H—2o

Dairy production has been kept up and the cream supplied to the Kaitieke Co-operative Dairy Co. The Defaulters' Camp was supplied with milk. The sheep have done well during the period, and the wool clip was almost a ton heavier than that of last year. The eradication of rabbits was dealt with by trapping and poisoning. There were 25,300 skins sent to market. I should like to conclude with thanks to the officers for their co-operation and loyalty. Napier Prison (Gaoler: Mr. A. A. Douglas) At the beginning of the year there were 16 males in custody; during the year admissions totalled 161 males and 9 females, leaving in custody at the end of the year 20 males. The health, on the whole, has been good; four prisoners were admitted to the public hospital during the year, two from pulmonary tuberculosis, one from acute ulceration of the foot, and one from persistent vertigo. Two new stone retaining-walls at the back of the prison property were built during the year, which greatly improves the appearance of the site. The path leading from the prison to the Clyde Road entrance has been reformed and "kerbed. A considerable amount of maintenance work was carried out on the three cottages, and the work approved by the Department has been much appreciated by the staff concerned. Maintenance work has been carried out on the property of a neighbour adjoining the prison quarry, which has been a profitable means of employing prisoners. An overhaul of the lighting system has been carried out by the municipal authorities, A proper fire-alarm siren has been erected and two lengths of fire-hose has been purchased. Divine services were conducted by the following denominations: Church of England, Roman Catholic, Gospel Hall, Salvation Army, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist. The Napier Brotherhood conducted an evening service on Wednesday evening of every fortnight. All services being well attended and appreciated. Wireless entertainment is permitted daily to prisoners, including Church broadcasts on Sundays. There was one screening by the Department during the year. There were no escapes during the year. The returns from the prison quarry and garden have been good. The gardening season was not favourable owing to the continuous dry spells and the large falls of Ruapehu ash deposits. Flower-growing was commenced during the year, and a good return was obtained considering the ground used was really waste and unsuitable for vegetable-growing. The passion-fruit vines purchased last year are developing well and we should be able to commence marketing this fruit next year. There has been a plentiful supply of all varieties of vegetables for issue to the prisoners. The prison buildings are in a very fair state of repair. Breadmaking has continued with satisfactory results. The conduct of the prisoners has been good; there were five minor offences during the year. The thanks of the Department has, been conveyed to J. Miller, Esq., S.M., the Napier Brotherhood, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Gospel Hall, Salvation Army, Mr. Selby, and Mr. Husheer for their donations and gifts for additional comforts during the festive season. I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation during the year.

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