H.- -20

7

In the bootmaking industry excellent work has been done. Drill for junior officers was commenced in June last, and its good effects can be seen in the smart bearing of those taking part in it. First Offenders' Probation Act. I was relieved of this duty in July last by the appointment of the Rev. F. R. Jeffreys as Probation Officer. There were 17 males on probation at the commencement of the year; 1 was placed on probation by Magistrate's Court and 5 by Supreme Court, while 1 was received from another district. Of these, 4 completed their probation satisfactorily, 1 (a Maori) was discharged by the Magistrate on payment of the money stolen in order that he could join the Expeditionary Force, 7 were transferred to other districts, and 3 were sentenced for non-compliance with die condition of license and committing fresh offences, leaving 9 reporting when the books were handed over to Mr. Jeffreys.

DUNEDIN PRISON. In custody at the beginning of the year, 22 males; received during the year, 318 males and 36 females; discharged during the year, 296 males and 36 females. The health of the prisoners has been good, the daily average on the sick-list being o'ls. The conduct of the officers has been satisfactory. Divine service was conducted throughout the year by the Rev. Mr. Gumming or some member ■if one of the ('hurches. First Offenders' Probation Act. Three first offenders were placed on probation during the year.

GISBORNE PRISON. The health and conduct of the prisoners have been good. Ihe prisoners were employed during the year keeping the Prison clean, painting the roof of the building, also the male and female divisions. The building of a rein forced-concrete wall has been commenced. When completed it will enclose the whole of the Prison grounds. There is already erected a length of 500 ft. The grounds have also been improved by levelling, sowing of grass-seed, and the laying-out of flower-beds. There will now for some time to come be ample employment for the number of prisoners we receive here, as the building of the wall and attention to the grounds will keep them fully eniplo3 r ed. There were no punishments during the year.

GREYMOUTH PRISON. The general health of prisoners has been wry good, excepting 9 male prisoners received for i lical treatment and suffei ing from the effects of drink. The principal occupation of prisoners during the year was draining, fencing, digging, and cropping the area of land allotted to this Prison from the Police reserve. It is now well drained, and a portion cropped with potatoes and vegetables.

INVERCARGILL PRISON. The general health of Ihe prisoners has been good, except tint several males suffering from the effects of drink were received for medical treatment. When necessary these cases were removed to the District Hospital, where proper provision lias been made for the reception of such cases, and, when recovered, were dealt with in the usual manner. The quality of the rations supplied has been good, leaving no room for complaint. The variations in the scale of diet recently authorized by the Department have proved a welcome change, and appear to be much appreciated. A plentiful supply of vegetables has always been obtainable from the Prison gardens. The extension of the north-west wing is being pushed on as rapidly as circumstances will allow, and it should be ready for occupation (luring the ensuing year. The making of concrete blocks for prison buildings and also for sale to the general public still continues. During the year a large addition to the Garrison Hall was erected, no less than 4,500 blocks being supplied by the Prison for Ibis purpose. A warder's cottage of the same material was also built. The Prison lighter has now been in commission for the past five months, and has lieen used for conveying grit and shingle for hloekmaking, thus reducing the cost of building and blockmaking very considerably. In this connection a jetty, 70ft, in length, has been constructed at the river terminus, thus facilitating loading operations.