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A wide range of entries was made in the annual show held under the direction of the Te Awamutu Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and eleven first prizes and nine minor prizes were secured. In addition to the display of live-stock and produce, an extensive exhibit of the handicraft of the inmates evoked much favourable comment. In conclusion, I would like to record my appreciation of the loyal co-operation and zeal displayed by the staff, and of the enthusiasm and energy with which the officers applied themselves to their tasks. Point Hals well Borstal Institution. (Superintendent, Miss A. E. Sewell.) On Ist January, 1936, there were 18 girls in the Borstal institution. During the year some 27 new inmates were admitted and 23 were released on probationary license, leaving 22 in the institution on the 31st December, 1936. The Reformatory Section commenced the year with 7 women ; 34 were admitted during the year, and 33 discharged or released on bail, leaving 8 in custody at the end of the year. The general health of the institution has been excellent. Two inmates received surgical treatment at Wellington Hospital, being absent for seven and twenty-two days respectively. Two others were admitted to the Salvation Army Maternity Hospital. Regular medical and dental attention is available whenever required. The conduct and industry of the girls have been good, especially when it is remembered that few of the girls come here with habits of steady work or with any idea of co-operative effort. It is most encouraging to see their growing appreciation of the advantages to be gained by application, and also their response to " rush " laundry orders in the holiday season. The laundry industry continues to be the chief occupation, and the proposed installation of an electric washing-machine in the near future will greatly facilitate this work. All Railway and most Government office laundry is done by contract, as well as puttees for the Defence Department, blankets for the police-stations, &c. In addition, the girls share in the work of the institution, cooking and cleaning, also soapmaking, jam-making for this institution and for Wellington Prison, in the Poultry Section, and in the Kitchen Garden which supplies practically all of our vegetables. It is our aim to avoid the monotony which comes from specializing on one task alone, and to see that each inmate receives as varied a training as possible, and is equipped to take a position when she leaves the institution. Other activities are regular school sessions, morning drill, basketball, and tennis in season. At the conclusion of the basketball season an enjoyable match was played with the Wesley team, resulting in a win for the visitors of 22-17. Swimming at Shelly Bay is a prized privilege, never abused. Weekly singing classes have been held, also some dramatic work, which latter is being extended in the near future. The girls also had much pleasure in the production of their own magazine, The Point Review. A monthly class in first-aid and home nursing is held ; also a weekly class in knitting, where the many garments made are distributed by the Red Cross to needy families. The handwork of the girls is of a very high order, many beautiful pieces of work being produced in the course of a year. On 6th October the institution was honoured with a visit by Her Excellency Lady Galway, who met the Borstal Association members as well as all the girls. Her Excellency's evident and sincere interest in the activities of the institution was most encouraging, and was greatly appreciated by the girls as well as by the staff. During the year weekly concert parties and entertainments have been provided by our many kind friends. Specially memorable are a New Year party organized by the Anglican Women's organizations under the kindly direction of Mrs. Sprott; a concert and supper provided by the Salvation Army and Mrs. Glover ; a Hebridean folk-song recital by Miss Russell-Fergusson ; a motion-picture programme of Australian films by the Australian Trade Commissioner, Mr. R. H. Nesbitt; and a Christmas party by the Methodist Bible Class girls. Christmas and New Year festivities were enhanced by the generosity of the Women's Borstal Association, who, in addition to individual gifts to the girls, donated also Christmas cake, fruit, &c. Many other anonymous gifts ensured that no one was overlooked, and all thoroughly enjoyed the holiday period. Church services are held regularly each week, and to the many ministers, Salvation Army officers, Father Uhlenberg, and the Seatoun Convent Sisters who have visited us we are deeply indebted. The after-care and supervision of the girls going back into community life is the work of the Women's Borstal Association, and to these ladies our thanks are due for the valuable services they give. No girl leaves this institution without a complete outfit, and either a home to which she can desirably return or else a position in which she can support herself. The Visiting Committees, with Mr. C. G. Edwards in the chair, has given much thoughtful counsel to all the girls, which should bear fruit in more purposeful and useful lives in the future.
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