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1948 NEW ZEALAND

PRISONS (REPORT ON) FOR THE YEAR 1947-48

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

The Hon. the Minister op Justice to His Excellency the Governor-General Wellington, 12th July, 1948. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Controller-General on the prisons and Borstal institutions of the Dominion for the year 1947-48. I have, &c., H. G. R. Mason, Minister of Justice.

The Controller-General of Prisons to the Hon. the Minister of Justice I have the honour to present the annual report for the Prisons Department for the financial year ending 31st March, 1948, and incorporating the criminal statistics for the year ending 31st December, 1947. INTRODUCTORY Attention is directed to the reports of Controlling Officers of the various institutions submitted as annexures hereto, as these reports set out in detail the diversified range of activities carried on with a view to keeping prisoners usefully and interestedly occupied and at the same time making a practical contribution to the Dominion's industrial production. The aim generally is to provide suitable occupation for prisoners, with emphasis on the inculcation of habits of industry, the stimulation of interest, and, as far as practicable, the development of aptitudes so that the prisoners may be better equipped to follow useful employment on release. The reports also show that proper attention is given to the medical care of prisoners? their feeding and clothing. The Department, more particularly in institutions where the younger offenders are detained, pays especial attention to the encouragement of recreational activities, the development of the team spirit being considered a basic factor in cultivating a corporate and community sense. Educational work has been extended through direct class work, lectures under the auspices of the W.E.A., and in