H—2o

Departmental pictures were shown less frequently than formerly, caused, no doubt, by the travel restrictions and the scarcity of suitable films. Examinations in first aid and home nursing were held on several occasions, the results being highly satisfactorily, there being several passes in honours. Papier mache work and toymaking for the Red Cross was also carried out on one evening each week. Prisoners whose conduct and industry warrant it are allowed the privilege of wearing their private clothing after working-hours, and the privilege has so far not been abused. The local newspapers are displayed in the exercise yard at the week-ends, which is regarded as a great privilege. The benefit to the prisoners and to the administration as the result of all these social activities and privileges is very evident and should be encouraged. Most prisoners are grateful for the extra privileges, but there is always a small minority which is unappreciative of what is done for them. Our objective is to confine the men to their cells for as short a time as possible and to give them some form of recreation or entertainment in the evenings with a view to lessening the period of confinement in the cells. The general health of the prisoners has been good. There were 4 admissions to hospital, and 1 prisoner died in hospital from acute double pneumonia shortly after admission. Dr. Allen visited the prison once weekly throughout the year as well as at other times when called upon and attended to all eases of sickness. On admission all men were subjected to a psychological and medical examination. Also throughout the year the Medical Officer had a number of private interviews with prisoners. The general conduct of the prisoners has been good. There were no escapes or attempted escapes. Mr. Woodward, S.M., and Messrs. Weston and Nicol, Visiting Justices, visited the prison in the course of their official duties during the year and continue to interest themselves in the welfare of the men generally. The ministers of the various denominations visited the prison in turn and attended to the spiritual welfare of the men. Mass' for the Roman Catholics and Holy Communion for the Church of England men was celebrated regularly. Paparua Prison (Superintendent: Mr. C. E. Spittal) On the Ist January, 1945, there were in custody 77 male prisoners; during the year the receptions totalled 390, while 360 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, thus leaving a total of 107 prisoners in custody as at 31st December, 1945. The health of prisoners during the past year has been generally satisfactory, and an adequate medical service was maintained under the control of the Medical Officer, Dr. A. C. Thomson. Five prisoners were admitted to the local public hospital for necessary treatment, while in three cases prisoners were transferred to the control of the Mental Hospitals Department. Six prisoners were treated for venereal disease. No deaths occurred in the prison throughout the year. There were no outbreaks of any form of epidemic disease. The drainage and sanitation systems are working satisfactorily, and close attention was given to the matter of maintaining a high standard of cleanliness both in the prison and environs. The services of mental specialists were fully availed of in order to carry out examinations of those prisoners

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