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institution, and Dr. Allen's report on the work of that institution is interesting. A summary is set out hereunder:— ''It is my custom to submit each offender as he arrives under my care to a very complete psychological examination. Every inmate is told by me that he has to report for examination not only for physical disorder, but for any mental difficulty which confronts him. I thus spend hours outside my duties as physician in getting to know the individual psychology of the inmates, and keep in close psychological contact with the inmates during the period of their detention. The general routine of the prison is so arranged as to be a constant psychological stimulus, and in matter I cannot praise too highly the work of the Superintendent, Mr. Dineen. He takes the widest view of his duties and spares neither time nor effort in arranging distractions for the inmates. This in itself comes under the heading of treatment in a psychological sense, and it is undertaken with that object. In my opinion, such routine treatment has the highest benefit on the mentality of the inmates. Almost every inmate, unless prevented by physical infirmity, joins voluntarily a class of organized physical exercise under the guidance of a trained instructor, who is himself an inmate. Again, any inmate with a bent for public entertaining is encouraged to cultivate his individual gift, whether in singing, recitation, or instrumental music. A fine band with piano has been established for some years, which is capable of giving public performances to the enjoyment of the inmates and a selected invited public. Individual prisoners are encouraged to develop any special artistic aptitude. We have examples of inmates who have become good at freehand drawing and painting, have learned to play some musical instrument, while others, more studious, have undertaken some serious study—e.g., the physical drill instructor has acquired a good knowledge of anatomy from the books and assistance given by the officials. All this work undertaken voluntarily and outside the prison routine has an important mental effect on the inmates, and it can truly be asserted that the inmates are under continuous psychological treatment. They are enabled thereby to take their place in the world again with the minimum of discomfort when they have served their period of detention. " I have confidence in the regime at present in force in New Plymouth, which has at least had a very remarkable' practical statistical result. During the ten-year period from Ist January, 1925, to 31st December, 1936, 114 male offenders have been discharged from the institution, and of these only 4 have returned. It is not claimed that these inmates have been ' cured,' but it does demonstrate that prison methods have so changed the invert's mentality that he has gained sufficient control of his tendency towards sexual abnormality that he no longer offends against the law." Social Welfare. For the balanced social development of inmates it is essential to have regard to other considerations than merely the safe custody of the prisoner, and, in addition to endeavouring to inculcate orderly habits of industry as far as practicable in some avenue of work best calculated to assist the prisoner on his release, it is necessary to have regard to his mental equipment and morals. For this purpose it will be seen from the institutional reports appended hereto that careful attention is given to these considerations. Organized educational classes, lectures under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association, and others are given. Also, in addition to allowing prisoners who so desire to take up special correspondence courses, arrangements have been made with the Director of Correspondence Schools for any prisoner who desires to do so to link up with that organization. Whilst prisons are not intended to be places of amusement, concerts and other entertainments of a cultural nature are held from time to time at the various institutions as a means of relaxation and recreation, and at all the Borstals and most of the other institutions wireless has been installed. Organized games and sports, wherever practicable, are encouraged as part of the general scheme of occupational therapy. The spiritual welfare of inmates is catered for by the various ministers of religion, missioners, and Salvation Army officers, and, in addition, there are special visitors who regularly attend in an endeavour to assist and help inmates by wise counsel and guidance. In this respect particular reference should be made to the untiring efforts of Mrs. Eason in her work at the New Plymouth Prison, Mrs. Smith at the Paparua Prison, and the ladies of the Borstal Committee who visit the lads at the Invercargill Borstal. There is no doubt that the visits of understanding women have a helpful and inspiring influence on men who are segregated from their fellows and their families. First-aid classes have been conducted in several institutions. These are valuable for the reason that, besides affording an interesting avenue of study and a useful insight into one's physical make-up, they equip members of the class so that they can, in an emergency, render aid to their fellow-men. Additions to the libraries have been made by the purchase of books and by the acquisition of discarded books for renovation from several libraries and clubs. Periodicals and weekly newspapers are circulated freely. The Department is appreciative of the valuable help girai by all those who have assisted in connection with the foregoing activities.

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