99
15. From Appendix V, which shows the expenditure and income of the Gaol for the year, it will be seen that the average cost per prisoner was $104.77, compared with $108.92 for 1903. The principal item towards reducing this cost was the prisoners' earnings amounting to $33,507.79, the corresponding sum in 1903 having been $31,488.61. Appendix VI shows how the amount of $33,507.79, was made up from the various industries and was the difference between the value of articles manufactured or work done ($53,449.84) and the expenditure of materials ($19,942.05). The sum of $53,449.84 comprised amounts of $5,512.01 which has been or will be paid into the Bank and $47,938.13 for work done for the Gaol and Government Departments which if it had not been carried out by the prisoners would have had to be paid for to contractors. Appendix VII gives details with regard to the former sum, and Appendices VIII and IX with regard to the latter amount. Appendix X shows the average daily employment of all prisoners and the value of their labour. Appendix XI shows the basis on which the value is calcutated.
16. All minor repairs to the prison have been carried out by prison labour.
17. Appendix XII shows the number of casualties in the staff, exclusive of the clerical establishment, during the year. The conduct of the staff has been good.
18. I returned from leave of absence on 18th March, from which date I resumed charge of the prison. I introduced the system of identification by finger impressions in the Victoria Gaol immediately on my return and now all criminals have their finger prints taken on admission to prison.
19. Mr. R. H. A. CRAIG, the Assistant Superintendent, resumed the immedi- ate charge of the prison on his return to the Colony on the 8th December. Mr. CRAIG took up the study of the Finger Print systein at New Scotland Yard while on leave.
The Honourable F. H. MAY, C.M.G.,
Colonial Secretary.
I have, &c.,
F. J. BADELEY,
Superintendent.