H.—4

4

reclamation works at Sticking Point, and the erection of the Mole at Otago Heads, are being carried out to the entire satisfaction of the Lyttelton and Dunedin Harbour Boards respectively; and all work is now carefully measured periodically, to prevent the possibility of false estimates or deceptive returns. 28. The ventilation in the north wing at Lyttelton and in the female prison at Addington has been found to be very defective, and extensive alterations will require to be made in both these buildings before it would be safe to occupy them to the full extent to which accommodation is provided. 29. I feel it my duty to again assert that, in my opinion, there is no labour more suitable for prisoners than their employment upon buildings rendered necessary by their own misconduct, more especially if it can be proved that the cost of erection is minimized, and the health and conduct of the prisoners materially improved by steady occupation at works which even to their minds have a serviceable result in view. t 30. I cannot close this report without referring to the loss the department has sustained by the deaths of such efficient and painstaking Visiting Justices as Lieutenant-Colonel Eeader and Mr. Thomas Macffarlane, who died during the past year. I have, &c, A. Hume, Inspector of Prisons.