H.—2o

8

armed. For this offence they were brought before the Stipendiary Magistrate, who ordered them to be kept in close confinement in irons for seven days, and to forfeit marks equivalent to twelve months' remission of their respective sentences. There were two attempts at prison-breaking during the year. In one instance the punishment was a forfeiture of 1,500 marks by the Stipendiary Magistrate. On a second occasion three prisoners who attempted to break out of the Prison were tried at the Supreme Court, Christchurch, and on being found guilty were sentenced one to four months and two to two months each. I think that instead of sending prisoners who commit aggravated prison offences to be tried in open Court, it would be just as effectual if they were tried within the Prison by a Stipendiary Magistrate with reporters present. The last time I had occasion to take prisoners to be tried in open Court, the prisoners charged requested the attendance of no less than fifteen of their fellowprisoners as witnesses for their defence. I feel satisfied that if these cases were tried in the Prison there would be less aggravated prison offences. The health of the prisoners has been good, there being 108 cases of sickness, equalling a daily average of 107 males and 063 females. One case was sent to the public Hospital. One death occurred in the Prison. Two males and one female were sent to the Lunatic Asylum. The supply of rations has been very satisfactory during the year, such supplies being always tendered for. The conduct of the officers has been very good, not one case of misconduct reported to you during the year. The First Offenders' Probation Act. One probationer from 1901 completed his term of probation, and paid the amount ordered by the Supreme Court during the present year. M. M. Cleaey, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

Napier Prison. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum No. 1900/8, I have the honour to report on the working of this Prison for the year ended the 31st December, 1902. In custody on the Ist January, 24 males and 2 females ; received during the year, 197 males and 28 females ; discharged, 179 males and 26 females ; in custody on 31st December, 1902, 42 males and 4 females. The conduct of the prisoners was good. There were 11 punishments for minor prison offences ; six of these offences were committed by two prisoners, who made up their minds to give trouble. There was little sickness amongst the prisoners. One man received from the country, sentenced to fourteen days, was found to have erysipelas in the head, and was sent to the Napier Hospital. Another who was on remand for medical treatment had gangrene of the foot, and was sent to the Hospital. All the others who were received for medical treatment were treated by the Gaol Surgeon, and in a few days were discharged cured. The rations were good, and there were very few complaints. The giving of tobacco to prisoners is of assistance in maintaining discipline so far as this Prison is concerned. The milk in the tea is much appreciated. The prisoners have been employed on quarrying, stone-dressing, and stone-breaking. A substantial stone retaining-wall has been built to prevent slips from grounds of Native Girls' School. The fire service is complete, and arrangements are being made for lighting the cells with gas. The old wooden fence round the female-yard has been strengthened and repaired. The Supreme Court House has been attended to. There have been no reports against officers, who, in spite of long hours, do their duty cheerfully. Service has been held on Sunday mornings, and at 2 p.m. a class is held for Maoris. The Gaol Surgeon comes when called on, besides his regular visits, and the Visiting Justices make weekly visits. The First Offenders' Probation Act. I have the honour to report that on the Ist January, 1902, 4 males and 1 female were reporting themselves at the Napier Prison. Four males and 1 female were placed on probation during the year. Two males were received from other districts. Two males and 2 females finished their terms satisfactorily. Four males were transferred to other districts, leaving 2 males still reporting themselves here. One male got permission to join one of the contingents, and went to South Africa ;he still owes 16s. Another man who cannot be found finished his two years in June last, but he still owes £3 15s. A man who was placed on probation for three years, and was to pay £20 costs of prosecution by Supreme Court, 16th September, 1901, was transferred to Wairoa. He had paid £12 10s. up to November last, when he was committed for trial on a charge of breaking and entering. There are still 2 males reporting at Napier. Michael Flannery, Gaoler and Probation Officer.

New Plymouth Prison. In compliance with Circular Memorandum No. 1900/8, of the Ist December, 1900, I have the honour to report that on the Ist January, 1902, there were 19 male prisoners in custody here, 18 of whom were at hard labour, and 1 awaiting trial. The awaiting-trial prisoner was subsequently found not guilty at the Supreme Court, and discharged. During the year 120 males and 6 females were received, an increase of 18 males and 2 females on the preceding year. Forty-nine males and 2 females were sentenced to hard labour, 4 males and 1 female to simple imprisonment. Twenty-seven males and 2 females were received on remand,