etc., at each Prison or Institution in the Dominion during the Year 1945

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (748 copies), £7O.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1946. Price Is.']

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Name of Prison. In Custody at Beginning of Year. Received during Year. Discharged during Year. Direct from Courts. On Transfer. Addington (Women's Reformatory) Arohata (Women's Reformatory) Arohata (Borstal institution) .. Auckland Hautu (Tokaanu) Invercargill Invercargill (Borstal institution) Napier New Plymouth Paparua (Templeton) Rangipo Waikeria (Reformatory) Waikeria (Borstal institution) .. Waikune (Brua) Wanganui Wellington Wi Tako (Trentham) Minor prisons and police-gaols Police Lock-ups* Totals Mi 2io 47 5 152 16 43 77 30 99 35 55' 14 69 55 17 F. 21 1 37 10 T. 21 1 37 220 47 5 152 16 43 77 30 99 35 55 14 69 55 17 M. 1,069 33 81 116 53 317 5 16 1 52 764 338 7 F. 20 36 25 52 ' 8 ' '2 'is T. 20 36 25 1,121 33 81 124 53 317 5 16 1 54 764 351 7 M. '58 47 4 46 45 24 73 23 97 37 79 28 93 205 102 F. 6 5 5 ' 1 "3 T. 6 5 63 47 4 46 46 24 73 23 97 37 79 28 93 205 105 M. l,io4 50 41 143 157 80 360 22 118 38 76 816 212 445 F. 41 38 46 53 "9 "2 i6 T. 41 38 46 1,157 50 41 143 166 80 360 22 118 38 76 77 816 212 461 7 924 69 993 2,852 156 3,008 961 27 988 3,744 205 3,949 Name of Prison. In Custody at End of Year. Daily Average Number of Prisoners. Sickness. Admissions to Hospital during Year. Daily Average on Sick-list. Addington (Women's Reformatory) Arohata (Women's Reformatory) Arohata (Borstal institution) .. Auckland Hautu (Tokaanu) Invercargill.. Invercargill (Borstal institution) Napier New Plymouth Paparua (Templeton) Rangipo Waikeria (Reformatory) Waikeria (Borstal institution).. Waikune (Erua) Wanganui Wellington .. > .. Wi Tako (Trentham) Minor prisons and police-gaols.. Police lock-ups* Totals M. 233 44 1 136 20 40 107 31 83 50 59 19 110 48 12 F. 6 4 23 14 T. 6 4 23 247 44 1 136 20 40 107 31 83 50 59 19 110 48 12 M. 239-39 43-90 2-00 140-00 17-83 37-45 90-43 31-21 101-16 36-87 58-28 18-80 94-79 56-35 13-33 16-06 P. 9-67 3-17 33-80 11-11 0-20 0-04 o : i4 T. 9-67 3-17 33-80 250-50 43-90 2-00 140-00 18-03 37-45 90-43 31-21 101-16 36-87 58-28 18-84 94-79 56-35 13-47 16-06 M. 'is '34 4 4 5 5 2 2 8 2 4 F. "7 3 T. ' '7 21 34 4 4 5 2 ' '2 8 2 4 0-21 0-01 1-08 5-45 0-29 0-18 10-74 0-32 0-94 0-54 0-04 1-13 0-25 0-92 0-48 1-30 0-29 0-14 993 47 1,040 997-85 58-13 1,055-98 88 10 98 24-31 * Deemed to be prisons under the provisions of section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917.