H. —20.

gentlemen maintain a live interest in the proper care and welfare of the prisoners, and make frequent inspections of all equipment, clothing, and rationing arrangements. The Wellington Justices' Association have continued their sympathetic interest in the inmates of the institutions in the Wellington District, and whenever requested have given monetary assistance in necessitous cases. The report of the Chief Inspector of Prisons (Mr. D. A. Mackintosh) is attached hereto, and shows that the equipment is maintained in a satisfactory condition, that the conduct, industry, and discipline have been good, and that the number of complaints from prisoners has been comparatively few. I have also to express appreciation of the loyal co-operation of the staff both at Head Office and at the institutions. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons and Borstals to the Controller-General. Sir, — I have the honour to submit my report lor the year ended 31st March, 1935, regarding the inspection of the prisons and Borstal institutions under the Department's control. At intervals throughout the year the principal institutions were visited and, as necessity arose, the smaller prisons and Police gaols were inspected. Inmates were given the usual facilities, during each inspection, to interview me and discuss any matter affecting their conditions and general welfare. Complaints were comparatively few in number, and none at all could be regarded as of a serious nature. It is noticeable that requests in connection with food, tobacco, or for improvements in conditions generally invariably come from a few recidivists, the majority of whom make little or no effort to earn an honest living whilst out of prison. This type of prisoner devotes his spare time to the preparation of schemes for the purpose of undermining discipline and causing general dissatisfaction. It is necessary, therefore, that he should be kept apart as far as possible from the more hopeful class both at work and in the exercise yards. A tribute to the conditions prevailing in the prison institutions and the administration generally is the fact that this class of agitator is almost wholly ignored by the rest of the prisoners. The standard of industry among the inmates has been well maintained during the past year, and the men, particularly those employed on farm and garden work, take a keen interest in the work upon which they are engaged. In view of the greatly diminished prison population it is necessary that the available labour should be handled in a careful and systematic manner by the controlling officers. Working parties are under the charge of officers experienced in the particular work in hand, and every effort is being made to give each individual inmate the training and experience most likely to fit him to rehabilitate himself on his release. At the Borstal institutions the progress made during the past year has been satisfactory. Commendable efforts are being made by the sports masters, with the co-operation of other members of the staff and outside assistance, to stimulate an interest in outdoor sports, and the results, as shown by the reports of the Superintendents, are very encouraging. The competitions between the " houses " under the leadership of the housemasters continue to create a healthy rivalry, and as a consequence a much keener interest is being taken by the lads in their work in the gymnasium. The classes in commercial art and wool-classing conducted at the Invercargill institution have given the inmates opportunities which they greatly appreciate. Some of the work done by the inmates in the art class during the past year was exhibited at the Southland Winter Show and was very favourably commented upon in reports as well as by many visitors to the show. The classes conducted by the tradesmen officers give the lads an opportunity to pick up a practical knowledge of a trade which should be useful to them after release. The members of the staff co-operate with the various social service agencies at Invercargill in furthering the interests of the inmates by arranging frequent lectures, concerts, and other entertainments. The various classes, lectures, debates, and entertainments keep the inmates occupied in the evenings and help to promote a desirable " community " atmosphere which gives the staff many opportunities to observe and study those under their charge. The members of the Borstal Society make suitable arrangements for the after-care of inmates, and they co-operate with the Superintendent and Probation Officers in finding suitable employment for probationers. The Ladies' Visiting Committee visit inmates whilst in hospital and interest themselves in individual inmates who are not visited by friends or relatives. D. A. Mackintosh, Chief Inspector of Prisons.

2—H. 20.

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