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Buildings At the beginning of the year the renovation of the oldest of the institution cottages was completed, while towards the end of the year another new cottage was finished. The report for last year mentions that work had been commenced on the new ablution block. The lavatory portion has been completed but the shower-house still needs to be connected to the boilers. The opening of this much-needed block has improved the toilet facilities which for many years have been primitive and crude. The new dairy on the farm has been completed and we now have one that is well equipped with few equals in Southland. At the same time improvements have been made to the piggery. The pig-food cooking system is particularly successful. Early in 1950 a start will be made on the new kitchen for which most of the equipment is already to hand. Along with these works general maintenance has been maintained but the time is overdue for a complete renovation of the inmates' cubicles, a task that will be undertaken next year. Aftercare Borstal training should follow a progressive course of trust and liberty from the time of reception into the institution to the end of the final probation period. It is all one course. Our active task ceases when the inmate is released and his aftercare then becomes the direct responsibility of others. As far as possible we try to see that he has a job to go to, that he has prospective board and lodging, and that he leaves with what he may need in the way of necessary clothing. However, what we can do is limited. Although many probation officers give assistance there is a definite need for an aftercare association —a group of people interested in the inmates during the licence and probation period. Such an association must have links with the institution and a connection with the community in which the inmate will live. During his first few weeks of liberty it is important that some one in whom the lad will have confidence should be responsible for his supervision and guidance, which, of course, should become more and more unobtrusive as he progresses. With the development of such an organization, the value of the work in this institution would be increased a hundredfold. Napier Prison (Superintendent: Mr. P. S. Watters) At the beginning of the year there were 22 males in custody, 149 males and 4 females were received during the year, while 154 males and 4 females were discharged or transferred to other prisons, leaving a total of 17 males in custody at the end of the year. Four inmates were admitted to the Napier Public Hospital for treatment during the year, otherwise the health of the inmates has been good. The quarry output has been maintained, and a fresh section 36 ft. wide has been put into operation with good results. The garden still shows an improvement in spite of poor market prices, and the carnations' sales have increased by double at a satisfactory price, while a plentiful supply of vegetables have been harvested for institutional use. There were no escapes during the year, although 1 inmate made an attempt. During the year the sanitary arrangements have been improved by installing three new lavatory pans and cisterns. Divine service has been maintained regularly for all denominations, and sacred concerts have been held in the evening each fortnight during the year, one variety concert was given, and pictures have been shown by the Reverend Mr. Dyason. All services and concerts were well attended by the inmates. Daily entertainment is provided per medium of suitable wireless programmes ; these are much appreciated by the inmates. The maintenance of the prison has been kept up during the year and the prison is in good repair. The conduct of the inmates in general has been good throughout the year.

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