H—2o

The prison vegetable garden, which provides light work for men not fit for heavier forms of labour, has been fully cultivated, and produced, with the exception of potatoes, all our vegetable requirements. The prison laundry continues to deal with all of the institutional requirements, together with towels, &c., for the Prime Minister's Department. In the boot-shop all the institutional repairs have been effected, also repairs to boots, shoes, &c., for Arohata Borstal Institution. One officer and fourteen men have been regularly employed at Arohata Borstal Farm during the year on general farm work, &c. Maintenance and repairs as required have been effected during the year to institutional buildings and cottages, &c. Office furniture has been manufactured, renovated, &c., for the various branches of the Justice Department. Since my last report a branch of the Country Library Service has been commenced and the books are selected by the inmates, and the system is working very satisfactorily. There is still a demand for books from the prison library. Sound-films were exhibited at regular intervals by the Department. Christmas cheer was again provided by various social organizations, including the Tory Street Mission, the Wellington City Mission, Wellington Branch of the Howard League, who again sent gifts of fruit, Friend to Sailors' Mission. Gifts of tobacco were also received from the ControllerGeneral of Prisons. Since my last report on the prison nursery, when the buildings were in a bad state of repair, the heavy storm in February last caused the destruction of the glasshouse. A new and modern glasshouse has now been erected complete with steam and electric heating, and a record production is expected. During the year 6,200 plants were sent out on behalf of the Wellington Beautifying Society for distribution. The administration block at the old Borstal buildings at Point Halswell has been converted into two flats and occupied by members of the staff, It is proposed to erect one further flat at a later date. Throughout the year Church services have been held regularly each week, and to the ministers of the Anglican, Presbyterian, and other branches of the Protestant Churches, Father Uhlenberg and the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and officers of the Salvation Army, who have visited us at various times, we are deeply indebted. In conclusion, I have to thank the staff for their co-operation. The staff is still below strength, and a heavy strain has been imposed on them at times. Their conduct has been excellent, and the prison routine has been carried out in a satisfactory manner. Wi Tako Pbison, Here taxing a (Superintendent: Mr. R. C. Haywood) There were 34 prisoners confined at this prison at the beginning of the year. During the year, 246 were received and 222 were discharged, leaving a total of 58 in prison on the night of the 31st December, 1947. There were 5 prisoners admitted to hospital during the year. Apart from these, the health of the prisoners was quite good, and any illness there was amongst the men was treated by the prison medical officer. The conduct of the prisoners during the year was reasonably good. There were 25 men punished for prison offences, 5 of whom were dealt with by a Visiting Justice, and the remainder by the Superintendent. During the year 3 prisoners escaped. The first was retaken two hours after his escape, the second the next day, and the third, who was working at the Arohata Borstal where he was employed painting, and from where he escaped, has not yet been apprehended.

21