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HANMER SPRINGS PRISON. H.M. Prison, Hanmer Springs, 6th March, 1909. I have the honour to report on the working of this prison for the year ended the 31st December, 1908. In custody on the Ist January, 20 males ; 37 males were received during the year, and 33 discharged, the average number in custody being 30 males. The number of trees planted was 525,540 —viz., Laricio, 149,700 ; Menziesii, 11,000 ; ponderosa, 42,775; larch, 248,965; Douglassi, 11,000; muricata, 5,235; acacia, 4,400; birch, 1,385; and alder, 5,000. The number of holes dug for young trees was 242,554 ; the total area planted by prison labour was 211-J acres ; and the total area cleared and burnt was 69 acres. During February and March a considerable amount of labour was necessary in forming a site for a new camp ; in erecting prison buildings, and repairing and re-erecting prison huts transferred from Dumgree ; and also in forming roads to and from camp. For this work 36 prisoners were employed ; and as a consequence tree-planting operations were somewhat delayed. In July planting was suspended, owing to the snow lying on the ground all the month. The camp has now accommodation for 60 men, the largest number in camp at any one time being 36, of whom 20 to 30 were employed at forestry work. The health of the prisoners has been good. The rations have been of the best quality, and have been regularly supplied. A clergyman attends once a week, giving religious instruction in camp. The zeal and conduct of officers has been excellent. 1 W. A. Bowling, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. . Acting-Gaoler. HOKITIKA PRISON. H.M. Prison, Hokitika, 6th January, 1909. I have the honour to transmit herewith the annual returns for this prison for year ended 31st December, 1908. There were 15 males and 1 female prisoner in custody at the commencement of the year ; received, 56 males, no females ; discharged, 57 males and 1 female ; leaving 14 males in custody at the end of the year. The health of the prisoners has been excellent, any ailment being of a trivial nature. The rations supplied by the contractor have been of the best quality. An ample supply of fresh vegetables is obtained from the prison garden, and sufficient potatoes were grown to supply the prisoners for over eight months. There is again a good area of ground planted with potatoes, which give indications of a fair crop ; but the season has been very wet, and the early crop has not come up to expectations. The conduct of the prisoners has been good ; only 2 were punished. The prisoners have been employed in cultivating and cropping the land attached to the prison; also in draining and trenching part of the reserve for the cultivation of flax, a portion of which has been planted as an experiment; but lam doubtful of its success, as the land is a cold clayey swamp, and, although the flax may grow, Ido not think it will ever attain any commercial value. Work has also been done, when required, at the District Hospital, Supreme and Magistrate's Courts, Police-station, Cass Square, District High School, and rector's residence. During the year the interior of the prison has been repainted, and repairs effected where necessary. The officers of the prison have given complete satisfaction in the performance of their duties. Fiest Offenders' Probation Act. There was 1 male placed on probation during the year, who was afterwards transferred to Greymouth. A. W. Ikonside, The Inspector of Prisons, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer. INVERCARGILL PRISON. H.M. Prison, Invercargill, 28th February, 1909. I have the honour to report on the working of this prison for the year ended 31st December, 1908. There were in confinement on the Ist January, 1908, 23 males and no female prisoners ; the number admitted was 96 males and 4 females ; making a total of 119 males and 4 females dealt with during the year, being 15 males more than for 1907. Discharges for the same period numbered 91 males and 4 females; leaving 28 males and no females in custody at the end of the year. There were two reports against officers during the year. In both cases their services were dispensed with, and rightly so, as neither would have made a good officer. One probation appointed, but was dispensed with as above, having been reported for insubordination.