H.—2o

December, 1935. The greatest number of inmates in custody in this section at any one time was 110, the least 76, the daily average being 94-03. The general health of inmates throughout the year was very good. Four inmates were removed to the Waikato Public Hospital for treatment, one of whom died after an operation had been performed. Regular visits were made to the institution by the Medical Officer, Dr. J. B. W. Roberton, who carried out his duties in a manner which gave complete satisfaction. In two cases inmates were under treatment for venereal disease, while two inmates were examined by mental specialists, and on their recommendation transferred to the care of the Mental Hospitals Department. The facilities provided for dental attention were fully availed of by inmates. Although, as in former years, the difficulty in finding suitable employment for inmates discharged from the institution still exists to a certain extent, it is pleasing to record that, as the result of a keen demand for farm labour in the surrounding districts, employment for a number of young men who were particularly suitable for this form of avocation was found. In this work I have again had the enthusiastic co-operation of Mr. P. Finlay, of Hamilton, and through his kind offices jobs have been found for a number of inmates on their discharge from the institution. No serious offences occurred during the year, and a high standard of discipline was maintained. There were the usual number of minor breaches, mainly arising from loss of equipment and of damage to clothing and other property through the want of reasonable care. The Department is indebted to the Visiting Justice, Mr. W. Jeffery, and to members of the Visiting Committee, Mr. F. Quin, Mr. F. W. Bevin, Mr. G. A. Empson, and Mr. F. J. Gilbert, for their helpful assistance to the activities of the institution, and for the sound judgment they displayed in dealing with disciplinary matters. The usual facilities were provided for the recreation of inmates. The special privileges thus granted are, of course, dependent on the good behaviour and industry of the individual, and in few cases does the necessity arise to deprive for the time being the enjoyment of these privileges as a means of punishment. The recreation of inmates was assisted through the courtesy of various organizations, and concerts and entertainments were arranged on fourteen occasions during the year. The thanks of the Department are due to the following for the interest manifested by them in this work: Mr. F. Finlay and the members of his various concert parties, the Otorohanga Concert Party, the Hamilton Philharmonic Society, the Korakonui Dramatic Club, the Te Awamutu Town Band, and the members of the Te Awamutu Methodist Church. Thanks are also due to Mrs. C. Marwood, of Te Kowhai, for the gift of a gramophone and records, and to Mrs. B. Capper, of Hamilton, who donated a number of gramophone records. The night-school classes were conducted on 102 evenings, the average roll for the year being 37 6 and the average attendance 22-4, while tuition in the main subjects was continued on the same lines as in previous years, a little more of the cultural side of education was attempted, with a view t-o making the routine work of the class as interesting as possible. During the year, and at least once a month, films and slides depicting matter of educational value were shown. By the courtesy of the Canadian Government Trade Commissioner and of the Auckland Institute and Museum, several thousand feet of film and a large number of lantern-slides were secured, while some hundred feet of film and an assortment of lantern-slides were loaned by the Publicity Department of the New Zealand Government. In addition to these, a number of slides were sent out to the Schoolmaster by Imperial Airways, Ltd., England. Wherever possible, a lecture was given by the Schoolmaster in conjunction with the displaying of films or slides, and this phase of school activities was greatly appreciated by the members of the class. In addition, a lecture on some current event of general interest was given at regular intervals, and, judging by the manner in which same were received, assisted materially towards maintaining interest in the general work of the school. For those inmates who are employed at indoor occupations and required physical exercise, drill classes were held on two evenings each week. In the field of sport it is satisfactory to note that the reputation for sportsmanship and good conduct enjoyed in the past continues to exist. A team was again entered in the senior grade competition controlled by the Waipa Rugby Football Union. The members of the team acquitted themselves well, and provided their opponents with interesting games played in an excellent spirit. I have to thank the officials of the union for the assistance given to the team and to the institution staff throughout the season. Football games were also played between teams drawn from various branches of the institution, and considerable interest in these matches was evidenced by the inmates. Relaxation in the form of appropriate games is also provided for a special class, the qualification for membership being good conduct and industry. It is pleasing to record that the privileges thus granted are rarely abused. Religious services were provided during the year by visiting chaplains from Te Awamutu and Kihikihi. The usual programme of work was carried out in connection with the maintenance of departmental buildings. The stock of farm implements and machinery has been maintained in good order, and has been augmented by the addition of two hay and ensilage stackers. All footwear repairs are effected in the boot-shop. In addition to local requirements, repair work is also undertaken for the Mental Hospitals Department, and during the past year work to the value of £127 10s. 3d. was carried out.

30