H.—2o,

14

Fikst and Ceimes Amendment Act. I have nothing to report, as there were no probationers on the register of this district during the year. Under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, 2 male reformative-treatment prisoners were released from imprisonment to probation; 1 was permitted to leave the Dominion, and 1 was transferred to another district. Three others reported themselves on transfer from elsewhere; of these. 1 satisfactorily fulfilled the conditions of his release for the required term, and 2 were transferred to other districts. Two male habitual criminals reported their arrival on transfer; 1 failed to carry out the conditions imposed upon him, was arrested, and is now serving a sentence for another offence, and 1 left New Zealand during last month with the consent of the authorities. At the close of the year none were on the books of this probation district. I have, &c, T. E. POINTON, The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Gaoler. NAPIER PRISON. Sir, — H.M. Prison, Napier, 23rd January, 1913. I have the honour to submit the following report on the working of this Prison for the year ended 31st December, 1912. In custody on the Ist January, 24 males and 1 female; received during the year, 227 males and 13 females; discharged, 234- males and 14 females; leaving in custody at the end of the year 17 males and no females. The health of the prisoners lias been good. A number of cases of helpless drunkenness have been received for medical treatment: it was found necessary to send three of these to the District Hospital. One was received in a very bad condition, having been brought a distance of fifty miles by rail, whilst there was a hospital within five miles of the arresting station. This man died during the night. Another of the same having attempted suicide lay cutting his throat, received from the same station : this man, with the others, finally recovered. I consider that if it is necessary to send these men to the Hospital when they are received at the Prison the same should apply when they are arrested, and would give a better chance of recovery. There were 4 punishments by the Visiting Justice for minor breaches of discipline. The provisions have been of good quality and regularly supplied by the various contractors. The conduct of the officers is very satisfactory, and the following changes on the staff took place: Two officers were transferred and two received from other prisons. One probationer, having passed a satisfactory examination, was taken on the staff permanently. First Offenders' Probation Act. The was 1 male on probation at the commencement of the year, 1 completed his term, 6 males ■were placed on probation, 3 males were received from and 5 transferred to other districts, leaving 4 still carrying out the conditions of their license. I have, &c, Alfred A. Gideon, The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Gaoler. NEW PLYMOUTH PRISON. Sir, — H.M. Prison, New Plymouth, 17th January, 1913. I have the honour to report herewith on the working of this Prison for year ending the 31st December, 1912. There were 61 males, of whom 38 were habituals, and 2 females, habituals, in custody at the commencement of the year. Received during year, 135 males, including 30 habituals, and 9 females, including 1 habitual. Discharged, 143 males, including 23 habituals, and 11 females, including 1 habitual; and 2 transferred to Wellington. In custody at end of year, 53 males, 45 of whom are habituals; no females. The Prisons Board met here twice during the year, and recommended the release of habituals as above, on condition that approved employment was procured for them. This was done in every case. Three were allowed to go to their friends. Quite a number of these men are doingwell, and giving satisfaction to their employers. The health of prisoners has been good. There was one admission, to the Hospital. The conduct of prisoners has been good. There were 13 cases punished, principally for minor offences; 1 for attempting to break out of gaol. The rations and meat have been of good quality, and an abundance of vegetables has been supplied from the prison-garden. The prisoners have been employed principally in the quarry. The revenue for the year was £706 19s. Bd., and December accounts outstanding amount to £119 16s. 9d. I regret to have to record the death of the late H. S. Fitzherbert, S.M., and a Visiting Justice, during the year. The conduct of the staff during the year has been satisfactory.