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A bequest from the Gordon Bequest Fund was received and utilized in providing Christmas cheer. Extra Christmas cheer was also received from the Mayor of New Plymouth and other local residents. The spiritual welfare of the men is regularly attended to by the ministers of the various denominations and other religious workers. The Venerable Archdeacon Gavin presides over a Bible study group one night per week, and in this connection I consider he is doing a good service towards the reformation. of the men. Holy Communion for the Anglicans and Mass for the Roman Catholics is celebrated at regular intervals. Mr. Woodward, S.M., and Messrs. Weston and Nicol, Visiting Justices, paid regular visits during the year and continue to be interested in the welfare of the men. Paparua Prison (Superintendent: Mr. C. B. Harrington) On the Ist January, 1949, there were 137 male prisoners in custody ; during the year 466 prisoners were admitted, 478 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, and at the end of the year 125 were held in custody. The greatest number held was 151, the least 103, and the daily average number was 123. The health of the prisoners has continued to be satisfactory and no serious illnesses have occurred. The medical officer, Dr. A. C. Thomson, visited the institution each week. He also examines and reports upon the medical condition of all newly-admitted prisoners. One death occurred during the year ; 4 prisoners were admitted to the Christchurch Public Hospital; none had to be treated for venereal disease. Mental specialists are called in from Sunnyside Mental Hospital to examine and report on any prisoner who appears to be mentally abnormal, or if the Courts require it. We have always received the willing co-operation of the Mental Hygiene Division in this* respect. Dental health is attended to by Mr. W. H. Wylie, the institution dental officer, on a contract basis. As in previous years rations have been supplied to the prisoners in accordance with our regulations, and the diet has proved adequate to maintain health and physical fitness. Vegetables, beef, and milk are provided from the farm, and bread is baked in the institution bakehouse. All other rations, including mutton, are purchased outside. The prisoners' spiritual welfare is in the hands of the ministers of the various religious denominations who conduct services regularly. All prisoners are expected to attend services of their own denominations. Standards of conduct and work have been maintained at about the same level as in previous years. Forty-nine individual prisoners were charged with the commission of 66 offences, mostly minor breaches of the regulations, during the year. There was 1 escape by a prisoner who was receiving treatment at the public hospital. There were 21 concerts presented by the Returned Services' Association, Salvation Army, Royal Christchurch Musical Society, and other groups, and including the Department's own moving-picture programmes. The Workers' Educational Association gave 15 lectures during the winter. The attendances, which were voluntary, showed how much the prisoners appreciated these breaks, and the organizations who voluntarily arrange the programmes deserve the greatest commendation for their efforts. At Christmas time one of these groups always arranges a special concert at the institution, and at this period, too, the prisoners are allowed to receive parcels of food, sweets, tobacco, &c. The larger parcels are split up and the surplus, together with donations of cigarettes which we receive and other things, is sufficient to enable us to distribute parcels to every man on Christmas morning and on New Year's Day.

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