H.—2o

During the year nine miles of road were laid down in bitumen by the Neuchatel Asphalt Co., Ltd., the whole of the metal being obtained from our shingle-pit. The output of shingle and metal was disposed of to local bodies, Government Departments, and to cartage contractors. The manufacture of concrete paving-blocks and fencing-posts has been continued during the year. The prison garden continues to be a valuable asset, the institutional requirements, Queen Mary Hospital, and St. Helen Hospital being supplied from this source. Poultry production is also carried on, and 6,823 dozen eggs were produced during the year. The output of eggs and poultry is disposed of to Queen Mary Hospital, and the surplus disposed of at market rates. The farming section, under Mr. Wilson, farm-manager, has worked successfully. There has been an abnormal spring growth owing to the excessive rainfall and all the crops are very promising, but in some respects these have been damaged by the rain. Fair, average crops are, however, anticipated. In the sheep section there was 114 per cent, lambing, and one draft has been disposed of at schedule rates. The wool clip averaged 12| lb., and the top price secured was 20d. per pound. Three pens of fat lambs were entered at the recent Royal Show, and three first prizes were secured and also the Challenge Cup for most points. The whole of the maintenance of the prison buildings has been eSected with prison labour, while considerable renovations have been carried out to the prison cottages. Large sheds have been erected for the purpose of storing metal for sale for tarring purposes and for top-dressing tennis-courts. The existing water-supply to the institution has been supplemented by a further supply of 2,937 gallons, making a total continually in both tanks of 7,831 gallons. The institution school, directed by Mr. P. Schroeder, Headmaster of the Templeton School, is held on two nights weekly, the inmates taking a keen interest in their studies, which showed a marked progress by the majority. Concerts have been held at regular intervals throughout the year, and lectures have been held (monthly) during the winter months. Thanks are due to Mrs. Holmes and the Workers' Educational Association, who, in conjunction with the other social workers, maintain a sympathetic interest in the welfare of the inmates. I am pleased to report that the conduct of the staff has been excellent and a high standard of discipline has been maintained throughout the year, and in consequence the various industrial activities have been carried out smoothly and economically. The clerical work of the institution has been carried out efficiently by the office staff. Rangipo Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. A. Banks.) I have the honour to submit my report on this prison for the year ended 31st December, 1936. At the beginning of the year there were 29 males in custody. During the year 22 were received, 4 transferred to other institutions, and 20 discharged, leaving a total of 27 in custody on 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 Van Beek, Rev. J. G. Laughton, and Mr. J. Moffatt. The following is a summary of work carried out during the year : 26 acres of virgin country cleared of fern and tutu, stumped of manuka, and made ready for ploughing ; 6 acres ploughed and harrowed ; 164 acres temporary pasture converted to permanent ; 50 acres turnips, 20 acres oats, and 3 acres of potatoes sown ; 2,878 acres top-dressed ; and 113 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.) I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1936. At the commencement of the year there were in custody 69 prisoners, and 61 were received during the year. The discharges were 15 on special remissions and 49 on probationary licenses. In all, 13 men were transferred to other institutions and 1 died, leaving 52 prisoners in custody at the end of the year. The greatest number of prisoners in detention at any one time was 69, the least 54, the daily average being 60-39. Two prisoners escaped during the year, one being promptly apprehended and transferred to the Auckland Prison, the other giving himself up to the police at Auckland. Three prisoners were removed to the Raetihi Hospital for minor complaints, and all returned to Waikune fully recovered from their illness. Apart from seasonal chills, the health of the men was very good. The Medical Officer and the dentist attended the prison regularly throughout the year. Our thanks are due to the Rev. Father McGlone and the Brethren for providing religious services at frequent intervals throughout the year. We once more record our special thanks to the Christchurch Branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform for their supply of Christmas cheer for the prisoners. Towards the end of the year a wireless set was obtained for this prison, and it was installed during the Christmas holidays. The programmes are carefully selected and are very much enjoyed by the men. Another handsome gift was a cricket set, and the, prisoners availed themselves of this to play a cricket match on Boxing Day.

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