H—2o

Various concerts and film evenings have been appreciated during the year ; first-aid classes by Mrs. Sharp, of the Borstal Association, were well attended. We have to thank the Borstal Association for their support and practical assistance in many ways. The Borstal Committee also have our thanks. We are indebted to the various religious organizations for their services during the year, particularly the Rev. P. Wiltshire and the parish priest, Father McG-rath, who give religious instruction once weekly. In conclusion, I would thank the staff for their continued good services. Invercargill Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. H. C. Mathew) Statistics.—On Ist January, 1946, there were 137 inmates in custody in the Borstal institution. During the year 118 were received and 127 were discharged or otherwise dealt with, thus leaving 128 in custody on 31st December, 1946. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 150 and the least number 123. The daily average over the year was 132. In the reformatory section there was 1 male (no females) in custody on Ist January, 1946. During the year 70 males were received, while 68 were discharged or transferred to other institutions, thus leaving 3 males in custody on 31st December, 1946. The daily average over the year was 4. A large number of the admissions were deserting seamen, 33 having been received during the year. Health of Inmates. —The number of Borstal inmates admitted to the Southland Hospital for the year was 17 (last year, 34). One Maori lad died as the result of an accident. Fifty-eight inmates attended the out-patients' department of the public hospital, receiving 148 treatments. Two inmates admitted to the institution were suffering with syphilis and 1 with gonorrhoea and were successfully treated at the Southland Hospital. The health of the inmates generally was good, the main cause of minor illness being colds, boils, and slight injuries. There was one influenza epidemic, during the height of which as many as 39 inmates were laid up at a time. All inmates were given a thorough medical examination on admission by the institution medical officer (Dr. F. Russell Miller), who recommended medical and surgical attention, x-rays, special diet, or other treatment as required. Special attention was given to the inmates' teeth, and in all cases extractions, fillings, and dentures were provided for as required. The work was carried out by Mr. M. Parr, 8.D.5., the institution dentist. Eyesight was also carefully watched and glasses were prescribed and provided where necessary. Dr. Miller visited the institution regularly once a week, and was on call whenever needed. Case Histories. —A study of the case histories of the 118 inmates received during 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 Court 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 .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 Previously on probation .. .. .. .. 40 Previously under care Child Welfare Officer .. .. .. 71 Previously in Child Welfare receiving home .. .. .. 17 Previously inmate of Church orphanage .. .. 6 Previously pupil of Otekaike Special School .. .. .. 5 Previously inmate Boys' Training Centre, Levin .. .. 20 Previously served short sentences in prison .. .. 7 Served earlier sentence in Borstal institution .. .. 32

22