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Paparua Prison (Superintendent: Mr. C. E. Harrington) On the Ist January, 1947, there were in custody 132 male prisoners ; during the year the receptions totalled 529, while 532 were discharged or otherwise disposed of, thus leaving a total of 129 prisoners in custody as at the 31st December, 1947. The greatest number in custody at any one time during the year was 153, the least 77, and the daily average during the year 110*21. Generally the health of the prisoners has been very good, sickness in most cases being confined to colds and minor complaints, and there was a complete absence of any form of epidemic illness throughout the year. Eight inmates were admitted to the public hospital during the year, and four inmates were given treatment at the prison for venereal disease. Three prisoners were transferred to the Christchurch Mental Hospital. In late years increased use has been made of the facilities for mental examination of prisoners, and in this regard I wish to express my appreciation of the co-operation that has been forthcoming from mental specialists and which has been of considerable assistance in arranging special treatment as may be necessary in any particular case. The prison medical officer made regular visits throughout the year, and over that period the important matters of cleanliness and sanitation was not lost sight of. The conduct of the prisoners has been very good. Breaches of the regulations numbered 31, in which 23 prisoners were concerned, 14 being dealt with by Visiting Justices and 9by myself. There were no escapes or attempted escapes during the year. The food-supplies have been of excellent quality. Potatoes and vegetables were drawn from the prison farm and the garden. Beef for ration purposes was obtained from cattle killed on the property, and this was supplemented by weekly supplies of mutton obtained under a contract. Bread of excellent quality was manufactured in the prison bakery. Entertainment for the prisoners was provided on thirteen occasions during the past year, and I am indebted to the various organizations concerned for the increased interest that has been shown in this regard. The Workers' Educational Association again came to our assistance and provided a series of fourteen lectures during the winter months. The fact that this service is appreciated by the majority of the inmates is indicated by the excellent attendance over the period of the lectures. The prisoners were excellently catered for during the festive season, and those organizations and individuals who for years have taken a special interest in this work again gave their help which is much appreciated. The institution school was carried on under the direction of Mr. A. W. Kibblewhite. General repair work has been carried out to the staff residences, and considerable maintenance work was also attended to at the Addington Reformatory. The roof of the east wing was retiled, and during the coming year attention will be given to the inside roof of this building. Work in connection with the erection of a new blacksmith and carpentry shop has now been put in hand, the foundations being excavated in readiness for the arrival of reinforcing and cement supplies, when the job will be proceeded with. The industries of the institution have been fully maintained, and has absorbed all the available labour after making provision for the necessary domestic services of the institution. With a few exceptions all the prisoners have been engaged on work of a varying nature, and in this connection consideration is always given to the personal capability of each individual as far as possible. The quarrying industry has been kept working to full capacity, and with the present active demand for all grades of crushed metal and shingle we have had no difficulty in the disposal of quarry products. Sales for the year amounted to 32,594 cubic yards, which is an appreciable advance on the figure of 26,845 cubic yards sold in the previous

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