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With the exception of blankets, the whole of the prison laundering and the repairs to sox continue to be executed by female labour, and the small cost to the Department is a pleasing reflection upon the administration of this division. Soft laundering has also been performed as required for the Police, Public Trust, Internal Affairs, and Defence Departments during the year. The washing and the fumigation of prison blankets, hammocks, &c., repairs to moleskins, shorts, &c., has continued to be executed with male labour, and the cost during the year has been maintained at the previous low level. Several thousands of blankets have already been laundered to the order of the Defence Department, and this work will continue for some months ahead during the holding of the annual training camps. Last year mention was made of an increase of £1,000 in the revenue derived from the sale of quarry metal, and, trade conditions having shown further improvement, it is pleasing to report a further like increase during the twelve months under review. In addition to the orders from privately owned concerns, an increase has been recorded in the business done with local bodies and Government Departments, and at the moment of presenting this report the orders in hand amount to some 7,000 yards. • The tobacco-factory at this prison, which operates under the capable supervision of Mr. C. Lowe, Tobacco Instructor to the Department of Agriculture, continues to be an extremely valuable asset to the Department, as is evidenced by the fact that the output during the year was one of 77,054 1 oz. packets, sufficient to meet the whole of the requirements of all institutions throughout the Dominion at a cost which showed a very satisfactory margin of profit. In addition to the above specified output, a further 1,210 packets were prepared for issue by the Department as Christmas cheer to the prisoners, a special wrapper indicating the nature of the gift. In this connection I would express appreciation of the gift by Mr. Lowe of sufficient leaf to manufacture a goodly proportion of this special issue. The printing branch at the Wellington Prison has continued to render efficient service in the matter of supplying the whole of the printed wrappers from which the cartons are made and filled in the packing department of our factory. Concerts have been held periodically at the prison, the excellent programmes presented being keenly enjoyed by the inmates. Thanks are due to the Rev. G. E. Moreton (Anglican Goal Chaplain), the Rev. A. Orr (Methodist Missioner), and Mr. S. Falls (Official Presbyterian Visitor), who, in conjunction with other social workers maintain a very sympathetic interest in the welfare of the inmates. The Salvation Army has also contributed band programmes, which have met, with the appreciation of the inmates. Lectures under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association have continued to be given monthly, and have proved both instructive and enjoyable. Mr. N. M. Richmond, Director of the W.E.A., has been mainly responsible for the arrangement, and his efforts are deserving of our appreciation. The first-aid class continues to be conducted under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association, and lectures were given by Dr. Neil McDougall, assisted by Ambulance Officer J. W. Gumming. In all, 30 pupils took advantage of the class, and, as evidence of their keenness, at the annual examination recently conducted by Dr. P. A. Lindsay, every one of them succeeded in qualifying with credit. Any expense incurred in conducting the class is defrayed by the Prisoners' Aid Society, and as the gentlemen in charge give their services without fee or reward, the thanks of all concerned are due to them for the excellent results obtained. In a large institution of this class, the library obviously plays an important part in providing for the leisure hours of the inmates, and periodical gifts of books from the Grafton Public Library and several social organizations have been much appreciated. The several social organizations and business firms which in past years have provided additional comforts for the inmates during the festive season again contributed freely, with the result that each individual prisoner received an adequate supply of " extras " during Christmas and New Year. Such practical sympathy was deeply appreciated by the inmates, and those responsible for the gifts may be assured that their efforts were well worth while. Throughout the year the various denominations arranged for services each Sunday, and sincere thanks are due to the interested parties who spare no effort to make these services enjoyable as well as beneficial to the inmates in attendance. The Rev. G. E. Moreton, Secretary to the Prisoners' Aid Society, has again been most assiduous in attending to the needs of prisoners, both during confinement and subsequent to discharge, and there is no doubt that his efforts have resulted in many a discharged prisoner having an increased chance of making good, in fact, quite a number have been placed in employment shortly after release. Mr. Moreton spares no effort in giving sympathetic consideration to the many and varied calls which are made upon his services throughout the year. It might also be mentioned that the Salvation Army has at all times shown readiness to assist the prisoners, and has done much good work in this direction. Other social workers have, of course, contributed their share of assistance, and their efforts are likewise to be commended. The conduct of the staff has been excellent, and consequently a high standard of discipline continues to be maintained, enabling the various industrial activities as well as the general prison routine work to be executed smoothly and economically.

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