H.—2o.

It is obviously futile to expect a large increase of business during the few remaining months of the current financial year, but every endeavour will be made to at least maintain our present monthly average of sales. The arrangement with the Defence Department, under which we receive £15 per annum for services rendered in connection with the handling of ammunition to and from the magazines, clearance of grounds, &c, continues to be profitable to this Department. Under the arrangement by which the whole of our meat-supplies are drawn from the Waikeria Borstal Institution, we have been enabled to obtain sufficient tallow to commence soapmaking. An adequate supply of soap for this and other institutions has been made available, and the unconsumed stocks of tallow have been sold to considerable advantage. Concerts have been held periodically at the prison, the excellent programmes presented being keenly enjoyed by the inmates. Thanks are due to Anglican Gaol Chaplain (the Rev. G. E. Moreton), Messrs. James Stewart (Official Visitor), and Samuel Falls, who, in conjunction with other social workers, maintain a sympathetic interest in the welfare of the inmates. The Salvation Army has also contributed entertainments of merit, and the various theatrical interests have at all convenient times shown readiness to assist at the concerts arranged. Lectures under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association have continued to be given monthly, and have proved both instructive and enjoyable. Mr. N. M. Eichmond, Director of the Workers' Educational Association, has been mainly responsible for the arrangement of this form of entertainment, and his efforts are deserving of much appreciation. The several social organizations, and business firms, which in past years have provided additional comforts for the inmates during the festive season, again contributed freely, with the result that each individual prisoner received an adequate supply of " extras " during Christmas and New Year. Such practical sympathy, particularly in a year when depression has been so general, was deeply appreciated by the inmates, and those responsible for the gifts may be assured that their efforts were well worth while. Throughout the year the various denominations arranged for services each Sunday, and sincere , thanks are due to the clergymen and laymen concerned, who spare no effort to make these services enjoyable as well as beneficial to the inmates in attendance. The representative of the Prisoners' Aid Society (the Rev. G. E. Moreton) has again been most assiduous in attending to the needs of prisoners, and there is no doubt that his efforts have resulted in many discharged prisoners being placed in employment. Mr. Moreton spares no effort in giving sympathetic consideration to the many and varied calls which are made upon his services throughout the year. Staff Chaplain Holmes of the Salvation Army has at all times shown readiness to assist prisoners on release, and he has done much good work in this direction. Other social workers have of course contributed their share of assistance, and their efforts are likewise to be commended. The conduct of the staff has been excellent, and consequently a high standard of discipline has been maintained throughout the year, enabling the various industrial activities, as well as the general prison routine work, to be executed as smoothly and economically as possible. The several calls made by the Department for the practice of economy in every possible direction met with a ready response, and the officers directly controlling the separate industries are to be commended for their efforts in this connection. Owing to the fact that in the early part of the year one or two prisoners, who were confined in the District Hospital for treatment, abused the privilege of being left unattended, it became necessary, as a precautionary measure, to provide a guard at that institution whenever prisoners serving a sentence of any length were transferred there. This action has resulted in the loss of Ihe services of three officers at the prison during the whole of the past seven months, and as the provision of adequate supervision is an obvious essential when the daily average of prisoners in custody reads 4,48, I had no alternative but to make representations to you for an increase in staff, at least whilst such unusual conditions lasted. I am pleased to be able to report that the arrangements made by Head Office have suitably met the situation. The clerical work of the institution has been dealt with efficiently by the prison office staff, under the Principal Clerk (Mr. C. E. Anderson). Gisborne Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. H. N. Richardson.) In custody on Ist January, 1932, 4 males ; received during the year, 89 males and 2 females ; discharged or otherwise disposed of, 88 males and 2 females ; leaving in custody on 31st December last, 5 males. The prisoners were employed during the year in painting, cleaning, gardening, and laundry work. The health and conduct of the prisoners have been good during the year, and it was not found necessary to send any prisoner patient to the Public Hospital for treatment. The daily average number in prison during 1932 was 5-888, which is slightly lower than last year. Greymouth Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. W. Ayling.) There were in custody on the Ist January, 1932, 8 male prisoners. Received during the year, ;i7 male prisoners—viz. :70 males, hard labour; 18, remand ;1, imprisonment ; and 1, reformative detention : total, 97. Discharged during the year, 69 males on expiration of sentence ; 6 released on bail ; 2 released on payment of fines; 15 males handed to police; and 10 males transferred to Paparua Prison : total, 102. In custody at end of year, 3 male prisoners. Daily average, 4-06.

11