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by the W.E.A. Drama Croup, which not only presented an excellent programme but also organized a group of ladies to provide a very good supper for the lads. A number of Sunday evening talks on a variety of subjects, ranging froni sports to natural history, was given to the inmates. A Maori party from the institution took part in a concert at the Civic Theatre, and other entertainments included community sings, table tennis and indoor basketball demonstrations, and a visit by Barton's Circus on a Sunday evening which created intense interest and amusement. The Borstal Christmas Cheer and Welfare Fund again benefited by the generosity of various Invercargill organizations and citizens. As a result no lad went short of gifts and comforts at Christmas, and prizes were given to winners of sports events held during the holidays. Outdoor Recreation.—Sport plays a very big part in the life of an institution, providing an outlet for pent-up energies and at the same time providing an objective interest for all concerned. Rugby football, baseball, cricket, and tennis are the principal sports played. Coaching was carried out by officers, many of them outside duty hours. Our teams entered into competition with outside teams in all of these sports, and though 110 great successes were achieved, the games were played in a good sporting spirit. Indoor basketball has been introduced for the first time this year and is creating a wide interest. Drill and gymnastics are taught by a trained instructor and seem to be increasing in popularity. Library.—Our own library has become more useful as the books are rebound and repaired regularly, and in addition the Country Library Service provides us with changes of books quarterly. Periodical magazines are coming to hand more regularly. The new library and reading-room have made it possible to create conditions comparable to those of a normal library, and the inmates appreciate the opportunity of browsing amongst the books at will. There is an interest in reading, and the lads have a much better chance of reading along the lines of their particular interests. Religious Activities.—The Ministers' Association arranges services each Sunday. In addition, instruction is given by the Roman Catholic Church each week, a weekly song service is conducted by the Salvation Army, and Presbyterian and Anglican Bible classes meet regularly. Rehabilitation of Inmates. —Our active work ceases when an inmate is released, and all we can do at that stage is to see that he is provided with the necessary clothing and anything else he may need, such as working clothes, or blankets for instance if he is going to a forestry camp. We assist in finding a job or accommodation if required. If he has not sufficient cash to meet all his needs, which include equipment the Department cannot provide, the resources of the Welfare Fund or the Prisoners' and Patients' Aid Society are called upon. We feel that if the early period of readjustment to the community can be safely tided over, an inmate's chances of rehabilitation are greatly enhanced. When inmates are first admitted, a letter is sent to the parents or guardians giving information about the institution and its activities, and this has proved most helpful in that it has made them more co-operative, because they feel that we are trying to do something constructive for the lads. Consequently, on release many parents who had more or less given them up as uncontrollable take a renewed interest in them. Staff. —During the year Chief Warder J. M. D. Cathcart retired from the Service after being 011 the staff of the institution for twenty-nine years. He served the institution well and by his personality and character gained the constant respect and affection of the lads over many years. Three officers resigned from the Service to take up other positions and two were appointed to the staff. Principal Warder A. W. Cook was transferred to Waikeria Reformatory. The staff contributed £3l to the United Nations Appeal for Children. I wish to express my appreciation of the loyalty and co-operation of the .staff throughout the year.

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