H,— 2o.

Mixed farming has been carried on, thus enabling the lads to gain a good all-round experience in farm work. The number of cows in milk was 117, all being milked by hand. Unfortunately the low prices obtaining for butterfat has militated against a high return for this branch of the work. There was a decided improvement in the average butterfat production, the average per cow being 266 lb. The prices obtained for wool and lambs showed a great improvement compared with the previous season, the wool realizing 10fd. per pound, as against s£d. per pound the previous year. 774 lambs were sold, the average price being £1 Is. Bd. per head. The lambing percentage is again very satisfactory this year, and at the end of the year 850 lambs had been marked. The prospects of the lambs being realized at good prices are very bright. The pigs bred on the farm have mostly been sold as baconers, but a number of boars and sows have been sold to breeders. In all, eighty-eight pigs have been disposed of during the year at satisfactory prices. The garden and experimental area provided more vegetables than were required for the use of the institution, and the surplus was disposed of at the local markets. All firewood required by the local Government offices has been supplied by the institution, and in addition all firewood required for the institution, dairy, and piggery has been cut oh the farm. The shoeing of horses, repairs to implements, plant, and tools, and all smithy work required by the institution and farm was efficiently carried out in the blacksmith's shop. In the bootmaker's shop all footwear required for the local institution has been made and all repair work required carried out. In addition, inmates' boots have been made for Paparua. Prison and officers' boots for South Island institutions. Repairs to harness have also been carried out in the shop. In conclusion, I desire to express my appreciation of the whole-hearted support received from the staff, both clerical and uniform branches. Waikeria Borstal Institution (Te Awamutu). (Superintendent, Mr. D. Dunlop.) On the Ist January, 1934, there were in custody 88 Borstal inmates, and 45 were received during the year; the discharges were 1 on expiration of sentence and 53 on probationary licenses, while 6 were transferred to other institutions, thus leaving 73 inmates in custody on the 31st December, 1934. The greatest number of Borstal inmates in confinement at any one time was 91, the least 63, the daily average being 77 -11. In the reformatory section there were in custody at the beginning of the year 72 inmates, and 95 were received during the year; of these, 3 were discharged on expiration of sentences, 1 death occurred (whilst on escape from custody), 46 released on probationary licenses, and 26 transferred to other institutions, leaving a total of 91 in custody on the 31st December, 1934. The greatest number of reformatory inmates in custody at any one time was 91, the least 58, the daily average being 81 -02. No epidemic diseases were experienced during the year, the health of the inmates on the whole being very good. There were eight cases in which the patients had to be removed to the Public Hospital at Hamilton for proper treatment. The Medical Officer (Dr. J. B. AV. Roberton) made frequent visits to the institution and carried out his duties in a very satisfactory manner. Four inmates were examined by mental specialists, and there were four cases for treatment for venereal disease. Pull advantage was taken by the inmates of the usual facilities provided for dental attention. During the past few years one of the most difficult problems has been to find suitable employment for the young men discharged from the institution, and, although the position in this respect is still far from satisfactory, it is pleasing to note that during the major portion of the year employment was offering in greater volume and the conditions of work were far more attractive than hitherto. The Department is again indebted to Mr. P. Findlay, of Hamilton, for the great amount of voluntary work he did in finding employment for the discharged inmates. In the majority of cases the considerable improvement which takes place in the general health of an inmate between the period from when he is committed to when he is finally due to be discharged is very noticeable. The inmates invariably put on weight and improve in appearance. No serious offences occurred during the year, and discipline was maintained at a very high standard. There were the usual number of minor breaches associated with reckless and careless inmates for damage to property and equipment, The Department is indebted to the Visiting Justice (Mr. AV. Jeffrey) and to members of the Visiting Committee (Mr. F. Quin. Mr. F. AV. Bevin, Mr. G. A. Empson, and Mr. F. J. Gilbert) for their helpful assistance to the activities of the institution and for the sound judgment they displayed in dealing with disciplinary matters. Facilities for recreation were provided as usual. Provided an inmate adheres to the recognized rules as to conduct and industry, special privileges are made available for his enjoyment during leisure-hours. As an incentive to good behaviour and industrious habits these privileges are most valuable. Concert parties and lectures were given on eight evenings during the year, and the Department is indebted for these to Mr. F. Findlay, the Otorohanga Concert Party, and to members of the Te Awamutu Methodist Church.

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