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Wi Tako Prison, Teentham. (Superintendent, Mr. D. Blain.) At the beginning of the year there were 46 hard-labour prisoners and 28 men serving terms of reformative detention in the institution, a total of 74. During the year 86 men were received and 27 hard-labour prisoners were discharged on expiration of sentence ; 24 hard-labour and 20 reformativedetention men were released on remission on the recommendation of the Prisons Board, while 13 prisoners were transferred to other institutions. The total in custody at the end of the year was 76. One prisoner escaped, but was recaptured by the prison officers after a few days' liberty. The general conduct and industry of the prisoners has proved satisfactory, and the health has been very good. The greater part of the labour has been devoted to the production of garden and farm crops and to the development of the prison lands. 154 chains of covered drains, 2 ft. by 3 ft. by 15 in., were constructed, and 97 chains of fence of four posts and four droppers to the chain and seven wires were erected. 25 acres of land were stumped, and 30 acres cleared of scrub and blackberry, and 61 acres were ploughed, harrowed, and sown in permanent pasture. The number of breeding-ewes will be largely increased during the early part of the year. The lambing season was very successful, the percentage being 118-15. 151 lambs were sold for a total return of £167 55., and 2,657 lb. of wool were sent to auction for sale in the January sales. The 1927 clip realized £114 4s. lid. Skins and hides produced a revenue of £82 4s. 7d. Sixty-nine porkers and weaners were sold for £109, and five cows for £37 10s. Sixteen head of cattle, 172 sheep, and two pigs were killed for rations. Firewood from clearings was sold for £18, and in addition all fuel for breadmaking, cooking, &c., for the year was supplied similarly. In addition to supplies for use in the institution, farm and garden produce to the value of £559 Is. 3d. was sold, and to the value of £114 3s. 4d. supplied to other institutions. It is hoped to largely increase these figures during the coming year. 20 tons of hay were cut and stacked. Revenue from hay sold was £9. Breadmaking has proved a marked success, and, apart from rations, 19,835 lb. were supplied to the military camp, and 6,368 lb. to officers, producing a revenue of £367 3s. 6d. Revenue from the sale of bricks was £507 3s. 2d. The garden at the back of the prison, which is worked solely by good-conduct men in their leisure hours, has been a continued success, and has caused a great deal of favourable comment from Official Visitors. The flower section has been a delight to the eye, while the vegetable section has produced a good crop of peas and butter-beans, which were sold at good prices. The beneficial effect on the men who work in this garden in their spare time has been most marked, and it is considered that in at least one case it has saved a man's mentality, while in several cases the few hours of practical freedom after lock-up have prevented men from brooding over their lots, and the good effect has been very noticeable. The Defence leasehold has been kept clear of noxious weeds and has provided good grazing for the farm stock. The 12-acre block has been set aside for hay, and is expected to produce in the vicinity of 20 tons. Two separate cells were built during the year. These are light and roomy, and the exercise-yard provides ample room for the purpose. Divine service was conducted throughout the year by the Rev. Kenrick, Fathers Kelly and Menard, the Rev. Hunt, Mr. Chappell of the Y.M.C.A., and Salvation Army officers. Cinema entertainments have been given at intervals by Mr. Chappell and Mr. Power, of the Y.M.C.A. These entertainments are much appreciated by the men. Several concerts were arranged by the men, and the local talent was given a chance to show itself. Mr. W. P. Sommerville, Prison Dentist, presented the institution with a gramophone and a large number of records, which are in great demand during the week-ends and holidays. Christmas cheer was provided by the New Zealand Tobacco Co., Mr. P. Robertson, V.J., and the Hon. Justices' Association ; while the Y.M.C.A. and the Presbyterian Church combined in donating a separate packet of good things to each inmate. The staff has proved loyal, and they have shown by their conduct and assistance that they appreciate the responsibility of their duties. Their help has materially assisted in placing Wi Tako in the position which it holds in the Prison service. Prison for Women—Adbington Reformatory Prison. (Superintendent, Miss E. Hunt.) At the beginning of the year there were 29 inmates in custody ; 88 were admitted during the year, 74 were discharged on the expiration of their sentences, and 9 were released on the recommendation of the Prisons Board ; 5 were transferred to other institutions or handed to police, leaving 28 inmates in custody at the Ist January, 1929. The inmates' work consists of domestic work, making prison clothes, milking, and attending to the vegetable and flower-gardens. The laundry-work was commenced early in the year, and has proved quite satisfactory ; it keeps all the short-sentenced women fully employed, which used to be a great difficulty in the past. Five inmates were admitted to the hospital during the year —they were cases for the hospital on admission—otherwise the health of the inmates has been quite satisfactory. The concerts and entertainments have been carried out all the year round. The ladies of Church, per Mrs. Stephen Parr, presented a piano and piano-stool to the institution. The Official Visitors and Salvation Army have high teas on holidays. The Rev. P. Revell and friends have given books and magazines and also a quantity of clothing. The religious services are held regularly by the Rev. P. Revell, Father McEwan, Salvation Army, and Sisters of the Mission, so every inmate attends a service once a week.