H.—2o.

The past year saw many changes in the prison and its environs. All sub-camps were closed, some men being quartered at the Rangipo Prison, the remainder at Waikune. In order that the old cell range might be used as a store-room and common-room, the prisoners were located in single hutments obtained from the Hautu Prison. These hutments were arranged in the form of a square, and, although they have not as yet been finally arranged or painted, they are considered to be a great improvement on the cell house. As m previous years, the bulk of our vegetable ration was supplied from our own garden. The crops were not quite as forward as usual, and we called on Waikeria to supplement our rations for a few weeks. Our bread-supply was excellent throughout the year, and regular supplies were sent to Rangipo Prison. Beef of excellent quality was drawn weekly from Rangipo, and by way of a change m the meat ration we killed several of our own pigs. The Visiting Justice, Mr. W. H. Sandford, visited the prison 011 several occasions and inspected rations, clothing, and buildings, and pronounced that all were correct and in accordance with the regulations. As in former years, our industrial pursuits have been confined to road maintenance and construction and cartage. Early in the yea,r the Public Works Department made available aVB Ford power grader, and although this unit required heavy maintenance, nevertheless it was responsible for some great improvements to the loads, notably the W^aimanno—Ohakune Road, which covers a length from Raurimu in the north to the Tohunga Deviation in the south, some twentv-one miles. During the year we had several additions to our plant and our motor fleet, and we are now in possession of a number of new trucks, all of which are giving good service. In conclusion, I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation. Wang-anui Pbison. (Gaoler, Mr. H. Robinson.) I respectfully beg to submit a report 011 the working of this prison for the year endino- 31st December, 1936. At the commencement of the year there were 26 males and 1 female in custody. Received during the year, 84 males and 3 females. Discharged during year, 95 males and 4 females, leaving in custodv at end of year 15 males. The health of the prisoners has been very good, there being no cases of sickness. There was one prisoner admitted to hospital for treatment who was suffering from a skin-disease. The conduct of the prisoners on the whole has been very good, there being four cases of minor prison offences against two prisoners, which were dealt with by the Visiting Justice. The prisoners have been employed keeping the prison grounds in order, growing vegetables for the prison, and laundry work for the prison and the Police Department. Prisoners who are not fit for outside labour have been employed keeping the inside of the prison clean. Repairs and painting of the prison and the two departmental cottages have been carried out. Divine service was held every Sunday during the year by the various denominations. The thanks of the Department were tendered to the members of the Church of Christ for their kindness 111 giving a Christmas tea to the prisoners on Christmas Day, and also the band of gentlemen who have organized and given concerts to the prisoners during the year. The members of the staff have performed their duties in an efficient manner and have been loyal and co-operative. Wellington Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. J. Down.) I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st December, 1936, on the Wellington Prison. At the commencement of the year there were 100 males in custody. During the year 737 males were received and 721 discharged, leaving in custody on the 31st December 116 males. The discharges were as follows—On expiration of sentence : Hard labour or simple imprisonment 391, reformative detention nil ; on special remission : Hard labour 17, released 011 recommendation of the Prisons or Parole Board 7, reformative detention 11, habitual criminal 1, debtors discharged 31, transferred to mental hospital 6, acquitted after remand 5, transferred to another prison, to the police, or on probation 246, released on bail 5 : total, 721. The greatest number in confinement at any one time during the year was 116 males, and the least number 77. The daily average number in prison during was 97-7. The greatest number of cases of sickness at any one time was 14, and the number of admissions to the public hospital during the year was 7. The population of the prison has decreased somewhat from last year. The class of prisoner received of late is of an idle and irresponsible disposition. It is very difficult to find suitable men for the camps. The conduct of the prisoners, on the whole, has been good. The work carried out during the year in the different localities is as follows : For the Borstal, Point Halswell, a large quantity of firewood was cut and carted to the institution; a start has been made with the painting of the interior of the buildings and scaffolding erected for repair work ; other work included the overhaul of the septic tank, fixing water pipes and taps, removing the steps from the back of the Institution, cleaning out and repairing drains, fixing of new downpipes and spouting, erecting fences round the grounds, building a new chimney in the kitchen and fixing stove. I am pleased to state that the printing and bookbinding industry is still very satisfactory and is a good paying proposition.

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