9

H.—2o

the outset it was apparent from even a casual observation that the standard of arithmetic was much above that of English, the former subject, where something concrete results from studious effort, being much more popular with the men than the latter, which includes exercises of a more or less abstract nature. Oral teaching on the rudiments of grammar, together with a variety of exercises, has to some extent repaired the deficiency in English, so that towards the close of the year a marked improvement was evident not only in grammar, but also in the composition and the speech of the men. Some idea of the efficiency attained may be derived from the fact that four candidates presented for " proficiency " in S6 at the school, H.M. Prison, Mount Eden, towards the end of September, were brilliantly successful, the Inspector having expressed himself as delighted with the high standard of work submitted to him. On several, evenings during the year a departure from the usual routine was made in order to conduct debates, in which the majority of the men, actively participating, displayed keenness in discussion and enthusiasm to a marked degree. These debates have undoubtedly produced beneficial results, for, besides being an excellent mental discipline in the matter of preparation and logical arrangement, of facts, &c, they have provided splendid training in oral expression—a much neglected portion of the; school curriculum of the present day. To further stimulate interest and relieve the monotony of routine, competitions in spelling were occasionally (twice) arranged, and a spirit of emulation thus aroused, so that by these means much good work has been accomplished. A great deal of the success of the past year has been due to the valuable co-operation of the Superintendent and his officers, and to the assistant schoolmaster, who has been untiring in his zeal for the advancement of the school generally. In conclusion, sir, I desire to express here my sincere thanks for the encouragement you have at all times given me, and for the courtesy which has been extended to me throughout my term of office as schoolmaster. Hautu Prison Land-development Camp, Tokaanu. The health of the prisoners has been good, there being a total absence of sickness during the period. The general conduct of the prisoners has been good. One prisoner escaped during the year and was recaptured two days later. The industry of the prisoners has been exceptionally good, the majority of the men taking a keen interest in the farm-work. The vegetable-garden established late last season was a complete success, the quantity of vegetables grown being more than sufficient for use as prison rations, the balance being used to feed horses and bullocks. A number of bullocks were fattened on the surplus carrots and swedes grown in the prison garden. The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year : 250 acres cleared and stumped and burned off ; 150 acres ploughed, disked, and tine-harrowed, 80 acres of which were sown in oats, and the balance, 70 acres, sown in grass and clover; 4 acres planted in potatoes ; 40 acres of swamp cleared of flax and rushes, and surface-sown in grass and clover; 10,000 trees, consisting of 4,000 Oregon pine and 6,000 Pinus insignis, were planted in various parts of the farm ; 10,000 Pinus insignis and 1,000 gum-trees were lined out for planting during the autumn ; 257 chains of fencing erected, consisting of three posts to the chain and five, six, and seven wires ; 500 posts and twenty strainers carted from the bush to the camp ; 20 chains of road regraded ready for metalling, and 35 chains metalled. A bakehouse was erected, and we are now baking our supplies of bread. A slaughterhouse was also erected, and we are now killing our supplies of meat. The buildings completed during the year are : Stable, loose-box, harness-room, chaff-house, implementshed, blacksmith's shop, and a small cottage for a prison officer. The residence now being erected for the Officer in Charge is nearing completion. In addition to the above the following buildings were also erected : Addition to cell-house to accommodate, six prisoners, storeroom, office, and clothing-store. Invercargill Borstal Institution. I beg to submit my report on this institution for the year ended 31st December, 1923. I am pleased to be able to state that the health of the inmates on the whole has been excellent. Although the influenza epidemic accounted for a large number of cases of sickness in June and July there were no serious results. There were five admissions to the public hospital during the year, in addition to one case who was still in the hospital from the previous year. One inmate died in the institution from Graves' disease after his return from the public hospital. The daily average number of inmates in custody was 179-28. The conduct of the inmates has improved wonderfully, the total number of offences dealt with showing a decrease of approximately 30 per cent. Two inmates made, their escape from the institution and were successful in reaching Stewart Island. One surrendered himself after a few days, but the other remained at large for about a fortnight, when he was recaptured by a party of police and institution officers. One other inmate escaped from a working-party, and was retaken the following day a short distance from town. In all cases further terms of imprisonment were imposed. In addition to those inmates who were given facilities to study in their rooms, instruction in tailoring, building, carpentering, plumbing, concrete-block making, blacksmithing, &c, was given by competent tradesmen on the staff. A marked feature of these classes is the eagerness displayed by the inmates to avail themselves of the opportunity to improve their knowledge along these lines.

2—H. 20.