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institution. At the beginning of this year we sought to remedy this situation by commencing to send out a circular letter giving information about the institution. The response to the letter has been even greater than we had expected, and many appreciative letters have been received. Staff. —During the year 8 members of the staff either resigned from the staff or were transferred on promotion to other institutions. Questions relating to the forty-hour week, hours of duty, and the payment of overtime have had an unsettling effect on the staff, but now that some of these matters have been decided it is hoped that the normal peaceful tempo will be regained. My warmest thanks are due to the staff for their whole-hearted co-operation and loyalty during the year. Waikeria Borstal Institution (Te Awamutu) (Superintendent: Mr. P. McMillan) On the Ist January, 1946, there were in custody 50 Borstal inmates, and 57 were received during the year. The number of inmates released on probationary licence was 45, while 4 were transferred to other institutions, thus leaving 58 in custody on 31st December, 1946. The greatest number of Borstal inmates in confinement at any one time was 62 and the least 45, the daily average being 55-16. In the reformatory section there were in custody at the beginning of the year 83 inmates, and 82 were received during the year. Of these, 93 were either discharged on completion of sentence or released on remission or on probationary licence, 4 were transferred to other institutions, and 1 transferred to a mental hopital, leaving 72 inmates in custody on 31st December, 1946. In an institution such as this one must expect from time to time acts in the nature of rebellion against authority. These are reflected in the breaches of discipline which occur and which are fortunately, mainly of a minor nature. On several occasions it has been necessary to call on the services of the Visiting Justices or members of the Visiting Committee, whose advice and assistance has always been helpful. I desire to pay a tribute to the services rendered in this respect by Mr. F. Quin, who relinquished his position as Chairman of the Visiting Committee after a period of over twenty years. A man of excellent judgment, he has given his time and assistance without stint, even sometimes at considerable inconvenience to himself. He had a proper appreciation of the need for maintaining discipline within the institution, and was, in addition, a firm and helpful supporter of the Department in its activities. On his retirement, Mr. S. Clark,. J.P., was appointed to fill the position. During the year there were two escapes from the institution, 5 inmates being involved. In each case recapture was effected within a short time and in the immediate vicinity. Generally these are not premeditated acts, and seldom can they be attributed to any particular cause. Nevertheless, they have a disturbing effect on the other inmates and disorganize the administration of the institution. For this additional reason it would seem that some punishment should follow, and as a general rule escapees are charged with the offence in the open Court. In view of the amount of trust which is placed in inmates, many of whom are working in isolated portions of the estate, it can be said that the number of escapes is not unduly high. The general health of the inmates has been good, and in this respect I am indebted to the medical Officer, Dr. J. B. W. Roberton, who, in addition to paying regular visits, is very helpful in those cases where immediate attention is thought to be necessary. Admissions to hospital for the year totalled 11, of which only 1 was for a lengthy period. One inmate, after examination by mental specialists, was transferred to the. care of the Mental Hospitals Department. The dental work found to be necessary is capably attended to by Mr. W. Mackenzie, of Te Awamutu. The willing co-operation of the 4—H2O

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