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There were no escapes during the year. The output from the garden has been poor, due to the unfavourable season. The poppy crop failed, and all the early crops were ruined by the easterly gales. The carnation crop should show a good return, 2,000 florist pink plants are coining to maturity. There has been a plentiful supply of all varieties of vegetables for issue to the prisoners. The output from the prison quarry has been maintained. The conduct of prisoners on the whole has been good, there being three minor offences dealt with by the Visiting Justice during the year. The thanks of the Department have been conveyed to J. Miller, Esq., S.M., the Napier Brotherhood, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, F. Selby, and Mrs. Wrighley for their donations and gifts for additional comforts during the festive season. I desire to thank the staff for their loyal co-operation during the year. New Plymouth Prison (Superintendent: Mr. J. Dow) There were 46 male prisoners in custody at the beginning of the year. During the year 110 males and 1 female were received, whilst 109 males and 1 female were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 47 males in custody at the end of the year. The admissions are 12 less than in 1946. During the year 3 male prisoners were transferred to a mental hospital, 1 being returned to prison after a period in that institution. There were no escapes, and the conduct of the prisoners generally has been good. The health of the prisoners has been good. There were 4 males admitted to public hospital during the year for minor operations and observation. The men have all been fully occupied in the various activities during the year. The garden continues to be the main industry, and this is where most of the men are employed. As in the past, the growing of vegetable plants for sale has been a great success. Fresh vegetables are grown all the year round for institutional use, and the surplus is disposed of in the open market, to the public hospital, and the New Plymouth High School. The potato crop met our requirements for several months. The pig industry continues to be a success, and there is a keen local demand for all we have to offer. The quarry industry has been reduced to a small scale due to the fact that the quarry has nearly been worked out. The purchase of cows for rations has been continued satisfactorily through the Farmers' Co-operative Association. Killing is done by prison labour on the premises. All meat is inspected by the Meat Inspector before being used. Social activities have been continued. A class on first aid and home nursing was conducted by the Red Cross Society during the year, and in the examinations held there were no failures. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the doctors and lecturers who were instrumental in making the class such a success. The local residents continue to be interested in the welfare of the men,. and the concerts, &c., here were very much appreciated. In addition to the social activities, a drill class is held on two nights each week. A bequest from the Gordon Bequest Fund was received and utilized in providing Christmas cheer. Extra Christmas cheer was provided by several local residents and organizations, and was highly appreciated by the men. Mr. Woodward, S.M., and Messrs. Weston and Nicol, Visiting Justices, paid periodical visits to the prison during the year in their official capacity, and they have taken a great interest in the welfare of the men. The spiritual welfare of the men has been attended to by the ministers of the various religious denominations and other religious workers. The staff have again carried out their duties faithfully and well.

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