H—2o

The laundry employs between 5 and, 8 inmates, and despite many mechanical hitches contracts have been delivered on time. A good training is given in this Department. Value of work for the year was £1,366 7s. 2d. Army puttees have been washed and repaired during the year; with the decreased muster, less of this work can be handled. Between 4. and 7 inmates work in the sewing-room, a wide variety of articles being manufactured. To quote a few: sheets; pillow-cases; mattresstickings; infants' underwear; men's pyjamas, undershirts, and shirts; women's apparel for mental hospital; and school gymnasium uniforms. Apart from these garments staff uniforms, and clothing is made for the girls themselves on release, besides institution clothing and bedding, and repairs. The majority take an interest in this work, and I feel that it is a valuable training for any young woman and one that is not wasted. The value of work for the year was £4Bl Os. Id. for outside work, plus £5B ss. 2d. for institution clothing. Value of repairs and of sewing for girls on release is not included in these amounts. The kitchens provide yet another source of training which is useful in the future. All cooking done by the girls under supervision. In the staff kitchen the cook is left largely to her own initiative and trained to plan,, cook, and serve meals attractively, as well as bake for any visitors to the institution. In the main kitchen the cooking is naturally in bulk, but inmates are taught to cook well and practise the various economies which are necessary in any large kitchen. All the jam-making is done here, and is usually a popular occupation. On New Year's Day, 1945, Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day r 1945, all inmates were taken for walks or picnics over the hills. On Good Friday a picnic lunch was consumed with great relish by a wayside stream. These trips are greatly appreciated and talked of for many days after the event. During the year we have been indebted to the Borstal Committee for constant support and regular visits. At Christmas the Chairman handed me a donation from members to provide extras for the holiday period. Also at Christmas a donation was received from the Rotary Club per Mrs. Chatfield, the Borstal Association provided cake and gifts for both staff and girls, Major Glover of the Salvation Army sent a token for every one r and Miss Sloane gave some of her delicious home-made sweets, besides pictures,, for the girls' rooms, The Borstal Association have continued to visit twice monthly, as well as helping to outfit inmates and secure positions for those in need. Mrs. Steptoe has been instrumental in providing concert parties, which were most enjoyable. Visiting clergy, the parish priest, the convent sisters, and Miss Sloane ministered to the spiritual welfare of all during the year. By the death of Mrs. Brigadier Glover the institution lost a most valuable friend who had been associated, with the Borstal both as a Committee and Association member for very many years. Mrs. Glover will be affectionately remembered by many past staff members and inmates alike for her good works. Her daughter,. Major Glover, has recently become a member of the Borstal Committee. Mrs. Sharp has continued to give first-aid classes monthly and has been appointed to the Borstal Association. Various concerts and picture evenings were much enjoyed during the year. Before closing this report I would like to express my appreciation of the good service rendered by the staff of this institution. Most of them were new to the Department and the war years were arduous in many ways, but, despite this, the staff have proved themselves dependable in every situation.

25