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between shingle-pit, block-shed, and site. A shed, 60 ft. by 36 ft., has been erected and is now complete, in wdiich it is intended to manufacture the blocks for building the new Prison, &c. A carpenters' and smiths' shop has also been erected for the convenience of these trades. A gravelpit has been partly opened. Excavation for foundations of a cell range has been carried out. Work on the Prison farm was commenced at the beginning of the year, and later on a team comprising four draught horses, four sets of harness, a full complement of farm implements, and a farm dray were purchased. During October last an additional pair of draught horses were also procured. During the year 111 acres of land has been prepared for crops and sown as follows : Oats, 64 acres; mangels, 8J acres; potatoes, 12 acres; turnips, 24| acres; vegetables, 2 acres. The whole of these crops, with the exception of the turnips, were sown under favourable conditions and in good order. However, the season has been the worst experienced in this district for a great number of years. Strong winds continued to blow throughout the spring and summer, which, with the absence of rain, was ruinous to the growdng crops. About two months ago the oats looked fairly well, and gave promise of an average crop, but owing to the continued drought this crop will be exceptionally light. The mangels look healthy, and if rain fall there should be a fair crop. The potatoes came up remarkably well, and there was everj;' appearance of a heavy crop, but blight has since caused a reduced yield. The turnips, so far, are a failure, but should rain fall soon they may improve. Mr. A. Macpherson, Fields Instructor, frequently visits the* farm and gives instructions.

ROTO AIRA PRISON. During the year an advance camp has been established on the banks of the Whakapapanui. None of the prisoners at this camp are habitual criminals. The habitual prisoners at the main camp have been employed on road-construction works between the camps and in the vicinity of the Whakapapaiti Stream. The cutting beyond the Whakapapaiti second stream is Hearing completion. The road between the camp and the Whakapapaiti first stream is being graded : this has involved a good deal of heavy work, but will be the means of making a decided improvement in the road. Two bridges have been constructed. A stone-crusher has been installed, and is in readiness for crushing operations when required. Culverts are now being made of concrete: these will be much more serviceable than wood in the larger fillings. During the year additional huts have been erected at the main camp, and there is now accommodation for 35 prisoners. The conduct of the prisoners has, on the whole, been good. The conduct of the officers has been good. They have taken a keen interest in the work, and credit is due to them. Taking into consideration the amount of wet weather that is experienced here a considerable amount of work has been done. Divine service has been held on several occasions.

WAIKERIA PRISON. The conduct of the prisoners on the whole has been very satisfactory. The health of the prisoners has been good. There were two admissions to the Hamilton Hospital, one of the cases being afterwards transferred to Auckland for special treatment. Other cases of illness, which were of a mild nature, were treated in the Prison. A power-house has been erected, and an electric-lighting plant installed. A large area has been fenced and shelter-belts planted in Pinus insignis, macrocarpa, and blue-gum trees. Several acres of land have been fenced for an orchard, and 700 fruit-trees planted. Thirty-two acres of new land has been broken in this year, 10 acres planted in potatoes, 3 acres in mangels, 1 acre in horse-beans, 4 acres in vegetable-garden, and 12 acres prepared for turnips. Of the old ground 46 acres has been sown in oats, and by their appearance we hope to have a record crop. A large quantity of hay has been cut and stacked. One acre of lucerne, sown in November for experimental purposes, is making good growth. The total area cleared and under cultivation is 482 acres, the value of the vegetables disposed of for cash and to other prisons amounted to £282 17s. A large number of pigs have been bred from pedigree stock, and two of them that were entered in the Hamilton Show received first prizes. The total cash received for pigs sold was £70 6s. The breadmaking has been a great success, the saving effected being considerable. 'I here is also a considerable reduction in the cost of meat since we have killed our own. A four-span bridge has been erected over the Waikeria Stream to give access to Ihe newroad. Several chains of this road are finished. Better progress would have been made if the weather had not been so wet. The new Settlers Road was completed and opened during tin? year. The main road and the Te Kawa Road have been kept in repair. Divine service was conducted every fifth Sunday by the Rev. D. J. A. Shaw, Presbyterian minister, and the Rev. J. Olphert, Methodist minister. The Roman Catholic service wits conducted by Rev. Father Lynch, or a substitute, every Sunday during the year.