H.—2o.

valuable productive and educative work for a large number of inmates. Careful and complete records of each cow's production have been kept for some years, and by careful selection and extensive culling very fine Jersey and Shorthorn herds have been built up. During the season ended 31st July, 1932, during which only three dairies were operating, an average of 336 cows were milked, resulting in a milk yield of 2,543,879 lb. at an average test of 4-03 per cent. The average factory cream-test was 39-59 per cent., and over 80 per cent, of the cream supplied to the factory was graded superfine. The average estimated butterfat-yield per cow was 293-38 lb. Eevenue from cream supplied to the factory amounted to £4,536. A clip of twenty-six bales, weighing 9,827 lb., was shorn from 980 sheep, and 413 lambs were reared. During the year the supply of mutton and beef for ration requirements of Auckland Prison was continued. Top prices were received for the majority of hides and skins disposed of through the auction rooms. As the result of the policy of gradual extension of the pig industry, increased numbers are 1 icing stocked, and 455 fat pigs were sold during the year. By a careful study of the industry it has been found practicable to increase production of pork without any material increase in costs. Practically the whole of the fodder supplied to the pigs is skim-milk, farm-produce, and kitchen-refuse, which does not involve any cash expenditure. During winter months it has been found profitable to purchase meat-meal for inclusion in the animals' rations. Although production from the garden has been well maintained, intensive local competition has brought about very low prices, resulting in a reduction in revenue. Easily cultivated vegetables have been practically unsaleable, and, as a result, we have concentrated largely upon other varieties. Although the decline in values for garden-produce has been very serious, the industry still maintains a cash profit, and its value as a means for the absorbing of the labour of inmates fit for light duties in a useful manner cannot be overlooked. During the year an area was set apart for the cultivation of tobacco-plants in order that the Department might undertake the manufacture of its own tobacco for issue to prisoners. An area of approximately 3 acres was planted, the varieties used being as follows: Judy's Pride, 7,000 ; Clowe, 2,000 ; Kavalla, 2,100. In the management of this industry the valuable and regular advice of Mr. C. Lowe, Instructor in Tobacco-culture for the Department of Agriculture, has been available. It is pleasing to be able to report that the tobacco-plants have thrived splendidly and the crop promises to be a first-class one. In one of his latest reports Mr. Lowe says : " This plantation continues to be ahead of all other plantations in the Auckland Province." As a result of the failure of the crop of certain varieties of apples and very low market prices, the orchard only returned a sum of £188 for the season ended May, 1932. During the year the question of adequate manuring of the orchard was investigated. The apple crop for the current season promises to be much better, and prices also appear more satisfactory. Production from the apiary was well maintained and 2,281 lb. of honey were obtained for disposal. The pastures were maintained in good condition, although the demands for economy necessitated a reduction in top-dressing. An area of 126 acres was sown down in permanent pasture. All fences were maintained in good order and further subdivision of paddocks was undertaken to the extent of funds available for the purpose.. The following crops were harvested during the year : Ensilage, 262 tons ; hay, 30 tons ; oaten sheaves, 50 tons ; soft turnips, 235 tons ; maize (for green feed), 600 tons ; swede turnips, 3,000 tons ; potatoes, 68 tons. Potatoes to the value of £120 were disposed of through the auction-rooms. The Institution provided several entries of live-stock and all classes of farm and garden produce in the 1932 Show organized by the Te Awamutu Agricultural, Pastoral, and Horticultural Association, and was successful in gaining seven first prizes and six minor prizes. One of the outstanding features of the Show was our display in the home-industries tent. Here were exhibited, in addition to all classes of farm and garden produce, samples of all classes of work which the inmates perform as part of their daily tasks. This display was very favourably commented upon, and provided a number of people with a new conception of the activities of the Institution, and also provided an excellent advertisement for our products. 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.) At the beginning of the year there were 44 inmates in the Institution, 38 of whom were Borstal inmates and 6 inmates in the reformatory section. During the year 36 inmates were received into the Borstal Institution and 33 were released on probation or transferred elsewhere, leaving 41 young women in custody at the end of December, 1932. Forty older women were received into the reformatory, and 40 were discharged or transferred to other institutions, leaving 6 in custody at the end of the year. Three Borstal inmates were admitted to the Public Hospital during the year for treatment, and three admitted to the Maternity Home ; on the whole, the health of the inmates has been exceptionally good. The industry of the girls has been most satisfactory. They all take their turn in assisting with the general routine of the institution—viz., laundry, the making of garments for this and other institutions, darning puttees for the Defence Department, soapmaking, and kitchen work, which includes the making of jam for this Institution and Mount Crawford Prison.

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