H—2o

As in former years we continued to maintain sixty miles of main highways and four crushers at Makatote, Whakapapaiti, Whakapapanui, and Scoria Flat have been operated. The latter crusher can only be worked satisfactorily during the good weather as snow and rain make work at this site during the winter an unsatisfactory proposition. Earlier in the year the Ministry of Works called on us to provide conglomerate for the Bruce Koad from the old Whakapapanui Quarry. The production of only clean crushed metal presents many problems and perhaps the greatest of these is the winning of the rock for the crushers. With a view to increasing production and at the same time decreasing production costs, it has been decided to provide a portable air-compressor. The advantages which will accrue from the operation of this unit, will, I am sure, be considerable. It is hoped that, as time goes on, some of our older crusher plant and machinery can be modernized thus assisting production and lowering production costs. Much metal has been provided for the Waimarino-Ohakune, National Park - Oio, National Park-Taupo, and Bruce Highways and, in addition, we have supplied metal for local contractors, sawmillers, and the local County Council. During the year we have operated nine lorries and two cars. We have undertaken all transport for the Kangipo and Hautu Camps and carried out other miscellaneous transport for local Government Departments (including the Chateau Tongariro). The whole prison and staff houses were painted and completely renovated during the year. Due to the age of many of the buildings, renovations were necessarily extensive. A new laundry has been completed and a new kitchen and stores block are now in the •course of construction. A large motor shelter was constructed to house all vehicles as the old one was too small and threatened to collapse. The whole prison now looks very neat indeed and the additional and larger buildings are a great boon. Wanganui Prison (Superintendent: Mr. A. Gamble) At the commencement of the year there were 22 males in custody. During the year 71 males were received into custody, 71 males were discharged, leaving at the end of the year 22 males in custody. The main employment of the inmates is the growing of vegetables, and a plentiful .supply for the institution has been maintained throughout the year. The surplus to requirements has been sold at the auction-mart. The older and more feeble inmates are employed inside the prison as cleaners and at mending prison clothing. This class of occupation, being more suitable to their physical state, also permits them to have open-air exercise in the yards. The health of the inmates has been good, considering the age and class of inmates detained at this prison, many of whom on admission are suffering from disabilities of some kind. The medical officer, Dr. A. M. Earle, visits the institution once a week and is always on call whenever the occasion arises. The conduct of the prisoners during the year was satisfactory. Of 5 breaches of the regulations committed during the year, 2 individuals were dealt with by the Visiting Justice. The quality of food supplied to the prison by the various firms under departmental •contract has been very satisfactory throughout the year. Entertainment by way of educational pictures has been provided by the Department once a month. The following religious bodies have visited the prison as usual and conducted church services: Church of Christ, Boman Catholic, Salvation Army and band. The Christian Science Monitor is also supplied to the inmates throughout the year by a member. On Christmas Day a party from the Church of Christ conducted a service, after which a very fine Christmas treat by way of fruit, sweets, cake, and sandwiches was provided, these gifts being greatly appreciated by the inmates.

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