the old Printing Department in Stanley Prison which was recently vacated by the female prisoners on the reopening of Lai Chi Kok female prison. Every effort is made to keep them adequately occupied and a curriculum has been drawn up which includes extra-mural labour for those serving short sentences and gardening, carpentry, tailoring, rattan working and making of mail bags for those under long sentences. All Young Prisoners, whether on short sentence or long sentence, undergo physical training and attend school.
Juveniles.
These comprise youths from 8 to 16 years of age. In December, 1946, it was possible to open a temporary reformatory for boys in this age group by converting concrete storage huts, which were built before the war to store food reserves, to suit the purpose. This reformatory which was the first "open" institution in the Colony for delinquents is in the Stanley area and is administered from Stanley Prison, although it is some distance from the prison itself and segregation is complete. Excellent progress has been made during the first year of this institution. Neighbouring hillsides are being progressively cleared of bush, terraced for soil conservation and brought into cultivation as vegetable gardens. Poultry and rabbits are kept and pig sties have just been completed. School work and trade instruction, together with physical training, organised competi- tive games, walks and the encouragement of hobbies all take their part in the training and development of these youngsters. Unfortunately, accommodation is limited to 100 but it is hoped that the good work which is being done in this direction may at a later stage be expanded.
Prisoners.
The total number of persons committed to prisons during the year was 14,743 as compared with 8,963 in the previous year and 16,146 in 1939. The daily average of persons serving sen- tences was 2,176. The vast majority of prisoners were Chinese. For instance, on 31st December, 1947, out of a total of 2,579 (including 111 females), 2,439 were Chinese, 11 Indians, 19 Europeans and 110 Japanese war criminals.
Staff.
The European establishment of the prison is considerably under-staffed. Out of a total of 69 of the establishment, there is only a strength of 47, of whom 12 were recruited in 1947. Apart from these, 95 Indians have recently returned to the Colony and these, together with locally recruited Portuguese and Chinese personnel are gradually being shaped into a staff under rigorous training and by means of elimination of those who fail to reach the required standard. During the course of the year under review, facilities for the staff at Stanley have been con- siderably improved: tennis courts and a bowling green have been relaid and these, together with the Prison Officers' Club, have provided much needed recreational facilities.
100
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