13

H.—2o

extreme ; in fact, the varied places of employment and the site of the Prison combine to make the place a sort of sanatorium. The new system of drainage at this Prison and the installation of the electric light have been beneficial. Since the building at Mount Cook is not to be used as a prison, provision should be made for at least a wing of separate cells, say fifty, at this Prison. Should there be an agricultural prison established where the prisoners would be instructed in that branch of work, the knowledge they would acquire there could certainly be turned to account on their release. I would have an officer of the Agricaltural Department to have charge of all operations, such as growing young trees for the colony and elsewhere, and for a natural nursery ; onions and all garden produce to be sent to, and sold at, a central Government store or market, and in a short time, when a thorough supply winter and summer were available, the Chinaman would be wiped out of the market. Attention could also be given to the rearing of pigs and fowls. Employment of this kind would help prisoners after their discharge to turn to advantage the knowledge they had gained, if they were so disposed. I would have in connection with the agricultural prison a brick-, tile-, and pipe-making manufactory; also manufactories for the making of all our rough prison blankets and material for woollen garments; and, moreover, these articles could in time be made for the asylums and other Government departments. There were two prisoners sentenced to death during the year. In both cases the sentences were commuted to hard labour for life. Two prisoners were received on remand—one for drunkenness, the other theft. Both were sent to the District Hospital, where they died. These persons should not have been sent to a prison. First Offenders' Probation Act. This Act grows more important yearly. In many cases the amounts ordered to be paid by the probationers are beyond their means. P. S. Gaevey, Gaoler and Probation Officer.