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extent this relieved our position as far as labour was concerned, and we were able to concentrate more fully on those sections of roads left to us. Almost at the close of the year the Public Works Department advised us that we would be required to maintain 2 miles 40 chains of the Scoria Flat Road. This is an additional portion of the Bruce Road and has been declared an extension of such. In grading and planing operations we had the use of the V 8 power-grader and the Clectrac tractor and the planer attached. These units were used on all possible occasions. Progress was made with the metalling of the Waimarino-Ohakune Road north and south, and for this purpose metal was drawn from the Makatote Quarry. The Whakapapanui Quarry supplied all metal for the Tokaanu and Bruce Roads. During the snowy weather we were called upon to clear the Scoria Plat Road. Our cartage programme for the year was a fairly substantial one, but was nevertheless carried out expeditiously. The holiday periods saw a greater demand for our lorries for the Chateau cartage as did the manure season for the Rangipo and Hautu Prisons. In conclusion, I desire to thank the stafl for their loyal co-operation. Wanganui Prison. (Gaoler. Mr. H. Robinson.) At the commencement of the year there were 15 males in custody. Received during year, 85 males and 7 females. Discharged during year, 85 males and 6 females, leaving in custody at end of year 15 males and 1 female. The health of the prisoners has been good on the whole, there being 5 prisoners sick during the year with minor complaints. There was 1 admission to hospital for observation. The conduct of the prisoners has been good, there being 2 cases of minor prison oflences against a prisoner, which were dealt with by the Visiting Justice. The prisoners have been employed keeping the prison grounds in order and growing vegetables and potatoes for the prison, and laundry work for the prison and Police Department, and cleaning and keeping the interior of the prison in a sanitary condition, and also cooking the rations and repairing the prison clothing. Divine service was held every Sunday and conducted by the various denominations. The thanks of the Department were tendered to the members of the Church of Christ for their kindness once again in giving the prisoners a sit-down tea on Christmas Day, and also the band of gentlemen who have organized and given concerts for 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 Peison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. E. Stewart.) At the commencement of the year there were 116 males in custody. During the year 749 males were received, whilst 788 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving in prison on the nisht of 31st December, 1937, 77 males. The health of the prisoners has been very good, sickness being mostly confined to colds, minor ailments, &c. The greatest number of cases of sickness at any one time was 6, and considering the number of derelict and physically unfit individuals received here this may be considered low. The number of admissions to hospital during the year was 4, and these were cases requiring treatment, &c., as the result of ailments contracted prior to their detention in prison. There were 20 males received into prison during the year suffering from venereal disease. These were segregated and received daily treatment in the prison and also once weekly at the Wellington Public Hospital Clinic. One case was admitted to the hospital for treatment. The conduct of the prisoners generally has been very good. There were no escapes or attempted escapes during the year. There were 9 breaches of the regulations, these being of a minor nature, and were all dealt with by myself. The food-supplies have been of an excellent quality, with a plentiful supply of rhubarb and fresh vegetables from the prison garden. The bread produced in the institutional bakery still maintains its high standard of excellency. A welcome addition to the menu was the inclusion of the 2 oz. daily issue of butter and the additional milk ration to dietary scale, and these have been greatly appreciated by the inmates. A freezing-plant was installed during the year, and the storage of all perishable foodstuffs is now maintained under the most hygienic conditions. During the year the industries of the prison, together with other activities, have fully absorbed all available labour. The work of reroofing, painting, and renovating the buildings at the Borstal Institution at Point Halswell was completed. The maintenance of all motor-vehicles has been carried out, and a 500-gallon petrol-tank and pump have been installed. Lhe native plant nursery raised a considerable number of seedlings, and these were planted out for distribution, and later replanting and beautifying purposes. Several thousand plants were taken over by the Wellington Beautifying Society for distribution to the various schools, colleges, &c., and planted on Arbour Day. A start was made during the year to cull out some of the old and unprofitable cows from the dairy herd, and these are being replaced with younger stock from Wi Tako Prison. Every effort is being made to build up and increase the pig-breeding industry. During the year Berkshire pedigree boars were Bu ppti e( l to Invercargill, Paparua, Hautu, and Waikeria. A number of porkers were killed and sold to the local butchers.

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