H.—2o

12

The prisoners were employed at Mount Cook briokmaking, on defence works at Point Halswell, and for a portion of the year at Somes Island. The prisoners were withdrawn from the island on the 2nd September, on completion of the work. A number of old men and others incapable of doing hard work were employed about the garden. A Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society was formed, and commenced their good work about the beginning of the year. First Offenders' Probation Act. There were 10 males and 1 female probationer on the register at the beginning of the year; 25 males and 1 female were, admitted to probation during the year; 7 males and 1 female were received from other districts; 2 males and 2 females completed their terms of probation; 27 males were transferred to other districts; and 2 males absconded: leaving 11 males and 1 female on the register at the end of the year. Alex. Armstrong, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.