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PRISONS AND BORSTAL INSTITUTIONS : EPITOME OF REPORTS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS Addington Reformatory Prison (Women) (Superintendent: Miss F. E. Mason) I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended December, 1948. At the commencement of the year there were 13 inmates in custody. During the year 25 were received, 7 released on expiration, 8 on licence, 1 on payment of fine, 14 handed to the police, and 1 transferred, leaving a total of 7 inmates in custody at the close of the year. The health of the inmates has been satisfactory, considering their condition on admission to the institution. Four have attended the clinic at the public hospital for treatment of venereal disease ; 3of these have been discharged. Two were admitted to the public hospital for observation and treatment. Five have received dental treatment — extractions, fillings, and dentures have been provided. Two have had their eyes tested and received glasses. The general behaviour has been good, only 3 breaches of the regulations have been dealt with by the Visiting Justice. Owing to the decreased numbers and the continued shortage of staff it has been impossible to carry on with large laundry contracts, but the institution laundry and other branches of domestic work, as well as sewing and gardening, has been sufficient to keep every one in constant employment. Cooking proves one of the most interesting occupations to the majority of the women, and every opportunity is given to them to train in this important work. A plentiful supply and variety of vegetables are produced from the institution garden, as well as tomatoes and fruit; through this, the dietary scale has maintained a high standard and made the arranging of the meals more interesting. During recreation hours the women are trained to make use of their spare time and all types of needlework is encouraged. Remarkable talent has been displayed in this occupation and very keen competition is shown in the making of their own clothes. Coats and suits, as well as frocks and underclothes, have been cut out and made up. This has proved of valuable assistance in the rehabilitation of a number of the young women. We are indebted to the members of the W.C.T.U., Miss Nicholls, and the Methodist Girls' Bible Class for their continued interest in arranging concert programmes. Educational and entertaining pictures have also been screened and were much appreciated. A plentiful supply of books has been provided by the National Library Service, which, together with the institution library and gifts of magazines from friends, provides adequate reading-material for the varied needs of the inmates. Religious services are conducted every Sunday morning, and individual visits are made at regular intervals by the representatives of various denominations. Miss Ellison, Maori Welfare Officer, merits our gratitude for her special interest in the Maori inmates, her help in arranging employment and escorting these to their homes have been of valuable assistance. The Salvation Army and W.C.T.U. members provided Christmas and New Year parties, and we are indebted to many friends for donations towards the Christmas and recreation funds. In conclusion, I wish to thank the staff and clerical officer for their co-operation during the year.

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