(4)
Q-For what offences do they inflict the "cat" at home?
A-For assaults and general misconduct.
Q-That term is rather vague. What is its meaning?
A-Creating a disturbance in the prison generally, general misconduct, and refusing
to labour.
Q-Breaches of prison discipline?
A-Yes, they apply the "cat" or birch for that.
or birch for that. It is in the discretion of the officer ordering the punishment which he will award.
Q-What punishment is the birch reserved for at home?
A-For minor offences.
Q--How would you describe them?
A-A man tearing up his clothes and breaking cell utensils.
Q-First offences?
A-Those are not necessarily taken into consideration.
Q--How high do the strokes run in England?
A-Thirty-six.
Q--Thirty-six is the maximum for both "cat" and birch?
A-Yes.
Q-And the maximum here is—?
A-Thirty-six also.
Q-What power has the governor of an English gaol got to order a flogging?
A-No power.
Q-How is it inflicted?
A-By a visiting director.
Q-How often does he go?
A
-Once a month.
Q-And the cases are held over?
A-Until the prison is visited by a director.
Q-One director?
A-Only one.
The directors of home prisons are ex-governors, as a rule.
Q-You have had experience of the effect of the "cat" and the effect of the rattan. Have you ever known a European prisoner thrashed?
A-Yes.
Q-With a rattan ?
A-Yes.
Q-Was he a good healthy man ?
A-I take it he was.
Q-An average man ?
A-Yes.