H.—2o

16

Following is a summary of the year's work: Clearing for tree-planting, 115 acres; pitting, 597,700; planting, 589,950; formation of fire-break, 97 chains; clearing growth amongst trees; planting blanks, 149,325; clearing growth on firebreaks; repairs to roads. List of trees planted : Larix europaea, 242,675; Pinus laricio, 463,400; JJouglasii, 28,275; Eucalyptus, 4,500; Sequoia sempervirens, 150; Pinus teocote, 275: total, 739,275. The value of the work done is £935. I have, &c, J. Down, The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Acting-Gaoler. WELLINGTON PRISON. Sm, — H.M. Prison, Wellington, 22nd January, 1913. I have the honour to forward annual returns and report of this Prison for the year ended 31st December, 1912. There were in custody on the Ist January, 1912, 148 males and 22 females; total, 170. 1,156 males and 188 females were received during the year; total, 1,344, an increase of 131; 175 males and 39 females were received twice and upwards. The actual individual admissions were 997 males and 128 females; total, 1,125. In custody, 31st December, 157 males and 22 females; total, 179. During the year 1,147 males and 188 females were discharged or otherwise disposed of; 39 males were transferred to tree-planting or other prisons; 3 males on reformative treatment were released on probation, on recommendation of the Prisons Board. Six males were sent to the public Hospital for treatment; 3 died there; 1 short-sentenced man whose time expired whilst there was discharged from custody; 1 was returned, having attempted to escape; and 1 is still there undergoing treatment. Three males were transferred to the Mental Hospital at Porirua. There were 5 deaths during the year, 2 at the Prison, and 3 at the Hospital as before noted. In each case a post-mortem examination and inquest was held, and a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence returned. The sending to prison of persons suffering from delirium tremens is not satisfactory, as there is no accommodation or means for treating such cases, which require attention; and the officers, though doing their best, have not the training necessary for dealing with such a class of prisoners. Three males escaped from the works at Mount Cook and 2 from Point Halswell, but were recaptured within a short period. The health of the prisoners has been good, few cases of serious illness occurring. The rations supplied have been of good quality, the contractors in each case giving every satisfaction. The conduct of the prisoners generally has been good, punishments for breaches of regulations being few. Brick and tile making at Mount Cook is still carried on, the main party of prisoners being employed at this work. At Point Halswell a number of men are employed on works for the Defence Department, and, in accordance with instructions from the, Hon. the Minister of Justice, arrangements are now completed for on the peninsula. At the Terrace, bootmaking, gardening, &c, are carried on as usual. Females are employed at laundry-work, knitting, and repairing the clothing of prisoners. I regret to record the death, in June last, of Warder J. E. O'Shea; he was an efficient and trustworthy officer, and performed his duties with tact and ability. One officer having readied the age-limit was retired on superannuation. Several changes have taken place in the staff during the year, many officers having been transferred to and received from other prisons. Several probationary warders, having passed their examinations, were placed on the permanent staff. Divine services were held every Sunday by the various denominations. Permission having been granted by the Department of Justice, Adjutant Bray, Salvation Army, with the Army band, visited the Prison and played selections of sacred music on several Sundays; this was greatly appreciated by the inmates, as was also an entertainment on Christmas Day for the females, provided through the kindness of Mr. E. Arnold, Visiting Justice. Fiest Offenders' Probation Act and Crimes Amendment Act. On the Ist January there were 12 males on probation; 14 males were placed on probation, and 3 males and 1 female received on transfer from other districts during the year; 2 males and 1 female were discharged, having completed their period of probation satisfactorily; 10 males were transferred to other districts; 2 males absconded: on probation, 31st December, 15 males. One male habitual criminal, released on probation from New Plymouth Prison, was transferred to the district and is doing well. I have, &c, J. C. Scanlon, The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.