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Waikune Prison Camp, Ertta. At the commencement of the year there were 57 prisoners in custody ; 90 were received during the year, while 16 were released at the expiration of their sentence, 16 were released on the recommendation of the Prisons Board, 26 were transferred to other prisons, and 7 absconded, leaving a total of 82 men in custody at Waikune Prison on the night of the 31st December, 1924. The daily average number of prisoners in camp throughout the year was 67-8. The general conduct of the men —with few exceptions—was satisfactory. The seven prisoners who escaped were recaptured after brief liberty, arraigned before Court, and punished for escaping from legal custody. It is gratifying to report that the health of the men throughout the year was very good —subject to minor complaints, which, of course, is to be expected in a rigorous climate such as this. The spiritual welfare of the men has been well attended to. During the year Divine service was held in camp by the following clergymen, viz. : Rev. P. W. Spencer and Rev. H. E. Jones (Church of England), Rev. Father Broughton (Roman Catholic), Rev. F. Bickerton (Taumarunui Branch Plymouth Brethren), Rev. W. H. Nicholas (Anglican), and the Rev. Jasper Calder (City Missioner of Auckland). With kind permission of the late Controller-General of Prisons the Ohakune Choral Society journeyed to Waikune and rendered a most enjoyable entertainment to the men. The Rev. Jasper Calder, assisted by the Rev. H. E. Jones, visited camp and provided a lengthy musical programme, which was highly appreciated by the inmates. It is regretted that the isolated position of this camp prevents more entertainments being given by the outside public. More amusement on lines similar to those already reviewed would prove welcome, as I consider such help to brighten the lives of those confined here. During the year certain camp improvements have been carried out with a view of making the prison buildings and groundsjmore convenient and attractive. As in previous years, a considerable amount of roadwork has been carried out by prison labour, under the direction of the Public Works Department. The st.one-crusher installed at Waikune during the latter part of 1923 has quite fulfilled the early promise shown. The Waimarino-Ohakune Road has been metalled a further four miles from this quarry. Ample supply of metal is still available from that source, and is continually being used on the stretch of highway between Raurimu Spiral and the Manganui Stream. The road between the seven-mile and the nine-mile peg has been formed preparatory to placing the metal thereon. Five concrete culverts —three each of 35 ft. in length by 3 ft. in diameter, and two each 50 ft. in length by 4 ft. in diameter —were constructed by prison labour at various points on the Waimarino-Ohakune Road, in accordance with plans furnished by the Public Works Department. A. fairly large and important bridge was built over the Waimarino Stream. A novel method of constructing the bridge in question was introduced, whereby the whole of the framework was built on the bank of the stream, and eventually launched into position. Large sheerlegs were erected and used in that operation. Time saved in constructing together with extra safety given to prison workers were a feature favouring the style adopted. The bridge is 73 ft. 6 in. long, and was constructed from plans supplied by the Public Works Department, who have expressed entire satisfaction with the job. The contract obtained by the Prisons Department to keep the stretch of road between Waimarino and Tokaanu in repair has received attention throughout the year. Concentration in that direction has been the means of keeping the road open for motor traffic. During the winter months washouts were constantly a feature of the damage done, but prompt action in rectifying the trouble has drawn high commendation from those constantly using the road. The bridge <at Otukou Pa has frequently called for attention, and minor temporary repairs have been carried out. The constant erosion of the banks of the creek under the bridge calls for the erection of a new bridge at a different point of the road. During the year arrangements were made for the forming of a road from the junction of the main Waimarino-Tokaanu Road to the Whakapapa huts on behalf of the National Park Board. Although the plans for the proposed road were not made available until the middle of the year, it is pleasing to report that 1 mile 40 chains of the road has been formed and is now frequently used for traffic. Smaller undertakings have also been received from the Park Board —the erection of bath buildings, the installation of water-service to same, and the erection of a suspension bridge over the Whakapapa Stream —all of which have been carried out to the entire satisfaction of the members of the National Park Board. Sawmilling operations continue to be carried out by prisoners detained at Waikune. It is considered that the sawmilling industry will prove a valuable asset to the State, and it will fit the men engaged in that class of work for similar employment after their release. Another year's review of the " honour system " adds further evidence of its success. There are, of course, setbacks and disappointments. These are inevitable, but they do not detract from the advantages which this method of treatment confers on the majority of inmates, who respond gratefully to the trust reposed in them. Wellington Prisons. There was in custody at commencement of the year 116 males ; during the year 932 males were received and 949 were discharged; there remained in custody at end of the year 99 males. Of those discharged, 577 were on expiration or remission of sentence; on recommendation of the Prisons Board, 9 hard-labour and 6 reformative-detention prisoners; transferred to mental hospital, 5; acquitted, and after remand, 126 ; transferred to other prisons, 190; debtors, 15.