H.—2o.

6

quarry work well and with little or uo friction. The encouragement given to the men results in a noticeable absence of sullenness which at one time was so apparent. The demand for metal by local bodies is greater than we can cope with, and the erection of new plant now being provided will result in increased revenue that will more than justify the expenditure. The manufacture of concrete roofing-tiles has been pushed forward, and the products of this industry are being used on all the departmental buildings. It is understood that the class of tile produced is equal, if not superior, to any other type on the market. The Esperanto class continues to flourish undor the supervision of a well-known Esperantist, and the success achieved may be gauged from the fact that the students gained four diplomas one with honours. During the, year five male and one female, prisoner died. Four of these died in the public hospital where they were sent for treatment. One execution took place early in the year. Hautu Prison, Tokaanu. This prison camp has recently been established for the purpose of developing and preparing for settlement a large block of pumice land near Lake Taupo. A commencement was made on the, 27th Fobruary last with the erection of necessary portable buildings, several huts being transferred from the old Roto Aira road camp to Hautu for the accommodation of officers and prisoners. A temporary road .to the camp has been formed, and a few acres of land have been cleared of scrub for cultivation. In view of the fact that the camp has only been a short time in existence, and that considerable quantities of materials had to be carted a long distance over rough roads, it has not been possible to make much progress with the preparation of land for cultivation, but a commencement is now being made in this direction. Invereargill Borstal Institution. The association class of well-conducted inmates is now an established feature, and has proved to be an admirable incentive to good behaviour. The inmates in this class enjoy special privileges, and are permitted to gather together in the recreation-room for a short period every evening, when they can play various games, indulge in reading, &c. The evening educational classes have given most satisfactory results. The, senior schoolmaster reports: " During the past year some 130 inmates have received instruction at various times and for different periods. The year's work has been satisfactory as to general application and progress of the scholars. The more backward among them have received special classes and close attention, the result being that no inmate has left the place illiterate. Indeed, it is true that all are able to read, write, and figure, the caro expended on those in the lowest classes having produced very gratifying results. English literature :In 1922 the study of extracts from the great English poets has been of particular interest in the standards. Mensuration has been taught, and the, application of algebra and the working-out of problems. The promotions to higher standards has been steady, giving a fair indication that the young men are acquiring knowledge. The scholars are, responsive, and the greater number appear to appreciate the privileges the Department grants them in respect of the acquisition of knowledge. Physiography and commercial geography always interest them, the political world of 1922 receiving attention during the lessons." In addition to those inmates who are given facilities to study in their own rooms, a number are being taught carpentering and bricklaying in the evenings by tradesmen officers, and a marked feature of these classes is the, eagerness of the inmates to avail themselves of the opportunities offered to improve their knowledge of the building trades. The, institutional brass band, under the tuition of a local expert musician, has made remarkable progress during the past six months. A learners' class in connection with the band has been formed, anil promises well. There are altogether about fifty inmates receiving instruction in band music, and it is satisfactory to note the appeal which it makes to the lads. Concerts and entertainments have been provided at regular intervals through the kindness of local musical associations, &c, and are greatly appreciated. Occasionally, certain inmates assisted, by the band, give concerts to their fellowinmates, and a number of the youths exhibit considerable ability in this direction. The, lectures by Dr. Barclay on the functions and management of the body, and other appropriate subjects, have been listened to with great attention. The lecturer-deals with his subjects in such a clear anil explicit manner that the inmates are, deeply interested and impressed. Farming operations have been carried on and extended as much as possible, although, owing to the decrease in the price, of butterfat, the revenue has not been so high as was anticipated. Including sixty-four heifers, there are now 294 dairy cows on the farm, and returns for the ensuing year should show a distinct improvement. The additional bush land purchased during the year is proving a valuable asset. Large quantities of timber for fencing purposes have been obtained therefrom at comparatively little cost, and firewood in abundance, is also available. During the year a large number of cattle, and sheep were fattened on the farm and slaughtered to supply the institution, a considerable saving being thereby effected. The roading and. draining of the farm, area has been pushed on with the labour available. Owing to the, silting-up of the river the flood-gates are not so effective as they were, and it will be necessary to deepen the outfalls. A vegetable-garden of 5 acres has been established on the farm area, and, as expected, is showing satisfactory results. Napier Prison. As in former years, the principal works carried on have been quarrying and gardening. Owing to the comparatively few prisoners that are now detained at this prison much work cannot be expected, but the few prisoners available are kept fully occupied.