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new books. The new library has been filled with additional shelves and now presents a neat and cheerful appearance. The library was formally opened by the Mayoress of Christchurch in August last, and this was made the occasion of a pleasant little function, which was very much enjoyed by the inmates. The spiritual and social welfare of the inmates has been well looked after by the chaplains (the Rev. P. Revell and the Rev. Father Donavan), the Salvation Army, the Sisters of the Missions from the Addington Convent, and the Ladies of Charity. Concert parties organized by Miss Nicholls and the Women's Christian Temperance Union have taken place regularly throughout the year, and we have also had several travel talks by friends who have been visiting other countries. All this has been very much appreciated by the inmates. The Salvation Army and the Women's Christian Temperance Union provided tea parties on Coronation Day and Christmas Day respectively, while numerous other friends have contributed to our fund to provide Christmas cheer and recreation on other holidays as they came along throughout the year. In conclusion, I desire to state that at all times the staff have carried out their duties in a loyal and tactful manner. Invercargill Borstal Institution. (Superintendent, Mr. R. W. Arnold.) At the beginning of the year there were 96 Borstal inmates in custody. During the year 71 were received into the institution and 74 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving thus 93 in custody on 31st December, 1937. Of the 74 discharged, 68 were released on the recommendation of the Parole Board, 2 were discharged on the expiration of the term of detention, and 4 were transferred. The greatest number in custody at one time was 98, and the least number 85. The daily average during the year was 93. In the Reformatory Section there were 12 inmates (males) in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 64 males and 1 female were received, while 62 males and 1 female were discharged, leaving thus 14 males in custody on 31st December, 1937. The greatest number in custody at one time was 19, and the least number 6. The daily average during the year was 13-5. There were 14 admissions to the Southland Public Hospital this year (12 from the Borstal Section and 2 from the Prison Section), as compared with a total of 21 for the year 1936. The general health of the inmates was otherwise good. There were, of course, many cases treated in the institution hospital, but the outdoor life, games, and physical exercises tend to keep the health at a fair standard. Examinations are regularly made by the staff Medical Officer, while dental treatment is given by a local practising dentist. During the year there were twelve escapes, of which three were by the same inmate. There were three occasions when two inmates went together. Under Borstal conditions it is, of course, not difficult for a boy, especially on the farm, to make off if he feels so inclined. All were apprehended after varying periods of freedom. As an aid to good behaviour a House Competition is conducted throughout the year, the four houses being Wakatipu, Te Anau, Manapouri, and Monowai. Marks are awarded at intervals for best-kept cubicles, general orderliness, &c. It is part of the Borstal system to give inmates an opportunity to learn the groundwork at least of a trade or other useful occupation, and also to develop their general education. This is not altogether an easy matter, as the boys have had varying degrees of schooling. For instance, of the inmates at the end of the year, about 15 per cent, have had some high school training, 27 per cent, passed Sixth Standard, 20 per cent. Fifth, 9 per cent. Fourth, 12 per cent. Third, 10 per cent. Second, and 7 per cent, reached only the First Standard. The number of Maoris, totalling between 20 per cent, and 30 per cent, of the whole, is also a matter requiring consideration as regards planning an education scheme. As far as possible inmates are permitted to follow the lines of employment which they may think they will take up after release. The farm, of course, offers a wide field in the various operations— dairying, shearing, harvesting, ploughing, &c. In the carrying-on and maintenance of the institution there are various sections to which inmates are drafted where they can acquire useful knowledge— carpentering, painting, blacksmithing, butchering, breadbaking, boot-repairing, gardening, &c. In the carpenter's shop there is a new Universal wood-working machine, and in the blacksmithy a new lathe, drilling-machine, grinders, &c. All bread for institution requirements is baked on the premises. To supplement the practical work, evening classes are conducted for those wishing to gain further knowledge of the trades they are engaged in. Singing, music, and art classes are also conducted for boys with talent in that direction. To assist inmates to improve their standard of education and to give those who are capable of assimilating it a general knowledge, classes are conducted in the evenings by tutors engaged outside the institution. These courses cover the following : (1) General school course, arranged by Mr. L. J. Clapp, Headmaster of the Edendale School, assisted by Mr. T. A. D. McFarlane, First Assistant of the St. George School, Invercargill ; (2) a class under the auspices of the Invercargill Branch of the League of Nations Union, conducted by Mr. A. J. Deaker, M.A., of the Southland Boys' High School ; (3) a class under the Workers' Educational Association, conducted by Mr. Jas. Stobo, M.A., of the Southland Technical College ; (4) a class in agricultural science and wool-classing practice, the instructor being Mr. Thos. Mathews, of the Southland Education Board. Each of the above-mentioned instructors has been engaged at the instruction for a number of years now. It will therefore be appreciated that, by reason of the experience gained and the calibre

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