H.—2o.

During the year 22 males suffering from venereal disease were received. All these cases were treated at the prison clinic and were taken to the public-hospital clinic once weekly for special treatment and examination. The general conduct of the prisoners has been good. There were no escapes or attempts to escape during the year. Concerts have been held periodically at the prison, the excellent programmes presented being keenly enjoyed by the inmates. Thanks are due to the Presbyterian Social Guild, the Salvation Army, and the Justices' Association. Each of these organizations also provided Christmas cheer. Christmas contributions were also received from Mrs. Chatfield, J.P., W. P. Sommerville, Esquire, J.P., the Controller-General of Prisons, and the Returned Soldiers' Association. Evening radio programmes were held regularly each week. Throughout the year church services have been held regularly each week, and to the ministers of the Anglican, Presbyterian, other branches of the Protestant churches, Father Uhlenberg, and the officers of the Salvation Army who have visited us at various times we are deeply indebted. The industrial activities of the prison have been fully carried on with satisfactory results. The output of floor-polish and sandsoap, also soapmaking, have been well maintained. The printing and bookbinding shops continue to furnish very satisfactory returns. The manufacture of bread for rations and supplies to the Borstal Institution, Point Halswell, still maintains its high standard of excellency. The vegetable garden continues to be a valuable asset and has provided the whole of the prison requirements of fresh vegetables, also rhubarb. Supplies of milk and butter for rations, also sales of milk to Point Halswell and our local staff, have been supplied by the dairy herd during the year. In the pig-raising industry good progress was made, sixty-eight pigs being disposed of throughout the year. Several thousands of native plants and seedlings were raised in the nursery during the year and distributed by the Wellington Beautifying Society to local bodies, schools, and colleges for planting on Arbor Day. Repairs and minor alterations have been carried out for the Head Office and Justice Department. Office furniture has been manufactured and repaired. At the Borstal Institute, Point Halswell, maintenance of buildings and plant have been maintained. The upkeep of all motor-vehicles has been carried out in the prison garage. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation. A high standard of discipline has been maintained throughout the year. Wi Tako Prison, Heretaunga. (Superintendent, Mr. A. St. P. Jordan.) During the year 123 prisoners were received and 126 discharged or transferred. The muster was 35 at the end, as against 38 at the commencement of the year, and the average daily number in custody was 42-7. One prisoner was admitted to hospital during the year, otherwise the general health of the prisoners has been excellent; any minor ailments were attended to by the Medical Officer on his regular visits. One prisoner escaped during the year, but was recaptured almost immediately. Apart from this the conduct and industry of the men have been satisfactory. Five individuals were dealt with by Visiting Justices for minor breaches of the regulations. Farming operations were again fairly successful, the revenue from sales or produce amounting to £3,116 ; and, in addition, institutional requirements of vegetables, potatoes, milk, meat, and firewood were provided. No work involving capital expenditure was undertaken, all available men being engaged on routine and maintenance work. Concerts were provided by the Upper Hutt Male Voice Choir and the Rev. Mr. Harding's party, and these were much appreciated, as was a motion-picture film shown by the Controller-General. Donations of Christmas cheer from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, Rev. Mr Harding's party, Mr. Morrall, Mr. Sommerville, and Mr. Chappell were very acceptable, as was the special extra issue of tobacco provided by the Department. Ministers and laymen of various denominations visited the prison regularly and conducted Divine services, and in many cases have assisted in rehabilitating prisoners after release. It is with deep regret that I have to record the death of the Rev. Mr. Harding, who for many years past organized regular monthly concerts and was a constant visitor at this prison. In conclusion, I would like to thank members of the staff for their loyal co-operation. Addington Reformatory Prison (Women). (Superintendent, Miss M. Hewitt.) At the beginning of the year there were 12 females in custody, 29 were admitted and 36 were discharged during the year, leaving 5 females in custody at the end of the year. The health of the inmates has been good, there being only four cases of minor sickness and no admissions to the public hospital. Two cases of mental disorder were transferred to the mental hospital. The conduct of the inmates, with one or two exceptions, has been good, and all have worked well. Our laundry is now fully equipped with modern machinery, a new electric ironer having been installed this year, so that even with the continued small musters prevailing we have again been able to undertake a considerable amount of laundering for various Government Departments.

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