H—2o

New Plymouth Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. Dow) There were 52 male prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 100 male prisoners were received, whilst 93 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 57 in custody at the end of the year. There were no escapes during the year. One prisoner with a bad criminal record had to be dealt with by the Magistrate for breaches of the Prison Regulations. The staff had been most forbearing with this man. The conduct of the remainder, with the exception of a new minor breaches, has been good. The health of the prisoners has been good. One was admitted to the public hospital for observation. Dr. Allen pays a weekly visit to the institution and at any other time when it is necessary. He peruses the depositions of each prisoner when admitted and has a lengthy interview with him. The industries have been carried on in much the same manner as in former years. Gardening is the main occupation and gives employment for the majority of the men. The growing of vegetable plants for sale is still being carried on at the request of the merchants. There is an abundant supply of vegetables grown all the year round, and after our requirements are met the balance is disposed of in the open market, to the public hospital, and to the New Plymouth High School hostels. The pig industry is proving most successful, and there is still a keen demand for all we can produce. The quarry is being worked on a small scale, and there is no difficulty in disposing of all the metal that can be produced. The Rugby Park Committee offered a large number of trees at the park for the cutting. This has been done and we now have sufficient firing to last for a lengthy period. Some of the suitable timber was sold as fencing-posts. The purchase of cows for rations has been continued through the year, the Farmers' Co-operative Association delivering at intervals when required. The killing is done by prison labour on the premises. All meat is inspected by the Meat Inspector before being issued. During the year one carcass was condemned as being unfit for consumption. Boot-repairing provides useful employment for 1 man throughout the year. Work in the laundry provides employment for 3 men washing prisoners' clothing, blankets, &c, and, in addition, towels, &c, for local Government Departments. The maintenance work of the prison and cottages is regularly attended to. The cottages are at present being painted. We are still fortunate in having a first-class prisoner cook who turns out excellent meals. The diet is varied and fish is provided on one day per week. We have also a first-class baker who has just recently learned the trade in prison. He is now turning out excellent bread. The residents of New Plymouth continue to take a keen interest in the welfare of the men. During the year concerts were provided by the Happiness Club, the Rotary Club, the Caledonian Society, the New Plymouth Pipe Band, the Salvation Army Songsters and others. In addition to the concerts, periodical picture entertainments were provided by the Department, and two interesting travel talks were given. During the year the Red Cross Society conducted a class on home nursing and one on first aid. The results of the examinations in each case were very satisfactory. The men continue to be interested in their spare-time hobbies such as rugmaking, tapestry, drawing, &c. A drill class is held on two nights per week. Inmates are allowed out of their cells one night per week to play cards. Three inmates are taking a course with the Correspondence School of the Education Department and are making very satisfactory progress. A large percentage are men of good educational qualifications. During the warmest months of the year inmates have been allowed into the exercise yard in the evenings for two hours, and this privilege has never been abused.

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