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STATISTICS Receptions.—A table showing details of receptions at each institution is set out as -an annexure to this report. A comparative summary showing details of the number received and discharged and in custody at the end of each year for the past five years is set out hereunder :

It will be noted from the table that the number of receptions during 1946 exceeded the total for the previous year by 372, which represented an increase of 148 distinct prisoners, but, as explained above, the increase is wholly accounted for by the large number of short sentences for ship-desertion. The number of distinct persons received into prison was 2,213, made up of 2,153 males and 60 females, as compared with a total of 2,065 during the year 1945. The number of prisoners in custody at the end of the year was 8 less than at the beginning, though the daily average number in custody was 5 higher than the average for the previous year. This is more than accounted for by the fact that 41 military prisoners dealt with by courts-martial and given fairly sentences were received during 1946. Nature of Offences. —The following table gives a comparative summary showing the •offences classified under three main groupings—that is, offences against the person, ..offences against property, 'and miscellaneous offences :

It is satisfactory to note, in contrast with the experience of most countries overseas, that there has been a slight diminution in offences against the person and offences against property in New Zealand, under which categories the majority of the indictable and more serious offences are classified. The majority of the offences under the heading " Miscellaneous " are in the nature of mala prohibita, and even this group, but for the inclusion of the 398 breaches of the Shipping and Seamen Act, would have been substantially less than the 1945 total.

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— 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Number in custody at beginning of year Number received during year Number discharged or transferred Number in prison at end of year .. 1,015 5,216 5,167 1,064 1,064 4,622 4,608 1,077 1,077 4,089 4,173 993 993 3,996 3,949 1,040 1,040 4,368 4,376 1,032

Year. Offences against the Person. Offences, against Property. Miscellaneous Offences. Total. 1946 221 974 1,018 2,213 1945 226 985 854 2,065 1944 218 947 934 1,099 1943 239 1,060 1,183 2,482 1942 309 969 1,751 3,029 1941 249 781 1,339 2,369 1940 238 789 1,174 2,201 1939 238 777 1,490 2,505 1938 197 740 1,287 2,224 1937 191 675 1,125 1,991