PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1946-47

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1947 Session I, H-20

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1947 NEW ZEALAND

PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1946-47

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

The Hon. the Minister of Justice to His Excellency the Governor-General Wellington, 25th July, 1947. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Controller-General on the prisons and Borstal institutions of the Dominion for the year 1946-47. I have, &c., H. G. R. Mason, Minister of Justice.

The Controller-General or 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 ending 31st March, 1947, and incorporating the criminal statistics for the year ended 31st December, 1946. INTRODUCTORY Appended are the reports of the officers controlling the various prisons and Borstal institutions. These briefly outline the activities embarked upon and designed primarily for instruction and for production. The ratio of persons convicted or sentenced to each 10,000 of the general population may be regarded as a fair index of criminality in the community. It is not absolute, for the reason that there must be considered such factors as the proportion of offences reported to the proportion of offences committed, and this may vary from time to time,

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being affected by various considerations —e.g., the attitude of public opinion towards certain offences; the efficiency of the law-enforcement authorities; changes in the criminal law increasing the number of offences; and fluctuating social and economic influences, industrial disturbances, &c. For example, during the year under review the increase in the number of offences resulting in imprisonment was due solely to the relatively large number of ship-desertion cases, a factor related to social conditions elsewhere. All offenders against the law are not dealt with by way of imprisonment, but the foregoing factors apply equally to the prison population, with which this report is primarily concerned and which is a fair criterion of the amount of serious crime. The prison statistics for 1946, show that the general downward trend has been maintained. This fact is exemplified by the following figures showing the ratio of prisoners to each 10,000 of the general population of New Zealand: 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 ; 1946, 12-56. If the ship-desertion cases were excluded from this last figure the ratio of residents of the Dominion imprisoned to each 10,000 of the general population would be only 10-30. Stated briefly, the causes of crime lie in the personality of the delinquent himself and in the conditions of society in which he lives, each of which factors have an interreaction. To combat crime it is necessary first to neutralize the social influences which are harmful to character and personality development, a,nd secondly to deal with the individual offender in order to effect a reorientation of attitude. It is the latter of these two problems which is the prime concern of the prison administration —the former is more a matter for outside influences : the home, the Church, educational authorities, and other social and governmental agencies. In dealing with crime under modern conditions there has been a progressive adaptation of legal sanctions to fit each particular category of criminals rather than each category of crime. This involves a closer individual study of offenders and their classification into groups, haying regard to the degree of social danger that the prisoner presents and his susceptibility to reformative influences. Age and physical and mental capacity are necessarily factors to be considered, as also are risks from a security point of view, and the risks of contamination more particularly in relation to moral perversion. Generally, the scheme of classification in New Zealand is as follows : the younger group of offenders (fifteen to twenty years) are sent to the Invercargill Borstal, where there is a diversified programme of activities and individualized study of inmates designed to provide correctional treatment and a fixation of a proper set in life; those between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-five are sent to the Waikeria Borstal Institution, where a somewhat similar, but modified, range of instructional activities more adapted to the higher age of the inmates is designed. The more trustworthy and amenable offenders are sent to prison farms and camps, where the honour system is largely in vogue, and they have the advantages of freer and more open-air conditions. The refractory and less trustworthy prisoners, in respect of whom security considerations are a factor, are detained at Mount Eden Prison. Sexual perverts are segregated at New Plymouth, where, with the aid of the Medical Officer, who is a qualified psychiatrist, the staff, by individualized study of the inmates, endeavour to assist them to resolve their behaviour difficulties. To quote the medical officer: — It is my custom to submit each offender as he arrives under my care to a very complete psycho - logical examination. Every inmate is told by me that he has to report for examination not only for physical disorder, but for any mental difficulty which confronts him. I then spend hours outside my duties as physician in getting to know the individual psychology of the inmates, and keep in close psychological contact with the inmates during the period of their detention. The general routine of the prison is so arranged as to be a constant psychological stimulus. Experience has proved it to be more satisfactory and convenient to group together the aged and infirm, and these are segregated at the Wanganui Prison, where the conditions are more or less depenalized, except in regard to the requirements of orderly management and safe custody.

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STATISTICS Receptions.—A table showing details of receptions at each institution is set out as -an annexure to this report. A comparative summary showing details of the number received and discharged and in custody at the end of each year for the past five years is set out hereunder :

It will be noted from the table that the number of receptions during 1946 exceeded the total for the previous year by 372, which represented an increase of 148 distinct prisoners, but, as explained above, the increase is wholly accounted for by the large number of short sentences for ship-desertion. The number of distinct persons received into prison was 2,213, made up of 2,153 males and 60 females, as compared with a total of 2,065 during the year 1945. The number of prisoners in custody at the end of the year was 8 less than at the beginning, though the daily average number in custody was 5 higher than the average for the previous year. This is more than accounted for by the fact that 41 military prisoners dealt with by courts-martial and given fairly sentences were received during 1946. Nature of Offences. —The following table gives a comparative summary showing the •offences classified under three main groupings—that is, offences against the person, ..offences against property, 'and miscellaneous offences :

It is satisfactory to note, in contrast with the experience of most countries overseas, that there has been a slight diminution in offences against the person and offences against property in New Zealand, under which categories the majority of the indictable and more serious offences are classified. The majority of the offences under the heading " Miscellaneous " are in the nature of mala prohibita, and even this group, but for the inclusion of the 398 breaches of the Shipping and Seamen Act, would have been substantially less than the 1945 total.

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— 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Number in custody at beginning of year Number received during year Number discharged or transferred Number in prison at end of year .. 1,015 5,216 5,167 1,064 1,064 4,622 4,608 1,077 1,077 4,089 4,173 993 993 3,996 3,949 1,040 1,040 4,368 4,376 1,032

Year. Offences against the Person. Offences, against Property. Miscellaneous Offences. Total. 1946 221 974 1,018 2,213 1945 226 985 854 2,065 1944 218 947 934 1,099 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

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Length of Sentence.—Hereunder is set out a table showing in comparative form thelengths of sentences imposed on offenders :

It will be observed that just over 50 per cent, of the total number of distinct persons sentenced to imprisonment were given terms of three months or less, and that 65 per cent, received less than six months. It is estimated that 30 per cent, of the total receptions are what may be described as petty recidivists who are not readily responsive to reformative influences and who are frequently in and out of prison. They constitute a nuisance factor, and many of them because of their indolence and irresponsible nature might well, in their own interests and for the protection of society, be declared to be habitual offenders. It is clear that in these cases short sentences serve little purpose. Time is an essential element in bringing to bear any stabilizing influence and in inculcating habits of industry. The table also reveals a gradual lessening of the number of sentences of five years or - more. Over the past five years there has been an inclination to greater leniency than was the case in earlier times. The general statistics do not indicate that this has borne untoward results, and this may partly be ascribed to the more intensive industrial and reclamative policy of penal administration. Nationality of Offenders. —The following table shows the prisoners receiving during the year, grouped on a nationality basis :

It is interesting to note that both the number of New-Zealand-born Europeans and Maoris have lessened slightly, although the proportion of Maori prisoners to the Europeans is still substantially out of relation to their ratio to the general population. The increased number of British and foreign-born prisoners is due, as already stated, to the seamen who appear to have found this country more attractive than the places from whence they came.

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Number of Prisoners. Term of Sentence. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Under one month 552 430 367 364 425 One month and under three months .. 1,283 824 627 639 753 Three months and under six months .. 398 421 327 318 274 Six months and under twelve months 206 241 189 197 203 One year and under three years 444 475 456 449 458 Three years and under five years 98 60 78 64 79 Five years and over 48 31 31 18 15 Indefinite (including " defaulters ") 24 26 6 Totals 3,029 2,482 2,099 2,065 2,213

Year New-Zealand-born (excluding Maoris). Maoris. British and Foreign. Total. 1946 1,006 422 785 2,213 1945 1,109 430 526 2,065 1944 1,105 553 441 2,099 1943 .. 1,401 523 558 2,482 T-OA? 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

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Age of Offenders. —Set out below is a table showing for the past ten years the number of offenders under the various age-groups: —

It is interesting to note that whereas in the early years of the decade the number of older offenders predominated, more particularly those over forty, in the past few years these have lessened and the groups under twenty-five years of age have shown an upward trend. It is found with many Borstal lads and young offenders that they go through a period of adolescent and post-adolescent instability, but that under discipline, especially a pedagogy of encouragement, they settle down and ultimately become absorbed as useful and self-reliant members of the community, never being heard of again criminally. The table reveals that a larger number are not now qualifying through from age-group to as repetitive criminals. This is further evidenced by the results in general, for it is to be noted 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, and also for the past twenty-five years less than 20 per cent, of those who have passed through the Borstal establishments have appeared before the Court to face a subsequent ■charge. MISCELLANEOUS Deaths. —There were 2 deaths recorded during the year, 1 from heart-disease and the other as the result of an accident. Escapes.—During the year 23 prisoners and 28 Borstal detainees escaped from custody. All have since been recaptured. Twenty of the Borstal escapees were from the Arohata Borstal Institution, where inmates on first reception, in the majority of cases, suffer from emotional instability and some experience difficulty in settling down. It is rare that these girls commit further offences when at large. Mental Defectives— A. total of 15 persons were transferred from prisons and Borstals to the various mental hospitals, 3 under section 34, 4 under section 37, and 8 under section 38. Borstal Receptions.—A total of 156 male and 17 female Borstal detainees were received direct from the Courts, whilst 5 girls were transferred to Borstal who were found to be unmanageable at child welfare institutions. Courts-martial. —During the year 41 courts-martial prisoners were received. HEALTH OF PRISONERS The general health of prisoners has been good. There were 87 males and 12 females admitted to the public hospitals or prison infirmaries during the year. The daily average on the sick-list throughout all institutions was 20*70, which is slightly below 2 per cent, of the daily average number of prisoners in custody. The low incidence of sickness among the prisoners may be ascribed to the orderly routine and the well-balanced and wholesome diet. There were 3 prisoners who adopted a " hunger strike " during the year, 1 as a protest against his conviction by a jury, and 2 who were under sentence of life imprisonment for murder, because they were not assigned to work where security considerations were less exacting. In each case the prisoners were placed under medical care, and shortly abandoned their attitude.

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Age-group. 1937. 1938. 1939. 1940. 1941. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Under 20 115 123 178 203 201 308 354 283 254 294 20-25 303 362 424 348 478 749 639 506 524 698 25-30 282 321 413 322 405 531 396 354 343 341 30-40 456 555 612 492 533 709 490 461 470 412 -40 and upwards 831 861 875 833 745 732 603 495 473 468 Not stated 4 2 3 3 7 1 Totals 1,991 2,224 2,505 2,201 2,369 3,029 2,482 2,099 2,065 2,213

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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:—

The increased expenditure of some £17,000 from the vote under the control of the Department is due almost entirely to two factors. The first is the application to the Prison service of a new salary scale as from Ist April, 1946, and the second is due to the increasing amount paid for overtime. The extra overtime payments have been necessary because of the continuing staff shortage and the introduction of a forty-hour week to the Prison service as from the Ist October, 1946. The credits to the departmental vote are very much on a par with those of previous years, but had supervisory staff been available in Auckland to enable the quarry to be worked there would have been a substantial increase under this heading. The Department's industrial activities, covering as they do a wide range of instructional and productive work, have been carried on with a small addition in the shape of a book-bindery at the Invercargill Borstal. This additional institutional activity has been of use not only for the value of the work itself in widening the interest of the boys, but also in assisting the local authority in the rebinding of books for the public library. As has been mentioned in previous departmental reports, an arrangement was made early in the war for the utilization for pig-food of kitchen waste from Trentham Camp and from Air Force establishments near Wellington. This arrangement was entered into with a view to increasing the Department's output of pig-meats to assist in making available extra food-supplies. Now that the sources of supply of pig-swill have practically returned to what they were on a pre-war basis, it is of interest to review the Department's activities in this connection : For the year 1939-40, pig-meat estimated at 104,000 lb. was produced by the Department, but, with the extra food available and the effort made to increase production, this figure rose to a peak figure of 272,000 lb. in 1942-43. The output under this heading was for the past year 141,000 lb., and with the cessation of swill from Army establishments will return more nearly to pre-war production. Over the period 1939-47, sales of pigs totalled 13,161, representing some 1,584,000 lb. of meat, a contribution to production for which institutional managements concerned are to be commended. On the general farming side of the Department's activities each farm has contributed to a total revenue under this heading of some £54,000. This is a slight decrease on the total for 1945-46, but this is almost wholly due to the reduction in output of pig-meats. At the present time at Waikeria a new milking-shed is being erected which it is hoped will enable an extra 100 cows to be milked during the coming season. It is proposed also to extend the milking activities at Hautu Prison farm as materials become more readily available.

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Year. Gross Expenditure. Credits. Ifet Expenditure. Total. Per Head. Total. Per Head. Total. Per Head. £ £ £ £ £ £ 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 1945-46 .. 195,648 186-58 98,560 93-99 97,088 92-59 1946-47 .. 212,746 201-59 97,726 92-60 115,020 108-99

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On the more intensive farming side of the Department there has been an increase in dairy cows from 673 in 1939 to 899 at 31st March, 1947. It is of interest to note that in 1939 the total sheep flock of the Department was some 12,600, whereas to-day this has been increased to 16,500. The diversified range of farming activities not only provides a healthful form of employment, but? it affords opportunities for training men in an avocation from which the primary resources of the country are drawn and stands them in good stead on release. Not only is practical training given, but by means of educational films and instructional classes the lads at Borstal are given an insight into the theoretical side. The practical value is evidenced by the following extracts from a stock firm's report on the Waikeria wool-clip this year: When the clip was opened for sale we made a careful examination of it and hare to advise that, in our opinion, the clip was well got up . . . the skirting was well done, but nothing had been removed which should have been left on the fleece. The lambs' wool, graded into two sorts, Down lambs and Romney lambs, were both very even. We were also pleased to note you had removed all the cotts and baled them separately. So many growers go to the trouble and expense of skirting their wool and neglect to bale the cotts separately. We would like to congratulate whoever supervised the get up of your wool for sale . . . As mentioned earlier in this section of the report, owing to shortage of staff for supervisory purposes at Auckland Prison it has not been possible to work the Auckland Quarry except on a few odd occasions. Even so the quarry credits for 1946-47 have totalled some £10,500, as against £8,375 for 1945-46. This increase has been due entirely to a considerably increased demand for the products of the quarry pit at Paparua. A new mechanical shovel was provided at Paparua to assist in loading carriers' lorries, and this has enabled a much greater output to be handled. The other industrial activities of the Department, such as road-construction, bootmaking, tailoring, laundering, and work for the Post and Telegraph Department, have been carried on as usual. A modernized steam cooking-unit, mechanized laundry, and improved bathing facilities are being installed at Waikeria, and a new kitchen. Plans have been approved and authority given for the reconstruction of the kitchen and lavatory blocks at the Invercargill Borstal. GENERAL As stated in earlier reports, the aim of the penal administration is not to punish—prisoners are not sent to prison for punishment, but as punishment. The primary objective is to effect the rehabilitation of the prisoner through a carefully devised individualized programme of treatment and training so that he will emerge with the minimum of psychic weals and at at the same time be better fitted to resume his place as a lawabiding and self-reliant member of society. This involves a carefully devised and balanced round of activities —work, education, and recreation —designed to ensure that a prison shall not be a place of comfort and enjoyment, but make rigorous demands on each prisoner's physical capacity and be a positive challenge in so far as his social and moral attitude is concerned. Basically, the dictum of the Gladstone Committee, written in 1895, holds true to-day: . . . prison treatment should have as its primary and concurrent objects, deterrence and reformation . . . effectually designed to maintain, stimulate, or awaken the higher susceptibilities of prisoners ... and wherever possible to turn them out of prison better men and women, both physically and morally, than when they came in. It is generally agreed among progressive penologists that individualization of treatment is the first essential. The extent to which this can effectively be carried out depends to a large extent on the facilities, the suitability of buildings, and the availability of staff. The Department takes the view that the greatest hope of reform lies with the younger offenders, and, in consequence, provides the widest range of socializing activities at institutions where younger prisoners are detained.

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Kecently, with a view to effecting closer individual study of each inmate at the Borstals, special officers were appointed whose function it is to prepare a case record of each lad, to collate the various reports from the medical officer, the visiting psychiatrist, and the working-party officers, so that a regular and informed study of the reactions of each lad to the institutional regime can be maintained. These officers get alongside each lad, endeavour to assist in resolving any difficulties he may labour under, and generally seek to adjust his outlook on life so that he can comport himself in a more socially acceptable way. The officers take part in organizing sports activities, and also co-operate with visiting social workers and clergymen with a view to integrating all socializing activities at the institutions. It is hoped later that it may be practicable to extend such appointments to other institutions. At the Invercargill Borstal Institution the methodical examination of every inmate has been resumed by the mental specialist from the Seacliff Mental Hospital, who conducts the psychiatric clinic at Invercargill. During the war period, because of staff difficulties, the examinations were confined to problem cases. I should like to record appreciation of the helpful co-operation of the psychiatrists attached to the various mental hospitals. Their services and advice are of great assistance in the treatment of inmates. STAFF In my report last year I adverted to the difficult position which existed through the shortage of staff and the heavy strain that was imposed upon officers. lam pleased to be able to state than an improvement in the salary scale has resulted in a number of accessions to the staff which has enabled accumulated leave to be worked off. I desire to express appreciation of the loyal service of the prison staff, without whose co-operation the satisfactory results, both from a financial and reclamative point of view, could not have been achieved. During the year three senior officers retired on superannuation, each after a lifetime of faithful service to the Crown. Mr. W. T. Leggett, at the time of his retirement, was Superintendent of Mount Eden Prison; Mr. C. E. Spittal was Superintendent of Paparua Prison ; and Mr. T. Stocker was Superintendent of the New Plymouth Prison. Each of these officers showed marked efficiency in the management of their institutions and sympathy and understanding in the handling of prisoners. They have been replaced by the appointment of Mr. J. J. H. Lauder to Mount Eden, Mr. C. E. Harrington to Paparua, and Mr. J. Dow to New Plymouth. The latter, unfortunately, has been obliged to take extended sick-leave and Mr. Stocker has been recalled to fill the breach meantime. CONCLUSION I also desire to place on record the Department's thanks to the various ministers of religion, officers of the Salvation Army, voluntary welfare organizations, and many other kindly disposed individuals who have assisted in ministering to and brightening the lot of those placed in the Department's care. In connection with after-care work, which is an integral part of the correctional plan, I desire especially to thank the Borstal Association, the various prisoners' aid societies, and the Probation Officers. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons.

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PRISONS AND BORSTAL INSTITUTIONS: EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS Addington Reformatory Prison (Women) (Superintendent: Miss F. E. Mason) At the commencement of the year there were 6 inmates held in custody. During the year 20 were received, 8 released on expiration, 4 on remission, 4 on licence, and 6 handed to the police, leaving a total of 4 inmates in the institution on 31st December, 1946. The general health of the inmates has been good. One girl was admitted to hospital, and 4 have attended for treatment of venereal disease and have been discharged. All other complaints have been of a minor nature and adequate attention has been supplied by the medical officer, Dr. A. C. Thomson. Owing to the small number of inmates held in custody throughout the year and the shortage of staff it has not been possible to retain the laundry on the same scale as the previous years. All branches of domestic work and gardening have been the chief source of employment, and whenever possible the girls have been taught dressmaking —several have displayed surprising talent in this direction and used their recreation time to make their own clothes, many attractive garments have been added to their wardrobe as a result of this occupation. During the year concert parties have been held twice monthly. These entertainments are made possible by the kindly efforts of the members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union —Miss Nicholls and Miss Stevens. Christmas and New Year tea parties were given by the Salvation Army and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and many other friends contributed to our fund for Christmas cheer and recreation on holidays. Books and magazines have also been supplied and our library is well stocked with good reading-material to suit all tastes. The spiritual welfare of the inmates has been fully looked after by representatives of the various denominations by Sunday services and individual visits during the week. We are indebted to the Rev. P. Revell and his assistant, Miss Bennett, for the gift of brocaded curtains for the chapel. Their continued interest in the welfare of the inmates and their many acts of courtesy and kindness to every one in the institution is greatly appreciated. In conclusion, I desire to record my sincere appreciation of the loyalty and assistance rendered by the clerical officer and the staff during the year. Auckland Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. J. H. Lauder) I have the honour to submit my annual report on the working of this institution for the year ended 31st December, 1946. At the commencement of the year there were 233 males and 14 females in custody. During the year 1,141 males and 40 females were received and 1,138 males and 43 females were discharged. Included in the male reception were 4 males intoxicated in charge of motor-vehicles ; 22 soldiers ; 2 naval offenders ; 10 naval offenders from Civil Courts; 10 Air Force male personnel; 3 offenders under National Service Regulations- —viz., failing to report for military service.

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There were 117 males and 7 females received into prison as second offenders during: the year. The conduct generally of the prisoners have been good. There were 4 escapes during the year. One prisoner was being escorted to the Auckland Public Hospital for treatment when he made good his escape, and was later arrested by the police. Three prisoners escaped from the prison quarry, all three being captured by Prison officers in the space of forty-five minutes. Two female prisonersescaped from custody while inmates at the Auckland Public Hospital. The health of the prisoners generally has been very good and there has not been any general epidemics. x The daily average sick has been 6-79 males and I*o9 females. There were 15 males and 4 females admitted to the Auckland Public Hospital' during the year. Of the male admissions to hospital, 1 inmate received surgical treatment on two occasions for the deliberate swallowing of foreign bodies. In this case there were two major operations for the removal of the articles swallowed, and the individual concerned has made a good recovery and is at present convalescing at the prison. During the year 12 males and 3 females were admitted to prison with gonorrhoea and 4 males and 1 female with syphilis, and this shows a marked decline in the prevalence of this social disease. There were 4 males and 2 females transferred to the mental hospital, and I strongly commend the Mental Hospital medical staff for the very valuable assistance given by making a large number of examinations during the year for the information of the Courts and as a guide to the institutional treatment. The prison quarry has not been working at full capacity for the greater part of the year, due to the acute shortage of staff, but the other industrial activities within the prison have been fully maintained. The boot-factory has worked at full capacity producing military, Prison, and Mental Hospital footwear and leather satchels for the Post and Telegraph Department. In addition, a large number of repairs have been carried out for the various mental hospitals and Education Department, as well as satchels, remittance-bags, &c., for the Post and Telegraph Department. The tailoring-factory has maintained its usual satisfactory output, embracing the manufacture of large quantities of Mental Hospital clothing, as well as requirements for our own prison institutions. Tin smithing has also been carried on, supplying other prison institutions with their requirements. In the carpenters' shop a number of cabinets for the Registrar-General's Departmentwere manufactured, while maintenance for the local Courts have been carried out and renovations to this institution have been attended to. The laundering section has laundered a large number of blankets for the Army and Air Departments. The manufacture of tobacco has been satisfactorily maintained, and all institutional requirements have been met by due date. A large portion of the leaf used was grown at Waikeria Borstal farm. The cultivation of the prison garden has resulted in the production of a large amount of vegetables used in this institution. The food supplied to the inmates of this institution has been of excellent quality and, as on previous occasions, the meat and milk has been supplied from the Waikeria Borstal Institution. All bread consumed has been made in the institutional bakehouse, and would compare more than favourably with any baked outside.

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The institutional school has been continued during the year under the direction of Dr. Dale, M.A., with the assistance of two officers of the Prison staff —Warders Carson and Warner —the latter having been transferred as Assistant Probation Officer. Dr. Dale's report is as follows: During the year the numbers attending represented approximately 10 per cent, of the prison population—a figure which appears to be relatively stable, in view of the figures for the last four or five years. Of those who attended during the year, the pakeha was definitely in the minority ; indeed, the school was attended towards the end of the year almost solely by Maoris. It is appropriate, perhaps, that some comment should be made here on the reasons the men desire to attend school. Not all are educationally backward, but each has a problem to which he appears to seek an educational answer. Among such major problems set the school are inadequacy of language and vocabulary; speech defects; poor relationship between written, reading, and speaking vocabulary ; inadequate development of " tool " arithmetic ; planning for rehabilitation. Each of these is a separate problem and demands individual attention and infinite tact and patience, since the men are " touchy " and cannot be treated as children. The treatment accorded appears to be filling a real want, and whatever success attends the work is best reflected in the personal attitude and social reaction of the men concerned. Those without a personal problem appear to welcome school as one of the avenues to remain mentally alert. Again I feel I must comment on the number of Maoris attending the school. Of those attending, a large proportion are of a very low educational standard ; many appear to have nothing in common with either the pakeha or the Maori. As far as it is possible to judge from their reaction to school and learning, they find themselves in prison because of societal influences they neither understand nor evaluate morally. A man of this type poses an education problem. Should the school attempt to "make a " good " Maori, or should it give enough education to assist him to discriminate between the good and the bad influences of pakeha life ? If there is enough time the school tries to do both, but, in any case, an attempt is made to show the weakness of blindly following the example of the pakeha with whom he comes in contact. The school has faced up to these problems this year, and feels that it has been not altogether unsuccessful. Many of these Maoris have a poor background—they left school in a low grade at a late age, and they drifted from village to town, where they obtained work at unskilled or semi-skilled trades at the whim of the labour market. In consequence, they have taken over many facets of the pakeha pattern of life without realizing or understanding the implications thereof. Ultimately they appear to overreach themselves, and find society taking action. After studying this matter for some years I am of the opinion that some cases at least, can be attributed to inadequate schooling, others are due to lack of intelligent application to the tenets of living in a large community, while a still greater number are due to disphoria. Such are the problems the Maori inmate poses to the school. Since the " whole " man comes to the school, an attempt has been made to give socially constructive education as well as " tool" education to those who attend. Beside the " tool" subjects, the men have been encouraged to follow up subjects in which they have an interest. To correct an inadequate concept of the self to society a good deal of corrective work has been done along lines of group discussion. All have been encouraged to think through methods for their own rehabilitation and, where necessary, recast ideas in accordance with their capabilities and mental capacity. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to use visual aids this year as no machine has been available. With the idea of furthering their education at the technical level three men completed the requirements for the primary school Leaving Certificate. In concluding this report I should like to place on record the excellent work being done by the Assistant Schoolmaster, Mr. Warner. Mr. Warner handles the Maoris with conspicuous success. The very happy and co-operative relationship between the prison school and the Superintendent has been fostered by the Superintendent, Mr. Lauder, and the Chief Warder. Their understanding has been most helpful, and I am most grateful for their kindness. The physical-drill. class is carried on for the benefit of the younger prisoners under the direction of a member of the staff. Christmas cheer was supplied from various social organizations and highly appreciated by all prisoners, and more so this year considering the scarcity of foodstuffs. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners have been looked after by the various denominations by holding Sunday services and by personal contact. The conduct of the staff generally has been satisfactory, and a satisfactory standard of discipline has been maintained under very trying conditions on account of excessive long hours of duty through staff shortage. In the industrial activities the officers responsible 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 quite efficiently.

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Hautu Prison (Officer in Charge : Mr. T. Banks) At the beginning of the year there were 44 prisoners in custody. During the year 56 were received, 45 discharged, and 18 transferred to other institutions, leaving 37 men in custody at the end of the period. The health of the men throughout the year has been good. One prisoner suffering from appendicitis was. admitted to the Taumarunui Public Hospital. Four men escaped, but were all recaptured. The conduct of the men was generally satisfactory. The medical officer, Dr. W. J. Feltham, retired from the position during the year, and Dr. L. E. Jordan was appointed in his stead. I should like to record my thanks to Dr. Feltham for his courtesy and valuable services to the staff and prisoners during his many years of office. The dentist, Mr. R. B. Davies, Raetihi, attended to men requiring treatment. The Christchurch Branch of the Howard League supplied Christmas cake, and we are also grateful to the congregation of the Taupo Presbyterian Church for Christmas gifts to the prisoners. The Church of Christ (Scientist), Wellington, supplied readingmatter regularly to the prisoners. Divine services were held throughout the period by Mr. Mount joy, Presbyterian Lay Reader, Taupo ; Rev. Father Yan Beck, Waihi; and Mr. H. L. Forlong, of Piriaka. The prison garden yielded a plentiful and varied supply of vegetables throughout the year. Vegetables surplus to ration requirements were sold to local storekeepers. The food supplied to the men was of good quality. All meat was killed on the prison farm, and the bread baked in the prison bakery. During the year 229 weaner pigs were transferred to other institutions for marketing. Dairying was carried on successfully. The cream was sold to the Kaitieke Co-operative Dairy Co., and the skim-milk fed to pigs. Sheep-raising has been successful. Southdown rams were purchased, and a fine type of lamb has resulted. The wool-clip totalled 57 bales, the average fleece weighing 8-58 lb. Although the hay crop, owing to the extremely dry summer, was not as good as usual, there was a splendid crop of swedes, and the cattle and sheep were carried through the winter in splendid condition. In conclusion, I wish to thank the officers for their co-operation and loyalty. Napier Prison (Gaoler: Mr. A. A. Douglas) At the beginning of the year there were 20 males in custody. During the year admissions totalled 187 males and 3 females, leaving in custody at the end of the year 17 males. The health on the whole has been good. Four prisoners were admitted to the Napier District Hospital during the year, 1 suffering from erysipelas, 1 prisoner on two occasions (first from a septic hand and secondly from appendicitis) and 1 female suffering from venereal disease. Divine services were conducted by the following denominations during the year: Gospel Hall, Church of England, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Roman Catholic, and the Salvation Army and their band. All services were appreciated and well attended. Wireless entertainment daily to prisoners, all sessions of news, selected variety programmes on week-nights, and Church broadcasts on Sundays. There were two screenings by the Department during the year and four by Mr. O. Brock and Mr. Bestall. The programmes were of a very high standard. Lectures were also given by the Rev. Dyason, Rev. A. Miller, and Mr. Bestall. I have conveyed to the gentlemen concerned the Department's thanks. There were no escapes during the year.

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The output and sales for the year have been exceptionally good. The output from the garden has been very good, considering the small amount of ground workable. Flower-growing continues to be profitable. There has been a plentiful supply of all varieties of vegetables for issue to the prisoners. Breadmaking has continued with satisfactory results. The bread oven had been out of commission for a number of years ; the fault has now been remedied and a very-high-class loaf is now being turned out. The conduct of the prisoners has been good, there being no offences during the year. The thanks of the Department are due to J. Miller, Esq., S.M., the Napier Brotherhood, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Gospel Hall, F. Selby, G. Husheer, Mrs. Wrigley, and Mrs. Andrew for their donations and gifts for additional comforts during the festive season. The staff have carried out their duties loyally during the year. I sincerely thank them. New Plymouth Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. Dow) There were 40 male prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 121 male prisoners were received, whilst 115 male prisoners were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 46 in custody at the end of the year. The admissions are 44 more than in 1945, but this can be accounted for by a large number of ship-deserters being committed to prison. One prisoner was transferred to a mental hospital during the year. The conduct generally of the prisoners has been good and there has been a very small number of breaches of the regulations. There were no escapes. The health of the prisoners has been good, there being no general sickness at any time. There were three males admitted to public hospital during the year, and in each case it was for treatment of an ailment so affected before admission. The industrial activities of the prison have been fully carried on during the year with satisfactory results, and all prisoners have been fully occupied. The garden has been the main industry and provides healthy and interesting work for the inmates. As in former years, the growing of vegetable plants for sale has proved a great success financially. Fresh vegetables have been grown all the year round for institutional use, and the surplus is sold in the open market, to the public hospital, and at times to the New Plymouth Boys' High School. A supply of root crop has been grown for the pigs. The potato crop turned out very well and met our institutional requirements for approximately four months. The pig industry has again proved a success, and there is a great demand at present for porkers. Stock on hand at the end of the year was as follows : 2 boars ; 13 breedingsows ; 6 porkers ; and 52 weaners. The quarry industry in continuing and gives employment to the inmates who require strict supervision. A ready sale is found for all that can be produced. The purchase of cows for rations continues to be made through the Farmers Co-op. Association and is giving satisfaction. Killing is done by prison labour on the premises. All meat is inspected by the Meat Inspector before being used. Boot-repairing provides useful employment for one man throughout the year. Work in the laundry provides employment for three men washing prisoners' clothing and towels, &c., for other Government Departments. The usual social activities have been continued throughout the year. The local residents continue to take an interest in the welfare of the inmates, and the numerous concerts provided have been very much appreciated. In addition to the social activities, a drill class is held on two nights each week. Card evenings are held every week, and this is enjoyed by all. A class on first aid and home nursing was conducted during the year, and in the examination held there was only one who failed.

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A bequest from the Gordon Bequest Fund was received and was utilized in providing extra Christmas cheer. Extra Christmas cheer was also provided by several local residents and organizations and was highly appreciated by the inmates. Mr. Woodward, S.M., and Messrs. Weston and Nicol, Visiting Justices, paid periodical visits to the prison, in their official capacity, during the year and take a great interest in the welfare of the inmates. The staff have, by their patience and perseverance, contributed largely to the smooth running of the institution throughout the year. The spiritual welfare of the inmates has been attended to by the ministers of the various denominations and other religious workers. Paparua Prison (Superintendent: Mr. C. E. Harrington) On the Ist January, 1946, there were in custody 107 male prisoners. During the year the receptions totalled 469, while 444 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, thus leaving a total of 132 prisoners in custody as at 31st December, 1946. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 137, the least 86, and the daily average over the year 113-19. Generally the health of the prisoners has been very good, sickness in most cases being restricted to colds and minor ailments. There were no deaths during the year. Five prisoners were admitted to the public hospital for treatment. The medical service to the prison has been adequately carried out, and I am also indebted to the medical staff at Sunnyside for a number of examinations during the past year. The conduct of the prisoners generally has been satisfactory. Breaches of the regulations numbered 53, committed by 36 individuals, of which 25 were dealt with by Visiting Justices and the remainder by the Superintendent. There was 1 escape duiing the year, the escapee being recaptured the following day and subsequently transferred to the Auckland Prison. The food-supplies have been of excellent quality, with an adequate supply of vegetables from the prison garden. Bread of excellent quality was produced in the institution bakery, and all of the beef was killed on the place. The contract for supply of mutton as a variation to the meat ration was carried out satisfactorily. On three occasions during the year concerts were given to the prisoners by the Salvation Army. The Workers' Educational Association continues to give every assistance in the entertainment field, and during the winter months a series of fourteen lectures on a wide variety of topics was arranged. The Salvation Army, the Richmond Mission, Mr. A. Paynter, and the Anglican chaplain again gave every possible assistance in arranging appropriate celebration of the festive season. The welfare and aftercare of prisoners on release has been helped to a large extent by the work of the Salvation Army authorities, the St. Martin House of Help, the Prisoners' Rehabilitation Committee, the members of the Richmond Mission, and the representatives of the various religious denominations in Christchurch. No new building-works were carried out during the year, what work was done being directed to maintenance of the existing buildings and the staff residences. Some major renewal work in connection with the roof of the east wing will require attending to in the fairly near future, while the prison workshops are now in a very dilapidated state and should be replaced by a new building equipped with modern up-to-date plant. The institution school was carried on under the direction of Mr. A. W. Kibblewhite, and his report on the past year's work is as follows: — Social Studies. —During the year British Empire, history and geography closely studied and good progress was shown by the class. The geography and economic structure of China and Japan discussed. Governments, people, Empire trade, and especially trade connected with New Zealand.

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In the discussions, class encouraged to voice their views and read books on subjects. Results quite pleasing, and some showed good knowledge to assist them when they once again enter civilian life. Regular discussion taken on world affairs so that class would keep abreast of what was happening an other parts of world. This branch was very popular with all. English.—As some of prisoners had not passed Standard 4, more time taken in explaining rudiments ■of English to ensure improvement in their grammatical speech. , Exercises taken in corrections, combination of sentences, analysis, punctuation, &c. Literary appreciation of passages. Vocabulary exercises and comprehension of paragraphs, &c. Letter-writing taken in social and business topics. Arithmetic and Mathematics.—Those of lower intelligence given more mechanical work in numbers, money, width, length, areas. Form II course covered with others, with advanced work for those with more education. All given plenty of mental calculations to improve speed and accuracy. A great improvement was shown here and results of tests were quite pleasing. The industries of the prison and the farming activities have absorbed all the available labour after making provision for the running of the domestic services, and with a few exceptions all the prisoners have been kept actively and productively ln certain cases prisoners are employed at their own trade, while there are trained tradesmen officers available to instruct prisoners in various kinds of work. In the quarry industry excellent progress has been made, and the figure of 26,845 •cubic yards representing sales for the year is a marked improvement on the figures during the years of the World War, and the prospects for this industry are very bright indeed. The acquisition of (1) a motor-truck, and (2) a mechanical loader, has been the means of effecting a quicker turn around of shingle-trucks taking our products, and, in addition, the use of an extra lorry practically on full-time work has enabled the Department to reap the benefit of increased and remunerative cartage rates. In the garden industry, which provides light and interesting work for prisoners not fit for heavier forms of work, vegetables of all kinds have been grown, but owing to the unsatisfactory weather ruling for most of the year results were not up to expectations and the bulk of the garden produce has been required for ration purposes, leaving .a small margin only for disposal in the local market. The poultry industry has done very well, and during the year egg-production totalled 9,000 dozen. Marked success was achieved with the chick hatchings, giving a very good line of pullets and from which the cockerels obtained were fattened and sold in the local market at very good prices, mainly for the Christmas trade. The farming section, under the management of Mr. H. J. S. Wilson, has had a successful season, with sheep-raising and cropping as the main activities. In the sheep section the lambing returns were 1,325 lambs from 1,200 flock ewes, a percentage of approximately 110. The total wool-clip from the flock ewes and the.weathers totalled 48 bales, and the clip sold very well indeed. Owing to adverse weather conditions the season has not been the best for fattening lambs, and we have been a little late in disposing of most of these lambs. Cropping activities during 1946 were maintained up to the level of previous years, And was confined mainly to the growing of cereals and potatoes, as well as such crops as turnips, mangels, and rape for sheep fodder. In addition, some good crops of hay .and lucerne were obtained, and there is an ample supply of this class of fodder available to carry the stock through the coming winter. The dairy industry was operated on a small scale, a small surplus of cream being available for sale to a local dairy company. The pig-raising industry was resumed after .a rather unfortunate set-back occasioned by an outbreak of disease in the herd, and at present the main objective is the rearing of young pigs for fattening. The staff of this institution has given of its best, and we have been particularly fortunate in that there has been no serious shortage of officers at this prison during the year. I wish to place on record my appreciation of the assistance received from the staff since the time I assumed control of this institution.

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Rangipo Prison (Officer in Charge : Mr. A. Banks) At the commencement of the year there were 31 males in custody. During the year 43 were received, whilst 31 were discharged and 5 transferred, leaving in custody at the end of the year 38 prisoners. The health of the prisoners has been good, most cases of illness being of a minor nature. Examinations were regularly made by Dr. Feltham, and dental treatment was given by Mr. Davies, of Raetihi. Divine services were conducted during the year by Mr. Forlong, Mr. Mountjoy,, and the Rev. Smith. Thanks are due to the Taupo Presbyterian Church for the luxuries supplied to the men at Christmas and to the Christchurch Branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform for a donation of Christmas cake. The Church of Christ (Scientist), Wellington, was responsible for generous donations of reading-material, and Christmas letters were received by the men from the Christmas Letters to Prisoners Society, 5 Tudor Road, Upper Norwood, London, and in this respect I have to thank Miss E. C. L'Estrange and her, committee. 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. Development and top-dressing was restricted on account of the shortage of manure and fertilizers. Progress has been well maintained in the sheep-breeding industry. During the year a good clip of wool was obtained. The wether lambs were disposed of to the works and saleyards and the ewe lambs were kept to add to the breeding-flock. Control of the rabbit pest was maintained by trapping and poisoning. A useful credit being obtained from the sale of the skins. The following crops were grown : 50 acres of swedes and 20 acres of soft turnips. The swedes were not a very good crop, due to dry conditions experienced during the spring; the soft turnips were not affected so much by the drought, and a reasonably good crop was obtained. 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 59 prisoners in custody, and 99 were received during the year. The discharges were 8 on the expiration of their sentences, 21 on special remissions, and 39 on probationary licences. Altogether, 20 prisoners were transferred to other institutions, leaving 70 prisoners in custody at the end of the year. Five prisoners escaped from custody during the year. Two surrendered to the Taumarunui Police the same day, 1 gave himself into the custody of the police at National Park within an hour of his departure from the prison, while the other 2 prisoners were at large for eight days and were finally apprehended at Wairoa. In all cases, additional sentences were imposed. As in former years, the general health of the prisoners has been excellent. One man was in hospital for four days as a result of an accident at one of the quarries, but he returned to Waikune fully recovered from the injury which necessitated his removal to hospital. Mr. R. B. Davies again attended to the dental requirements of the prisoners. It is with regret that I refer to the loss of Dr. W. J. Feltham as medical officer at this institution. Dr. Feltham, who for over thirty years attended to the

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medical requirements of the prisoners of this and other institutions in the district, gave yeoman service to the Department, especially in earlier years when travelling conditions were so difficult. Dr. L. E. Jordan, of Ohakune, is now in attendance at the prison, and our thanks are due to him for his services. Religious services were conducted at the institution at regular, intervals by Rev. Father J. J. Garrahy (Catholic), Rev. W. H. D. Hartley (Church of England), and Messrs. H. L. and H. G. Forlong (Plymouth Brethren). We are again indebted to the Christchurch Branch of the, Howard League for Penal Reform for the very fine Christmas cake which they provided for the prisoners at this institution. We are also very grateful for the books sent along for our library by an old resident of the district, Mr. Lacey, sen. At Christmas-time the prisoners organized and conducted a very fine sports meeting, several cricket matches, and a concert. Much talent in all features was displayed and the holiday period appeared to have been thoroughly enjoyed by all. The garden was again the source of supply of all vegetables for ration purposes. Although the spring was cold and wet, the garden provided fresh greens and other vegetables daily. This year we continued to kill locally all beef for rations, and we have been able to purchase some very fine beasts at a reasonable figure. Turning to our activities on the farm, although the winter was a severe one, the crops and hay yielded excellent results. The dairy herd did very well and there has been a keen demand for milk from local residents, boardinghouses, sawmills, and the Chateau Tongariro. Our chief work involved the maintenance of the National Park - Taupo State Highway, the Waimarino - Ohakune State Highway, the Bruce Road, and also the highway from the Spiral Overhead Bridge to Oio. During the year we crushed metal at Horopito, Makatote, Whakapapaiti, and Whakapapanui Quarries. Maintenance parties undertook work on several subsidiary jobs for the Public Works Department, and men were also engaged on maintenance work for the two local County Councils. This institution was also asked to provide labour to erect a nurses' cottage at National Park, and at the close of the year this job had almost been completed. Our motor fleet again arranged all transport for the Rangipo and Hautu Prisons, while the Chateau asked us to undertake much of their cartage. The new Chevrolet trucks have done very good work and their acquisition has proved to be a boon to us. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation. Wanganui Prison (Gaoler : Mr. P. S. Waiters) At the commencement of the year there were 19 males in custody. During the year 63 males and 1 female were received into custody, 66 males and 1 female have been discharged, 1 male (remand prisoner) escaped from custody and has not been recaptured, and 1 male inmate (aged) died in the Wanganui Public Hospital, leaving at the end of the year a total of 14 males in custody. The average daily number in custody during the year being 16-63. The main employment of the inmates is the growing of vegetables and a plentiful supply for the institution has resulted throughout the year. The surplus to requirements has been sold at the auction market. The older and more feeble inmates are employed inside the institution in cleaning, and mending prison clothing, this class of occupation being suitable to their physical state also permits them to have openair exercise in the yards. The health of the inmates has been good, considering the age and class of inmates detained at this prison, many of whom, on admission are mostly suffering from disabilities of some kind. During the year 4 inmates were admitted to the Wanganui Public Hospital, 1 of whom died. He had been suffering from an inward complaint for over fifteen years prior to being admitted to this institution. 2—H 20

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The medical officer visits the institution once a week and is always on call whenever the occasion arises. It is with regret that I record the death of Dr. M. M. Earle, who served the Department very efficiently as medical officer for many years. The conduct of the inmates during the year was satisfactory. Four individuals were dealt with, 1 by the Visiting Justice, and 3 by the Gaoler, for minor offences against the regulations. The quality of food supplied to the prison by the various firms under departmental contract has been very good throughout the year. Entertainment by way of educational pictures has been provided by the Department, but through lack of transport the usual number of pictures have not been shown. Various religious bodies have visited the prison as usual and conducted Church services. On Christmas Day a party from the congregation of the Church of Christ entertained the inmates to a sacred song and service programme, concluding with a very fine Christmas treat by way of cakes, fruit, sweets, and sandwiches, such gifts being greatly appreciated by the inmates. The St. Vincent de Paul Society provided the inmates with a gift of cigarettes and pipe tobacco. Mr. Rogers, Visiting Justice, also made. a donation of cake and cigarettes to be distributed on New Year's Day. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their co-operation. Wellington Prison (Superintendent: Mr. P. McGrath) At the commencement of the year there were 110 males in custody. During the year 1,004 males were received, whilst 1,017 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the night of 31st December, 1946, 97 males. The discharges were as follows : on expiration of sentence, hard labour or simple imprisonment, 294; reformative detention, nil; Borstal detention, 1 ; on special remission, hard labour, 83 ; reformative detention, 4; released on the recommendation of the Prisons and Parole Board, hard labour, 19 ; reformative detention, 6 ; debtors, 9, acquitted and after remand, 10 ; transferred to another prison or to the police, 543 ; released on bail, 48. The greatest number in confinement overnight at any one time during the year 112, and the least 75. The daily average number in prison during the year, 93-65. Although 17 males were admitted to the Wellington Hospital during the year, the general health of the inmates has been good. The majority of the admissions were for treatment of minor ailments. The prison medical officer, Dr. Douglas Brown, has been most attentive in his care of prisoners, visiting the prison weekly, and more frequently when necessary. Thirteen cases of venereal disease were received—s syphilis and 8 gonorrhoea. Two cases were admitted to the hospital for penicillin treatment. The dental work of the prison has been carried out by Mr. W. P. Sommerville, J.P., and extractions, fillings, and dentures have been provided as required. Psychiatrists from the Mental Hospitals Department have given valuable assistance during the year examining inmates for the Courts and as a guide for treatment. There were no transfers from prison to mental hospitals during the year. A well-balanced dietary scale has been maintained, and this, together with the regular living-conditions, gives a general improvement in physical condition and a low incidence of sickness. Daily supplies of fresh vegetables from the prison garden and milk and butter from the dairy have been received; also, the manufacture of white and wholemeal bread for rations and to the Arohata Borstal Institution has maintained a very high standard. There were 42 breaches of the regulations during the year. Eighteen 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.

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The pig-raising industry has again had a good return for the year. Although the sale of baconers was only 209, they realized close on £l,OOO. With the closing of the Air Force stations the supply of pig-swill has been considerably reduced and the number of pigs raised to baconers has been less. The dairy herd has kept in excellent condition and production well maintained. Supplies of milk to institution for rations and sales to local staff have been of good quality, also butter for rations and sales to Wi Tako Prison, &c. A good crop of hay has again been harvested this year. All available prison labour has been fully utilized in the various industries. The prison garden has been fully cultivated and has produced all the vegetables used in the institution, with the exception of potatoes. The printing industry has maintained all the supplies of institutional stationery, as well as printing-work for Head Office, Registrar-General's Office, and Supreme Court, &c. The prison laundry continues to deal with all of the institutional requirements, also towels, &c., for the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Boot repairs have been carried out for the Arohata Borstal Institution and all our institutional requirements. At Arohata Borstal farm, 1 officer and 14 men have been regularly employed during the year on general farm work. Also, additions and alterations to the farm-manager's residence were effected by prison tradesman labour. The interior painting of the cells, &c., was completed during the year, also the painting of all the roofs of the wings, workshops, and kitchen block, &c. Sound-films were exhibited at regular intervals by the Department and were greatly appreciated. In August the Wellington W.E.A. again commenced a series of weekly lectures. Christmas cheer of ample proportions was again provided by various social organizations, including the Tory Street Mission, Wellington City Mission, and the Wellington Branch, of the Howard League, who forwarded plums and tomatoes. Gifts of tobacco were also received from the Controller-General of Prisons. The prison nursery buildings are in bad state of repair and have been out of action most of the year. Approximately 3,000 trees were sent out to the Wellington Beautifying Society for distribution. Throughout the year the various denominations have held their regular services. Our thanks are due to the ministers of the Anglican, Presbyterian, and other branches of the Protestant Churches for their attendances, also to Father Uhlenberg and the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the officers of the Salvation Army, to whom we are deeply indebted. In conclusion, I desire to again thank the staff for their co-operation. Through the shortage of officers, a heavy strain was imposed on the whole staff, but the prison routine work was carried out in a satisfactory manner in spite of the conditions under which the officers worked. Wi Tako Prison, Hereto unga (Superintendent: Mr. A. St. P. Jordan) There were 48 prisoners confined at this prison at the beginning of the year. During the year 249 prisoners were received and 263 were discharged, leaving a total of 34 prisoners on the 31st December, 1946. Four prisoners were admitted to the public hospital. Apart from these 4, there were no serious cases of illness and all were treated by the prison medical officer. The conduct of the prisoners during the year was reasonably good. Eight prisoners were punished for prison offences, 2 of whom were dealt with by a Visiting Justice, and the remainder by the Superintendent. An exceptionally good Christmas dinner was enjoyed by the prisoners this year. Thanks are due to the Howard League, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Brethren, and relatives and friends of the prisoners, who supplied fresh and dried fruit, &c.

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The conduct of the staff during the year has been excellent. The health of the staff has been reasonably good; only 3 officers were off duty for any length of time through sickness. At the beginning of the year there were 14 officers other than the Superintendent on the staff. Four new members were taken on the strength, but unfortunately 8 officers left the service during the year, which left us with only 10 officers. A very good return from the dairy was made this year. Milk was sold to the city milk-supply and to the staff. Thirty head of cattle were killed for rations during the year. The returns from the sale of wool and skins were quite satisfactory. Pigs were obtained, as usual, from other institutions for fattening at this prison. The amount realized from the sale of fat pigs was very considerable. Owing to the acute shortage of staff, only the more urgent work has been done on the farm. What work has been done has been with the poorest of labour, as a big portion of the prisoners during the past year have been ship-deserters. These men are almost useless as farm labourers. As has been the case for some years past now, a large portion of the farm has been subject to Army activities. In March last the Public Works Department excavated a large drain 12 ft. deep and 24 ft. wide from the Allen Range, crossing the prison road near the entrance to the prison property and continuing on through the prison farm across to the Seddon Range. Fences are down in this area and the whole paddock has been rendered useless as far as grazing is concerned. The garden this year was not the success that it has usually been, due mainly to the continued wet weather, which caused the seeds to rot in the ground. Throughout the year the institutional requirements of potatoes, vegetables, milk, meat, and firewood were supplied from the farm. Ministers of the various religious denominations and laymen attended the prison throughout the year and conducted services for the inmates. The St. Vincent de Paul and Brethren supplied clothing to prisoners on release. In conclusion, I wish to thank the staff for the loyal co-operation they have given me throughout the year. Arohata Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Miss B. L. Trevor) At the beginning of the year 23 Borstal inmates were in custody ; 27 were received, 24 released on licence, 2 completed their sentences, 1 transferred to Porirua Mental Hospital, 4 transferred to prison, and one absconder not apprehended, leaving 19 at the end of the year. Twenty-one were listed as sick, 3of these being maternity cases and 4 admitted to public hospital. The remainder were sick for periods ranging to thirty days, an outbreak of mumps and chicken-pox being responsible for many of these. Only 4 girls required treatment for venereal disease, all of these being Borstal inmates. In the reformative detention section 4 women were in custody at the commencement of the year; 18 were admitted, 4 being released on expiration, 2 were debtors, and 16 either handed to the police or transferred to prison. New admissions continue to present poor physical condition—dull-eyed, requiring dental attention, and without the fresh complexions and alert manner which should be present in youth. Regular hours, combined with a wholesome, well-balanced diet, soon improve the girls, all of whom increase in weight, besides regaining vitality and a healthy appearance. Dr. D. Brown, Sister Christian, and Mr. W. P. Sommerville have given every assistance in their various capacities. Several inmates have been mentally examined, 1 being committed. While not proving certifiable, others are subnormal and a definite problem, both in the institution and when release and future welfare are considered. This type has little or no moral sense, being without a normal appreciation of ordinary social obligations. These girls do not look on their detention as a chance to improve or be taught anything which may be of use later in life ; rather do they regard the period as time during which they are restrained from having a good time — something to be endured, but not used constructively for their own benefit. The

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majority of girls, however, do appear willing to learn in an attempt to fit themselves for a useful life in the community. Native girls were admitted in a smaller proportion than formerly, due, I imagine, to the absence of servicemen in the cities, plus the return of the Maori soldiers from overseas service. As a result of the smaller musters, the output from the industries is less, but all have been fully occupied during working-hours. An average of 5 girls are employed in the laundry, where contracts are handled in small quantities for Government and Navy Departments. A sound training is given in all branches of the work, most of the girls being quite interested while in the institution. In the sewing-room, garments are made for the Porirua Mental Hospital, various small outside orders, besides all our institution requirements—this includes clothing for the girls on release as well as staff uniforms. The training is varied and thorough and those with sufficient ability should be able to enter the trade as experienced hands. It is observed that most of the girls are keen to learn knitting, embroidery, and tatting. A surprising number are quite ignorant of these homely arts when they enter the institution—even personal mending is beyond many, their dilapidated clothing being proof of this fact. This may be a sign of a lack of interest on the part of parents, or the girls themselves may have neglected to learn what used to be considered the essential part of girls' home training. Many of our inmates are not from happy family circles, but the majority appear to have avoided anything which resembles training for future home-making. Cooking is popular with many of the girls, some of them becoming excellent cooks and quite good managers. We attempt to teach them to be self-reliant and resourceful in this work, besides stressing cleanliness and economy. In the institution kitchen the girls' meals are prepared, the menus being varied as much as possible. We feel that by avoiding a really monotonous meal routine we are side-tracking the first excuse for boredom. Similarly, the occupations are varied as often as is practicable. While it is often obvious that a girl is going to prove unteachable in a certain department, the majority have a turn at all phases of domestic training and gardening. During the twelve months just passed 22 inmates were dealt with for breaches of discipline, 16 of these being escapes. Generally speaking, the behaviour of inmates is improving. Life outside the institution is not quite as exciting as before, thus the incentive to escape is not as great. It is noticeable that very few girls received here have remained in any one situation for an appreciable length of time ; there is a definite failure to realize the advantage of references for service given when future employment is sought; rather they take the attitude of working where the conditions are easy going and not too many questions asked. To me this is a bad sign, for there does not appear to be the slightest obligation to give of one's best services. Many of the girls are thriftless, a very small minority having banking accounts, few possess adequate wardrobes, nor are they greatly concerned by the lack of these things. They are apparently content with a little top show and not too much consideration for the future. This gives rise to the thought that perhaps the early years were spent in an atmosphere where improvidence was the rule, the future being left more or less to itself and debt not a cause for concern. On New Year's Day, 1946, Easter, and Christmas, 1946, the girls enjoyed picnicking on the hills, lunch being taken in the open and greatly enjoyed. These all-day trips are by far the most popular events in the holiday programme. An almost perfect spot has been found away from the building, where a large clump of native bush provides the necessary shade and water is available from a stream in the vicinity. We are indebted to the following for donations which helped considerably at Christmas-time : the Women's Borstal Association for gifts and cake ; the Borstal Committee for a cash donation ; Howard League for fruit and books ; the Catholic Sisters for gifts ; Miss A. Sloan for sweets ; and the W.A.A.F. personnel at Shelly Bay for a large Christmas cake. These items, with the girls' own parcels and the institution supply, proved ample for the most hearty appetities. On Boxing Night the girls gave a concert and the performance was greatly enjoyed by all.

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Various concerts and film evenings have been appreciated during the year ; first-aid classes by Mrs. Sharp, of the Borstal Association, were well attended. We have to thank the Borstal Association for their support and practical assistance in many ways. The Borstal Committee also have our thanks. We are indebted to the various religious organizations for their services during the year, particularly the Rev. P. Wiltshire and the parish priest, Father McG-rath, who give religious instruction once weekly. In conclusion, I would thank the staff for their continued good services. Invercargill Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. H. C. Mathew) Statistics.—On Ist January, 1946, there were 137 inmates in custody in the Borstal institution. During the year 118 were received and 127 were discharged or otherwise dealt with, thus leaving 128 in custody on 31st December, 1946. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 150 and the least number 123. The daily average over the year was 132. In the reformatory section there was 1 male (no females) in custody on Ist January, 1946. During the year 70 males were received, while 68 were discharged or transferred to other institutions, thus leaving 3 males in custody on 31st December, 1946. The daily average over the year was 4. A large number of the admissions were deserting seamen, 33 having been received during the year. Health of Inmates. —The number of Borstal inmates admitted to the Southland Hospital for the year was 17 (last year, 34). One Maori lad died as the result of an accident. Fifty-eight inmates attended the out-patients' department of the public hospital, receiving 148 treatments. Two inmates admitted to the institution were suffering with syphilis and 1 with gonorrhoea and were successfully treated at the Southland Hospital. The health of the inmates generally was good, the main cause of minor illness being colds, boils, and slight injuries. There was one influenza epidemic, during the height of which as many as 39 inmates were laid up at a time. All inmates were given a thorough medical examination on admission by the institution medical officer (Dr. F. Russell Miller), who recommended medical and surgical attention, x-rays, special diet, or other treatment as required. Special attention was given to the inmates' teeth, and in all cases extractions, fillings, and dentures were provided for as required. The work was carried out by Mr. M. Parr, 8.D.5., the institution dentist. Eyesight was also carefully watched and glasses were prescribed and provided where necessary. Dr. Miller visited the institution regularly once a week, and was on call whenever needed. Case Histories. —A study of the case histories of the 118 inmates received during 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 Court 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 .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 Previously on probation .. .. .. .. 40 Previously under care Child Welfare Officer .. .. .. 71 Previously in Child Welfare receiving home .. .. .. 17 Previously inmate of Church orphanage .. .. 6 Previously pupil of Otekaike Special School .. .. .. 5 Previously inmate Boys' Training Centre, Levin .. .. 20 Previously served short sentences in prison .. .. 7 Served earlier sentence in Borstal institution .. .. 32

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In the above table most of the inmates are included more than once, having been subjected to more than one type of care. Some, for instance, have been under the care of a Child Welfare Officer, have been inmates of the Boys' Training Centre, and have as well served an earlier sentence in the Borstal institution. 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 of goods and money .. .. 42 Assault .. .. .. 6 Car conversion .. .. .. 25 Idle and disorderly .. .. 3 Breaking, entering, and theft .. 29 False pretences .. .. .. 1 Boat conversion .. .. 1 Wilful damage .. .. 2 Bicycle conversion .. .. 4 Breach of probation .. .. 1 Sexual offences .. .. 2 Probationary licence revoked .. 1 Eobbery .. .. .. 1 Total .. .. ..118 The ages of the inmates admitted were as under :

Educational attainment on admission was as follows : Secondary education .. 31 Passed Standard 3 9 Passed Form II .. .. 29 Passed Standard 22 Passed Form I .. .. 28 Passed Standard 4 .. 19 Total .. .. 118 Geographical Distribution. —Of tlie 118 inmates admitted, 107 came from tlie North. Island and 11 from the South Island. Of these, 35 were Maoris. The distribution of the 35 Maori inmates according to place of conviction was as follows : Auckland .. .. 13 Wanganui .. .. 2 Wellington .. 5 Whakatane .. .. 2 Hastings .. 5 Masterton .. ' .. 1 Napier .. .. 4 Hamilton .. .. 3 Total .. .. 35

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Previous Convictions. Inmates. Previous Convictions. Inmates. Previous Convictions. Inmates. 26 24 21 20 13 12 11 1 1 1 3 1 10 .. 9 8 7 6 5 4 .. 4 1 3 3 4 6 12 3 2 1 Nil .. 21 22 20 13 1 Total 118

Age. Number of Inmates. Age. Number of Inmates. 15 years 16 years 17 years 18 years 4 8 31 36 19 years 20 years 21 years Total 33 4 2 118

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Behaviour of Inmates. —On the whole, the standard of behaviour in the institution during the year has been good. Only a few lads proved recalcitrant and unresponsive to ordinary routine and discipline. Five inmates were transferred to other institutions on account of escaping and other misconduct. There were 4 escapes during the year, involving 6 inmates. This is slightly below the average for the past few years and is perhaps indicative of a response to a different approach to the problem of escaping. For a period of nine months there were no escapes. Maoris. —As a group they present no special difficulties, being, as a rule, amenable to discipline, and steady workers. The relationship between the Maoris and pakehas is good, there being little or no unhealthy rivalry between them. Some of them come out of rather poor, indifferent homes. Causes of Delinquency. —As Superintendent of the Borstal institution I am often asked, What are the causes of delinquency—whether gambling, drinking, dancing, or other factors are important ? In the case of lads committed to this institution, neither gambling nor drinking appear to be particularly significant. In a few cases an excessive interest in dancing and other forms of entertainment seems to be a contributory cause. High wages and the habit of spending freely, together with inadequate parental control, are certainly relevant factors in some cases. The most important underlying sociological cause of delinquency, however, would appear to be the broken home or unsatisfactory home conditions. The statistics concerning the homes from which the inmates were received during the year are as follows : good home, 18 ; poor home conditions, 20; foster-homes, 12; no known parents, 9; parents separated or divorced, 27 ; one parent only living, 32. Most of our lads have also a poor work history, having been in and out of numerous jobs of one kind or another. 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 to 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 other various farm activities. The officers in charge of the various parties are qualified instructors and provide the inmates with practical and theoretical training in all lines of farming-work. Attached to the institution there is a blacksmith's shop, a carpentry and joinery shop, a plumber's shop, and a bootmaking shop. During this past year we have added a considerable number of machines in our workshops in order to give the lads trained in the institution more familiarity with standard practices and routine in modern, wellequipped workshops. There is, besides, a painting shop, brickwork and concreting, a bakery, a butcher's shop, and a well-equipped modern laundry. Inmates are given experience in all these trades, and in many cases they became proficient enough to be able to follow up the work on release. Bookbinding is an additional industry which has been introduced this year. This industry not only fulfils a very useful function with respect to our own institution library, but is of service to a number of public and private libraries by rebinding several thousand books for them. Evening Glasses. —Wool-classing and Agriculture Classes : These classes, which have been conducted for many years, have again worked out successfully. They give to those boys who intend to take up farming as a vocation an opportunity to obtain a theoretical as well as a practical knowledge of farming methods.

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TKe Evening School: During the year the - inmates,, .were- again -divided into four groups for the evening school, according to their academic standing. • The school is conducted by four professional teachers from the Invercargill schools. As in the past, the main emphasis was placed upon teaching the lads to read intelligently, to write good English (with particular reference to letter-writing), and to become sufficiently facile in the use of figures to be able to meet the requirements of everyday life. W.E.A. Classes: The W.E.A. classes provided by the generosity of the Qtago and Southland W.E.A. were very, successful and greatly appreciated this year. The film appreciation class, conducted by Mrs. M. Dunningham, was especially popular. The public speaking class, under the direction of Mr. L. J. Small, was helpful to a small group of lads who took a keen interest in it. A number of lectures were also provided. It was a good year of work, and we give our special thanks to the Southland organizer, Mr. J. Brailsford, and to the local committee of the W.E.A. for making these classes available. Rover Scout Group : The Southland Boy Scouts Association has formed a group of Rover Scouts at the institution. So far those joining the .group have found the organization and activities extremely interesting, and it is believed that the group will exercise a healthy influence in 'the life of the institution. Borstal Choir : The Borstal choir of approximately 50 voices, under the direction of Mr. Kennedy Black, again had a very successful year. 'Great interest was shown in the choir by the inmates themselves, and the same high standard as achieved in previous years was maintained. The choir sang once over the air from Station 4YZ, and a public concert was given at the Orphan's Club. Institutional concerts were provided on the occasion of the visit of the Parole Board and at the end of the year. .J. Other Evening Activities : During the year instructional classes in life-saving 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 instructor of our staff. Training in hand-work and hobbies is an important part of our programme which we cannot afford to neglect. Social Life and Entertainment.—ln the life of an institution social activities and entertainments arte a very important and necessary part of the programme. They help to build up morale and assist inmates to maintain a cheerful and hopeful outlook. Talks and addresses were given throughout the year. There was also a concert by the Boys' Battalion Band, a display of wrestling by the Southland Wrestling Club, and a demonstration of working models by the Invercargill Model Engineering Club. Weekly programmes of 16 mm. sound pictures have been provided by the DepartmeDt, and, as well, a series of pictures on the Canadian Pacific Railways were shown. There were a number of concerts provided by interested friends of the institution and by the inmates themselves. The citizens of Invercargill again gave readily to the Borstal Christmas Cheer and Welfare Fund, contributing a total of £33. 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 in parcels received cake, sweets, and cigarettes on Christmas Day. Prizes were also provided for the sports meetings held during the holiday period. . V? l| Sports and Recreation. —Sport is an important and integral part of our programme. Cricket, football, and baseball teams were again entered in the competitions'arranged by the local sporting associations. The Borstal cricket team won the Junior Shield. The football and baseball teams, while not. winning the competitions, did: well;and!" by their excellent behaviour and fine team play gained an enviable reputation for-good sportsmanship. Such a reputation speaks well for the institution's 'Sportsriiastei; and the individual officers who have coached the teams, 'C a-He: -..iLii, BSs£tX 'SI 3—H2O

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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 lifesaving activities all the year round. A drill squad which meets twice a week throughout the year under a trained gymnast is popular with the inmates. 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 more readily available we are building up a good library of our own. Arrangements have also been made for an increased supply of suitable magazines. Religious Activities. —Regular services are provided at the institution .every Sunday by members of the Invercargill 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 weekly Bible classes conducted by local ministers representing different denominations. 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. They have been especially helpful in making available a supply of sweets from time to time. It is with regret we report the death of Mrs. Campbell after a short illness about the middle of the year. We place on record our appreciation of her many years of service to the institution. The Borstal Visiting Committee attended the institution to hold meetings as required in order to make special recommendations to the Parole Board concerning the release of boys deserving special consideration. The Chairman of the 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. New Buildings and Equipment.—Our work is still hampered by a lack of suitable buildings and equipment. During the year provision was made for a central store and an adequate staff room. Better facilities were also provided for the boot shop, and new machinery was procured for the carpenter's shop. During the coming year it is hoped that the plans, for the renovation and rebuilding of the kitchen block and the building of new lavatory blocks will be carried out and the buildings completed. When these have been provided they will be important additions to our plan?. jßehabilitation 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 feel themselves to 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 the 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 difficult, and a wise counsellor and friend would often, be able to save a lad from a further downfall. v Other Matters.—Two members of our staff are set aside more particularly to deal with the lads on an individual basis. The Matron is in charge of the sick, and gives particular attention to matters of hygiene and health. By taking a personal interest in the welfare of the boys she is able to bring to bear on the life of the institution a very helpful influence. Mr. R. C. Sandford, the newly appointed Housemaster, comes to us from a wide activity in the Scouting movement. He interests himself in all evening educational, recreational, and religious activities in the institution, and as well makes ; many valuable personal contacts with individual boys and with the community. In the past it has been felt that parents and'guardians of lads admitted to the institution were at some loss in that they had little idea of the kind of institution to which the lads had been sent, and knew even less about the aims and administration of the

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institution. At the beginning of this year we sought to remedy this situation by commencing to send out a circular letter giving information about the institution. The response to the letter has been even greater than we had expected, and many appreciative letters have been received. Staff. —During the year 8 members of the staff either resigned from the staff or were transferred on promotion to other institutions. Questions relating to the forty-hour week, hours of duty, and the payment of overtime have had an unsettling effect on the staff, but now that some of these matters have been decided it is hoped that the normal peaceful tempo will be regained. My warmest thanks are due to the staff for their whole-hearted co-operation and loyalty during the year. Waikeria Borstal Institution (Te Awamutu) (Superintendent: Mr. P. McMillan) On the Ist January, 1946, there were in custody 50 Borstal inmates, and 57 were received during the year. The number of inmates released on probationary licence was 45, while 4 were transferred to other institutions, thus leaving 58 in custody on 31st December, 1946. The greatest number of Borstal inmates in confinement at any one time was 62 and the least 45, the daily average being 55-16. In the reformatory section there were in custody at the beginning of the year 83 inmates, and 82 were received during the year. Of these, 93 were either discharged on completion of sentence or released on remission or on probationary licence, 4 were transferred to other institutions, and 1 transferred to a mental hopital, leaving 72 inmates in custody on 31st December, 1946. In an institution such as this one must expect from time to time acts in the nature of rebellion against authority. These are reflected in the breaches of discipline which occur and which are fortunately, mainly of a minor nature. On several occasions it has been necessary to call on the services of the Visiting Justices or members of the Visiting Committee, whose advice and assistance has always been helpful. I desire to pay a tribute to the services rendered in this respect by Mr. F. Quin, who relinquished his position as Chairman of the Visiting Committee after a period of over twenty years. A man of excellent judgment, he has given his time and assistance without stint, even sometimes at considerable inconvenience to himself. He had a proper appreciation of the need for maintaining discipline within the institution, and was, in addition, a firm and helpful supporter of the Department in its activities. On his retirement, Mr. S. Clark,. J.P., was appointed to fill the position. During the year there were two escapes from the institution, 5 inmates being involved. In each case recapture was effected within a short time and in the immediate vicinity. Generally these are not premeditated acts, and seldom can they be attributed to any particular cause. Nevertheless, they have a disturbing effect on the other inmates and disorganize the administration of the institution. For this additional reason it would seem that some punishment should follow, and as a general rule escapees are charged with the offence in the open Court. In view of the amount of trust which is placed in inmates, many of whom are working in isolated portions of the estate, it can be said that the number of escapes is not unduly high. The general health of the inmates has been good, and in this respect I am indebted to the medical Officer, Dr. J. B. W. Roberton, who, in addition to paying regular visits, is very helpful in those cases where immediate attention is thought to be necessary. Admissions to hospital for the year totalled 11, of which only 1 was for a lengthy period. One inmate, after examination by mental specialists, was transferred to the. care of the Mental Hospitals Department. The dental work found to be necessary is capably attended to by Mr. W. Mackenzie, of Te Awamutu. The willing co-operation of the 4—H2O

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Medical Superintendent, Tokanui Mental Hospital, in making himself and his staff available for the examination of any inmate who displays any signs of mental abnormality is gratefully acknowledged. A new departure as far as Waikeria is concerned was the appointment during the year of a Housemaster. The duties of this officer cover the general welfare of all Borstal inmates, and the social activities of the inmates as a whole. New ground is being covered in this work, and much yet remains to be done. Endeavour is made by friendly approach to ascertain the probable cause of lapses into crime, and it is possible that if by the correct approach the true cause is found, then the chances of eventual reformation are greatly increased. The spiritual welfare of the inmates has been well looked after by the ministers of the various religious denominations, to whom the thanks of the Department are due. Recreational activities have been continued throughout the year on as large a scale as possible. Except where an inmate is debarred by reason of unsatisfactory conduct, all are encouraged to take part in the games. Tennis in the summer and football in the winter are the principal avenues of outdoor sport, and under the control of the Housemaster organized swimming and life-saving have been introduced and have proved highly popular. One team was entered in the competition conducted by the Waipa Rugby Union, and earned high praise for its sportmanship and for the spirit in which its games were played. It is impressed on members of the team that success in matches is not the only consideration, and it is hoped by the continuation of competition play to inculcate a spirit of proper healthy sportsmanship in all who take part. It is also further hoped that, by making the participation in matches with outside teams a privilege dependent on good conduct and work, a class may be developed which will have a steadying and beneficial effect on the other inmates. Visiting concert parties continued at intervals throughout the year to provide wholesome entertainment, and special thanks are due to those persons who gratuitously give so much time to the welfare of those less fortunately placed. Entertainments are eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed. The educational side of the institution is suitably covered by the evening school classes, which are held on three nights each week under the instruction of Mr. A. L. Kidson. Two nights are given to instruction in general subjects, and the third is devoted to pictures of an educational nature. The benefit derived is considerable and, it is hoped, lasting. As the activities of the institution are mainly of a farming nature, it follows that the majority of the inmates are likewise engaged in activities pertaining thereto. In the vicinity of 30 men are continuously employed at work on the four dairies, where over 550 cows are milked. Additional men are also required for the pig-raising section, which is a very valuable and necessary adjunct of the dairy industry. Revenue for these two sections is considerable and accounts for the major portion of the revenue obtained from the farm. The milk-in-schools scheme continues to take practically the whole output from one dairy, and also provided further suitable employment in the bottling and pasteurizing sections. Fat cattle are disposed of for the local trade, and 120 head were fattened during the year. Prices remain good and our stock was eagerly sought after. Over the past season 3,500 breeding-ewes were carried, and the lambing percentage was a good one of 102 per cent. The majority of these are Southdown cross and are fattened for the local trade and export. Very satisfactory weights were averaged for the main drafts sold. In an endeavour to build up the sheep flock with younger ewes, approximately 1,100 of the better-class ewes were mated with Romney rams, and of the resultant lambs, 577 ewe lambs have been retained for flock purposes. The improvement in the overall quality of the flock will be seen in subsequent years as a result of this policy. Wool produced for the year comprised 128 bales and 15 bales of crutchings. Prices continue to be good and our clip this year was very favourably commented on by the auctioneers.

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With the large numbers of stock carried, our cropping activities are considerable and important. With a favourable season for haymaking, a total of 600 tons of hay and over 200 tons of ensilage was harvested. This, together with 120 acres of swedes and 56 acres of chou moellier, will supply ample feed to carry the stock over the winter. In addition, 14 acres of potatoes and 10 acres of chaff oats were sown. The labour employed in a harvesting and cropping programme such as this is considerable, and as some of the area under plough was new or maiden ground no pains were spared to have it in good heart before the crops were sown. A new departure also was the closing-up of 30 acres of red clover for seed which on harvesting resulted in a crop of approximately 6,000 lb. of clover seed and several hundred pounds of rye. The orchard and the apiary continue to bring in good revenue, although in both cases crops were below that anticipated, due to unfavourable weather conditions. Garden activities continued on a scale sufficient for local needs and sales. Supplies were also sent to Auckland Prison to meet their needs when local supplies were insufficient. Vegetable crops generally were good, but late frosts necessitated several replantings of tomatoes, and it is not anticipated that the crop will be up to. the standard of previous years. A good crop of tobacco, in excess of 4,000 lb., is expected. New building and maintenance work has been retarded somewhat by the supply position and the lack of tradesman officers. Essential work has, however, been carried out, and with recent staff additions it is hoped that greater progress will be made next year. One of the major items of administration in an institution of this nature is that of staff. The introduction of the forty-hour week caused some confusion at first, but this has now mostly disappeared, and the system introduced is working satisfactorily. Overtime as such has been almost entirely eliminated. The further staff asked for will alleviate the position considerably, and it is hoped then to allocate duties in such a way that the forty-hour week will be wholly operative. It is fitting that my appreciation of the assistance and loyalty of the staff should be recorded. Success in any direction cannot be attained without the whole-hearted support and co-operation of each member of the staff. lam glad to be able to say that this support has been willingly given.

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STATISTICS Table showing Number of Prisoners, etc., at each Prison or Institution in the Dominion during the Year 1946

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (813 copies), £6O.

By Authority: E. Y. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 947. Price 9(1.]

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Name of Prison. In Custody at Received during Year. Discharged during Begir ming oi Year. Direct from Courts. On Transfer. Year. 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* M. 6 T. 6 M. F. 17 T. 17 M. F. 3 T. 3 M. F. 22 T. 22 233 44 1 136 20 40 107 31 83 50 59 19 110 48 12 4 23 14 4 23 247 44 1 136 20 40 107 31 83 50 59 19 110 48 12 1,054 '57 80 136 81 374 "l 24 '33 891 287 18 15 27 33 "2 ' 3 "l 'i3 1, 15 27 087 59 80 139 81 374 "l 24 "34 891 300 18 "87 56 13 38 51 40 95 43 81 33 99 30 113 249 173 3 ' '7 ' '7 3 '94 56 13 38 51 40 95 43 81 33 99 30 113 249 180 1,1.38 63 68 126 190 115 444 - 37 93 49 88 68 1.017 263 455 18 22 31 43 ' 2 "3 "l 20 22. 31 1,181 63 70 126 193 115 444 37 93 49 88 69 1,017 263 475 18Totals 993 47 1,040 3,036 111 3, 147 1,201 20 1,221 4,232 144 4,376 Sickness. Name of Prison. In Custody at End of Year. Daily Average Number | of Prisoners. 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* M. 236 37 3 128 17 46 132 37 72 58 70 14 97 34 17 F. 4 "i9 11 T. 4 i9 247 37 3 128 17 46 132 37 72 58 70 14 97 34 17 M. 245 : 1584 03 00 00 76 09 19 45 77 16; 03 63 65 04! 08| 92 F. 5-77 0-74 20-66 11-25 o : oi o : oi oi.5 .T. . 5-77 0-74 20-66 257•09 43-03 4-01 132-00 21-77 45-09 113-19 33-i"> 76-77 55 -16 63-03 16-63 93-65 50-04 13-23 15-92 M. is 1 1 17 4 3 5 5 2 4 17 4 4 F. 1 ' '7 4 T. 1 ' 7 19 1 1 17 4 3 5 5 2 4 17 4 4 0 6 7 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 •05 ■82 •35 •28 •16 •11 •25 •67 •53 •10 •22 ■47' ■44 •43 ■29 •36 ■17 Totals 998 34 1,032 1,02264 3859 1,061-23 87 12 99 20 •70 * Deemed to be prisons under the provisions of section 17 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917.