D.—l

New buildings have either been approved or plans are under preparation for the replacement of existing buildings at Christchurch, Ruatoria, Thames, and Nelson. Extensive alterations are under consideration for the Auckland Magistrates' Court and the Dunedin Court buildings. It is hoped that during the current year it will be found possible to have the proposed alterations and extensions to the Supreme and Magistrates' Courts, Wellington, commenced. These are becoming increasingly necessary in order that the inadequate and congested accommodation at both Head Office and the Courts may be improved. Agriculture. In pursuance of the Government's policy of providing better and increased facilities for research the erection of new laboratory buildings at the Ruakura and Wallaceville Animal Research Stations was put in hand during the past financial year. It is anticipated that both buildings will be ready for occupation within the early future. The new laboratories embody modern ideas in lay-out, and the facilities that will be available will be appreciated by officers whose work in the past has been so greatly handicapped in this respect. The Government is appreciative of the fact that the accommodation and facilities at both stations are still somewhat inadequate, and consideration is being given to the extent and nature of the extensions that will be necessary at Ruakura to cope with the expansion of investigations at that centre, and to the provision at Wallaceville of facilities for the study of additional problems in animal diseases and nutrition. A commencement has also been made with a programme of work designed to extend and modernize the staff and trainees quarters at Flock House, which a short time ago was acquired by the Government. The work already undertaken comprises the erection of new staff quarters, and the provision of a new kitchen and dining-room, which will allow of the original Flock House building being remodelled and converted into dormitories for the trainees, whose sleeping-quarters were far from satisfactory for an institution of this kind. Prisons. There has been no particularly large expenditure during the year, as accommodation in general is at present sufficient for the needs of the Department. The programme of mechanization of industries has been continued, and progress in this direction has resulted in the saving of much time, thus enabling the available prison labour to be utilized to better advantage, vocationally as well as economically. At the Hautu Prison Camp a much-needed electric-light installation is nearing completion, and the provision of a water-supply to stock-grazing paddocks has proved of great value in lowering the losses of stock which were caused through stock having to search for a water-supply in the swamp. A water-supply for the Rangipo Prison has also been completed. The provision of new milking-plant at the; Invercargill Borstal Institution lias been satisfactorily completed, and among other completed improvements at this Institution may be mentioned the laundry and drying-room, wool-shed, and slaughterhouse. At New Plymouth a further area of land adjacent to the prison has been obtained, and this will prove of value for the grazing of stock and the growing of vegetables. The completion of further staff cottages at Paparua will give additional relief in the problem of accommodation for married staff. At the Waikeria Borstal Institution a mechanical spraying-plant for orchard purposes has been installed and is giving every satisfaction. Police-stations. The gross expenditure on police-stations during the year was £77,754, the principal items relating to the erection of the new police-station at Palmerston North, which is nearing completion, and the purchase from the Wellington City Council of additional land adjoining the site of police. headquarters in Wellington. New police-stations were erected at Newmarket, Ellerslie, St. Clair (Dunedin), Linwood, Manaia, Matainui, Pleasant Point, and Moera, and an office was provided at Tokaanu.

XXVI