H.—2o,

8

Concerts continue to be held periodically in the evenings and also on most of the prison holidays —the programmes, which are arranged by Mr. J. Stewart and others, being noteworthy for their excellence, and the prisoners show much appreciation of the efforts on their behalf. An innovation during 1924 has been cinematograph entertainments, and this further concession by the Department has been warranted by the appreciation of the inmates. Thanks are due to Mr. Hayward and others for the arrangement of these programmes. The several organizations responsible for the excellent Christmas gifts in the shape of additional comforts are deserving of commendation for their continued spirit of self-sacrifice, and their kindness during the festive season was deeply appreciated by the prisoners. The Prisoners' Aid Society, the Salvation Army, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and many others are always ready to assist prisoners on release, thereby rendering a great service to ex-prisoners and the community. I may state that I have been very well satisfied, more so this year than any other since I have had charge of this institution, with the conduct of the staff, and the manner in which the discipline has been maintained and the various works carried on under their supervision. In conclusion, may I be permitted to place on record, on behalf of each member of the staff and myself, our deepest regret at the untimely death of our late revered chief —Mr. C. E. Matthews. Schoolmaster's Report on Work in Prison School. I beg to submit, for the year ending 31st March, 1925, the following report on the work of the school, H.M. Prison, Mount Eden, Auckland :— Although the instruction throughout last year was considerably hampered through my continued ill health, which ultimately necessitated my securing a month's leave of absence for the purpose of undergoing operative treatment, the men evinced commendable keenness in their studies, and, by diligent application to the various tasks allotted them, accomplished much good work. As in the past, the major portion of the time was devoted to the teaching of English and arithmetic, in which subjects a steady advance was maintained, the majority of the students securing welldeserved promotion at the conclusion of the school year. Unfortunately for our record, two wellprepared candidates, who would, in the ordinary course of events, have been presented for proficiency in Standard VI, at some time during the period of my enforced absence in December, were later withdrawn, so that, through my inability to make arrangements for their examination, the year was very probably deprived of an honour enjoyed by its predecessor. It is pleasing to record such fine progress in that all-important subject of the school curriculum, English, which, as set down in last year's report, was much below the standard of arithmetic. By calling into play the perceptual and conseptual activities of those undergoing instruction in the matter of securing oral reproduction of lessons, stories, &c., this happy result has been brought about. Debates, too, were held at frequent intervals, the various participants displaying the keenest enthusiasm both in their search for subject-matter and in the manner of its presentment; hence from this practice very beneficial results accrued. Owing to the success of the venture in 1923, an attempt was again made to stimulate interest by arranging competitions in spelling, geography, and general knowledge ; the spirit of rivalry thus aroused resulting in information of considerable educational value. Towards the close of the year several additional Chinamen, among whom was one of exceptional ability, were admitted, and owing to lack of accommodation (the roll number having risen to thirtytwo) they were catered for in a room adjoining the schoolroom proper. Under the tuition of their gifted countryman the Chinese element (seven in number) have made such remarkable progress in the matter of learning to read and write English that I feel the action of the prison authorities in this connection is worthy of some commendation. The Assistant Schoolmaster has been most assiduous throughout the year in his devotion to duty, and he has proved an acquisition to the staff, while the disciplinary officers rendered faithful service. In conclusion, sir, T. desire to express my sincere thanks for the confidence displayed in me, together with the support so readily given me, and at the same time to extend to your Department my best wishes for the successful manipulation of the business of the ensuing year. Hautu Prison Land-development Camp, Tokaanu. The health of the prisoners has been good, there being no cases of sickness during the past year. The daily average in custody during the year was 30 15. The general conduct of the prisoners has been very satisfactory, there being only one man punished for a breach of the Prison Regulations. There were no escapes or attempts to escape during the year. The industry of the prisoners has been exceptionally good. I have pleasure to again record that the majority of the prisoners continue to take a keen interest in the farm-work. The prison vegetablegarden continues to be a success ; more than sufficient fresh vegetables for local requirements have been grown, the surplus sent to the Waikune Prison for rations, and also for feeding live-stock at Hautu. The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year : 276 acres cleared and stumped and burned off ready for ploughing ; 219 acres ploughed, disked, tine-harrowed, 100 acres of which was sown in grass, 57 in oats, 4 in potatoes, 2 in swedes, and 1 acre in mangolds; the balance, 55 acres, is being prepared for sowing down in grass in the coming autumn. Forest-trees, consisting of 100 gums and 5,000 Pinus radiata, were planted in various parts of the farm for the purpose of shelter-belts; also 20,000 Pinus radiata grown in the Hautu Nursery were lined out for planting in the coming autumn.jf&pAn orchard was established during the year, and fifty-six fruit-trees were planted and are growing well. Three miles and a half of fencing were erected, consisting of three