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The health of initiates; in an institution, such as this is always a matter of paramount importance, and I..am pleased to state that the position in that regard over the past year has again been satisfactory. Cases of sickness and accident are, of course, inevitable, but practically all of these were- of a minor nature, responding immediately to the treatment prescribed. Pour prisoners were admitted to the public hospital for medical and surgical attention which could not conveniently be given in the prison. Two main factors contribute to a large extent towards a general state of good health being maintained. In the first, place, the physical .and'mental characteristics of the-prisoner are earefully studied upon his reception, in order to ascertain ; the class of work at which in his own interests he can be most advantageously employed. The avenues for employment are sufficiently diversified to permit of useful employment for all types —such work as quarrying and farming for the more robust, and gardening and domestic work within the institution for those men who are more or less physically handicapped. Most of the labour is employed out of doors, and the benefits derived from this are apparent. Advantage is also taken, as far as possible, of employing artisan prisoners at their own particular trade. Allied with this is ample opportunity for rest and relaxation. Then, again, an adequate dietary scale is maintained. The food-supplies are of excellent quality ; meat is supplied from stock fattened on the institution farm, and all requirements in the way of vegetables are grown on the premises, ensuring fresh supply at all times. Bread is made in the institution bakehouse. Frequent and regular visits were made by the Medical Officer, Dr. A. C. Thomson. In addition to attending to the wants of sick prisoners, Dr. Thomson carried out regular inspections of the cooking-arrangements in the kitchen and of sanitation. The conduct of prisoners throughout the year was, on the whole, very good. Fourteen charges arising from breaches of the disciplinary regulations (mostly minor ones) were preferred against 11 individuals. , Two escapes occurred during the year, in both cases the escapees being recaptured ana returned to the prison. The activities of the institution school were continued under the direction of the Schoolmaster, who has reported satisfactory results from the year's work. The curriculum is sufficiently wide in its application to ensure the classes being both instructive and interesting. In addition to subjects of a practical nature, current events in world affairs were dealt with and. discussed with the pupils. Work on the educational side was augmented by the delivery of a series of fifteen lectures by. members of the Christchurch Branch of the Workers' Educational Association. These lectures, inaugurated in the preceding year, continue to be a marked success, a wide range of topics being discussed. The recreational facilities afforded the prisoners during the year have again been excellent, thanks to the willing band of sympathizers who arranged and carried out varied forms of entertainment. Twenty-seven visits in all were made by parties of entertainers, and I.desire to record my appreciation of the voluntary services rendered in this respect by Mrs. Holmes, the Richmond Mission, and the . Salvation. Army, together with the members of their concert parties; also by the Christchurch Orpheus Choir, the Christchurch Working. Men's Club Choir, and the students of Christ's College. During the Christmas season, appropriate entertainments were given by Mrs. Holmes and party, the •Salvation Army, and the Woolston Brass- Band, and a motion-picture display by Mr. J. Curragh. Mr. A. Paynter and the members of the Richmond Mission again provided the customary form of . Christmas cheer for the prisoners, while an appeal for assistance launched by the Rev. W. F. Hine, a visiting: chaplain, elicited a gratifying response. To all of these well-wishers and organizations thanks are due for the excellence of entertainments and fare provided. Religious services were regularly provided throughout the year, clergymen of various denominations attending to the spiritual needs of the prisoners. During the past year extensive work was carried out in connection with buildings. Three new cottages for the accommodation of-staff officers were completed, while another was in course of construction at the end of the year. The activities of this institution .on! the. industrial' side , have been carried on successfully during the year, being assisted to some extent by the installation of additional plant and machinery.- At the quarry the provision of a new electric motor of considerably higher power than the one formerly in use has resulted in an appreciable increase in the output of shingle and crushed, metal, while the acquisition of a mechanically-operated loader has facilitated the despatch of quarry products from the yard and at the same time released labour Tor more profitable employment in . other branches of the industry. A power-driven hay-baler has been purchased for use on the farm and is giving excellent service. Additional implements for use in the cultivation and harvesting, of .crops have also been procured. At the poultry-run a change-over front, kerosene.heat to electrically controlled heating of the incubation and brooder plants has been put in hand, and: it is. anticipated that the provision of this up-to-date method will result in a larger percentage of chicks. being- reared than .would otherwise be the case. . .. The laundering of blankets for the Defence - Department is undertaken, and, during the pant twelve months over nineteen thousand articles-of this-kind-were-dealt with. ...... A fair measure of success has been met with in the poultry and garden industries. In addition to institution requirements, sources of supplyr.uof produce, from these industries is mainly confined to Government Departments. .- .5 . Good progress was made in the farming, section, .under the guidanc.e- of Mr.. H. J. S. Wilson as Farm Manager, the principal activities in this direction being the cultivation of crops and sheep-raising. In the sheep industry the wool clip this year amounted to fifty-six bales shorn from

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