H.—20.

Tlie general health of the prisoners has been good; one inmate was sent to the public hospital suffering from a minor accident. The conduct and industry of the prisoners have been satisfactory; two cases of minor prison offences were dealt with by Visiting Justices. Farming and vegetable-growing operations have been carried on successfully. All existing drains and fences were maintained in good repair, whilst the rifle-ranges were kept cleared and put into good order for the National Rifle Meeting. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has been attended to throughout the year by ministers and laymen of various denominations, and thanks are due to these gentlemen for the interest displayed. Concerts have been provided throughout the year by the Rev. Mr. Harding and the Upper Hutt Male Voice Choir, and these were thoroughly appreciated by the inmates, as was also a gift of Christmas cheer from Mr. W. P. Sommerville. In conclusion, I would like to thank members of the staff for their loyal co-operation. Addington Reformatory Prison (Women). (Superintendent, Miss M. Hewitt.) At the beginning of the year there were 17 females in custody; 43 were admitted during the year, and 45 were discharged, leaving a total of 15 females in custody at the end of the year. The greatest number in custody at any one time was 19, and the least number was 10. The health of the inmates has been excellent, and there were no admissions into hospital during the year. The conduct and industry of the inmates throughout the year have been good. The main industry at the institution has been the laundry, all the Government Departments in Christchurch having their laundry-work done here, and this has absorbed all available labour during the year. Gardening and attending to the poultry have also provided employment, but, owing to the small number in custody, it has been found difficult to cope with these activities as in previous years. The ministers of the various religious denominations, the Salvation Army, and the Ladies of Charity have attended to the spiritual welfare of the inmates, and in some instances have assisted in providing after-care. Miss Nicholls and Mrs. Ansley have organized concert parties and attended to the social welfare of the inmates, and the Salvation Army and other interested friends have provided Christmas cheer during the festive season. In conclusion, I desire to state that at all times the members of the staff have carried out their duties in a loyal and tactful manner. Invercargill Borstal Institution. (Superintendent, Mr. R. W. Arnold.) At the beginning of the year there were 96 inmates in custody. During the year 79 inmates were received into the institution and 67 inmates were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 108 males in custody at the 31st December, 1935. 56 inmates were released on the recommendation of the Parole Board and 9 released on the expiration of terms of detention under section 16, subsection (1), of the Prevention of Crime (Borstal Institutions Establishment) Act, 1924. The daily average number of inmates in custody was 110 87, and in the reformatory section 1744. Ten Borstal inmates were admitted to the Southland Hospital during 1935, two of the admissions being the result of accidents. On the whole, the general health of the inmates has been exceptionally good, and it is gratifying to record that no deaths occurred. Various ailments of a minor nature are dealt with in the institution hospital. The institution is visited regularly by the staff medical officer, Dr. J. Garfield Crawford, who attends to all eases brought before him in a thorough and sympathetic manner. As appears to be the prevailing state of affairs nowadays, the percentage of inmates requiring dental treatment was unfortunately high. The necessary attention is given by our visiting dentist, Mr. James G. Wade. During the year, two inmates made their escape from a party working in the farm garden on different dates, but each was apprehended a few hours afterwards by Borstal officers. Owing to the mental condition of one of these inmates, he was dealt with by the chairman of the Visiting Committee. In the other case the inmate was brought before the Court, and a further term of Borstal detention was imposed. With the exception of the above and certain minor incidents, the behaviour of the lads has been quite satisfactory. Although the capacity for work is not always as high as might be wished, the spirit is good and the willingness to learn is in evidence in the majority of cases. The result of the competition carried out during the year, with quarterly markings, for the best-kept cubicles and best behaviour was as follows: Monowai House, 375; Te Anau, 371; Wakatipu, 339; Manapouri, 284. Weekly evening technical and trade classes are conducted by competent officers of the institution, the subjects covered being carpentering, blacksmithing, butchering, painting, sign-writing, art and music (both vocal and instrumental). In addition, there are inmates learning breadmaking, bootmaking, repairing clothing, and cooking.

4—H. 20.

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