H.—2o.

Wellington Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. J. Down.) There were in custody at the commencement of the year 129 males. During the year 931 males were received and 956 were discharged, leaving in custody on the 31st December, 104. The discharges were as follows: On expiration of sentence —hard labour or simple imprisonment, 527; special remission—hard labour 17, reformative detention 2; died 1; committed suicide 1; released on recommendation of the Prisons or Parole Board —hard labour 18, reformative detention 10; debtors 47; transferred to mental hospital 3; acquitted after remand 3; transferred to another prison or to the police and on probation 324; released on bail 3: Total, 956. The greatest number in confinement at any one time during the year was 145, and the least 99. The daily average number in prison during the year was 123 03. The number of cases of sickness greatest at any one time was 18, and the number of admissions to the Public Hospital during the year was 5. This year the population of the prison has considerably decreased. This, no doubt, is due to the sustenance paid by the Unemployment Board and possibly also to the fact that men are finding life in the relief camps more congenial than a life of crime. The conduct of the prisoners, on the whole, has been very good, and much energy has been expended in carrying on the works in the different fields of industry. Work has been carried out at the Massey Memorial, where the grounds have been kept in order. The access road has had many improvements made to it by widening and straightening it. A considerable amount of spoil has been removed in the process. Throughout the year the various denominations held their services. Our thanks are due to the ministers and lay-men, the Salvation Army Officers, and the Roman Catholic Clergy for their ministrations. Concerts have been given by the Presbyterian Women's Social Service, the Salvation Army, the Justices' Association, and Mrs. Chatfield, J.P. These were thoroughly appreciated by the inmates. Each of these different organizations also gave Christmas cheer. The following also gave Christmas contributions: Mrs. Chatfield, J.P., Mr. W. P. Somerville, Mr. Norman Aitken, and Mr. Lowe. The pig-breeding industry continued to carry on successfully during the year. On account of the early and dry summer the prospects of the crops are not veiy encouraging, though we have a fair supply of hay cut and stacked, also a pit; o£ ensilage. The printing and bookbinding industry has been continued with very satisfactory results, and a large amount of printing and bookbinding has been turned out. The breadmaking at this prison carried on by learners under local conditions is very satisfactory. Other industries are as follow: Floor-polish, staples, tin containers for floorpolish, lead-head nails, making locking-rods for new filing-system, &c., sandsoap, manufacture of soap for sandsoap and a good class of common soap for laundry purposes and a special long-keeping soap of special quality. The conduct of the staff has been excellent, and the prison routine work has been carried on as smoothly as possible. The clerical work has also been carried out in a satisfactory manner. Wi Tako Prison, Heretaunga. (Superintendent, Mr. T. E. Lowe.) At the commencement of the year the muster at this institution was 74, made up of 52 hard-labour and 22 reformative-detention prisoners. Admissions during the year were 121, whilst discharges totalled 139. The muster at the end of the year was 56, comprised of 45 hard-labour and 11 reformativedetention prisoners. The general health of the inmates has been good, two cases being sent to Public Hospital with minor complaints. The conduct and industry of the prisoners have been satisfactory. The following work was carried out during the year:— Eighty-nine chains of new fences were erected and all existing fences maintained in good repair. The posts and battens required were obtained from the farm. Six chains of new drains were dug and all old drains cleared. One flood-gate and two new bridges were erected. The rifle ranges were cleared and maintained in good order for the National Rifle Meeting. No. 2 cell-house was re-roofed in iron. The year's farming operations, mainly owing to the dry season and low prices, were not so successful as usual. Sales Qf bricks from existing stocks were £574. Divine services were conducted throughout the year by Rev. Mr. Hunt, Rev. Mr. Kendrick, Father Kelly, and officers of the Salvation Army. Ī have to thank the Rev. Mr. Harding, Salvation Army, Upper Hutt Male Voice Choir, and the Justices' Association for providing entertainments, and the Justices' Association, Salvation Army, Post and Telegraph Ball Committee, and Mr. W. P. Somerville for providing Christmas cheer. It is with regret that I have to report the death, during the year, of Mr. D. Blaiii, who had been Superintendent at this institution for the past eight years. In conclusion, I would like to thank members of the staff for their loyal co-operation.

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