PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1949-50

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1950 Session I, H-20

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1950 NEW ZEALAND

PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1949-50

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, 17th October, 1950. 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 1949-50* I have, &c, T. Clifton We in;, Minister of Justice.

The Acting Controller-General of Prisons to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. .1. I have the honour to present the annual report for the Prisons Department for the financial year ended 31st March, 1950. Incorporated in the report are the criminal statistics for the year ended 31st December, 1949. 2. Reports for the year ended 31st December, 1949, by the Controlling Officers of the various prisons, reformatories, prison camps, and Borstal institutions are printed as an appendix to this report (see Appendix A). These reports outline in some detail the work which is being carried out in the endeavour to implement the policy of providing training and useful occupation for all persons placed in the Department's custody. A careful review of existing facilities is being made, and it is hoped that by improvements to these there may be better reformative results.

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STATISTICS Summary of Receptions and Discharges 3. (1) A detailed table giving the number of receptions and discharges at each institution appears as Appendix Bto this report. For convenience of comparison the following summary of receptions and discharges shows the totals for each of the past five years :

Table A

(2) Included in the 1949 totals are 152 prisoners received under sentence for desertion from overseas vessels. (3) The number of distinct prisoners received into custody during 1949 was 1,788 1,732 males and 56 females. Katio of Prisoners to General Population 4. The downward trend in the prison population has continued. The ratio of prisoners to each 10,000 of the general population over the years has been as follows : 1890.. .. ~ 38-61 1945.. .. .. 12-13 1914.. .. ..31-05 1946.. .. .. 12-56 1935.. .. .. 13-76 1947.. .. .. 13-04 [ 1939.. .. .. 15-38 j 1948.. .. .. 11-84 1943.. .. .. 15-17 | 1949.. .. .. 9-51 The figure for 1949 is the lowest yet recorded. Nature op Offences 5. The following table gives a comparative summary of offenders classified under three main groupings : (1) for offences against the person subdivided under the headings (a) sexual, and (b) others ; (2) for offences against property ; and (3) for miscellaneous offences.

Table B

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— 1945. 1946. 1947. 1948. 1949. Number in custody at beginning of year Number received during the year Number discharged or transferred Number in prison at end of year 993 3,996 3.949 1.040 1,040 4,368 4,376 1,032 1,032 4,610 4,505 1,137 1,137 4,274 4,386 1,025 1,025 3,853 3,888 990

Year. Offences Against the Person. Sexual. j Other Offences. Offences Against Property. Miscellaneous Offences. Total. 1945 77 149 985 854 2,065 1946 92 129 974 1,018 2,213 1947 112 152 1,049 1,038 2,351 1948 85 122 948 1,029 2,181 1949 99 147 787 755 1,788

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Length of Sentences 6. The following table shows the length of sentences imposed during the past five years :

Table C

Nationality of Offenders 7. The following table shows the numbers of prisoners, grouped on a nationality basis, received into prisons over the past five years :

Table D

Age op Offenders 8. The following table shows the number of prisoners received over each of the past five years, classified in age-groups :

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Term of Sentence. . Number of Prisoners. 1945. 1946. 1947. 1948. 1949 Under one month 364 425 349 394 336 One month and under three months 639 753 866 807 581 Three months and under six months 318 274 313 262 232 Six months and under twelve months . 197 203 224 206 144 One year and under three years 449 458 496 426 397 Three years and under five years 64 79 84 59 76 Five years and over 18 15 14 24 22 Indefinite .. 26 6 5 3 2,065 2,213 2,351 2,181 1,788

Year. New-Zealand-bora (excluding Maoris). Maoris. British and Foreign. Total. 1945 .. 1,109 430 526 1,065 1946 .. 1,006 422 785 2,213 1947 .. 1,078 446 827 2,351 1948 .. 1,077 347 757 2,181 1949 .. 918 340 530 1,788

Age-group. 1945. 1946. 1947. 1 1948. 1949. Under 20 254 294 244 190 139 20-25 .. 524 698 713 628 451 25-30 .. 343 341 441 428 339 30-40 .. 470 412 486 445 404 40 and upwards 473 468 466 489 455 Not stated 1 1 1 Totals 2,065 2,213 2,351 2,181 1,788

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Miscellaneous 9. (1) Deaths. —There were 4 deaths recorded during the year, 3 from tuberculosis and 1 from heart disease. (2) Escapes.—During the year 25 prisoners and 9 Borstal detainees escaped from custody. All were recaptured. This is the lowest figure recorded for many years. (3) Mental Defectives. —The following number of persons were transferred from the prisons and Borstal institutions to the various mental hospitals under the provisions of sections 34, 37, and 38 of the Mental Defectives Act, 1911 : Under section 34, 2 ; under section 37, 10 ; under section 38, 17. (4) Borstal Receptions.—A total of 104 male and 15 female Borstal detainees were received direct from the Courts. There were no transfers to Borstal from Child Welfare homes. (5) Courts-martial. —Six courts-martial prisoners were received during the year. HEALTH OF PRISONERS 10. (1) The general health of prisoners and inmates lias been good. There were 77 males and 4 females admitted to hospital during the year 1949. The daily average number on the sick-list was 17-56, this representing 1-79 per cent, of the daily average number in custody. The medical officers appointed for the various institutions made regular visits and special visits whenever these were necessary. (2) Suitable arrangements exist in respect of all institutions for professional dental services to all prisoners and inmates requiring attention. (3) Invaluable assistance is afforded to the Department by medical officers of the Mental Hygiene Division of the Health Department. All young offenders sentenced to Borstal detention are examined by a psychiatrist, as also are any prisoners who manifest abnormal characteristics from a mental point of view. As a result of these examinations the Department is guided in its treatment and care of those suffering from any mental infirmity or maladjustment, while the individuals themselves are helped towards overcoming their neuroses or in resolving their difficulties in approaching their problems in a rational and socially acceptable manner. INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL 11. Hereunder is set out a comparative statement showing the gross cash expenditure from the departmental vote and the cash credits or receipts which have resulted from the industrial and other activities of the Department:—

12. For the financial year ended 31st March, 1950, there was a further small drop in the number of inmates and this has, of course, had some effect in increasing the net cost per head. Although there was an increase in credits of some £ll,OOO, this was more than offset by an increase of £20,000 in expenditure.

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year. (iross Ex] )enditure. Credits?. Met Expenditure. Total. Per Head. Total. Per Head. Total. Per Head. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1945-46 .. 105,648 186•58 98,560 93-99 97,088 92-59 1946-47 .. 212,746 201-59 97,726 92-60 115,020 108-99 1947-4*! .. 252,541 226-17 112,956 101-16 139,585 125-01 1948-49 .. 276,894 259-19 114,258 106-95 162,636 152-24 1949-50 .. 296,901 295-57 125,622 125-06 171,279 170-51

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13. The two main items which caused an increase in expenditure were " Salaries " which increased by £16,000 and " Overtime " which increased by £6,000 both as compared with the previous year. The " Salaries " item for 1949-50 carried the general increases in salaries which were £22 per annum from Ist July, 1948, and £l3 or £8 (depending on salary maxima) from Ist June, 1949. The charging of these to the one year's expenditure accounts for practically all the increase. The increase of £6,000 in "Overtime," which item covers overtime, penal rates for week-end and holiday duty, and shift allowance was due to the continuing shortage of staff, with the consequent need for the employment of officers beyond the normal weekly roster duty. 14. The increase of £ll,OOO in receipts was due to increased credits under the heading " Prison Industries." There was an increase of £12,000 in the " Farms and Gardens " item and £l,OOO in the item " Roadworks," with a decrease of £2,000 in " Bootmaking." The increase of £12,000 in " Farms and Gardens" was due to increased output and increased prices for farm products, whilst the £l,OOO increase in " Roadworks " was due to a greater output of work on road maintenance at Waikune. The decrease of £2,000 in " Bootmaking " was caused largely by a temporary shortage of orders due to some extent to the use by other Departments of Armed Forces surplus stocks. 15. It was mentioned in last year's report that departmental receipts for 1948-49 were a record at £114,258. For 1949-50 they totalled £125,622, making a new record figure with an increase of £11,364 on 1948-49. Of the departmental credits of £125,622, only £8,009 relates to the more purely institutional side of the Department whereas the balance of £117,613 is derived from the employment of inmate labour. This £117,613 is made up under the following heads : £ Block and pavement making .. .. .. .. 67 Bookbinding .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,241 Boot making and repairing .. .. .. .. 3,656 Farm and garden production .. .. .. .. 80,855 Repair and washing of mail-bags .. .. .. 1,326 Quarrying and metal-production .. .. .. 16,676 Road maintenance .. .. .. .. .. 11,750 Tailoring and clothing manufacture .. .. .. 1,783 Miscellaneous industries .. .. .. . . 259 16. There has not been any major change in the method of employment of inmates during the year under review. The main industries carried on in the institutions under the control of the Department have been tailoring, bootmaking, concrete-post and pavement-block making, quanying, farming, gardening, printing, bookbinding, road maintenance, laundering, tobacco growing and manufacture, furniture-making, tinsmithing, building construction and maintenance, as well as the institutional employment on breadmaking, cooking, and cleaning. 17. The employment of labour both in prisons and Borstals is a continuing problem by reason of the policy of avoiding entry into competition on the open market. Employment is largely restricted to the manufacture of articles for other Departments or to the production of primary produce where the output is absorbed without conflicting with the output of free labour. 18. Although much has been done to use the institutional labour to best advantage, it is felt that there is still room for a more effective marshalling and use of this labour. Much of it is of fairly low standard, but with the building of new shops and the equipping of these with up-to-date machinery more could be done. There is, too, the ever present problem of the use of machinery by inmates, but it is thought better to take the risk of deliberate damage than to use out-of-date methods. 19. The figures quoted previously refer only to cash receipts and payments as the accounts to 31st March, 1950, on a trading basis, have not yet been completed.

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20. For the year ended 31st March, 1949, the Public Account surplus from industries, after charging supervision (£25,000), interest (£10,000), and depreciation (£3,200), was £28,117 made up as follows : Public Account Industry. Surplus. £ Blockmaking .. .. .. .. . • 59 Bookbinding .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,212 Bootmaking .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,408 Brickworks .. .. .. .. .. .. 274* Farming .. .. .. .. .. .- 14,631 Gardening .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,100 Laundering .. .. .. .. .. .. 613* Printing .. .. .. .. .. .. 272 Roadworks .. .. .. .. .. .. 103 Quarrying .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,286 Tailoring .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,594 Tobacco .. .. .. .. .. .. 215 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 134 Over-all surplus .. .. .. .. £28,117 * Deficit, Only two industries did not show a Public Account surplus, these being " brickworks " and " laundering." The deficit on " brickworks" is due to overhead charges on unrealized capital; active manufacture ceased some years ago. That on " laundering " is due to the continuing small number of inmates at Addington and Arohata, causing the Department to give up most of this work. It is only at these two institutions that full laundry accounts are kept. 21. In last year's report mention was made of utilizing a compressor to assist in metal-production in the Roadworks Camp at Waikune. Delivery of this is now in sight and when delivered it should be of considerable benefit in the production of metal for the Main Highways Board. The Works Department has been asked to examine proposals put forward for further machinery for the same purpose. 22. The bookbinding-shop at Invercargill is shown in the accounts for 1949 for the first time, and it is satisfactory to see that a surplus of £1,200 is shown from this new venture which does a considerable amount of repair and rebinding work for our own offices and for other Departments. 23. The quarry output from the two small quarries at Napier and New Plymouth, the large quarry at Auckland, and the gravel-pit at Paparua remains fairly steady with a value for 1949 of £16,000, practically the same as for 1948. The new machinery for the Paparua pit is now practically all installed but will not be reflected in the accounts until the 1951 year. FARMING OPERATIONS 24. The Department's farming ventures have proved a success both from the financial angle and from their providing interesting and useful work in the rehabilitation of inmates. 25. With ever new farming technique and methods being evolved it is difficult, at times, for our own staff to keep in touch with the fuller benefits which may be obtained by the adoption and utilization of these methods. To help to overcome this the cooperation of the Land Development Branch of the Lands and Survey Department has

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been sought and freely given. At the time of writing this report our officers are working out with the Lands Department supervising officers a full programme of farming operations for the next twelve months. It is confidently hoped that from this cooperation and assistance the Department will be able to show further improvement in its farm undertaking. 26. The Department is, however, facing a problem in bringing back into useful production the two development farms in the pumice country —viz., Hautu and Rangipo, situated near Turangi. Because of an influx of rabbits and a shortage of top-dressing during the war years much of the land which had been developed on these places has reverted to fern. The problem is being faced up to and with the assistance of the Lands Department, referred to above, it is hoped to bring about their successful regrassing. 27. Farming output and values have remained high, the value for 1949 being £82,200 as compared with £78,800 for 1948 and £67,800 for 1947. The following table shows the farming output value for each institution for the last three years : 1947. 1948. 1949. £ £ £ Arohata .. .. .. 670 890 1,420 Hautu .. .. .. 7,220 6,200 6,500 Invercargill .. .. ..10,300 11,800 14,400 Paparua .. .. .. 8,850 13,130 11,400 Rangipo .. .. .. 3,000 4,820 2,880 Waikeria .. .. ..28,900 31,900 34,200 Waikune .. .. .. 1,450 1,200 1,070 WiTako .. .. .. 4,400 6,120 7,430 Minor gardens .. .. 3,100 2,800 2,900 £67,890 £78,860 £82,200 PRISONERS: THEIR EMPLOYMENT AND WELFARE Employment 28. (1) Industries. —The Department is giving consideration to the fuller development of industries at the larger institutions —building, carpentering, cabinetmakmg, &c. The existing workshops are too small and are inadequately equipped with modern machines to enable useful training to be given to sufficient numbers of inmates. Particularly with the younger offender it is felt desirable to employ them on work which may be useful to them on their release. At the present time there are doing duties about our farms many who will, when released, be returning to towns and cities. With a wider range of occupation better results should be achieved in reformation and rehabilitation. (2) Earnings. —Approval has already been given for provision to be made allowing for payment of higher rates to prisoners for their work where their work merits it. At present the maximum reward is Bd. a day, or lOd. for men qualified in trades whilst actually working at such trades. Many from incapacity or from indifference do not of course earn the maximum rates. There is, however, a considerable proportion of men who work hard and usefully, and in some instances with technical skill. It is proposed to increase the basic reward to Is. per day, but to provide for a maximum of up to 2s. in the meantime. If the scheme meets with the success anticipated, an increase to 2s. 6d. per day as a maximum may be considered. Canteens 29. When the scheme of higher rewards is inaugurated it is intended to discontinue certain issues which are at present made. For example, tobacco, matches, &c. It is proposed to establish canteens where prisoners will be allowed to expend once a week a

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portion of their earnings in the purchase of such articles, and of other minor comforts, as, for example, minties, plain chocolate, toilet soap, &c. (Note. —Departmental supplies of tobacco will continue to be available at cost —at present approximately 3d. an ounce.) It is considered that this increase in earnings, with additional privileges accruing from the setting up of canteens, will have beneficial results, such as — (a) It should tend to increase the morale of the prisoner. (b) It will afford him the assurance that if he works well he will have a reasonable sum of money available on his release. (c) It should be an incentive to better work and improved output. (d) It should bring about a better self-imposed discipline because there will be more and more valuable privileges—privileges of which the prisoner may be deprived for a period in the event of misconduct or for breaches of prison rules and regulations. The inauguration of the scheme involves certain amendments to the regulations and also detailed working arrangements. These are now receiving attention, and it is hoped to effect the change before the end of the present year. Occupational and Recreational 30. It will be observed from the reports of Controlling Officers that much is being done in the Borstal institutions to provide occupation and recreation for non-working hours. It is, however, felt that sufficient is not done in the other institutions adequately to occupy the non-working hours of the prisoners who are still obliged to spend far too much time in the isolation of their cells. This is not conducive to a development of the mind comparable to the physical development brought about by the wholesome fare and regular routine. It is planned to provide fuller occupation of the non-working hours with organized education, entertainments, hobbies, and recreation. It is considered that development on these lines will be a considerable benefit. From the same consideration it is planned to provide for communal feeding wherever this is practicable. This system is already in operation in some institutions. Education 31. Early in the year arrangements were made to have the educational facilities in prisons and Borstal institutions reviewed by Mr. A. F. McMurtrie, who had recently retired from the position of Assistant Director of Education. He has visited the institutions at Auckland, Paparua, Waikeria, Invercargill, and Napier. He has submitted a most useful report, and it is hoped to implement many of the recommendations and suggestions he has made as staff, accommodation, and material become available. Welfare 32. An appointment effective in the current year has been made of a full-time Welfare Officer at His Majesty's Prison, Auckland. This has proved of considerable value, and a great deal of assistance is being afforded to prisoners in resolving their many,and varied personal problems. A similar service is available to inmates of the Borstal institutions at Waikeria and at Invercargill through the medium of a Housemaster. Plans for the extension of this welfare work are under consideration, with the present idea ultimately of linking it up with an expanded probation service. Libraries 33. Assistance of inestimable value is now being provided by the National Library Service. Commencing in 1947 this has been steadily extended until last year a regular coverage of all institutions was in operation.

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The yearly total of books supplied is now close on 8,000, and an exchange of books to each institution is made every four months. Of the books supplied, one-half are fiction and one-half are non-fiction. It is satisfactory to note that excellent use is being made of these books by prisoners. The average figure for issues is approximately 24 books per inmate per annum. The service is available as well to members of the staff. In addition, both staff and prisoners are able to make use of the request service through which selected books of an informational nature are supplied. Further improvement in the library service to our institutions is contemplated, and arrangements have been entered into with the National Library Service for the early secondment to this Department of one of its full-time librarians. INSTITUTIONS Addington Refoematoey foe Women, Cheistchuech 31. In view of the small number of inmates at this institution over the past several years, a decision was made towards the end of 1949 to close Addington. This has now been done. A small building has been erected at the Paparua Prison, Templeton, to provide for trial and remand female prisoners and for those serving short sentences. Longer-term female prisoners from the South Island will be transferred either to Arohata or to Auckland. Auckland Peison 35. The intention of Government to abolish the institution at Mount Eden and to make alternative provision elsewhere has already been announced. It was first erected some seventy years ago. It is now in a closely-built residential area. It is quite unsuitable and inadequate and there are insufficient exercise yards or suitable labour facilities for modern penological treatment. Apart from trial and remand prisoners and local short termers, the more dangerous and intractable prisoners in respect of whom security considerations are paramount are kept there. The replacement of such an institution is a major problem but it is hoped that a solution may be found within a reasonable time. Various alternatives are now being considered. RETIREMENT OF Mr. B. L. DALLARD, C.M.G. 36. The annual report on this Department has been written for the past twentyfour years by Mr. Dallard. It falls to the lot of few officers in the Public Service to have charge of a Department for so long a period. The early age at which Mr. Dallard became Controller-General was a mark of the competence which characterized his work throughout a quarter of a century. For devotion to duty, for a high sense of responsibility, for a deep regard for the rights of the subject he set a high example. He retired from office on 31st August, 1949, and it was a matter of gratification to all who had been privileged to work with him that the signal services he had rendered were recognized by the award of the C.M.G. STAFF Administeattve 37. (1) Controller-General. —Mr. S. T. Barnett was appointed Controller-General of Prisons on Ist September, 1949. He has come to the Department with an outstanding administrative career in the Public Service. He left New Zealand at the end of April, 1950, for an eight months' tour overseas under a Carnegie Fellowship and a Fullbright Award, and he is devoting his time in England and later in the United States of America largely to a study of prison administration and modern penological treatment. He will attend as New Zealand representative the Twelfth International Congress of the International Penal and Penitentiary Commission to be held at the Hague from 14th to

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19th August. Prior to his departure overseas Mr. Baruett devoted great energy and enthusiasm to his new responsibilities in acquainting himself fully with the administrative set up of the Department and with the functioning of our several institutions. During his absence overseas Mr. E. J. Gifford is Acting Controller-General. (2) Inspector of Prisons. —Following the retirement in 1948 of Mr. D. A. Mackintosh from this position Mr. P. McGrath, the Superintendent of His Majesty's Prison at Wellington, temporarily acted as Inspector. At the end of 1949 Commander H. R, Sleeman, 0.8.8., R.N.Z.N., formerly Assistant Naval Secretary, was appointed to the post and took up duty on sth December. While Mr. Barnett is away he is also acting as Deputy Controller-General. (3) Mr. J. J. H. Lauder, Superintendent at Auckland, was awarded the M.B.E. in the recent honours list. This is a well-merited recognition not only of his own long and efficient service but also of the service of prison officers generally who perform such an important but insufficiently appreciated work in the community. (4) Mr. H. W. D. Blake, 8.A., Dip.Bd., was appointed Superintendent of the Invercargill Borstal Institution, and took up his duties on 31st October, 1949. He succeeds Mr. H. C. Mathew who accepted appointment with the Victorian Prison Service earlier in the year. Mr. Blake was previously a District Vocational Guidance Officer with the Education Department. Disciplinary 38. The normal establishment of the Department is 308 disciplinary officers. At 31st March, 1950, the strength was only 254. Of these 84 had been in the Service for less than three years. During the preceding twelve months 47 men were enlisted, but 59 left the Service. It is recognized that staffing problems are not peculiar to the Prisons Service, but the present position is frankly disturbing and difficult. 39. Before he left for overseas Mr. Barnett wrote the following note for this report:— I had often heard and read criticism of the prisons staff before I myself took office as ControllerGeneral a few months ago. Quite recently one clergyman referred to our officers contemptuously asturnkeys. Having met all the staff, seen them at work, and talked with them in discussion groups, I find them, as a body, a decent, sensible, and practical group of men who have a high conception of duty and responsibility. By and large, that is the sort of man we need in the Prison Service—men who can teach and oversee other men engaged in a variety of occupational undertakings : men who can handle the fractious and unwilling firmly and good-naturedly : men who have insight born of good sense and experience. A speaker over the national broadcasting network recently told his listeners : " The first and foremost reqiiirement in dealing with delinquents is to have men and women with character, with high ideals, and with intelligence . . . Promotion . . . must be limited to men with University and social-work training." Men of good intelligence, surely ; men of reasonable education, of course ; and men of character, above all. But it is nonsense to propose that promotion should be limited to men of University and social-work training. The plain fact is that we want men who know how to work at ordinary day to day tasks and trades and who can handle other men and command their respect. Of course we should have a leavening of men who have passed successfully through the University : this may enable them to understand better the psychological and mental ills to which mankind is heir." 40. The conditions of service in New Zealand seem to offer inadequate inducement to either class—the non-University man, or the University graduate. The Public ServiceCommission has improved the career value of the Prisons Service to a modest extent, but still further improvement is necessary and is being sought. The Department itself has in recent months been surveying staff conditions generally : improvements are being made to living-quarters, better transport arranged in the remoter localities, and improved uniforms are to be provided : in short, better staff relationships are being sought.

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Staff Training 41. A staff training school has been established at Wellington Prison where all recruits will receive an induction course and elementary training. So far one such course has been held. Some experimental short courses have been held for other junior and intermediate officers. These have all proved most useful not only for educational and training purposes, but also for the sharpening of general morale. I)he Department has appreciated the interest and assistance received from Professor D. 0/ Marsh, of the Chair of Social Science, and from others of the staff of Victoria University College. APPRECIATION 42. The Department is indebted for help and services received from many quarters. Reference has already been made to the professional services of the medical officers of the Mental Hygiene Division of the Health Department. The Maori Welfare Officers do much for Maoris released on probationary licence, while the staff of the Labour and Employment Department is always ready to assist in seeking employment for discharged prisoners. In addition to their regular visits medical officers appointed to the various institutions are always available in emergencies. 43. Visiting Justices, Visiting Committees to Borstal institutions, and Official Visitors, independently of departmental officers, maintain a useful oversight on conditions in institutions and provide additional avenues for complaints any prisoner may wish to make. 44. The Women's Borstal Association continues to render outstanding service in taking a personal and individual interest in each of the inmates at Arohata ; and later through associate members throughout the country, in maintaining a helpful oversight and supervision during the probationary period of those who are released, on licence. 45. The Department places particular value on the interest taken in religious and welfare work by the Churches, by individuals, and by various voluntary organizations. I desire to express thanks and appreciation to the ministers of religion, to the Salvation Army, and the various voluntary welfare organizations, and to the many kindly disposed individuals who do so much in ministering to, and in brightening the lot of, those who are in the Department's care. I am confident that all these good people must have satisfaction in knowing that much good results from their efforts. 46. Lastly, I place on record my thanks to all members of the staff of the Department for their assistance and co-operation during the past year. I know that Mr. Dallard and Mr. Barnett will wish me to associate them in this expression of appreciation. CONCLUSION 47. With the changes which have taken place in the administrative control of the Department during the past several months, much time has been devoted to a stocktaking of policy and of administration. Some changes have already been made and, as disclosed in this report, others are contemplated. But further developments must in the main await the return of Mr. Barnett at the end of the year from his tour overseas. He is acquainting himself with recent trends in the United Kingdom, on the Continent, and in the United States of America relating to all phases of prison administration. The Department hopes to advance the effectiveness of the work which has been developed over recent years. Advancement must, however, largely depend on an improvement in the staffing situation, on the improvement of accommodation and equipment, and on the expenditure of much time and thought. E. J. Gifford, Acting Controller-General.

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APPENDIX A—PRISONS AND BORSTAL INSTITUTIONS: EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS [Note. —Each. Controlling Officer has expressed full appreciation of the good work done by their officers and of their loyalty and co-operation throughout the year. As it has been necessary to condense a number of reports the separate references to staff have been omitted.] Addington Reformatory Institution (Women) (Acting Superintendent: Miss M. Kennedy) At the beginning of the year 7 inmates were held in custody. During the year 26 were admitted, and 26 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 7 inmates in custody at the end of the year. The health of the inmates has been consistently good. Treatment for venereal disease was necessary for 3 inmates—who have since been discharged—and 2 had dental treatment. The general behaviour has been very good, and there were no breaches of discipline to report. During the last few months of the year approximately 4,000 blankets were put through the laundry for the Army Department. This provided employment when the general work of the institution was finished. Inmates received training in domestic work, cooking, and gardening and all responded by taking a genuine interest in their work. A plentiful and varied supply of vegetables has been provided by the institution garden. The flower-garden afforded a pleasant recreation. The girls most interested in gardening have had their own plots. Sewing, needlework, and knitting have always been the chief pastimes and some really beautiful work has been done. The girls have taken every advantage of the regulation allowing them to receive payment for work done during this time. Miss Mason, who had been Superintendent of the institution from November, 1945,. resigned her position in April. Before this she had planned—and the Department had approved—of some very necessary alterations, repairs, and painting for the building. These were carried out by the staff of Paparua Prison and have effected a great improvement. Religious services have been held every Sunday morning by the variousdenominations. Miss Nichoils and the W.C.T.U. continued to provide excellent concert programmes at regular intervals and the Salvation Army held a social hour once a month. Pictures both educational and entertaining, are screened at intervals, and all entertainments have been warmly appreciated by the inmates. The Salvation Army and the W.C.T.U. provided Christmas and New Year parties,, and we are grateful to many friends for donations towards Christmas funds. Arohata Borstal (and Reformatory) Institution (Superintendent : Miss F. Fairweather) On Ist January, 1949, there were 10 Borstal inmates in custody in the institution. During the year 15 were received and 15 discharged or otherwise dealt with, leaving 10 in custody at the close of the year. The greatest number in custody was 15 and the least 10 with a daily average of 12-1. In the reformatory section 2 inmates were in custody at the beginning of the year.. There were 36 admissions ; 34 were discharged or otherwise dealt with during the year, leaving 4in custody on 31st December, 1949. The greatest number in custody was 8, with a daily average of 3-9.

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Of the 15 Borstal admissions, all, with the exception of one, had previous convictions and 10 had previously received probation for periods varying from one to three years. Sixty per cent, of those admitted to Borstal were Maori girls, most of whom adapted themselves very readily to the routine and responded well to the discipline and training provided. Of the 9 Maori admissions, 7 were from the North Auckland area, and in each case had been attracted to the city where factory-work with adequate remuneration was easily secured. The lack of suitable accommodation and effective supervision and the difficulty of adjustment to city conditions were largely responsible for their antisocial conduct, much of which might have been prevented. This " uprooting " from established conditions and tribal control with its subsequent reaction is particularly serious for the adolescent Maori girl, and remedial measures should receive the utmost consideration if the delinquency in this section of the community is to be arrested. Very revealing is the information gained through the case history of each inmate, providing as it does, some insight into the conditions and circumstances that have contributed to their undesirable behaviour. Whilst there may be several contributory factors, which in each case vary with the individual, the underlying one appears to be the unsatisfactory home environment and inadequate preparation for a stable fife in the community. The majority of the inmates, mainly on account of the lack of parental control in their earlier years, had been at some stage under the supervision of the Child Welfare Division of the Education Department. A record of poor work habits with continual changes of employment is the general rule, and it is rare to find any connection with sports clubs or other groups that might have provided satisfying recreational and social activities. It is disturbing to note the undue proportion of those mentally handicapped, and who, as a result, will require custodial care if they are to be protected from further delinquencies. The low incidence of illness throughout the year may be ascribed to the well-balanced and wholesome diet and orderly routine, most of the sickness being due to the poor physical condition of the girls on admission. One Borstal inmate was admitted to public hospital for four days for observation and treatment, whilst 1 hard-labour inmate —a T.B. suspect —was sent to Ewart Hospital. There were 2 admissions to Bethany Maternity Hospital, each case receiving regular attention at the ante-natal clinic. All inmates were thoroughly examined on admission by the medical officer, Dr. Douglas Brown, and all tests for V.D. taken by a nursing sister of the Wellington Hospital. Wherever necessary, remedial treatment was carried out. There were no cases of V.D. during the year. Each inmate received psychiatric examination by Dr. K. B. Stallworthv of the Porirua Mental Hospital, and his reports and advice have been valuable in determining the best method of treatment required for each individual. His services, too, in other cases where inmates have been held for mental examination have been much appreciated. Special attention has been directed to the dental requirements of the inmates, most of whom show signs of continued neglect, and the necessary work of extractions, fillings, and dentures has been carried out by Mr. W. P. Somerville. A careful check is kept on eyesight, and the improved lighting in the rooms has proved an advantage. One inmate, who in earlier years suffered the removal of one eve, was fitted with an artificial one—a fact that has contributed to her development. A good standard of conduct has been maintained and a commendable spirit of cooperation and helpfulness has been in evidence, the inmates proving very responsive to the training and routine. With the object in view of an all-round development of character and capacities —moral, mental, physical, and vocational—a balanced programme of work, educational and recreational, has been planned with the necessary emphasis on the preparation for home life. Training in cooking, kitchen-management, laundry, and domestic work and gardening is provided and many of the girls become really efficient

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in their various duties. The kitchens offer a valuable source of training, which the majority have lacked, and under supervision the meals are prepared with special emphasis on the planning of nourishing and varied meals. A variety of fresh vegetables and an adequate supply of milk are always available from the farm. In addition to the laundry work of the institution, a number of contract orders, mainly the washing of towels for Government Departments, have been carried out satisfactorily. Only a little sewing has been done for the mental hospital, but the making of garments and dresses for the inmates themselves has provided a training that should assure employment on release. The encouragement of leisure-time activities has been an important feature of the programme and the girls have been taught all types of hand-work —knitting, crochet and tapestry work, tatting, toymaking, and embroidery —work at which many excel although this is their first introduction to such creative use of leisure time. Social activities and recreation make their contribution to the shaping of conduct, and time has been devoted to singing, games, and dancing. The Maori girls are encouraged to develop their own music, poi dances, and action songs, and have provided some creditable programmes for the other inmates. The monthly programme of educational and entertaining pictures are always welcomed and appreciated. Outdoor recreational activities are limited in scope but a tennis-court, which could be used as well for basketball, is in the course of completion. Walks on the hills at the back of the farm and picnics on holidays provide an activity that is always popular. The National Library Service has continued to supply every three months a splendid collection of books, varied to suit all types, and this supplements the reading-matter available in the institution library. Many of the inmates have little educational equipment and prefer the magazines, some of which are supplied by the Department, and others given by interested friends. Eegular religious services have been arranged each Sunday by the Minister's Association, and instruction classes for the members of their respective denominations have been conducted weekly by the Anglican Minister, Rev. P. Gamlen, and by the Catholic Priest, Rev. Father J. McGrath. Fortnightly visits are also made by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy for religious instruction, guidance, and counsel. Classes for confirmation were held and in October a service was conducted by the Bishop of Wellington at Bishopscourt when 4 of the inmates, after due preparation, were confirmed. Monthly visits were made by the Borstal Committee and fortnightly visits by the Women's Borstal Association, and to all the members of these two organizations thanks and appreciation are expressed for their continued interest, practical help, and cooperation throughout the year. Valuable service has been rendered by the Borstal Association in providing garments which augment the wardrobe of those who are released and in assisting with the provision of baby garments for the girls entering the maternity hospital. In addition, Mrs. R. Tait, Chairwoman of the Association, meets the inmates each month for friendly advice and encouragement. Prior to Christmas, a very happy function was arranged by members of the Salvation Army who provided a " party " tea followed by music and the presentation of Christmas gifts. This was greatly enjoyed by the inmates. Another party was the entertainment of 9 members of the Borstal Association for whom the inmates provided a special programme of music and Maori items. The significance of Christmas was manifested by a pageant on Christmas Eve, and a carol service and nativity play on Christmas Day, the parts being taken very creditably by the inmates. Other Christmas-time celebrations were all-day picnics and walks on the hills, a fancy-dress party, and concerts, all of which contributed to the happiness of the season. Our thanks are due to the Borstal Committee, the Borstal Association, the Catholic Sisters, and the Howard League for Penal Reform for their gifts and monetary contributions which provided welcome extras for the Christmas and New Year fare.

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Borstal after-care may be regarded as of almost equal importance as Borstal training, and the work of the Associate members and of the Maori Welfare Officers, under whose supervision and care the girls are placed on release, is to be commended. The girls are helped through friendly advice over the difficult period of adjustment to normal living, and despite adverse conditions, it is encouraging to find that the majority settle down satisfactorily. There were 2 additions to the staff and 1 in a temporary capacity during the varsity vacation, but the resignations of 3 who have chosen less exacting employment have caused a further depletion. The quality of the staff is one of the most essential factors in the success or failure of the Borstal system, and the institution of a course at Victoria University College for Social Studies is welcomed. It may result in some assistance in meeting staffing difficulties. Auckland Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. J. H. Lauder) At the commencement of the year there were 265 males and 10 females in custody. During the year 1,108 males and 48 females were received and 1,089 males and 51 females were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 284 males and 7 females in custody at the end of the year. There were 106 males and 3 females received into prison as second offenders during the year. The conduct generally of the prisoners has been good, having regard to the class of prisoner held in custody at Auckland. Most long-sentence men are retained here, and prisoners guilty of serious misconduct at other institutions are sent here for greater security. There were 6 escapes during the year. All were recaptured, 4 within a few hours of escape, 1 after being at liberty for three days. One prisoner was at large for over six weeks. The health of the prisoners has been very good and there have not been any general epidemics. The daily average sick has been 8-29 males and 0-11 females, a slight decrease in both cases. The prison medical officer, Dr. C. H. Tewsley, has visited the prison regularly each week and otherwise whenever required. There were 18 males admitted to the public hospital during the year. No female prisoners required to be sent to hospital. I regret to state that 3 who were admitted to the public hospital passed away, 2in the Green Lane Hospital and 1 in the Auckland Public Hospital. All 3 were suffering from T.B. During the year 3 males and 9 females were admitted to prison suffering from gonorrhoea and 3 males from syphilis, this being a slight increase over the previous year. There were 6 males and 1 female transferred to the mental hospital. Again I wish to place on record the valuable assistance given by the medical staff of the mental hospital for their willing co-operation at all times, by making examinations during the year for the Courts and for this institution, a number of such reports being required urgently and at short notice. The prison quarry has shown an improvement during the year and the various grades of metal have been disposed of to various contractors. Owing to a portion of the quarry being practically worked out, a further area has been made available by the Colonial Ammunition Co., and this portion has had a new fence erected for the safe custody of the prisoners. This new area should give sufficient work for another fifteen to twenty years. The boot-factory has not been able to work at full pressure for some time on account of the Health Department (Division of Mental Hygiene) cancelling their orders owing to supplies becoming available from the Army Department. Consequently the number of prisoners in the bootshop has been reduced until such time as additional orders are

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received. A large number of repairs have been carried out for the prison, the mental hospitals, and the Education Department. Leather satchels have been made and others repaired for the Post and Telegraph Department. The tailoring department has maintained its usual full capacity, manufacturing large quantities of clothing for the mental hospitals, as well as meeting requirements for prison institutions. For Government Departments 729 office-chair cushions were manufactured and 2,758 pairs of socks were manufactured and 589 pairs refooted. In the mail-bags department of the shop 15,210 mail and parcel bags were repaired. Tinsmithing has also been carried on supplying other prison institutions with their requirements. Difficulty is still being experienced in procuring material for this class of work. In the carpenter's shop, cabinets were manufactured for Government Departments, and, in addition, maintenance work for the local Courts was carried out as required. A large number of filing-trays were manufactured for the Magistrates' Court. The cottages in Boston Koad are in progress of renovation inside and painting outside, and the greater number of these have been completed. One cottage was completed and occupied in Clive Road, while a second is almost completed. Great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining material for these cottages and has certainly hampered the progress of completion, but we have been able to proceed with the foundations of the remaining four cottages. The laundering section has handled a large number of blankets for the Army and Air Force, also towels and blankets for the Central Police-station. The prison laundering has been done mostly by male prisoners. The drying facilities have been improved in the female laundry by installing electric fans. Soap to the quantity of 1,914 bars were manufactured for laundry and institution work. ' The manufacture of tobacco has been satisfactory and institutional requirements have been supplied as required. A light leaf was purchased from W. H. Wills and Co. for the purpose of breaking down the strength of the leaf produced at Waikeria. The output of vegetables has fallen on account of the restricted area ; at the same time we have had a fair supply considering the limited amount of ground under cultivation. The institution has had to rely to some extent on Waikeria and on the open market for a part of its requirements. The food supplied to the inmates has been of first-class quality and has been up to contract conditions. The bread consumed has been made in the prison bakehouse and is of a high standard. The institutional school has been continued during the year under the direction of Dr. Dale, M.A., with the assistance of Mr. Warner, Probation Officer, and Deputy Principal Warder Carson of the prison staff. A large number of the inmates still continue to take various courses with the Education Department's Correspondence School. A number of these prisoners have received excellent reports for their work. Dr. Dale has reported on the work of the prison school as follows : During the year the number of men attending has been fairly constant, indicating that many are keen to avail themselves of the somewhat limited facilities the school has to offer. Some who came merely to " brush up " their primary subjects preparatory to embarking on a secondary course have staved'as permanent students, these are the students for whom we would like to do a good deal more than we have facilities for at present. It would seem, too, to point to the fact that many men are anxious to use their time to the fullest extent while serving a sentence of intermediate length so that, as many phrase it, " I can do better when lam released." Others come with the deliberate intention of getting the gaps in their earlier education filled out in an adult sense. The staff are always pleased to welcome this latter type of student. The work this year, in addition to the usual primary and secondary courses, has been directed to those men who, for various reasons, have been working at courses prior to sentence. This group, 'though small, has been catered for effectively if reports from the various agencies outside the institution are any indication. Again we have had men attending who have sought specific courses

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allied to their vocations " outside." While it has not been possible to meet all such requirements, the school has been able to do something towards the problem by aiding wherever this is feasible. Indeed, this year, we have experienced a number of very earnest men, anxious to do something for themselves, coming to school. Such attitudes are bound to have a good effect in bringing about their true rehabilitation. Nor do the staff regard themselves only in the light of teachers. Much time and effort is devoted to assisting the men to find themselves, to work out their own ideational problems, and to plan for complete rehabilitation on release. The function of the school, more and more, is as much a social factor in the lives of the men as it is an educational force. It is most gratifying to acknowledge the spirit of co-operation shown by the Correspondence School and the Technical Correspondence School —both schools have been asked for assistance during the year, and, although the problems posed were not always possible of solution each has tried to help where it could. During the year the school has been equipped with the new primary text-books. These have proved satisfactory up to a point, but there still remains the matter of presentation of subjects (not necessarily at a school level) closely related to living which cannot be taken care of to our satisfaction. The best sohition would appear to be the purchase of books for reading round the subject termed " Social Studies," for there is a lively interest in such. The books on loan from the National Library Service are a real asset to the prisoners. These books are changed each quarter and are greatly appreciated by the inmates. The physical-drill classes have not yet been resumed owing to the drill instructor having a disability. It is hoped to resume these classes in the near future. The various social organizations have again been most generous and considerate in supplying Christmas cheer in the way of cake, tobacco, &c. ; these gifts are greatly appreciated by all inmates. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been well cared for by the ministers of the various denominations and other religious workers. Mrs. Webster and her assistant Mrs. Bracey from the Eed Gross Society have conducted weekly classes for ]bhe benefit of the female prisoners. Both these visitors have also taken a keen interest in any returned serviceman and have presented a parcel through the kindness of Mr. Postlewaite from the R.S.A. Captain Banyard of the Church Army has been attached to the staff as Welfare Officer on a part-time basis. His services have been most helpful to the staff and have been greatly appreciated by the prisoners. In addition to his general welfare work he has arranged games for the female division and concerts and pictures for the prisoners. His appointment to act on a full-time basis during 1950 is welcomed. In the industrial activities the officers responsible have maintained a good standard of industry. The clerical and stores staff have dealt with their portion of institutional matters in an efficient manner. The report of the Welfare Officer is published as showing some of the tasks which he is undertaking. It reads as follows : This work was begun in February, 1949, and continued through the year as a part-time work. The work being new both to the prisoners and the staff it has, of necessity, been a time of adaption to circumstances, of experimentation, of gradual development, and laying a foundation for deeper and more constructive effort in the future. Routine work taken up has been the daily censoring of outward mail; twice weekly visits to prisoners in the public hospital: visits to the prison infirmary ; to the prison workshops, bakehouse, cookhouse, &c.; to the female division ; in fact to all parts of the prison. This maintains a contact with prisoners and staff. Talks with the men take the form of a brief talk whilst they are at work, talks with groups in the yards at week-ends, and longer interviews with men in the office (which has been specially built during the year). Lots of men seek an interview, whilst others are specially chosen by the Welfare Officer with the idea of helping them to clear up their own ideas, their home, or domestic affairs and to a positive new way of life on their discharge. These interviews lead to much further work, such as the writing of letters to parents or former teachers, visits or letters to future employers on discharge, and most important of all, visits to the homes of prisoners in order to guide a wife or parents in regard to the rehabilitation of the man. This part of the welfare work has had (because of lack of time) to be kept down to a minimum and much more of it should be done, being one of the most likely means of preventing a man returning to gaol.

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Entertainments are now arranged regularly—viz., a monthly band concert (except January) and a bi-monthly concert—which gives, with the six-weekly provision of pictures by the Department, a total of twenty-five entertainments during a year. Sports. —There is very little space for sports without using room needed for other purposes. Nevertheless, a space for basketball has been planned and marked out, also for a bowling-green, and as soon as these places are ready for use a sports committee will be formed. In the female division the game of tennis-quoits has been in operation for many months and a team of responsible young women brought in occasionally to challenge the prisoners. It is to be hoped that some way may be found to remedy the lack of space for sports—for the week-ends and holiday periods are times of inactivity. Varied commissions such as the following are carried out fairly often for inmates : —■ For Remand Men : Purchases made, clothing rescued from town or tools from place of work, solicitor secured. For Convicted Men : Advice given on educational correspondence courses, purchases of clothingmade, purchases of books or materials for hobbies, reading-glasses for old men, clothes taken out and cleaned before man discharged, stories and articles written by men read and advised on and censored before being taken out of prison. All these bits of service provide a means of getting to know the men and an opportunity of a word in season. Hautu Prison (Superintendent: Mr. A. Banks) I beg to submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1949. At the commencement of trie year there were 39 men in custody. During the period 42 were received, 30 discharged, and 11 transferred to other institutions, leaving 40 in custody at the end of the year. The general health of the men was good. Three men were treated at public hospitals for minor ailments and 1 man suffering from hernia underwent an operation. The medical officer visited the prison regularly, and Mr. R. W. Beresford, Dental Surgeon, Taumarunui, attended to men requiring dental treatment. The spiritual welfare of the men was attended to by Reverend Father de Bree, Waihi, Reverend H. W. Johnston, Presbyterian Minister, Taupo, and Mr. H. L. Forlong of Piriaka. On Christmas Day Reverend H. W. Johnston and members of the Presbyterian congregation visited the prison and gave a screening of lantern slides of the Holy Land. They also distributed presents to the men. We have also to thank the Christchurch Branch of the Howard League for Christmas cake supplied. A plentiful and varied supply of vegetables was obtained throughout the year from the prison garden, and produce surplus to requirements was sold to local storekeepers. The rations supplied during the year were of good quality, the bread was baked in the prison bakehouse, and all meat for rations killed on the farm. The dairy industry was carried on with good results. Work on the erection of the new milking-shed was held up owing to lack of materials, but now the work has been completed and the machinery installed. A herd of 60 cows is being milked at present, but will be increased to about 80 next season. During the year 321 weaner pigs were transferred to other institutions and 7 sold locally. The pigs were fed on vegetables from the garden and on skim-milk. The lambing percentage, owing to the weak constitution of most of the flock ewes, was poor, and the wool-clip did not come up to standard. The hay-crop, weighing 126|- tons, was baled in good condition, and 200 acres of swedes and turnips were grown for live-stock. The potato-crop was more than sufficient for our requirements, the surplus being sold locally. Work on the eradication of rabbits was kept up, and as a result of a conference with the Department of Agriculture and Maori Affairs Department, parties of men under the supervision of officers were employed laying phosphorized pollard on Maori property in the surrounding district. Phosphorized pollard, strychnine, and gas-guns were used on the prison farm.

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Invercargill Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. H. W. D. Blake) Staff In May, Mr. H. C. Mathew resigned his position as Superintendent on appointment to a similar position with the Victorian Government, Australia. From May until my own appointment in November, Chief Officer J. F. Kilpatrick acted as Superintendent. In September he was appointed Deputy Superintendent. Principal Officer W. T. Baker retired from the service in March. For many years he served this institution well taking particular interest in both cricket and football. Four other officers left the service while 2 were transferred to other institutions. Deputy Principal Officer L. C. Gorman was transferred from Mount Eden Prison and 3 other officers joined the staff. During the year the staff has been adequate. Early in the new year it is intended to submit proposals for reorganizing the staff with the object of increasing the individualized treatment of the inmates. Inmates Statistics. —On Ist January, 1949, there were 105 Borstal inmates in custody. During the year 75 were received and 92 discharged or released on licence, leaving 88 in custody on 31st December. The daily average over the year was 91-75, the greatest number in custody at any one time being 105 and the least 83. In the reformatory section there were 4 males in custody on Ist January. During the year 70 males were received and 72 discharged or transferred to other prisons or reformatories, leaving 2 males in custody at the end of the year. The daily average was 3-9, the greatest number being 11 and the least nil. One female was admitted and discharged during the year. Health. —Health has been good, with minor illnesses and injuries at the head of the list of treatments. There were 18 admissions to the public hospital compared with 33 last year and 21 the year before. Of these admissions 2 were for mastoiditis, 2 for appendicitis, 2 osteomylitis, 1 each for tonsils and hernia, and 10 for minor operations and accidents. On admission to the institutions all inmates are given a thorough medical examination by the medical officer, Dr. F. Russell Miller, and where necessary special diet or treatment is prescribed. Special attention is given to dental treatment, and once again the dental officer, Mr. M. Parr, with his assistant, Mr. Sapsford, gave excellent service, attending the institution at regular intervals for routine work, and carrying out more difficult treatments in his own surgery. Dentures were provided by the Department in all cases where they were needed, it being regarded as part of the general health programme to ensure that teeth and dentures were in first-class order. Dr. D. G. McLachlan, Assistant Medical Superintendent of Seacliff Mental Hospital, visited the institution regularly, providing psychiatric reports on 50 inmates during the year. Beliaviour. —The standard of behaviour has been maintained at a high level throughout the year. This has been facilitated by the smallness of the number of inmates which has enabled closer contact with each individual. The essence of Borstal training is the study of the individual —his physique, physical and mental abilities, interests, and disposition. To improve this study it is proposed to divide the inmates into divisions, each in charge of its own officer, so that better supervision and guidance can be given. There were 4 escapes during the year, in each case the inmates being retaken into custody within a few days and receiving additions to their sentences. Training While all activities a boy may be engaged in are media for training, it is convenient to divide the programme of training into two sections (a) Occupational Training, and (b) Recreational Activities.

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(a) Occupational Training At present it is not possible to teach trades to inmates, but they can be taught to handle tools and to gain an insight into a particular type of occupation. Some, on release, have developed considerable skill. Many of the inmates are employed on the various activities on the 2,000-acre farm attached to the institution where the work is supervised by competent farm officers. Other inmates are engaged in : Baking, blacksmithy, boot making and repairing, bookbinding, carpentry, cooking, joinery, laundry work, painting and paperhanging, plastering and bricklaying, plumbing, welding. The Farm. —During the year 15,000 bales of hay were produced, about half being kept for our own stock and over £BOO worth being sold. Seventy acres of oats, 15 acres of potatoes, 50 acres of swedes, and 17 acres of soft turnips were sown. A total of 2,585 of our own sheep were shorn and an additional 3,676 for neighbouring farmers, while 1,500 lambs were sold. An average of 100 cows were milked and £725 worth of pigs sold. All dany cows are tuberculin tested annually and all cattle purchased are given this test. (b) Recreational Activities Educational Classes. —As in previous years these were divided into four groups. The first group was equivalent to the post-primary grade, the studies including English, arithmetic, history, geography, and world affairs. Similar subjects were covered by the second and third groups. The fourth group comprised those of low intelligence including several illiterates. Very good work indeed was done by the teacher in charge of this group. The Adult Education Service has assisted in lectures and musical appreciation, while the drama class, under Mr. J. Marr, was particularly successful, the highlight of the year being the presentation of the play " Journey's End," the first time a three-act play has been attempted. The choir, under the direction of Mr. Kennedy Black, though small in numbers, attained a very high quality. Vocational Classes. —Classes in life-saving and swimming, bookbinding, radio repairs, boot-repairs, carpentry and joinery, painting and sign writing, wool-classing, and agriculture have been conducted during the evenings by members of the staff and visiting instructors. They have attracted the interest of many inmates. Entertainment. —The annual Christmas concert was most successful, the standard of performance of the choir and the gymnastic class being high. The attendance of visitors interested in the institution was greater than it has been for many years. Various concert parties have visited the institution, while a number of interesting talks by experts have been given to the inmates. A Maori party assisted at a Returned Services' Association concert in the Civic Theatre, the item being well received. Each week a programme of 16 mm. sound films is screened. At Christmas, through the generosity of several Invercargill organizations and citizens, the Welfare Fund was augmented by gifts in kind and cash. As a result we were able to provide Christmas parcels for 30 inmates who had received none from friends and also to provide small prizes for the sports meetings held on various holidays. Outdoor Recreation. —Rugby football, cricket, and softball teams took part in local competitions. Officers of the staff have coached these teams, often giving many hours of their own time. The drill and gymnasium class conducted by Mr. Page showed marked progress. Library. —The quarterly change of books on loan from the National Library Service has provided a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction. There is a definite interest in reading. Religious Instruction. —The Ministers' Association arranges services each Sunday. In addition, instruction is given by the Roman Catholic Church each week. A weekly song service is conducted by the Salvation Army, and Anglican and Presbyterian Bible Classes meet regularly.

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Buildings At the beginning of the year the renovation of the oldest of the institution cottages was completed, while towards the end of the year another new cottage was finished. The report for last year mentions that work had been commenced on the new ablution block. The lavatory portion has been completed but the shower-house still needs to be connected to the boilers. The opening of this much-needed block has improved the toilet facilities which for many years have been primitive and crude. The new dairy on the farm has been completed and we now have one that is well equipped with few equals in Southland. At the same time improvements have been made to the piggery. The pig-food cooking system is particularly successful. Early in 1950 a start will be made on the new kitchen for which most of the equipment is already to hand. Along with these works general maintenance has been maintained but the time is overdue for a complete renovation of the inmates' cubicles, a task that will be undertaken next year. Aftercare Borstal training should follow a progressive course of trust and liberty from the time of reception into the institution to the end of the final probation period. It is all one course. Our active task ceases when the inmate is released and his aftercare then becomes the direct responsibility of others. As far as possible we try to see that he has a job to go to, that he has prospective board and lodging, and that he leaves with what he may need in the way of necessary clothing. However, what we can do is limited. Although many probation officers give assistance there is a definite need for an aftercare association —a group of people interested in the inmates during the licence and probation period. Such an association must have links with the institution and a connection with the community in which the inmate will live. During his first few weeks of liberty it is important that some one in whom the lad will have confidence should be responsible for his supervision and guidance, which, of course, should become more and more unobtrusive as he progresses. With the development of such an organization, the value of the work in this institution would be increased a hundredfold. Napier Prison (Superintendent: Mr. P. S. Watters) At the beginning of the year there were 22 males in custody, 149 males and 4 females were received during the year, while 154 males and 4 females were discharged or transferred to other prisons, leaving a total of 17 males in custody at the end of the year. Four inmates were admitted to the Napier Public Hospital for treatment during the year, otherwise the health of the inmates has been good. The quarry output has been maintained, and a fresh section 36 ft. wide has been put into operation with good results. The garden still shows an improvement in spite of poor market prices, and the carnations' sales have increased by double at a satisfactory price, while a plentiful supply of vegetables have been harvested for institutional use. There were no escapes during the year, although 1 inmate made an attempt. During the year the sanitary arrangements have been improved by installing three new lavatory pans and cisterns. Divine service has been maintained regularly for all denominations, and sacred concerts have been held in the evening each fortnight during the year, one variety concert was given, and pictures have been shown by the Reverend Mr. Dyason. All services and concerts were well attended by the inmates. Daily entertainment is provided per medium of suitable wireless programmes ; these are much appreciated by the inmates. The maintenance of the prison has been kept up during the year and the prison is in good repair. The conduct of the inmates in general has been good throughout the year.

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New Plymouth Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. Dow) There were 52 male prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 100 male prisoners were received, whilst 93 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 57 in custody at the end of the year. There were no escapes during the year. One prisoner with a bad criminal record had to be dealt with by the Magistrate for breaches of the Prison Regulations. The staff had been most forbearing with this man. The conduct of the remainder, with the exception of a new minor breaches, has been good. The health of the prisoners has been good. One was admitted to the public hospital for observation. Dr. Allen pays a weekly visit to the institution and at any other time when it is necessary. He peruses the depositions of each prisoner when admitted and has a lengthy interview with him. The industries have been carried on in much the same manner as in former years. Gardening is the main occupation and gives employment for the majority of the men. The growing of vegetable plants for sale is still being carried on at the request of the merchants. There is an abundant supply of vegetables grown all the year round, and after our requirements are met the balance is disposed of in the open market, to the public hospital, and to the New Plymouth High School hostels. The pig industry is proving most successful, and there is still a keen demand for all we can produce. The quarry is being worked on a small scale, and there is no difficulty in disposing of all the metal that can be produced. The Rugby Park Committee offered a large number of trees at the park for the cutting. This has been done and we now have sufficient firing to last for a lengthy period. Some of the suitable timber was sold as fencing-posts. The purchase of cows for rations has been continued through the year, the Farmers' Co-operative Association delivering at intervals when required. The killing is done by prison labour on the premises. All meat is inspected by the Meat Inspector before being issued. During the year one carcass was condemned as being unfit for consumption. Boot-repairing provides useful employment for 1 man throughout the year. Work in the laundry provides employment for 3 men washing prisoners' clothing, blankets, &c, and, in addition, towels, &c, for local Government Departments. The maintenance work of the prison and cottages is regularly attended to. The cottages are at present being painted. We are still fortunate in having a first-class prisoner cook who turns out excellent meals. The diet is varied and fish is provided on one day per week. We have also a first-class baker who has just recently learned the trade in prison. He is now turning out excellent bread. The residents of New Plymouth continue to take a keen interest in the welfare of the men. During the year concerts were provided by the Happiness Club, the Rotary Club, the Caledonian Society, the New Plymouth Pipe Band, the Salvation Army Songsters and others. In addition to the concerts, periodical picture entertainments were provided by the Department, and two interesting travel talks were given. During the year the Red Cross Society conducted a class on home nursing and one on first aid. The results of the examinations in each case were very satisfactory. The men continue to be interested in their spare-time hobbies such as rugmaking, tapestry, drawing, &c. A drill class is held on two nights per week. Inmates are allowed out of their cells one night per week to play cards. Three inmates are taking a course with the Correspondence School of the Education Department and are making very satisfactory progress. A large percentage are men of good educational qualifications. During the warmest months of the year inmates have been allowed into the exercise yard in the evenings for two hours, and this privilege has never been abused.

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A bequest from the Gordon Bequest Fund was received and utilized in providing Christmas cheer. Extra Christmas cheer was also received from the Mayor of New Plymouth and other local residents. The spiritual welfare of the men is regularly attended to by the ministers of the various denominations and other religious workers. The Venerable Archdeacon Gavin presides over a Bible study group one night per week, and in this connection I consider he is doing a good service towards the reformation. of the men. Holy Communion for the Anglicans and Mass for the Roman Catholics is celebrated at regular intervals. Mr. Woodward, S.M., and Messrs. Weston and Nicol, Visiting Justices, paid regular visits during the year and continue to be interested in the welfare of the men. Paparua Prison (Superintendent: Mr. C. B. Harrington) On the Ist January, 1949, there were 137 male prisoners in custody ; during the year 466 prisoners were admitted, 478 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, and at the end of the year 125 were held in custody. The greatest number held was 151, the least 103, and the daily average number was 123. The health of the prisoners has continued to be satisfactory and no serious illnesses have occurred. The medical officer, Dr. A. C. Thomson, visited the institution each week. He also examines and reports upon the medical condition of all newly-admitted prisoners. One death occurred during the year ; 4 prisoners were admitted to the Christchurch Public Hospital; none had to be treated for venereal disease. Mental specialists are called in from Sunnyside Mental Hospital to examine and report on any prisoner who appears to be mentally abnormal, or if the Courts require it. We have always received the willing co-operation of the Mental Hygiene Division in this* respect. Dental health is attended to by Mr. W. H. Wylie, the institution dental officer, on a contract basis. As in previous years rations have been supplied to the prisoners in accordance with our regulations, and the diet has proved adequate to maintain health and physical fitness. Vegetables, beef, and milk are provided from the farm, and bread is baked in the institution bakehouse. All other rations, including mutton, are purchased outside. The prisoners' spiritual welfare is in the hands of the ministers of the various religious denominations who conduct services regularly. All prisoners are expected to attend services of their own denominations. Standards of conduct and work have been maintained at about the same level as in previous years. Forty-nine individual prisoners were charged with the commission of 66 offences, mostly minor breaches of the regulations, during the year. There was 1 escape by a prisoner who was receiving treatment at the public hospital. There were 21 concerts presented by the Returned Services' Association, Salvation Army, Royal Christchurch Musical Society, and other groups, and including the Department's own moving-picture programmes. The Workers' Educational Association gave 15 lectures during the winter. The attendances, which were voluntary, showed how much the prisoners appreciated these breaks, and the organizations who voluntarily arrange the programmes deserve the greatest commendation for their efforts. At Christmas time one of these groups always arranges a special concert at the institution, and at this period, too, the prisoners are allowed to receive parcels of food, sweets, tobacco, &c. The larger parcels are split up and the surplus, together with donations of cigarettes which we receive and other things, is sufficient to enable us to distribute parcels to every man on Christmas morning and on New Year's Day.

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School classes were conducted twice weekly by Mr. A. W. Kibblewhite from Templeton, and following is his report for the year's activities : The class is continually changing but, notwithstanding this, most of the members are keen to learn and show a great improvement by the end of the year. Arithmetic and mathematics were covered at Form II stage and those with more knowledge were given extra problems. On the whole, practical problems, designed to assist in everyday life, were given to the pupils. In English the aim was to teach the class to speak and write correct English, so grammatical construction was taken and then literary appreciation by means of extracts from good authors and poets. Business and social letters, applications, &c, were illustrated and discussed. The greatest interest was shown in social studies and world affairs, giving comparisons between the ways of life of other peoples, &c. In discussions, pupils were encouraged to give their own views and experiences (if travelled) and tlnis improve confidence in themselves. Newspaper comments on world affairs were discussed. In conclusion, I must thank the prison staff for their co-operation at all times. There has been a good deal of activity during this year in connection with maintenance and repair work on buildings and plant, which has kept the tradesmen officers and their prisoner labourers fully occupied. We also carried out repairs at Addington Keformatory. The new blacksmith's shop is finished and is very useful and convenient. The materials salvaged from the old shop were used to put a roof over the crushing plant and also to build two more fowl-houses. A small saw and buzzer were purchased for the carpenter's shop which is housed in the new building. We have plans to erect two or three more houses for the staff, but we need a carpenter officer and I am afraid it may be difficult to obtain one. In these institutions the essential services such as cooking, cleaning, laundering, and maintenance work do not absorb all prisoners' labour, and, in any case, many of the inmates need and are fitted for outside work only, so the various industries are set up. They not only broaden the range of work available but provide revenue for the Department, and thus reduce the cost of maintaining the prison population. At Paparua the most important industry is the quarry, which absorbs a large portion of the labour available, and for whose products there is a steady demand. It was kept busy during the year and we sold 24,500 yards of metal extracted from it. In October we had to close down the screening plant for repairs and alterations. A new ramp has now been erected and is nearly completed. In the meantime only the crushing plant is working, and the output from the shingle-pit has fallen away considerably. However, when the new screening plant is working it is expected that the output will be increased and the loss of revenue will be soon made up. The blockmaking industry is still dormant on account of the shortage of cement and reinforcing steel and it cannot be revived till these items become available once more. The institution garden supplies ration vegetables for Addington and ourselves, but weather conditions this year have made the task more difficult than tisual, the spring and summer having been abnormally dry even for this district. However, sufficient supplies of a fair variety of vegetables were produced as required and, at times, small quantities have been sold on the Christchurch market. I can report encouraging progress in the poultry section. Egg production rose from 7,500 dozen in 1948 to 10,500 dozen in "1949.* The revenue exceeded £1,380. We fattened more than 600 cockerels for the market and also disposed of our culled hens ; 404 pullets were raised to augment the flock. The hatching operations were very successful and our flock of young birds looks very well. Disease is almost entirely absent. The farm, which was under the direction of Mr. H. J. S. Wilson, has suffered from lack of moisture at the right time and production figures have been disappointing. The hay and oat crops were insufficient for our requirements and we have had to call on the Invercargill Borstal Institution to help out. There is a marked deterioration in the state of the pastures owing to the continuing shortage of moisture. The sheep have done remarkably well in spite of the adverse conditions. The wool-clip filled 46 bales as against 42 last year. The lambing percentage was 107 as compared with 112 in 1948. We fattened and sent to the works almost all the lambs not needed for the flock, but the average weight was slightly lower than usual.

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The farm tractor and horse teams gave good service with the cultivation of the land. The dairy herd, which provides milk for the institution, consists of 27 cows, and they produce enough to allow a portion to be separated, the cream going to the factory and the skim-milk to the pigs. At the piggery we have 17 sows, but the number of young pigs we can fatten is limited by the feed available. Mr. Wilson has been in charge of the farm for twenty-five years and it is with regret that I have to record his retirement. During his period of service he has worked hard and brought the farm up to its present standard, and it is a credit to him. The timber plantations are coming along well and growth, though slow, is steady once the young trees are established. The dry conditions caused some of the trees planted out last year to die off, and a fire destroyed 3 acres of young trees. These will have to be replaced. In conclusion, I wish to record my appreciation of the good work that is being done by the Christchurch Discharged Prisoners' Rehabilitation Society in assisting ex-prisoners to find employment and readjust themselves to society generally. This group of publicspirited citizens provides valuable assistance at the most difficult stage in the lives of prisoners and must help many of them to keep out of further trouble. Rangipo Prison (Superintendent : Mr. R. J. Craig) At the commencement of the year there were 34 males in custody. During the year 26 were received, 27 were discharged, and 7 were transferred, leaving a balance at the end of the year of 26 in custody. The medical officer, Dr. L. E. Jordan, attended the prison regularly throughout the year. The general health of the prisoners has been good and no cases of a serious nature have occurred. Dental attention has been given the inmates by Mr. R. Beresford of Taumarunui. Religious services have been held in the prison throughout the year, and for these we are indebted to the Reverends K. A. Mountjoy and H. W. Johnston of the Presbyterian Church, and the Catholic Priest, Father De Bray. Thanks are again due to the Christchurch branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform for the cake they sent to the inmates at Christmas time. Thanks are also due to Miss E. C. L'Estrange and her committee for the excellent letters received for prisoners from London, also the Church of Christ, Wellington, for the literature that was received regularly throughout the year. Early in February a fire broke out in the laundry block, comprising the washhouse, kit-room, prisoners' washroom, officers' bathroom. The whole lot went up in flames and was a total loss. A new modern ablution block is nearing completion, with hot and cold water laid on, and has been in use for some time. The wool-clip was again a great success, 39 bales being shorn for which good prices were received. Wether and ewe lambs were disposed of to the freezing-works whilst the best of the ewe lambs were retained for the breeding flock. Beef and mutton for rations were killed on the farm, and a good supply of all vegetables, root and green, were supplied from the prison garden. The usual farm-work was carried on throughout the year, all permanent-pasture paddocks were top-dressed and harrowed, draining of swamps and second growth was cleared. A vigorous campaign was carried out against the rabbit menace by poisoning and trapping. An abundance of hay and 133 acres of hard and soft turnips were harvested and fed out to the stock during the winter months, all the stock have wintered well and are now in good heart.

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Waikeria Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. P. McMillan) On the Ist January, 1949, there were in custody 19 Borstal inmates, and a further 36 were received during the year. The number of inmates released on probationary licence was 10, on expiration of sentence 3, a further 4 were transferred to other institutions, and 1 was, subsequent to a Magisterial examination, sent to a mental hospital. The number remaining in custody on 31st December was 37. In the reformatory section there were in custody at the beginning of the year 97 inmates and there were 75 admissions. Of these 100 were either discharged on completion of sentence, released on remission, or on probationary licence. Ten were transferred to other institutions, 4 after examination transferred to mental hospital, thus leaving a muster in this section of 58 at the close of the year. The greatest number of Borstal inmates in custody at one time was 37, the least 17, and the daily average 24-15. In the reformatory section, the greatest number of inmates in custody at one time was 97, the least 49, and the daily average 69 inmates. In my report to you last year I commented on the fact that statistics showed a reduction in the number of admissions to Borstal, and the increase in the number of shorter-term reformative inmates received. This year under review shows that the Borstal admissions have nearly doubled, and that there has been a correspondingly large decrease in the number of receptions in the reformatory section. One comments on this fact, as it is found that relatively less can be done to assist a short-term prisoner to rehabilitate himself, than can be done for one who has received a longer sentence. The first essential is to endeavour to superimpose the work habit and this cannot be done in a short time. Discipline has been maintained at a reasonably high standard, and it is important that this should be so. It nevertheless cannot be expected that firm and kindly control will reduce to nil breaches against the rules. These, as in past years, have not been of a serious nature, although on occasions it has been found expedient to call on the services of the Visiting Justice or the Visiting Committee. lam impressed by the care and thought that is given each case presented to these gentlemen, and I can assure you that their actions have a good effect on the maintenance of discipline within the institution. There were again a number of escapes, and while these are disturbing one hesitates to suggest that the general system calls for overhaul. Rather perhaj)s that every one should be reminded that they have an obligation to be on the alert against any attempt to make an escape, and that nothing should be done, wittingly or unwittingly, which may under some circumstance be of assistance to a prisoner escape-minded. Considerable trust is placed in many inmates from time to time and not in many cases is this trust abused. The fact that those who do escape are generally considered to be not worthy of full trust, would seem to indicate to all that continual vigilance is necessary to reduce these undesirable happenings to a minimum. The general health of the inmates has been good, and it would be surprising if, under the conditions obtaining here, the position were not so. During the year the medical officer for a long number of years, Dr. J. B. W. Roberton, resigned to take up another appointment. His place as medical officer was taken by Dr. P. C. Calvert of Te Awamutu who continues to look after the health of the inmates in a very capable and sympathetic manner. It is fitting that I should record the long and faithful service Dr. Roberton has rendered to Waikeria. As in the past where hospital treatment is required, either as an in-patient or as an out-patient, inmates are taken to the Waikato Public Hospital at Hamilton. It is sometimes of greater convenience to transfer to another institution any inmate whose treatment as an out-patient is likely to extend over a long period. In many instances out-patient attendance requires the absence of an officer throughout the day. Dental treatment, as required, is attended to at the surgery of Mr. N. F. Dixon.

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It will be noted earlier in this report that 5 inmates were transferred to mental hospitals. In addition, the services of the mental specialists were called on to examine inmates on other occasions. In this connection I would quote the remarks of the Reverend Sir Herbert Dunnico, Chairman of the Stratford Magistrates' Court, England, in his report to the Justices of the Beacontree Division, which were as follows : The ever-increasing tendency to look on all forms of anti-social behaviour, whether it be delinquency, laziness, or selfishness, as symptoms of mental illness or unbalance is, in my opinion, both dangerous and pernicious. Psychology is not a substitute for character, nor is psychological treatment a substitute for basic training. The parent who rears the child and the teacher who trains it are a more vital factor in its life than any psychologist can or should be. We cannot allow the moral and ethical standards evolved through the centuries by education, sacrifice, and suffering to be undermined by psychological theorists to whom, in many cases, right and wrong are meaningless terms. This is determinism gone mad. In only a relatively small number of cases are offenders incapable of choosing right from wrong, and in 95 per cent, of the cases that come before the Courts, they should be held responsible for the larger part of their offences. Even the remaining part cannot be solved by the psychologist. The most prevalent type of delinquency to-day is theft and malicious damage, and the cure for this is sound social training, firm discipline, and respect for the law. Inborn factors such as temperament and defective intelligence, are, in a majority of cases, responsible, and special treatment for this class is essential, but the great majority of delinquents are made and not born. The greatest cause is the disruption of family life by parents who, by precept and practice, encourage dishonesty, and the lowmoral standards of the community in which the child grows up. School classes are taken on three nights per week during the normal school year, and this work was again in the hands of Mr. F. Vazey. He has divided his school on these lines (a) primer section, (b) standard 1-4 group, (c) standard 5-6 group, and (d) advanced group. Generally, a sound teaching is given, and there is evidence that the time spent at school has been put to good purpose. The library continues to be a popular section, and the service given by the National Library Service is much appreciated. I feel sure that the quality of the books received through this service has raised the level of the reading within the institution considerably. Sports activities throughout the year were on a normal scale. Seasonal sports, Rugby, and association football in the winter, and cricket, tennis, and swimming in the summer all have been played with zest. Coupled with the approximate monthly showing of motion pictures it would seem that this side of the institution activities are adequately attended to. Considerable importance is given to the economical running of the farming activities of the institution which makes the greatest utilization of labour, and, in addition, gives inmates a thorough grounding in all phases of farming. Special care is taken to assist inmates should they show any inclination to become more proficient in any particularbranch of the activities as carried out here. We were again fortunate in experiencing a good year from a weather point of view. A mild autumn was followed by a mild winter, and conditions were excellent for stock. Due possibly to the very mild winter and to the abundance of feed, calving and lambing troubles were experienced which accounted for a considerable number of deaths in cows and ewes. The position appeared to be general throughout the Waikato and was not merely a local occurrence. When lambing was completed it was found that we had again had a percentage of 100 lambs for ewes. The dairy season started well, but the dry spell towards the end of the year steadied production somewhat. Run cattle also did well during the winter. The smaller sections of the farming activities such as the orchard, garden, apiary, and tobacco-growing areas all contributed to the buoyant revenue position. With the number of stock to be carried through the winter it is necessary that the growing of supplementary crops should have an important place in the farm activities. Crops grown consisted of 90 acres of chou mollier, 40 acres of swedes, 30 acres of oats. In addition, 17 acres of potatoes were grown, and these are of considerable assistance to the Department to enable suitable rations to be supplied at other North Island institutions.

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It is proper that full credit should be given to visitors who give considerable time to assist inmates, both while here and after their release. To the various ministers of religion, who are most regular in their attendance and also very helpful in their suggestions, I tender my thanks. I would make special mention to the Salvation Army, Methodist, and Baptist ministers who supplied to each inmate a small parcel and a card at Christmas. If it were that each inmate would live up to the promises made, on his release, then the work of each minister would be extremely valuable. In general there have been no staff difficulties throughout the year. The establishment has been kept reasonably full and there have been fewer changes by resignation and transfer than in some years. Waikune Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. G. Quill) At the commencement of the year there were in custody 63 prisoners, and 74 were received during the year. During the year the discharges were 24 on remission and 37 on probationary licence and 20 prisoners were transferred to other institutions. The number of prisoners in custody at the close of the year was 56. The greatest number of prisoners in detention at any time was 76 and the least 53, the daily average being 69-71. There were 5 escapes involving 8 prisoners during the year. All prisoners except 1 were recaptured within a matter of hours while the latter was apprehended within a month. Two claimed that they had no intention of escaping and gave themselves up at the prison. The general health of the prisoners at this institution has been excellent throughout the year. Five prisoners were admitted to the Kaetihi Public Hospital during the year, 3 of them for minor operations, and all were returned to the prison completely recovered. The medical officer, Dr. L. E. Jordan, of Ohakune, made frequent visits to the institution throughout the year. Dental attention, as required, was undertaken by Mr. Davies of Raetihi at his surgery there. Religious services were conducted at the prison at frequent intervals by the following : Reverend Father J. J. Garrahy (Catholic) and Messrs. H. L. and H. G. Forlong (Plymouth Brethern). As in former years it is my privilege to acknowledge our very great appreciation of the action of the Christchurch branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform in providing a large Christmas cake for the inmates of the institution. Our thanks are due too for the generous supplies of literature sent along by the First Church of Christ, Miss B. E. Baughan, of Christchurch, and to the branch of the Prison Mission, London, which each year provides some magnificent Christmas letters for the inmates. The motion pictures screened by the Department at intervals throughout the year were of a high standard and in a country institution such as this, they are particularly appreciated by the inmates. Although fresh vegetables are always provided for rations from the prison garden, this year was something of a record in so far as all vegetables were concerned. A fairly early spring saw rapid growth with the seedlings and an excellent assortment of all vegetables resulted. We again killed our own beef for rations. The bread baked in our bakehouse has been of good quality and in addition to providing the ration here, regular supplies have been maintained to the Rangipo Prison. During the Christmas holidays the prisoners organized and enjoyed several sports meetings, while during the evenings concerts were organized and enjoyed and several of the performers showed considerable talent. The pastures have been in excellent condition and this year's hay crop was a record one. The crops, too, promise to be very good, but a strict watch has to be kept on the deer otherwise they do untold damage. The dairy herd is doing well and I think our cream-production this year will be greater than ever. The pigs are in good condition.

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As in former years we continued to maintain sixty miles of main highways and four crushers at Makatote, Whakapapaiti, Whakapapanui, and Scoria Flat have been operated. The latter crusher can only be worked satisfactorily during the good weather as snow and rain make work at this site during the winter an unsatisfactory proposition. Earlier in the year the Ministry of Works called on us to provide conglomerate for the Bruce Koad from the old Whakapapanui Quarry. The production of only clean crushed metal presents many problems and perhaps the greatest of these is the winning of the rock for the crushers. With a view to increasing production and at the same time decreasing production costs, it has been decided to provide a portable air-compressor. The advantages which will accrue from the operation of this unit, will, I am sure, be considerable. It is hoped that, as time goes on, some of our older crusher plant and machinery can be modernized thus assisting production and lowering production costs. Much metal has been provided for the Waimarino-Ohakune, National Park - Oio, National Park-Taupo, and Bruce Highways and, in addition, we have supplied metal for local contractors, sawmillers, and the local County Council. During the year we have operated nine lorries and two cars. We have undertaken all transport for the Kangipo and Hautu Camps and carried out other miscellaneous transport for local Government Departments (including the Chateau Tongariro). The whole prison and staff houses were painted and completely renovated during the year. Due to the age of many of the buildings, renovations were necessarily extensive. A new laundry has been completed and a new kitchen and stores block are now in the •course of construction. A large motor shelter was constructed to house all vehicles as the old one was too small and threatened to collapse. The whole prison now looks very neat indeed and the additional and larger buildings are a great boon. Wanganui Prison (Superintendent: Mr. A. Gamble) At the commencement of the year there were 22 males in custody. During the year 71 males were received into custody, 71 males were discharged, leaving at the end of the year 22 males in custody. The main employment of the inmates is the growing of vegetables, and a plentiful .supply for the institution has been maintained throughout the year. The surplus to requirements has been sold at the auction-mart. The older and more feeble inmates are employed inside the prison as cleaners and at mending prison clothing. This class of occupation, being more suitable to their physical state, also permits them to have open-air 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 suffering from disabilities of some kind. The medical officer, Dr. A. M. Earle, visits the institution once a week and is always on call whenever the occasion arises. The conduct of the prisoners during the year was satisfactory. Of 5 breaches of the regulations committed during the year, 2 individuals were dealt with by the Visiting Justice. The quality of food supplied to the prison by the various firms under departmental •contract has been very satisfactory throughout the year. Entertainment by way of educational pictures has been provided by the Department once a month. The following religious bodies have visited the prison as usual and conducted church services: Church of Christ, Boman Catholic, Salvation Army and band. The Christian Science Monitor is also supplied to the inmates throughout the year by a member. On Christmas Day a party from the Church of Christ conducted a service, after which a very fine Christmas treat by way of fruit, sweets, cake, and sandwiches was provided, these gifts being greatly appreciated by the inmates.

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The St. Vincent de Paul Society provided the inmates with a gift of cigarettes and tobacco. Mr. Rogers, Visiting Justice, also made a donation of cake and cigarettes to be distributed on New Year's Day. Mr. Rogers also installed an extension loud speaker to the outer yard for use during the week-ends, which is very much appreciated. The Wanganui Returned Services' Association made a gift of tobacco to each returned soldier in the institution. Wellington Prison (Superintendent: Mr. P. MoGrath) At the commencement of the year there were 79 males in custody. During the year 788 males were received whilst 783 were discharged on otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the night of 31st December, 1949, 84 males. The greatest number in confinement over night at any one time during the year was 114 and the least 67. The daily average number in prison during the year was 88-61. The prison medical officer, Dr. Douglas Brown, F.R.C.S., has visited the prison regularly each week, examining new admissions, &c. The greatest number of cases of sickness at any one time was 7, and during the year 10 males were admitted to the hospital. During the year 5 males were received suffering from syphilis and 3 from gonorrhoea. None were serious, but were treated in the prison hospital. For 30 breaches of the regulations during the year, 25 individuals were dealt with, 18 breaches by the Visiting Justices and 12 by myself, the latter being of a minor nature. The dairy herd has been kept in excellent condition and production has been up to previous years. Supplies of milk and butter rations have been maintained as well as the daily milk-supplies to the staff. Surplus butter has been sold on the local market, and an excellent hay crop has again been harvested this year for winter feeding. In the pig-raising industry 132 baconers were fattened and sold. Weaners transferred in from other institutions numbered 116. General maintenance of the prison buildings was carried out during the year. New boilers have been installed in the cookhouse and a quantity of new electrical installation put in hand. At the old Borstal buildings a further flat has been finished, ready for occupation, leaving one more to be erected. A start has been made on the single-men's quarters at the rear of the prison, and it is hoped to have these ready early in the New Year. The manufacture of furniture for sundry Government Departments has been completed during the year. The dietary scale has been well maintained and the prison bakehouse continues to manufacture a good loaf of bread. Bread has also been supplied to the Arohata Borstal Institution and local staff. A regular supply of fresh vegetables has been supplied from the prison gardens. The printing industry continues to furnish very satisfactory results and with the increased supply of paper, stocks of institutional forms, &c, have been maintained. Laundering for the Prime Minister's Department has been carried out during the period. At Arohata Borstal Institution 1 officer and 14 men have been regularly employed on general farm-work. The work in the prison nursery has been kept up to standard and continues to give good results. During the year 7,952 trees were sent out on behalf of the Wellington Beautifying Society for planting on Arbor Day, &c. Christmas cheer was again provided by the various organizations including the Tory Street Mission, Wellington City Mission, Wellington branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform, who sent gifts of cake, tobacco, &c. Gifts of tobacco were also received from the Controller-General of Prisons. The National Library Service has maintained a regular supply of books during the year. Sound films of a good standard were shown at regular intervals throughout the year. Throughout the year Church services have been held each week, and we are deeply indebted to the ministers of the Anglican, Presbyterian, and other Protestant Churches, Reverend Harry Squires, of the Wellington City Mission, and Fathers Uhlenburg and Ward of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, also the officers of the Salvation Army, who have visited us at various times.

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Wi Tako Prison (Superintendent: Me. R. C. Haywood) There were 49 prisoners confined in this prison at the beginning of the year, 138 were received during the year and 137 discharged, leaving 50 in custody on the night of 31st December, 1949. Three prisoners were admitted to hospital during the year. The health of the prisoners has been good, the medical officer, Dr. L. J. Taylor, attending at the prison at least once weekly. The quality of the rations has been maintained at a high standard ; meat, milk, vegetables, and potatoes being obtained from the prison farm, and bread baked in the prison bakehouse. The conduct of the prisoners has been quite good. Nineteen minor breaches of the regulations committed by 17 men were dealt with, 13 by the Visiting Justice and 6 by myself.. Three prisoners escaped from custody but all were recaptured. The introduction during the year of monthly instead of two-monthly visits by the departmental cinema has been much appreciated by the men. Cricket was played on several holidays, and with the provision of new cricketing gear by the Department, it is intended to devote more time to this sport. Thanks are due to the Eegional Council of Adult Education for their monthly visits on Sunday afternoons and their programmes of educational films. Thanks are also due to the representatives of the various denominations (Church of England, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Upper Hutt Mission) who visited this prison on Sundays and conducted service. Christmas gifts were received from the Upper Hutt Mission, the Howard League, and the Y.M.C.A., Trentham Camp. Routine maintenance has been carried out throughout the year both to the institution and the staff cottages. Favourable comment has been passed by the Visiting Justices and the medical officer on the condition of the prison since its renovation. A plant for the treatment of sewage and new internal drains were installed during the year. The plant is functioning efficiently. A booster pump and new fire-fighting equipment has been installed. The prison has also been connected to the fire-station by direct line. A new dairy in concrete has been built and a four-cow milking-plant installed. Our production is up 25 per cent, on last year. It is intended to further increase the production, but it will take time as it is necessary to breed most of our own stock owing to dairy stock being difficult to procure on the open market. Extensions to the piggery buildings and pens were made during the year in following our policy of increasing the number of home-bred pigs fattened. Pig-prices have remained good and the piggery has enjoyed another successful year. The garden has not been the financial success anticipated owing to the difficulty •of disposing of large quantities of vegetables and the poor prices obtained at the market. In consequence, we have reduced the area of our plantings this season. The sheep have shown a good return, there being an increase in the number of lambs and in the quantity of wool disposed of. A large portion of the farm which became infested with rushes during the war period owing to the activities of the Army and the uncertainty of tenure has now been cleared. Of this area, 116 acres has been put under cultivation, 59 acres of which have been sown in permanent pasture. Considerable maintenance work has been carried out on fences, culverts, and drains. Twenty-three acres oats and grass, 5 acres rape and grass, 3 acres turnips and grass, ■8 acres mangels, 8 acres swedes, 6 acres chou moullier, 5 acres turnips, 14 acres potatoes, 8 acres permanent pasture, and 6 acres oats for green winter feed were sown during the year, and 64 acres pasture were top-dressed. The provision this year of a tractor has been of assistance in our cropping programme. The tractor and the milking-plant have also enabled us to instruct prisoners in more up-to-date farming methods.

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APPENDIX B—STATISTICS Prisoners —General Summary, 1949

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Prisoners Received, Discharged, <ftc. Greatest [ Least ■L»Uil^ Name of Prison Number of Persons at Beginning Number Received During Number Discharged or TransNumber in Prison at End of Number in Prison at One Time. Number iu Prison at One Time. Average Number of Prisoners. of Year. Year. ferred. Year. M. i'. M. F. M. 1\ 1 M. F. 31. V. M. F. M. F. Addington (Women's Refor7 26 20 • ■ \ 1 .. \ 11 4 6-07 matory) Arohata" (Women's Reformatory) Arohata (Borstal Institution) 1 2 36 ■n .. 1 4 .. l 8 1 3-90 10 .. 15 15 .. 1 io .. i 15 10 .. 12-14 Auckland 265 10 1,108 48 1,089 51 284 7 324 14 24: 6 289-29 9-01 Hautu (Tokaanu) 39 42 . . 41 40 43 31 36-38 Invercargill 4 70 1 72 1 2 11 "l 3-90 Invercargill (Borstal Institu105 75 92 .. 88 ior '& 91 • 75 tion) Napier 22 149 4 154 4 17 21 1 It . . 20-00 0-05 New Plymouth 52 100 93 59 62 4 r 54-19 Paparua (Templeton) 137 466 478 125 151 10c 122-92 Rangipo .. 34 26 34 26 34 i< 27-00 Waikeria (Reformatory) 97 75 114 58 91 4; > .. 69-01 Waikeria (Borstal Institution) 19 36 18 37 3 r V 24-15 Walkune (Erua) 63 74 81 56 7( . 53 .. 69-71 Wanganui 22 71 71 22 2' 14 .. 18-80 Wellington 79 788 783 84 114 .. 67 .. 88-61 Wi Tako (Trentham) 49 138 137 50 6] 28 .. ! Minor prisons and police gaols 9 478 i6 473 ie 14 13-81 6 • 09 Police lock-ups 11 11 15-33 Totals .. 996 29 3,707 146 3,741 147 962 28 991•58 31-26 Sickness. Number of Distinct Prisoners 111 for More Than Fortyeight Hours on One or More Occasions, Total Number of Separate, Illnesses, Total Number of Da5 r s, and Name of Prison. Greatest Number 111 at Any One Time. Admissior to Hospital During Year. s Daily Average on Sick-list. V Number of Total Daily Average on Sicklist. 8 g Separate Number of d J3 IS Illnesses. Days 111. O H EH p=( M. , H. 1'. 1 Addington (Women's Reformat orv) 1 Arohata (Women's Reformatoi y) 1 1 ' '2 " 2 1 ''32 0 : 09 Arohata (Borstal Institution) 3 "o ' 1 2 32 296 0-81 Auckland 19 2 'is 61 53 29 41 486 2,925 8-01 Hautu (Tokaanu) 2 4 6 3 12 137 0 • 38 Invercargill 1 Invercargill (Borstal Institutio i) 8 'is '38 7 ' 4 "4 " 85 '780 2 : i4 Napier 3 4 9 1 11 235 0-64 New Plymouth 4 1 9 2 2 1 23 100 0-27 Paparua (Templeton) rr 4 29 2 1 36 429 It 18 Rangipo 3 2 5 1 8 34 0-09 Waikeria (Reformatory) 10 4 17 "6 2 ' 1 39 j 429 1-18 Waikeria (Borstal Institution) 4 2 9 1 11 ! 53 0 15 Waikune (Erua) 6 5 15 1 17 | 186 0-51 Wanganui 4 2 7 4 "l 19 i 349 0-96 Wellington 7 10 29 4 37 ' 258 0-71 Wi Tako (Trentham) 7 3 9 3 ' 1 ' 3 31 j 162 0-44 Minor" prisons and police gaols . . Police lock-ups .. '.'■ •■ Totals 77 4 252 93 41 53 849 6,405 17-56