H.—2o.

more or less trusted morally as well as from a safe-custodv point of view have been kept at work in the prison-garden. The cash revenue for the sale of vegetables (sold by auction) has been £120 2s. sd. In addition to this, vegetables to the value of £90 7s. 9d. have been supplied to prison institutions. The general conduct of the men has been good, but, as in all bodies of men, there are some who cannot keep within the bounds of ordinary behaviour. There are a number of the prisoners who, while not mentally defective in the terms of the Mental Defectives Act, are still hardly responsible for their actions, and at certain periods they lose control of themselves and commit breaches of the regulations. To sentence such men to a term of bread and water would hardly be humane, yet to let them go unpunished has a detrimental effect on others, consequently it is difficult at times to do the beat for all concerned and have due regard for the sense of the Prison Regulations. There was one attempted escape during the year. The would-be escapee succeeded in getting away a few chains from the quarry and was within sight of the officers until he hid in the bushes, from which he was immediately recaptured. This was his second attempt to escape. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been assiduously cared for by religious denominations, and Divine services held on each Sunday. In accordance with your permission, a special tea was provided for the men on Christmas and New Year evenings. The good things supplied were plentiful and varied, and one is safe in saying that the efforts made by the good friends of the prisoners were very highly appreciated by the men, not only for their physical value, but also as an indication to them that there were still many people in the world ready to forgive their past faults, and in the future to help them to regain their place in respectable society. The Prisoners' Aid Society has continued to give help to those discharged prisoners requiring financial aid, and, in addition to the money paid out, a considerable quantity of clothing has been given to the more needy of the men on their release. The conduct of the staff has been exemplary. Papajuta Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. T. Leggett.) On the first day of the year under review there were 133 male prisoners in custody. During the year 498 males were received and 485 discharged, leaving a total of 146 males in custody at the end of the year. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 167, and the least 112, with a daily average of 130-27 males. Generally the health of the prisoners has been good, sickness in most cases being restricted to colds and ailments not of a serious nature'. Bight males were sent to the Public Hospital for treatment during the year, two being cases where operative treatment was necessary for the removal of needles swallowed (accidentally or otherwise). There was no case in hospital at the end of the year. The conduct of the prisoners generally has been very good, there being no escapes or attempted escapes. Disciplinary punishment for breaches of the regulations was required for only thirty-one individuals. With few exceptions, the prisoners worked well, and all able-bodied were as far as possible employed at farming pursuits, old men and the otherwise unfit being employed at gardening. A certain, number of prisoners were also employed on building operations, thereby completing the erection of the administrative block, which has now been taken into occupation and provides offices, stores, staff-rooms, and assembly-hall for use for Divine service, educational classes, lectures, and entertainments, thus entirely discarding the old wooden buildings. The manufacture of concrete blocks for prison buildings has now almost ceased, and the manufacture of concrete products has been restricted to paving and gutter blocks for sale, and fencingposts for the farm use. Concrete building-blocks are difficult to dispose of in competition with burnt bricks, this being due to the superior building-qualities of the brick and the long-distance cartage from this prison to the city. Surplus labour over farming and other requirements has been utilized in screening and washing sand and shingle for sale to local bodies and others. The spiritual welfare of the men has been well looked after by clergymen of the various denominations, who have given individual visits and regularly held service on Sundays, also an evening mission service was held monthly. Concerts have been rendered monthly by Mrs. Holmes and party. These have been excellently arranged by the organizers and much appreciated by the men. Likewise monthly illustrated lectures by prominent citizens, covering art, travel, &c., have been given. The school classes, principally covering the full primary course, have been held twice weekly, giving good opportunity for mental improvement in those prisoners attending. This work is being covered by a special report from Mr. W. 0. Gilmour, Schoolmaster. The farm has been worked to advantage during the year, the potato crop yielding up to 17 tons per acre, and in most other instances satisfactory results were realized. The facilities for pig-raising have been extended by the provision of twelve additional farrowing-pens, and provided the prices remain firm this industry should give good results during the coming year, with this Season's crop of barley to provide the bulk of the necessary fodder. The early fat lambs disposed of returned satisfactory prices, and the results from the sheep generally have been good. The garden has more than provided vegetable requirements for prison use, and the surplus has found ready sale in the markets at ruling prices. I am pleased to rej)ort that the officers as a body have performed their duties satisfactorily, in most instances have taken a keen interest in their work, and have shown tact and judgment in their dealings with the prisoners.

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