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Invercargill. Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. H. C. Mathew) Statistics.—On Ist January, 1945, there were 152 inmates in custody in -the Borstal institution. During the year 127 were received and '142 discharged or otherwise d,ealt with, thus leaving 137 in custody on 31st December, 1945. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 161 and the least number 135. The daily average over the year was 148. In the reformatory section there were 5 males (no females) in custody on Ist January, 1945. During the year 37 males were received, while 41 were •discharged or transferred to other institutions, thus leaving 1 male in custody on 31st December, 1945. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 7, and the least number 1. The daily average over the year was 2. No females were received, during the year. In 1944 the Borstal inmates received totalled 136 (1943, 155), as compared with 127 (above) for 1945. In the reformatory section the figures were 37 for 1944 (1943, 36), as compared with 37 for 1945. Health of Inmates.—The number of Borstal inmates admitted to the Southland Hospital for the year was 34 (last year, 38). Of those admitted, -5 were in hospital on two occasions, and lon three occasions. Two were still in hospital on 31st December, '1945. There were 12 operations—hernia, 4; appendicitis, 1; tonsils, 2; mastoid, 1; septic poisoned hand, 2. One Maori lad, suffering from tuberculosis of the lungs was transferred to a northern sanatorium. Another Maori lad died from tubercular peronitis. There was 1 case of syphilis during the year and lof gonorrhoea. Both were successfully treated at the Southland Hospital. The health of the inmates was generally good, the main cause of minor illness being colds, boils, and injuries. There were several cases of mumps and measles, but no epidemic. All inmates were given a thorough medical examination on admission by the institution Medical Officer (Dr. J. Garfield Crawford), who recommended medical and surgical attention, x-rays, special diet, or other treatment as required. Special attention was given to the condition of the inmates' teeth, and in all cases extractions, fillings, and dentures were provided for by the Department. The work was carried out by Mr. M. Parr, 8.D.5., the institution dentist. Eyesight was also watched carefully and glasses prescribed and provided, where necessary. Dr. Crawford visited the institution regularly once a week and was on call whenever needed. Case Histories.—A study of the case histories of the 127 inmates received d.uring the year provides an interesting picture of their experience prior to their admission to the institution. The following tables show clearly that before they reach the Borstal institution they have in most cases been before the Courts on a number of earlier occasions, and that in some cases they are -well versed in crime before we receive them. The following table sets out the details of previous experiences:— First offenders (as far as can be ascertained) . . 12 Previously dealt with by Courts (fined, &c.) .. . . 13 Previously on probation . . . . .. . . 37 Previously under the care of the Child Welfare Branch 87 Previously in Child Welfare receiving-homes . . . . 15 Previously in orphanages . . .. . . 4 Previously attended Otekaike Special School .. . . 11 Previously committed to Boys' Training Centre, Levin . . 28 Previously served short sentences in prison . . 9 Inmates of Borstal institution once previously .. 19 Inmates of Borstal institution twice previously .. 2

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