H,— 2o,

The social and spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been again well looked after by the ministers of various denominations, and especially by the Rev. Mr. Rawle (Church of England), the Rev. Mr. Allen (Presbyterian), Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Richmond Mission), Mr. Paynter (Brethren), who extended their practical sympathy by providing Christmas cheer and after-care to prisoners on release. The social welfare has been again well looked after by Workers' Educational Classes organized by Mr. Manning and by Mrs. Holmes and her helpers, who provide monthly evening concerts, and the Working Mens' Club Orchestra, and the Warehousemens' Club Orchestral evenings. The educational side of the institution is under the charge of Mr. Hampton, M.A., and, with the assistance of one of the staff, steady progress has been made covering a full primary course for backward prisoners. I am pleased to report that the officers of. the prison have performed their duties in a highly satisfactory manner, and have taken a keen interest in their work, and have evidenced tact, and judgment in dealing with their charges. Rangipo Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. A. Banks.) At the beginning of the year there were 37 males in custody. During the year 26 were received, 7 transferred to other institutions, 26 discharged, and 1 man escaped and was not recaptured, leaving a total of 29 in custody on the 31st December. The health of the prisoners has been good, there being no admittances to hospital. Divine services were conducted throughout the year by Rev. Father Jansen, Rev. J. Laughton, Rev. F. Middlebrook, and Mr. Moffatt. The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year: 56 acres of virgin land stumped of manuka and tutu, cleared of fern, and made ready for ploughing; 37 acres ploughed and harrowed; 50 acres sown in permanent pasture; 271 acres of temporary converted to permanent pasture; 50 acres turnips; 60 acres oats and 3 acres potatoes sown; 400 acres of permanent pasture sown in clover-seed; 2,388 acres top-dressed; and 531 chains of fence erected. The vegetable-garden has been successful, maintaining the prison with a good supply of vegetables during the year. The officers carried out their duties in a most satisfactory manner. Waikune Prison (Roadmaking Camp), Erua. (Officer in Charge, Mr. P. McGrath.) At the commencement of the year there were in custody 87 prisoners, and 56 were received during the year; the discharges were 1 on expiration of sentence, 16 on special remissions, and 38 on probationary licenses, while 19 were transferred to other institutions, leaving 69 prisoners in detention at the end of the year. The greatest number of inmates in detention at any one time was 87, the least 66, the daily average being 75-57. No deaths occurred during the year. It was found necessary to remove three prisoners to the Raetihi Public Hospital—two for treatment to minor injuries sustained whilst at labour, and the third for an appendicitis operation. All were returned to Waikune fully recovered from the trouble which necessitated their removal to hospital. Generally speaking, the health of the men has been good. The Medical Officer, Dr. W. J. Feltham, made periodical visits to the prison and otherwise carried out the duties assigned to him in a very efficient and painstaking manner. The dentist was in attendance at intervals throughout the year, and attended to those prisoners requiring .dental treatment. Religious services were provided during the year by the visiting ministers from Oliakune and Owhango. We are greatly indebted to the Christchurch branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform for their gift of a quantity of cake for distribution among the men at Christmastime. The extra ration of tobacco allowed the prisoners at Christmas was distributed and appreciated by all. Our garden provided a varied and plentiful supply of fresh vegetables, while the meat ration in the main consisted of beef drawn from the Rangipo Prison. Our industrial activities are mostly confined to road-maintenance and construction. On the Otukou Deviation good progress was made, and a further four miles of road was completed. Numerous culverts were put in, and, finally, the length was liberally pumiced. The acquisition of a planer from the Public Works Department was a boon, and the great desideratum —the obtaining of an excellent surface on this section—was thus made possible. Minor improvements were carried out on most sections, particularly on the Spiral Hill, where several corners were cut back and otherwise improved. The approaches to the various bridges were given frequent attention, while a fairly extensive programme of metalling was undertaken. At the request of the Tourist Department, the Scoria Flat Road was placed in good order for the winter sports. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation.

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