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Mr. LETHBRIDGE.-A quarter past 11 o'clock. It could be done at 2 o'clock, in the afternoon. There is no reason why it should not be so long as the man is flogged the same day as he is sentenced. It could be done before 4 o'clock because the prisoners have their meals then and are locked up for the night.
Mr. THURBURN.-The Medical Officer has work in connection with the post mortems? Does that take up much of his time?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.No.
THE PRESIDENT.-Are you present at the floggings?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.-Occasionally. If these were done in the afternoons it would not prolong my duties.
Dr. CANTLIE. How often are these floggings-once a week or twice a week?
The Medical Officer is liable to be called for them
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.-Oftener.
six days in the week.
Mr. MCCONACHIE.--In point of time you think a medical man might be available for other duties after 11 o'clock say?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.-Yes. After a quarter past 11, I do not see what there is to keep him there. I do not require to ask him any questions then. Any questions might be answered through the telephone after that.
Dr. CANTLIE.—If he were to go on duty at 8.30 he could finish by a quarter past 11 o'clock?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.-He could invariably finish by 11.30. He is very seldom called in in the afternoons.
Dr. CANTLIE.-In your opinion it is not necessary to have a doctor for the Gaol solely so long as he performs his duties two or three hours a day and is within call if required?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.-No.
THE PRESIDENT.-Have you any suggestions to make in regard to the medical service of the Gaol ?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.--I think the figures show that there is a very large number of men on No. 3 light labour. It seems to me it is out of proportion altogether with the number of prisoners in the Gaol. I think that Dr. MARQUES is perhaps a little too kind-hearted, if that can be a fault in a medical man. I cannot help thinking, and it is forced upon me, by the figures given to me weekly, that the prisoners rather get the better of him. I am bound to say so. I have thought so all along, and I am confirmed in my opinion by the number of prisoners on No. 3 labour. I have frequently spoken to him about it but still it goes on.
Dr. CANTLIE.--In regard to the medical attendance at the Gaol Hospital, it is good?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.-Yes.
Dr. CANTLIE.--Do you think it is necessary to have another man in addition to FLORES?
Mr. LETHBRIDGE.--There is a man away at the present time sick, but I do not think it is necessary to have extra assistance. I think it is sufficient. There is a turnkey detailed to assist the one man while the other is away. It is rather incon- venient at the present time, but with the staff reorganised I hope it will be made all right. One of the men is on four months' leave on full pay. He has never had leave during his service and was entitled to leave.