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The laundering section has laundered a large number of blankets for the Army and Air Force Departments, and 4,818 bars of soap were manufactured for laundry and institutional work. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining fat, &c., the usual quantity of soap has not been manufactured. The manufacture of tobacco has been satisfactory, and all institutional requirements have been supplied by the date required. A large portion of the leaf used was grown at Waikeria Borstal Institution. The cultivation of the prison garden has resulted in the production of a large amount of vegetables used in this institution. The food supplied to the inmates of this institution has been of excellent quality, the meat and milk being purchased locally. All bread consumed has been made in the prison bakehouse and would compare favourably with any baked outside. The institutional school has been continued during the year under the direction of Dr. Dale, M.A., with the assistance of Mr. Warner, Assistant Probation Officer, and Mr. Carson, of the prison staff. Dr. Dale's report is as follows : During the year the roll numbers have been relatively stable and in keeping with the percentage of inmates noted in my previous reports. The attendance has been satisfactory, and the majority of the men have worked conscientiously during the year. No new techniques have been introduced this year largely because the needs have not called for these. As the students are dominantly Maoris it has been the aim of the school to assist these men to adjust themselves as far as possible to meet their own expressed needs. Many are working at their own rates and at their own level, and are given help as the need arises. Such a plan, it is hoped, will foster more independence. It has been found necessary to give more prominence to English, both form and content, than in former years; simple business arithmetic, too, has been taken more than in former years. Work at a low standard has been taken with Polynesian men who have worked in a very creditable fashion, and should have gained much by the time their sentences are completed. Real effort has been made by some men serving long sentences, and their general education has shown immense gains. The majority have definite plans for their rehabilitation on release and are working to achieve a sound end. In general, it may be noted that the spirit of co-operation is very evident and the school is doing all it can to assist the men in their need. Apart from mere schooling, it is felt that the school should attempt to give those who attend some insight into the problems of living and by individual discussion offer some sohitions to the men. Many of them might be termed " under-privileged " in that they have become involved in family problems, work problems, education problems, and relationship problems without the opportunity of finding a solution and often without the chance of talking things over with some one they can speak freely to. By private discussion during this time it has been possible to do a little toward solving the difficulties which so many feel beset by and sometimes strengthening resolves to keep within the law. Many are most co-operative in this respect, and the school can count with some small pride its influence on the lives of some of its pupils. On the other hand, it must be admitted that no solution of the problems noted in my annual report, 1946, have as yet been discovered. In concluding this report I should like to pay a warm tribute to the work of the Assistant Schoolmaster, Mr. Warner. He has given excellent service during the year. Much co-operation has been given by the Superintendent, Mr. Lauder, who has consistently shown his concern for the well-being of the school. Messrs. Watters and MacKenzie, Chief Warders, have been most helpful and always willing to assist when called upon. The physical-drill class is carried on for the benefit of the younger prisoners under the direction of a member of the staff. Christmas cheer was supplied by various social organizations, and was greatly appreciated by all prisoners. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners have been looked after by the various denominations by holding Sunday services, and by personal contact. The conduct of the staff generally has been satisfactory, and a satisfactory standard of discipline has been maintained under trying conditions. In the industrial activities the officers responsible have maintained a very satisfactory standard of industry. The clerical and stores staff have dealt with their phase of institutional matters quite efficiently.

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