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One of the happy functions arranged during Christmas was an afternoon party provided by the Salvation Army, the music, gifts, and refreshments being greatly appreciated. Our thanks are also due to the members of the Borstal Association, the Borstal Committee, the Howard League for Penal Reform, and the Catholic sisters for their gifts, which provided many " extras " for the Christmas and New Year fare. Picnics and outings on the hills at the back of the farm are always popular and out-of-door activities are arranged whenever possible. Monthly visits were made by the members of the Borstal Committee and fortnightly visits by the Women's Borstal Association, and to all these members for their continued interest over a period of years, and for their practical help, thanks are expressed. The Borstal Association has given valuable service in providing material and garments with which the girls are outfitted before leaving the institution, no one being released without adequate equipment. Whilst the active work of rehabilitation by the institution ceases on the girl's release, contacts are maintained both with the girl and the associate members and Maori Welfare Officers under whose care and supervision they are placed, and it is encouraging to find that the majority, despite adverse conditions, settle down satisfactorily. The experiment of placing the Maori girls under the guidance of their own Welfare Officers has proved worth while, and their co-operation, as well as that of all the Associate members, in assisting the girls over the critical period of adjustment to normal life has been much appreciated. There have been seven additions to the staff during the year, but these have been offset by the resignations of six, some of whom accepted positions in other Departments, and others found the work too exacting and uncongenial. Thanks and appreciation are expressed to the members of the staff for their loyal service and co-operation throughout the year. Invercargill Borstal Institution (Superintendent: Mr. H. C. Mathew) Statistics. —On Ist January, 1948, there were 106 Borstal inmates in custody. During the year 82 were received and 83 discharged or released on licence, leaving 105 in custody on 31st December. The daily average over the year was 99*4, the greatest number in custody at any one time being 108 and the least 91. There has been a marked downward trend in admissions since 1943, in which year 155 inmates were received, as against 82 for this year. In the reformatory section there were 7 males in custody on Ist January. During the year 94 males were received and 97 discharged or transferred to other prisons or reformatories, leaving 4 males in custody at the end of the year. The daily average was 7-6, the greatest number being 15 and the least 2. No females were admitted during the year. Health. —Health has been good on the whole, with minor illnesses and injuries at the head of the list of treatments. There are always, however, a certain number of lads who need hospital treatment either because of conditions existing on their arrival or because of illness or accident while in the institution. There were 33 admissions to the public hospital, compared with 21 last year and 17 the year before. One lad was transferred to Seacliff Mental Hospital for observation. On admission, all inmates are given a thorough medical examination by the institution medical officer, Dr. F. Russell Miller, and where necessary special diet or treatment is prescribed. Special attention is given to dental treatment, and once again the dental officer, Mr. M. Parr, gave good service, attending the institution at regular intervals for routine work, and carrying out more difficult treatments in his own surgery. Dentures were provided by the Department in all cases where they were needed, it being regarded as part of the general health programme to ensure that teeth and dentures were in first-class order.

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