H.—2o

We find the physical condition of new admissions is better than during the previous two years, although many require dental attention. The number of girls receiving treatment for V.D. is less also. They are now treated here at the Institution, a Sister from Wellington Hospital and the prison doctor attending weekly. Our clinic is modern and fully equipped, and we find it a great improvement after having to transport girls to Wellington Hospital for treatment several times a week. It is much less unsettling for them also. Six girls were in public hospital for periods varying from nine to seventy-three days ; one of these was the result of an attempted escape at night, the girl inflicting severe glass cuts to her foot. Four others were constitutional complaints and one a V.D. who required surgical treatment. Fourteen Borstal inmates were treated for venereal disease. In the reformatory section 1 inmate was sick for three days. Four inmates in this section were treated for V.D. Since Arohata was opened members of the Borstal Association have visited twice monthly, thus maintaining personal contact with the girls. We are indebted to the Maori Welfare Department for assistance in placing and also in the after-care of Native girls. The Borstal Association has performed a similar service for the Europeans, as well as supplying clothing where necessary to supplement girls' wardrobes. Throughout the year all religious denominations have been catered for by their respective clergy. A memorable event was the consecrating of our Chapel by the Very Reverend Bishop of Wellington, attended by other Protestant Ministers. Tt was a most impressive ceremony, and a choir was specially trained to sing selected hymns. Christmas-time was enlivened by the age-old custom of hanging up stockings —but with a difference, for the girls did not really expect to have them well filled. However, with the usual welcome contributions from the Borstal Association and Miss A. Sloane, plus a few extras in the way of bright and amusing cards, &c., collected from the staff, the surprise was complete, and amply repaid the amateur and unseen Father Christmas. A concert by the girls was appreciated by all who attended, and, as is usual on these occasions, small parties searched the surrounding country for native shrubs for decorative purposes, the girls taking much interest in the decorations. Welcome concerts have been provided under the auspices of the J.P. and Borstal Association. Department films have been shown on occasions, and the Shell Company Film Unit visited us, with a promise of a return trip. Miss A. Sloane has visited regularly twice monthly to talk with the girls. Mrs. Sharp has given regular first-aid lessons, for which we are much indebted. Invercargill Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. R. W. Arnold) Statistics. —On Ist January, 1944, there were 154 inmates in custody in the Borstal institution. During the year 136 were received, while 138 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving thus 152 in custody on 31st December, 1944. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 155, and the least number 130. The daily average over the year was 143. In the reformatory section there were 6 males (no females) in custody on Ist January, 1944. During the year 37 males were received, while 38 were discharged, leaving thus 5 males in custody on 31st December, 1944. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 5, and the least number was 1. The daily average over the year was 3. For 1943 Borstal inmates received totalled 155, as compared with 136 (above) for 1944. As regards the reformatory, the figures are 36 for 1943 and 37 for 1944. Health of Inmates. The number of Borstal inmates admitted to the Southland Public Hospital during the year was 39 (last year, 38). There were twelve operations. Of those admitted, 5 were on two , occasions each. The operations were for hernia and appendicitis chiefly. Two inmates were in hospital over the end of the year, 1 being a T.B. case awaiting transfer arrangements to north, a Maori lad. There were 2 V.D. cases, no deaths, and no transfer to Seacliff Mental Hospital during the year. All inmates are examined on first admission by the Institution Medical Officer (Dr. J. Garfield Crawford), who then recommends any attention he may consider necessary. This covers eyesight, and glasses may be prescribed. A special diet may also be ordered. At the same time, teeth are examined, and if in the interests of the general health of the inmate work should be done, this is referred to the dentist (now Mr. M. Parr), who performs the dental work for the institution under agreement. History of Inmates. —In most cases admission to this institution is not the first time the boys have been subject to correction and restraint. Many have been under the care of the Child Welfare Department or on probation. Home conditions have been lax, so that the boys get out of control, forget or are careless of their social duties, &c. An examination of the records discloses the following information : The 136 inmates received during the year may be grouped as follows— First offenders (as far as is known) . . . . . . . . 12 Dealt with by Courts: Fined, &c. .. .. .. .. 7 Previously on probation .. .. .. .. . . ..25 On probation and under Child Welfare Department .. .. 23 Under Child Welfare Department .. .. .. .. .. 46 On probation, under Child Welfare Officer, and in Weraroa .. .. 10 Under Child Welfare Officer and in Weraroa Farm .. .. .. 11 In Weraroa Training Centre, Levin ' .. .. .. .. 2 136 It will thus be seen that the Borstal institution has no easy task to remould the social outlook of these boys, and if some are returned to the institution after discharge the trouble is because of the poor foundation material. Of the 136, there were 23 returned to Borstal, having committed other offences after having been released.

14