H.—2o.

Although the trade conditions referred to in my last report have not improved to any noticeable extent, I am pleased to be in the position to advise that the revenue derived from the prison quarry during the twelve months under review, has not fallen off, and the total income is practically identical with that obtained in 1932. A further favourable factor is that the cost of running and maintaining the plant during 1933 has been considerably reduced. The quarry faces are all in good order, except perhaps for what is known as the No. 4 Quarry in which area most of the clean rock has been worked out. However, there remains an average of approximately 20 ft. of stripping, which work will absorb a goodly proportion of oui surplus labour, and we will later have the benefit of working at a lower level. Although during the major portion of the past year we have had only one crustier in commission, the whole of the plant has been kept in first-class condition by the Engineer, and at the moment is practically equal to new. Our stacks of crushed products are not disproportionate with the business expected in the near future, and as we are getting a number of valuable orders from contractors working on subsidized building contracts we are confident of maintaining our present volume of output until the end of the current financial year. Under the arrangement by which the whole of our meat-supplies continue to be drawn from the Waikeria Borstal Institution, we have been assured of sufficient tallow to continue the soapmaking industry. During the twelve months the output amounted to 4,074 bars, equal to 8,725 lb., and this supply proved adequate to meet all the requirements of this large institution, as well as the needs of some of the other prisons. Unconsumed stocks of tallow have also been sold periodically to considerable advantage to the Department. Although in past years we have always manufactured a sufficient quantity of floor-polish to meet the annual requirements of this prison, as well as those of the Waikeria Borstal Institution, operations were extended this year to embrace a contract for supply to the Auckland and Tokanui Mental Hospitals. The total quantity manufactured was 6,198 lb. Last year's report made reference to the fact that all requisite preparatory work had been completed in readiness for the manufacture of tobacco at this institution as from the beginning of 1933. The industry was duly commenced, and, as is the case with all innovations, many minor difficulties presented themselves during the first few weeks of our operations. However, with the practical assistance of Mr. C. Lowe, Tobacco Instructor of the Department of Agriculture, these defects were readily overcome, with the happy result that we have been able to meet the full requirements of all institutions throughout the Dominion during the year. Credit is due to the printing branch of the Wellington Prison for the efficient service rendered in the matter of the supply of the whole of the printed wrappers from which the cartons were made and filled in the packing department of our factory. From the figures covering the first year of operations, the factory has already indicated its value to the Department, and with the year's experience behind us, we are confident of maintaining an excellent standard of service in the future. With this end in view, arrangements are already in train for the production of plug tobacco. A party of twenty prisoners, under the supervision of two officers, has been working continuously at Rangitoto Island since November, 1925. Improvements effected up to 31st December, 1933, include the following, viz. : Roads formed and re-dressed —Summit Road via Beacon, 4 miles 62 chains ; Islington Bay Road, 3 miles 27 chains ; Summit Road via Islington Road, 1-J miles. Footpaths formed and dressed with ash —Rangitoto to Summit, 1J miles ; Rangitoto Ferry Wharf Road, 1 mile 4 chains ; Rangitoto to Harbour Board quarries, widened to 4 ft. ; Islington Bay, 1 mile 21 chains ; Islington Bay to Harbour Board quarries, 1 mile. Sports areas at Rangitoto and Islington Bay levelled and top-dressed ; 2,000 yards of rock shifted in this work, and stone wall built round sides. New bridge built over lagoon on Beacon Road. Swimming-pool, 36 ft. by 99 ft. with diving-platform completed. Wharf constructed of blue-metal rock at Harbour Board quarries. Stone abutment built with dressed stone and concreted 36 ft. long 12J ft. wide and ft. high. Lowered remaining part of wooden wharf. Foreshore at Rangitoto cleared of rocks and new wall built. Harbour for boats formed with scoria at Islington Bay. Approximately 2,400 dressed-stone kerbs cut for diving-platform. Concerts have been held periodically at the prison, the excellent programmes piesented being keenly enjoyed by the inmates. Thanks are due to Anglican Prison Chaplain (the Rev. G. E. Moreton), who, in conjunction with other social workers, maintain a sympathetic interest in the welfare of the inmates. The Salvation Army has also contributed entertainments of merit, and the various theatrical interests have at all convenient times shown readiness to assist at the concerts arranged. Lectures under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association have continued to be given monthly, and have proved both instructive and enjoyable. Mr. N. M. Richmond, Director of the Workeis' Educational Association, has been mainly responsible for the arrangement of this form of entertainment, and his efforts are deserving of much appreciation. The several social organizations and business firms which in past years have provided additional comforts for the inmates during the festive season again contributed freely, with the result that each individual prisoner received an adequate supply of "extras" during Christmas and New Year. Such practical sympathy was deeply appreciated by the inmates, and those responsible for the gifts may be assured that their efforts were well worth while. Throughout the year the various religious denominations arranged for services each Sunday, and sincere thanks are due to the interested parties who spare no effort to make these services enjoyable as well as beneficial to the inmates. The Rev. G. E. Moreton, Secretary to the Prisoners' Aid Society, has again been most assiduous in attending to the needs of prisoners, both during confinement, and subsequent to discharge, and there is no doifbt that his efforts have resulted in many a discharged prisoner having an increased chance

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