H —20

As a result of an appeal to well-wishers of the prison, sufficient money was collected to purchase a new wireless set, and this has now been installed and is much appreciated by all. Mrs. Eason and her willing band of Church helpers has for ten years in succession provided a splendid Christmas tea for the whole of the Prison. This tea has come to be the most looked-forward-to event of the year, and is a constant source of interest and conversation. Sirs. Eason herself never grows weary in her well-doing, and, although her time is much occupied by outside activities, she is able to manage her weekly visits to the prisoners. By her example, counsel, and friendly advice, she has been the source of much benefit to prisoners, and a great help to the management of the prison. The desirability of keeping the mental outlook of the homo-sexual prisoners detained here as bright and sound as possible, consistent with reasonable discipline in requirement of the regulations, has been fully understood by members of the staff, and their co-operation in this respect is much appreciated. Many evening entertainments and lectures have been provided by members of the public. In this respect the Rotary Club have again taken a prominent part under the enthusiastic leadership of Rotarian George Gibson; it is an inspiration to observe this band of gentlemen turn up week after week with no other object than to help their unfortunate fellow-men. The prisoners are not lacking in their appreciation of these efforts, and the men are always willing to do their best at any return concert organized within the prison. A number of the men consistently practice physicaldrill exercises, and when displays are given in the presence of Rotarians, &c., it is helpful to see each prisoner trying his very best to excel. It is felt that these exercises and the effort put into the preparation of songs, music, recitations, &c., for concerts have an uplifting effect 011 the men. The prisoners of the physical-drill class all voluntarily take a cold shower-bath before breakfast. During the year the bathing facilities have been greatly improved by the installation of a water-heater and three additional shower-baths. Paparua Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. T. Leggett.) On the first day of the year under review there were 134 males in custody. During the year 437 males were received and 443 discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving a total of 128 males in custody at the end of the year. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 145 males and the least number 111, with a daily average of 127-509 Generally the health of the prisoners has been very good, sickness in most cases being restricted to colds and minor ailments. There were no deaths during the year. Four males were sent to public hospital for treatment during the year, two of these were for operative treatment, not of a serious nature, and in each instance were returned to the prison after treatment. There were no cases in hospital at the end of the year. There were 4 males received into prison suffering from venereal disease, and these cases required segregation, and, in one instance, lengthy curative treatment. There were 2 males transferred to the Sunnyside Mental Hospital during the year. The conduct of the prisoners generally has been very good, disciplinary correction by Visiting Justices for minor breaches of the regulations was required for 14 individuals. There was one escape during the year, and the escapee was recaptured after a brief liberty. The food-supplies have been of excellent quality, with a plentiful supply of vegetables from the prison garden. The bread produced in the institution bakery has been of excellent quality and most favourably commented on by visitors. The industries of the prison and the farming operations have fully absorbed all available labour. The farming operations here on land of poor agricultural quality does not absorb a great deal of labour, and then mostly seasonal, therefore if it were not for our gravel industry a number of men could not be suitably and reproductively employed. In this industry keen interest is displayed, and the men so employed build up mentally and physically, thus leading, in a number of cases, to our being able to place them in suitable employment. The output from the quarry has been disposed of to local bodies, Government Departments, and main-highway construction and maintenance, and to cartage contractors. The manufacture of concrete paving-blocks and fencing-posts has been continued during the year. , Poultry-raising in conjunction with market-gardening has been carried on. In addition to providing for institutional requirements, other Government Departments have been fully supplied with eggs, poultry, and fresh vegetables. The farming section, under Mr. Wilson as farm-manager, has progressed satisfactorily. There has been an excellent spring growth, with prospects for good hay and cereal crops, and all the root crops are very promising. In the sheep section there was 100 per cent, lambing, and most of the early lambs have been disposed of to the local market at exceptionally good rates. The wool clip averaged 12 lb., and good fleece wool realized 13{d. per pound. The pig section has not been active, as prices are not advantageous. Building activities have been confined to the erection of a stedding building from old girder iron and concrete blocks, and a garden tank and stand for watering purposes. In addition, maintenance work has been carried out in the institutional building and residences and at Addington Reformatory, Supreme Court buildings, and Magistrate's Court buildings!

22