HONGKONG.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF VICTORIA GAOL FOR 1892.
87
No.
5
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor, on the 8th February, 1893.
D. L. No. 15.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, VICTORIA GAOL, HONGKONG, 18th January, 1893.
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SIR,--I have the honour to forward, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, the Annual Report on the Victoria Gaol for 1892.
2. During the year there were 5,231 admissions, the average number of prisoners confined in the Gaol being 515 which is a slight increase on the previous year. The daily maximum number was 595.
3. There have been 7,494 prison offences committed during the year being about 144 offences to each prisoner as compared with over 23 in 1891. The comparative returns attached show the number of the most common of these offences.
4. Nine officers have been dismissed for misconduct during the year, but the conduct of the remainder of the Gaol Staff has been satisfactory.
5. The officers' quarters are devoid of necessary comforts. There is no mess room or recreation room, and, under the existing circumstances, it is almost impossible for an officer employed on night... duty to get proper rest during the day, he being constantly disturbed by those on day duty who are compelled to use the same room.
6. The necessity for introducing the separate system generally has been frequently urged and I would most strongly recommend its adoption. At present from the time prisoners are locked up in the evening until they are unlocked in the morning and again during the officers' meal hours, it is impossible with a limited staff to exercise proper supervision in the corridors so as to prevent prisoners communicating with each other. It is unnecessary for me to mention the incalculable amount of harm which this must do and how the deterrent effect of imprisonment is lessened thereby.
7. Extra store-room and bath accommodation are required. The latter is so limited bathing cannot be conducted properly.
8. The insufficient yard accommodation has also been repeatedly pointed out. This I regard as one of the most serious deficiencies in the Gaol and makes it a matter of the utmost difficulty to keep the various classes of prisoners separate when at work. If this were increased many more prisoners could be employed at useful and remunerative labour.
9. The female prison is badly situated. The average number of females in prison during the year was 27, and, owing to the inadequate accommodation, it frequently happens that remand prisoners have to be placed in the same ward with convicted prisoners.
10. I forward herewith the usual returns.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. B. LETHBRIDGE,, Superintendent.
The Honourable
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
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