H.-v—2o.

Wi Tako Prison, Heretatjnga. (Superintendent, Mr. D. Blain.) At the beginning of the year there were 57 hard-labour, 1 habitual-criminal, and. 21 reformativedetention prisoners in the institution, a total of 79 men ; 168 men were received during the year, and 101 hard-labour prisoners and 2 reformative-detention prisoners were discharged on completion of sentence ; 23 hard-labour and 25 reformative-detention prisoners were released on remission on recommendation of the Prisons Board ; while 18 were transferred to other institutions. The total in custody at the end of the year was 79. The health of the prisoners has been good, and their general conduct and industry have been satisfactory. There was one escape during the year, the escapee being arrested by the police. Thirty-three acres of freehold and 42| acres of leasehold were cleared of gorse, scrub, and blackberry, and grubbed. This area was sown in pasture. A firebreak, 8 chains by 1 chain, was cleared and burned on the south boundary. Four acres were trenched and stumped for crops. Seventy-eight chains and a half of wire fence and 20 chains of brush fence were erected, while 46 chains of wire and 15 chains of brush fence were renewed. Two 7 ft. and five 10 ft. gates were constructed and hung to replace slip rails and hurdles. Fifty-one chains of new drain were dug, and all existing drains were cleaned twice. A large quantity of vegetables was sent to market where the demand still continues to be good. Consignments were also made to Waikune, Wanganui, and Point Halswell. A quantity of posts were cut, also piles for a new shed in the garden. Last year's wool-clip resulted in sixteen bales of wool being obtained. The sheep and cattle are doing well. A large number were killed for rations to supply meat to Mount Crawford and Point Halswell. One hundred and twenty-two pigs were sold for £149 Bs. 9d., including weaners supplied to Mount Crawford and Point Halswell, while twenty-five were killed for rations. Thirty-five tons of hay and 5 sacks of cocksfoot seed were harvested ; 30 tons of ensilage was made, this being the first lot tried at this institution. Should this prove satisfactory the making of ensilage will be continued. The Ford truck made a trip to Napier the day after the earthquake, and nine prisoners were brought back to Wellington. Supplies and equipment were taken up to the relief camp. The truck has made regular trips to the markets, backloading with supplies when these were available. The borough water-supply was connected with the institution and fire-fighting appliances were installed at the prison and the cottages. Divine service was conducted throughout the year by the Rev. Kenrick, Father Kelly, Rev. Hunt, and the Salvation Army. Entertainments were given by the Y.M.C.A., Presbyterian Church, Victoria University, Upper Hutt Band, and the Salvation Army. Christmas cheer was supplied by the National Tobacco Co., W. P. Somerville, Esq., P. Robertson, Esq., V.J., and the Salvation Army. I wish to place on record my appreciation of the work and conduct of the staff and to thank them for their loyalty and co-operation. Addington Reformatory Prison (Women). (Superintendent, Miss E. M. Hunt.) At the beginning of the year there were 25 inmates in custody ; 99 were admitted during the year, and 22 inmates remained in custody at the 31st December, 1931. The inmates' work consists of laundry-work for different Government Departments, general cleaning, sewing, gardening, &e. There were several bad cases of influenza, otherwise the health of the inmates has been good. The Rev. P. Revell, Rev. Father MeKeon, Salvation Army, and the Ladies of Charity are always ready and willing to help discharged inmates. At no time have the inmates had so many offers of assistance, but comparatively few avail themselves of the opportunities offering. The institution has been well supplied with books, magazines, papers, and clothing. Miss Heywood and the Ladies of Charity still visit the inmates regularly on Sunday afternoons. Concert parties come twice a month. The Salvation Army gave their usual parties to the inmates at Christmas and New Year, and these were very much appreciated. The religious services are still conducted by the Rev. P. Revell, Rev. Father McKeon, Salvation Army, and the Sisters of the Mission. Invercargill Borstal Institution. (Superintendent, Mr. C. G. L. Pollock). At the beginning of the year there were 186 inmates in custody, 171 of whom were Borstal inmates and 15 inmates of the Invercargill Prison. During the year 125 inmates were received into the Borstal institution, and 98 inmates were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 198 males in custody at the 31st December, 1931 ; 153 males and 3 females were received into the prison, and 136 males and 3 females were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 14 male prisoners in custody at the end of the year. Eighty-seven Borstal inmates were released on the recommendation of the Parole Board

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