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WAIOTAPU PRISON. H.M. Prison, Waiotapu, 24th January, 1910. I have the honour to report on the working of this prison during the year 1909. In custody on the Ist January, 51 males; received during the year, 56; discharged on remission, 35; transferred to other prisons, 25; in custody at the end of the year, 47. Mr. R. W. Dyer, S.M., was appointed a Visiting Justice. Two prisoners were attended by the doctor during the year; other minor cases of sickness were treated in camp. Several prisoners who refused to work were transferred to Auckland. Three officers ware transferred to, and 2 received from, other prisons, and 1 probationer appointed. Work was commenced on the building of twenty-seven new single huts, and these will be ready for occupation in the near future. Summary of work done: Area cleared, 1,245 acres; pits dug, 2,721,500; trees planted— Larico europea 1,917,800, Pinus Benthamiana 59,500, Pinus Douglas&ii 50,000, redwood 16,950, Pinus Laricio 372,200, Pinus strobus 36,975, blanks replanted 226,100 —total, 2,679,525 —total planted since 1901, 11,484,084; total area cleared, 5,586| acres. A. W. Roberts, The Uuder-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Acting-Gaoler.

WAI PA VALLEY PRISON. H.M. Prison, Waipa Valley, 19th January, 1910. I havk the honour to report herewith on the working of this prison for the year ended 31st December, 1909. In custody on the Ist January, 23 males; 14 males were received during the year; leaving in confinement at the end of the year 18 males ; the average number in custody being 205. The prisoners were transferred from the old to the new camp on the Ist July, and have since been employed on the new area. The rations have been of good quality. The general health and conduct of prisoners has been good. The conduct of the officers has been good. Summary of work done for the year: Clearing for tree-planting, 266 acres; formation of roads 130 chains, and firebreaks 143 "chains; levelling site and erecting buildings, &c., for new camp; pitting, 5,750; planting, 5,575 redwood; and general maintenance of plantation. T. H. Motnihan, The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Acting-Gaoler.

WELLINGTON PRISON. H.M. Prison, Wellington, 13th January, 1910. I have the honour to report as follows on the working of the prison during year 1909. I was appointed Gaoler to this prison on the Ist April last, and commenced my duties here as Gaoler on the 7th of the same month. There were in custody on the Ist January, 1909, 156 males and 10 females—total, 166. The number of prisoners received during the year was 1,057 males and 199 females— total, 1,256; which numbers represent 806 males and 104 females individually. Discharges during the year numbered 1 037 moles and 186 females; leaving in custody at the end of the year 176 males and 23 females—total, 199; the daily average being 157-17 males and 16-43 females. ' The health of the prisoners has been good. Three males and 1 female were sent to the hospital. Two of the males were returned to the prison ; the other male and the female were diB^prLTer™e P eSployeS at Mount Cook works brickmaking, and on the defence work. at Point Halswell during the year. . . The several contractors for rations and other supplies have given every satisfaction m their reSpt £^°tC C vear there were 15 males and 3 females punished for various prison offences. There were also 2 escapes during the year, one of them from Point Halswell Prison works, and the other an habitual offender from the Terrace. Both were recaptured and punished. Three prisoners received indeterminate sentences during the year. One officer was reported and fined; otherwise the conduct of the officers has been excellent. I desire to express my appreciation of the support rendered me by all ranks of the present staff since my assuming charge of this prison.