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A bequest from the Gordon Bequest Fund was received and was utilized in providing extra Christmas cheer. Extra Christmas cheer was also provided by several local residents and organizations and was highly appreciated by the inmates. Mr. Woodward, S.M., and Messrs. Weston and Nicol, Visiting Justices, paid periodical visits to the prison, in their official capacity, during the year and take a great interest in the welfare of the inmates. The staff have, by their patience and perseverance, contributed largely to the smooth running of the institution throughout the year. The spiritual welfare of the inmates has been attended to by the ministers of the various denominations and other religious workers. Paparua Prison (Superintendent: Mr. C. E. Harrington) On the Ist January, 1946, there were in custody 107 male prisoners. During the year the receptions totalled 469, while 444 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, thus leaving a total of 132 prisoners in custody as at 31st December, 1946. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 137, the least 86, and the daily average over the year 113-19. Generally the health of the prisoners has been very good, sickness in most cases being restricted to colds and minor ailments. There were no deaths during the year. Five prisoners were admitted to the public hospital for treatment. The medical service to the prison has been adequately carried out, and I am also indebted to the medical staff at Sunnyside for a number of examinations during the past year. The conduct of the prisoners generally has been satisfactory. Breaches of the regulations numbered 53, committed by 36 individuals, of which 25 were dealt with by Visiting Justices and the remainder by the Superintendent. There was 1 escape duiing the year, the escapee being recaptured the following day and subsequently transferred to the Auckland Prison. The food-supplies have been of excellent quality, with an adequate supply of vegetables from the prison garden. Bread of excellent quality was produced in the institution bakery, and all of the beef was killed on the place. The contract for supply of mutton as a variation to the meat ration was carried out satisfactorily. On three occasions during the year concerts were given to the prisoners by the Salvation Army. The Workers' Educational Association continues to give every assistance in the entertainment field, and during the winter months a series of fourteen lectures on a wide variety of topics was arranged. The Salvation Army, the Richmond Mission, Mr. A. Paynter, and the Anglican chaplain again gave every possible assistance in arranging appropriate celebration of the festive season. The welfare and aftercare of prisoners on release has been helped to a large extent by the work of the Salvation Army authorities, the St. Martin House of Help, the Prisoners' Rehabilitation Committee, the members of the Richmond Mission, and the representatives of the various religious denominations in Christchurch. No new building-works were carried out during the year, what work was done being directed to maintenance of the existing buildings and the staff residences. Some major renewal work in connection with the roof of the east wing will require attending to in the fairly near future, while the prison workshops are now in a very dilapidated state and should be replaced by a new building equipped with modern up-to-date plant. The institution school was carried on under the direction of Mr. A. W. Kibblewhite, and his report on the past year's work is as follows: — Social Studies. —During the year British Empire, history and geography closely studied and good progress was shown by the class. The geography and economic structure of China and Japan discussed. Governments, people, Empire trade, and especially trade connected with New Zealand.

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