H.—2o.

months' hard labour. I have taken certain precautions with regard to the iron fence, which I think will prevent any further attempt in that direction. 5. Eations were very good ; not a single complaint. 6. Conduct and efficiency of the officers very good. 7. The padded cell has been repaired and repadded, and the Prison has recently been whitewashed and painted. Everything in order and perfectly clean. 8. Six persons were placed on probation during the year, five being transferred to other districts. The remaining one has only just been placed on probation. Ido not think there will be any difficulty with him. The one on probation at the commencement of the year was discharged, after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of his license. I have, &c, J. H. Bratby, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Lyttelton Prison. Sir, H.M. Prison, Lyttelton, 28th January, 1902. I beg most respectfully to forward my report for the year ended the 31st December, 1901. Eeceived, 677 male and 162 female prisoners ; discharged, 637 male and 164 female prisoners; leaving a balance of 129 males and 12 females in custody at the end of the year. The male prisoners were employed at the Sumner Eoad defence-works, in excavating for and erecting the necessary accommodation for the searchlight. The work is being carried on satisfactorily under the supervision of the District Engineer and his Inspector. They were also employed in carrying out improvements and making alterations at the Artillery barracks, clearing a landslip that had blocked up the public road and had impeded the drainage of the barrack grounds. They were also employed in opening trenches on the Sumner Eoad and laying wires for telephone communication with the various batteries, a work so far that has given every satisfaction. The Sticking Point reclamation-work has also been carried on, conferring a great boon on the residents of Lyttelton and the surrounding district, the reclaimed ground being now utilised for recreation purposes; and, judging from the numbers who frequent the place, its usefulness is greatly appreciated. A number of prisoners were also employed in carting material and clearing the section held by the Department, for the purpose of erecting warders' cottages thereon. Such cottages when built will mean a considerable saving to the Department, while it will enable the Prison officers to live in close proximity to the Prison. The female prisoners have been, as usual, employed in washing, repairing, and making clothing, shirts, flannels, &c. The conduct of the prisoners has been fairly good. There were thirty punishments during the year, but there have been no prison offences dealt with in open Court. The health of prisoners 'has been good, there being ninety-one cases of sickness, equalling a daily average of Ml males and 0-72 females on the sick-list, a good percentage of which has been caused by excessive drinking. Only one case was sent to the public Hospital, a male prisoner serving a sentence of two years ; after being there for some time he was discharged by special remission and permitted to join his friends. It is satisfactory to note that many cases of helpless drunkenness have been sent to the public Hospital for curative treatment instead of to the Prison as formerly, thereby relieving the Department from the responsibility of nursing such cases. In a few instances they eventually reach the Prison completely cured, but have to serve a short sentence in default of their cost of maintenance while in the Hospital. The contractors for the supply of rations, &c, have given every satisfaction during the past year. There has been no complaint by prisoners. The supply of bread is always baked in this Prison for the consumption of prisoners, some of whom are expert bakers, having learned the trade in the Prison. The baking of bread within the Prison, independent of its reduced cost of production, enables the loaves to be made of the required size and weight; and, in addition, dispenses with the necessity of cutting and the waste that arises from same. Hitherto there has been no difficulty in obtaining a tender for flour at a satisfactory rate, but at the end of the past year no tender was received, owing, I presume, to the Millers' Trust Combination; and, as there appeared a difficulty in obtaining a continuous satisfactory supply, I took advantage of the current year's tender and obtained a supply for 1902. One execution took place during the year, death being instantaneous. All arrangements were carried out without the slightest hitch. The officers of the Prison have given every satisfaction during the year, performing their various duties with zeal and efficiency. There was not one case of misconduct reported to you during the year, which speaks for itself. The anomaly that exists between this and the Police Department with respect to there being no provision made for the retirement of old servants of the Department continues to be a standing grievance, which one and all are subjected to. Many would retire and make way for younger members of the service if a provident fund similar to the Police Department were established. The duties of prison officers are very arduous, and I sincerely hope this may be remembered, and that the officers of the service will have some provision made for them on retirement, as there is now for the police. One temporary warder was engaged by me for eight weeks and a half to look after a prisoner committed for trial and subsequently executed.

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