H.—2o.

1933. The greatest number of Borstal inmates in confinement at any one time was 114, the least 88, tlie daily average being 98-713. In the reformatory section there were in custody at the beginning of the year 66 inmates, and 65 were received during the year ; of these, 6 were discharged on the expiration of sentences, 18 released on probationary licenses, and 35 transferred to other institutions, leaving a total of 72 in custody on the 31st December, 1933. The greatest number of reformatory inmates in custody at any one time was 73, the least 46, the daily average being 66-626. On the Bth February, 1933, three inmates escaped from the property, but were recaptured a few days later near Taumarunui. On the 17th November, 1933, another inmate escaped from the farm and was recaptured a few hours later only a few miles away from the Institution. All four inmates were charged with the offences and sentenced by the Courts to additional detention. In most cases an escape is the result of a foolish impulse or an act of larrikinism. It is necessary, as I pointed out in last year's report, that the need for adequate punishment of escapees should be fully recognized, both in tlie interests of the individual, who would not be so likely to succumb to the temptation, and in the interests of the community. No deaths occurred during the year. Sixteen inmates were removed to the Waikato Public Hospital for treatment, the majority being cases of appendicitis. On the whole, the health of the inmates was very good. The Medical Officer, Dr. J. B. W. Roberton, made frequent visits to the Institution and gave every attention to inmates requiring treatment. Full advantage was taken by the inmates of the usual facilities provided for dental attention. One of the difficult problems is to find work for the young men discharged from the Institution. Those who are interested in the welfare of Borstal inmates can do no better work than that of finding them jobs on their discharge. Mr. F. Findlay, of Hamilton, deserves our thanks for the great amount of voluntary work he has done in this connection. The lack of reasonable prospects of obtaining congenial employment after discharge is serious for those who have to make a fresh start in life and wish to rehabilitate themselves. At the Borstal and reformatory the routine provides for hard and useful work, discipline, and a reasonable amount of recreation. Tlie food is plain and wholesome, and the hours regular. It is not surprising, therefore, to find a great improvement effected in the health of the inmates. No serious offences occurred during the year, and discipline was maintained at a very high standard. There were the usual number of minor breaches involving damage to property and equipment for want of reasonable care. The Department is indebted to the Visiting Justice to the reformatory, Mr. W. Jeffrey, and to the members of the Borstal Visiting Committee, Mr. F. Quin, Mr. F. W. Bevin, Mr. G. A." Empson, and Mr. F. Gilbert for their helpful assistance to the activities of the Institution and for the sound judgment they displayed in dealing with disciplinary matters. The usual facilities were provided for recreation. One of the problems in an Institution of this kind is to determine the limits of recreation. It is impossible to permit of conditions becoming too pleasant. On the other hand, it is recognized that a reasonable amount of recreation is essential, but in a Borstal it has to be treated as a form of privilege to the inmate. Adherence to the accepted standards of conduct and labour will qualify for the privilege. As at work, so at play judgment is required of the supervisor. Some latitude must be allowed, otherwise the relaxation, for which the recreation is intended, would not exist. It is not unusual, however, to meet cases where individuals, who excel at some form of sport, foolishly expect their abilities to condone any omissions on their part to observe the rules of conduct and industry. This, of course, could not be tolerated, and occasionally our competition teams are disorganized on this account. Several concerts and interesting lectures were provided for the entertainment of the inmates by parties from Hamilton organized by Mr. F. Findlay, who is to be thanked for his interest and help in this part of our work. Thanks are also due to the members of the Otorohanga Band and the Te Awamutu Orphans Club for the excellent entertainments provided for the inmates. The night-school class was conducted on 113 evenings, the average roll for the year being 56-2, and the average attendance 31-7. The work with a few minor exceptions was a continuation of the work of previous years, the inmates being classified into three divisions. Though so divided, the whole classes were taken together in various subjects and were as far as possible given a general grounding on the subjects requiring the most attention, especially English and arithmetic. Both these subjects were based on a common-sense and practical course which should be of some use in general life, while the other subjects taken were more of a general-knowledge, type. At least once a week a lecturette or a debate was arranged, and these were keenly appreciated, more so than the usual routine lessons. Several inmates took special courses, and one or two of these made very good progress. In all cases as much individual attention as possible was given to induce interest and for encouragement. For those doing indoor work and requiring physical development drill classes were held on two evenings each week. In the field of sport the inmates were able to maintain their reputation for sportsmanlike play and irreproachable conduct. The Borstal team was successful in reaching the final for the senior-grade championship under the control of the Waipa Rugby Union, but was defeated in the match by 12 points to 6. The team was successful, however, in winning both the Insurance Cup, competed for between the second and third teams in the championship competitions, and the Ballistite Cup for the senior grade knock-out competition. Local competition games were also staged between teams representing different branches of the institutional activities and created considerable interest. Although no actual competition games were played, the cricket team played a number of matches with visitors from Hamilton and Te Awamutu. These games were played in the true cricket spirit, and were thoroughly enjoyed by all concerned,

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