H.—2o.

Waikune Prison (Road-constructing Camp), Erua. (Officer in Charge, Mr. P. McGrath.) At tlie commencement of the year there were 84 prisoners in custody, 75 were received and 72 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in custody at the close of the year 87 prisoners. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 10.3, and the least 45. The daily average number in custody throughout the year was 68 prisoners. The general health of the prisoners has been good, one case having to be sent to the public hospital at Raetihi to undergo an operation for appendicitis. The conduct of the prisoners has also been good generally, with the exception of a short strike at one of the sub-camps. This, however, was promptly suppressed. One prisoner escaped from custody and was recaptured three days later. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been catered for by the different religious denominations during the year, and the Salvation Army Band visited the camp on two occasions. Mr. H. Frederic, of Raetihi, organized a concert for the prisoners during the Christmas week, and the Howard League for Penal Reform and the National Tobacco Co. provided gifts for Christmas. Our industrial activities have this year been mainly confined to road maintenance, which work has been carried out to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department's engineers. The only new work this year was the Otokou-Tokaanu deviation and good progress was made on the work, including the construction, of two bridges. The work of erection of a new bridge over the Otokou Stream was also undertaken. Our motor fleet was fully employed throughout the year in road maintenance and in carting to the sub-camps, Hautu and Rangipo Prisons, and to the Chateau Tongariro. The staff have loyally co-operated with me throughout the year. Wanganui Prison. (Gaoler, Mr. E. Ching.) During the year there were received into the prison 175 males and 5 females, being an increase of 38 males and a decrease of 4 females, and a daily average in the institution of approximately 34. At the commencement of the year there were in custody 28 males and at the end there were 46 males and 1 female, that being the largest muster during the year. The conduct of the prisoners has been excellent, there being no punishments during the year, Of course there have been small minor breaches, but with a little advice things have been adjusted. Three old men died during the year, two in the hospital, and one in the. prison. Otherwise the health of the prisoners has been very good, except of course minor complaints such as colds and influenza, which were of a mild nature. The splendid sanitary arrangements, the well-ventilated buildings, and the attention given by the Medical Officer all tend to keep the inmates in good health. The food supplied has been ample and of good quality. The bread, supplied to the institution is still obtained from the New Plymouth Prison, and the arrangements for its delivery are good, and the bread is of a first-class quality. As to the employment of the men, the class of persons sent to this institution is such that work from them is almost out of the question. Work for those who are able, consists of tending the kitchengarden and the lawns, laundry-work, cleaning and cooking, boot repairs, and general repairs to the buildings. The kitchen-garden supplied all vegetables up to date except potatoes, and the prison grounds are in excellent order. I have to thank the many religious bodies for holding services in the prison, and thanks are due to the Church of England and other friends for the gift of a piano for use at the services ; also to the many friends for providing monthly entertainments, to the Eire Brigade staff for picture-shows, and many others, including the Church choirs who come and assist at the services. Again our thanks are due to the Rev. Patterson, Rev. Matherson, and the band of helpers for a very fine tea on Christmas evening, to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the National Tobacco Co. for gift of tobacco ; also to the Cosmopolitan Club for the gift of library books during the year. The members of the prison staff have carried out their duties satisfactorily. Wellington Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. J. Down.) There were in custody at the commencement of the year 163 males. During the year 1,171 males were received and 1,171 were discharged, leaving in custody at the 31st December, 163. One prisoner was executed. Religious services are conducted regularly by ministers of the several denominations. We are indebted to the Presbyterian Social Service Guild, Salvation Army, and. Rev. Harding and others for concerts and Christmas cheer. The dairy herd has had special attention, and has maintained a good supply of milk and butter. The industries such as breadmaking, growing vegetables, manufacturing of sandsoap, floor-polish, lead-head nails, &c., have been carried on. A printing-machine and two soap machines were built. Large quantities of household soap were manufactured. The daily average number of prisoners in prison during the year was 159-8. All the temporary buildings in front of the prison have been removed bodily to the back of the prison. An additional pump has been purchased, and a shed built, which is now ready for the installation of the pump. A small experimental orchard has been established, and appears to be doing very well. A large quantity of excavating work and general improvements to the grounds have been carried out. 3—H. 20.

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