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drains leading from swamp areas to the contour drain were also opened up. These drains had a remarkable effect in drying the land. Thirteen acres were drained and cultivated ready for sowing this year's crops, and brush shelterfences were also erected round and across this garden. The land was then drained. During the year a large quantity of vegetables was sent into Wellington to be sold by auction. Further quantities were supplied to the military camp, and other institutions. The Defence Reserve under lease has been attended to in accordance with the agreement with the Defence Department, and a gang of men is now continually employed filling in trenches, clearing the land, and keeping the ranges in order. The conduct of the officers, on the whole, has been good. We are indebted to the Rev. Mr. Holmes, the Rev. Mr. Kendrick, the Rev. Father Kelly, and the Salvation Army Officers for conducting Divine service for the various denominations throughout the year. We are further indebted to the Rev. Mr. Holmes for arranging Christmas cheer and a concert held on the 18th December for the benefit of the inmates, and to the Honorary Justices' Association and other gentlemen for gifts. Our thanks are also due to the Y.M.C.A. officials for arranging several picture entertainments for the inmates during the year. These entertainments were very much appreciated by the inmates. Prison foe Women, Addington Reformatory Prison. (Superintendent, Miss E. Hunt.) At the beginning of the year there were 17 inmates in residence. During the year 75 were admitted. Forty-five were discharged on the expiration of their sentence, 3 released on bail, 6 released on the recommendation of the Prisons Board, 1 fine paid, 5 acquitted after remand, 8 transferred to other institutions or handed to the police, leaving 24 inmates in custody at the end of the year. The inmates' work consists of domestic work, making prison clothes, knitting stockings, milking, feeding poultry, and attending to the vegetable and flower gardens. Now that I have a larger number of inmates I should like to start laundry-work, as the type of woman we have in custody is suitable for that class of work. The general conduct and industry of the inmates has improved, and their health has been very good. The concerts have been kept up all the year round, and we have had installed a 4-valve radio set, which has given great pleasure to the inmates whilst in their cells in the evenings. The religious services are held regularly by the Rev. P. Revell, Father McEwan, the Salvation Army, and Sisters of the Mission. Borstal Institutions. Ivivercargill Borstal Institution for Lads. (Superintendent, Mr. C. G. L. Pollock.) At the beginning of the year there were 161 inmates in custody, 153 of whom were Borstal inmates under the Prevention of Crime (Borstal Institutions Establishment) Act, 1924, and 8 inmates of the Invercargill Reformatory for men. During the year 119 inmates were received into the Borstal Institution and 73 discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 199 in custody at the end of the year; 87 men were received into the Reformatory Section and 84 discharged, leaving 11 in custody at the end of the year. Fifty-eight Borstal inmates were released on the recommendation of the Parole Board and 13 discharged on the expiration of sentence. The total daily average number in custody was 180-75 in the Borstal and 7-22 in the Reformatory Section. Early in August there was an outbreak of influenza in a mild form : there were no serious cases, the patients being able to resume work after being confined to their rooms for short periods. In September one inmate had to be removed to the Kew Hospital suffering from scarlet fever. He remained there for the usual period of isolation, when he was returned to the Borstal without having suffered any ill effects. Owing to the prompt measures taken by the Medical Officer, there were no other cases. During the year there were 15 cases admitted to the Public Hospital. There were no deaths, and after treatment the patients were returned to the institution. Since the middle of the year the accommodation has been severely taxed, some of the largest rooms having each to serve several occupants. A separate apartment for each inmate is too important a condition to remain in abeyance. Immediate steps should be taken to provide forty single cubicles to cope with present requirements. In the course of the year various steps have been taken to develop the character of the institution, as aiming to be a training-home rather than a penitentiary. Means have been sought to keep the minds of the youths as far as possible healthily employed, to call into play their own capabilities for exercising mutual good influences, to bring them under helpful social and personal influences from without, and, in general, to promote among them a hopeful responsive spirit. With a view to these purposes the recreative side of life in the Borstal has been extended in several ways. The Saturday-evening concerts hitherto held fortnightly, are now held weekly. In addition, special entertainments have been provided from time to time by the brass bands and other musical talent of the city. One gets the impression that these entertainers, who so freely give their services, feel amply repaid by the hearty response of the boys, who are not slow to show how much they appreciate the excellent programmes provided for their special benefit. The Borstal Band, under Mr. Wills, continues to do well, though the loss of some of its best players adds to the difficulties which the presence of so many beginners entails upon the Bandmaster,

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