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year. Considering the fact that the quarry plant is rapidly reaching the obsolete stage, the returns in the circumstances are most satisfactory. The erection of the proposed new plant has unfortunately been held up, but it is hoped that a start will be made in the coming year. The mechanical loader has handled most of the sales output, and this machine has proved a great boon. In the blockmaking industry some progress has been made as supplies of cement have become available. We are still receiving inquiries for concrete posts, but a good proportion of this business has had to be turned away owing to the cement problem. In the garden industry many varieties of vegetables have been grown, but, owing to unsuitable weather conditions mainly in regard to rainfall, the ultimate results have fallen far short of those of previous years, and, with the exception of a small portion of the produce which was sent to the market, the whole of the garden production has had to be utilized for ration purposes at the institution, and it is obvious that this state of affairs will exist until well into the coming year. The poultry industry has been carried on successfully, and 7,600 dozen eggs were produced in 1947. The chick-hatchings turned out very well, and the young male birds were sold in the local market at satisfactory rates. There is now a good stock of birds established and which should give good returns in following seasons. The food supplies for the poultry have been adequate, although a return to a full ration with pollard would be a decided advantage. The farming section, under the direction of Mr. H. J. S. Wilson, was carried on successfully, despite the abnormally dry spell which had an effect on returns in the cropping section. The hay harvest was fortunately a very good one, and this will be a great help in carrying the stock through the summer, as hand feeding will be necessary. Satisfactory results were obtained in the sheep section, although the lambing percentage was not as good as was expected. A line of 1,084 wethers purchased early in the year for fattening and resale turned out very well, and some ver} T good prices were obtained at the Addington sales. The high prices ruling at the wool sales ensured a satisfactory return, and the main clip averaged £56 per bale. The total wool realization was £2,450 for the season. Conditions for lamb-fattening were not the best, and average weights were down a little as compared with previous seasons. A small herd of cows ensured an adequate supply of milk for use at the institution, with a small surplus of cream, which was sent to a local factory. The pig industry was carried on in a small way, and some good prices were obtained for baconers. The timber plantation established in the last few years is coming along very well, although a good deal of replacements will be required in the section recently planted out. The staff at this institution has carried out its duties in a commendable manner throughout the past year, and we have been particularly fortunate in that the strength has been maintained at almost full numbers throughout most of the year. This has gone a long way in ensuring that the activities of the institution are carried out smoothly and efficiently. Rangipo Prison (Officer in Charge : Mr. A. Banks) At the commencement of the year there were 38 males in custody. During the year 53 were received, whilst 34 were discharged, and 14 were transferred, leaving 43 prisoners in custody at the end of the year. As in former years, the health of the prisoners has been good, except for a few minor cases. Doctor L. E. Jordan, of Ohakune, attended as medical officer. The dental work of the prison was carried out by Mr. R. B. Davies, of Raetihi, and extractions, fillings, and dentures have been provided as required.

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