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days, came as a great shock to all not only at Waikeria, but in the whole district, where he was well known and respected. The resultant change in control has inevitably brought with it a number of changes' in the institution staff. x The behaviour of the inmates has been good on the whole. There have been few serious breaches of discipline, and these have been suitably dealt with by the Chairman of the Visiting Committee. To the members of the Committee I wish to express my appreciation of the willing co-operation and assistance they have given me. My responsibility for the health and welfare of those committed to my charge has been made easier by the conscientious manner in which professional duties have been carried out by Dr. Roberton, the Medical Officer, Mr. McKenzie, the Dental Officer, and Dr. Hunter, of Tokanui Mental Hospital. As a result, the health of inmates was well maintained, and though many of them are received in indifferent physical condition, they are almost always released in much better shape. The healthy conditions at Waikeria, regular hours, and plain, wholesome food soon have their effects on the men's physique, and medical and dental attention received while they are here mean that they return to civil life better fitted to become useful citizens. Two inmates were in the Waikato Hospital at the commencement of the year; 1 returned within a short period, but the other, a Maori suffering from tuberculosis, succumbed later to the disease. Six other inmates were admitted to the hospital during the year and all 1 were subsequently discharged. Minor ailments and accidents can be conveniently handled at the institution. Entertainments by way of concerts, moving-pictures, and lectures with the aid of lantern slides were provided at intervals throughout the "year. School classes were continued, catering for those who have not had a sound education. Mr. J. C. Riley, who had been teaching these classes for eighteen years, left at the end of the second term, and was succeeded by Mr. A. L. Kidson. The institution purchased Mr. Riley's 16 mm. projector so that the policy of varying the formal routine with films and other visual education aids could be continued; and, in fact, Mr. Kidson has extended the syllabus to include elementary civics, and hopes to introduce economics, physiology, handcrafts, &c. The easing of war restrictions and the increase in the size of the staff made it possible to reintroduce football for the inmates in the winter and cricket in the summer. These sports provide valuable outlets for the energies of those who desire to play, also incentives to good behaviour, variations in routine, and some degree of trust. One or two officers have taken an interest in the games and have devoted spare time to coaching. Tennis is always popular and the two courts are constantly in use when the inmates are able to play. Matches are occasionlly organized between the different sections. There is always ample work on the farm and in the various industries to keep employed all the labour that is available, and, in fact, we could make profitable use of a far greater number of inmates if accommodation could be obtained for them. There are large areas of swamp and scrub still to be drained and cleared, sufficient to provide years of development work at the present rate of progress. The question of introducing flamethrowers has been, receiving consideration, as it is thought they should speed up clearing operations a great deal. A programme of drainage by means of field tiles is also in hand; this will enable pasture to be grown over the drains, increasing the area and reducing the danger of stock losses. A swamp plough has already been purchased, and this should prove very useful in breaking in rough land.

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