H.—2o.

An increased area was put in cultivation for gardening purposes and results for the year were very satisfactory. After supplying rations for the institutions, and for other prisons as well as any other Governmental requirements, considerable quantities of vegetables were available for disposal at auction-rooms. Revenue from the garden shows a considerable increase over previous years. From the orchard a yield of 1,833 cases of apples was obtained, realizing £394. From the apiary, 2,286 lb. of extracted honey and 119 sections were received. In view of the serious financial position, increased efforts were made to keep expenditure down to the minimum and to increase production. Unfortunately, however, the increased production has not been sufficient to counterbalance the low prices received for all classes of farm-produce and a reduction in revenue has been unavoidable. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation during the year. Point Halswell Borstal Institution. (Acting-Superintendent, Miss A. Escott.) The conduct and industry of the inmates have been very good. The general health of the inmates has been excellent; apart from a mild epidemic of influenza in August, we have not had any sickness in the institution. Our industries, such as laundry and making garments for other institutions, have increased during the year. In order to cope with the railway laundry which we are now doing, a hydro-extractor has been installed, also an electric mangle. It is surprising the interest that the majority of the girls take in the work of the institution, when one takes into consideration that practically none of them have had any training whatever in habits of steady work prior to coming here. First-aid and home-nursing instruction were given by Dr. Sylvia Chapman and Mrs. Gaby, and a number of the girls were successful in gaining their certificates. Ihe school work, drill, and games, have gone on steadily throughout the year. The girls take a keen interest in the physical exercises, and on several occasions when the squad has given a short display of drill, they have done credit to themselves and their instructress, Miss N. Webber. n four days a week during the summer months the girls were taken in parties for swimming at Shelly Bay. _ They all appreciated this privilege ; not one of them abused it. A number of girls were awarded swimming and life-saving diplomas, which were presented by Her Excellency the Lady Bledisloe. The religious welfare of the inmates has been attended to by the clergy of the different denominations, to whom our thanks are due for their visits and spiritual guidance. Again, I wish to thank the ladies of the Borstal Association for the interest taken in the after-care of the girls. In this work the association has undertaken a big responsibility, when it is remembered how few of these girls have any home influence or people likely to help them when they are released. The satisfactory response to their efforts is its own reward. During the festive season the inmates had their customary Christmas parties and gifts from friends, notable among them being two beautiful Christmas cakes which were received from Her Excellency the Lady Bledisloe. On behalf of the institution, I wish to express our deep regret at the death of Mr. I. Salek, Visiting Justice, who always showed a sympathetic interest in the welfare of the inmates.

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