H.—2o.

The prisoners at Waikune were afforded every opportunity to indulge in all types of sport. During the week-ends and on holidays tennis, cricket, and quoits were played while at Christmas time a general sports meeting was held and thoroughly enjoyed by all. During the evenings and on cold days most of the men adjourn to the common-room, where a good fire is available. Here there is a radio, ping-pong and card tables by which prisoners are able to amuse themselves at leisure. During the Christmas holidays the prisoners organized a concert amongst themselves, and this was held in the common-room. The close of the year saw our building programme almost completed. Further huts were brought into the main camp from the old Papakai sub-camp, and these were repaired and erected. The new store was completed, and shelves and compartments arranged as required. This store is a decided improvement and allows us to control the rat pest, which was so troublesome in the old store. Due to the unseasonable weather experienced during the spring and early summer months, our garden did not come up to expectations. Most of the seeds were sown later than formerly, but it is hoped that better weather will allow the crops to mature before the advent of winter. The year just past saw some changes in our roadwork programme. The Public Works Department took over the maintenance of the whole of the Tokaanu Road, and this left us with the WaimarinoOhakune Road, extending from the Spiral Crossing in the north to the Tohunga Deviation (OhakuneRaetihi Junction) in the south. The Public Works Department also arranged to do all grading on our section of the roads. We have been able to concentrate all our efforts to improving the Waimarino-Ohakune Road, and to this end we widened the Makatote Gorge on either side. This is a decided improvement and allows the drivers of vehicles greater width of road and better visibility. One crusher has been installed in a new position at the Makatote Gorge, while it is proposed to place the second one at the Horopito Quarry. This arrangement will allow us to supply metal chips for either end of the road with a minimum of cartage. In order that the grader might safely negotiate the whole length of the road, we have employed men at removing all heavy metal and boulders. lam pleased to be able to report that the local Public Works Department's officers have commented favourably concerning the work being carried out by the officers and prisoners of this prison. As in former years, we carried out all transport for the Hautu and Rangipo Prisons, also the cartage of goods for local Government Departments. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation. Wanganui Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. H. Robinson.) At the commencement of the year there were 15 male prisoners and 1 female in custody. Received during year 108 males, and discharged or otherwise disposed of 109 males and 1 female, leaving in custody at end of year 14 males. The daily average number in prison during the year was 14-964. The health of the prisoners has been good on the whole, there being only two sick during the year. The conduct of the prisoners has been good, there being no cases for inquiry by the Visiting Justice. The prisoners have been employed to the best of their ability keeping the prison grounds in order, growing vegetables for the prison, laundry-work for the prison and Police Department, cleaning and keeping the interior of the prison in order, also cooking the rations and repairing the prison clothing. The surplus vegetables have been sold in the open market. Divine service was held every Sunday by the representatives of various denominations. The thanks of the Department were tendered to the members of the Church of Christ for their kindness once again in giving the prisoners a sit-down tea on Christmas Day, and also the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for gifts of Christmas cheer. The members of the staff have performed their duties in an efficient manner, and have been loyal and co-operative. Wellington Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. P. McGrath.) At the commencement of the year there were 77 males in custody. During the year 757 males were received, whilst 763 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the night of 31st December, 1938, 71 males. The discharges were as follows —On expiration of sentence hard labour or simple imprisonment, 350. On special remission : hard labour, 16. Released on the recommendation of the Prisons or Parole Board : Hard labour, 17 ; reformative detention, 9. Debtors, 36. Lunatics transferred to mental hospital, 6. Acquitted and after remand, 2 ; transferred to another prison or to the police, 320; released on bail, 7. Total, 763. The greatest number in confinement over night at any one time during the year was 103, and the least 61. The daily average number in prison during the year was 77-67. The Medical Officer, Dr. Douglas Brown, has visited the prison regularly each week and prescribed and attended to prisoners requiring his care. Seven men were admitted to the public hospital during the year, and with the exception of a case of acute appendicitis the others were suffering from various complaints contracted prior to their detention in prison.

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