H—2o

The work of the prison official is exacting and extending. In the language of" the Canadian authorities, " to take a group of men of varying dispositions: and temperament, to keep them steadily at work, guarding against escapesand infractions, to be prepared at any moment to endanger one's life or ready to grapple with a refractory prisoner, and bring the men back at closing a little better for having been under one's care, demands high qualities of manhood and resourcefulness." The Right Hon. the Minister of Justice for Canada was moved to say: " There is no occupation more open to criticism than that of those in charge of penitentiaries, working all the time earnestly, satisfying nobody." In the selection of men as prison officers character and personality are more important than purely educational qualifications. Experience shows that no amount of academic knowledge or training can make up for the absence of capacity to handle people in the right way. I desire to express appreciation of the loyal service of the prison staff,, who have laboured under overworked and trying conditions during the past year. Without their co-operation the satisfactory results of the year could not. have been achieved. CONCLUSION I desire to place on record the Department's thanks to the various ministers of religion, officers of the Salvation Army, voluntary welfare organizations, and the many kindly disposed individuals who have assisted in ministering to and ameliorating the lot of those placed in the Department's care. In connection with after-care work, which plays such an important part in rehabilitation after release, I desire specially to thank the Borstal Association, the various Prisoners' Aid Societies, and the Probation Officers. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons.

PRISONS AND BORSTAL INSTITUTIONS: EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS Addingion Reformatory Prison (Women) (Superintendent: Miss F. E. Mason) At the commencement of the year there were 21 inmates in custody. During 1 the year 26 were received, 10 discharged on expiration of their sentences, 16 released on license, 9 handed to the police, 4 transferred to Borstal institution, 1 released on special remission, 1 acquitted after trial, leaving 6 inmates in the institution on 31st December, 1945. The general health of the inmates has been good;" all appear to have improved in health since admission. One women received treatment for a septic finger at the out-patients department, public hospital. Four have attended for treatment of venereal disease. Three have been discharged. The conduct and industry of the inmates have been excellent, considering the fact that very few of the women have been accustomed to steady employment or any form of discipline. The laundry continues to be our chief industry and has proved to be a most satisfactory occupation. The vegetable garden and grounds are kept in order by the inmates. This always provides a popular and interesting change and helps to avoid the monotonv of too much indoor work.

10