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Q--Does a cat" cut in the same way as a rattan?
A-I do not think the cuts are so severe.
Q-It does cut the flesh?
A-Yes, it does cut. The birch also is used at home for adults.
Q-For what offences is it used?
A-Minor offences.
Q-Refusing hard labour?
A-Yes, it is used for that, and the "cat" is used for greater offences such as assaults upon officers, &c.
Q-Is the governor present at all floggings in person?
A-At all floggings.
Q-Is the visiting director a medical man?
A-An ex-governor.
Q-Is he present at the flogging?
A-No.
Q-With reference to the fatal case, the man was flogged first on the 18th May. How many strokes?
A-Six strokes.
Q-And on the 25th?
A-Twelve.
Q-Have you ever seen a prisoner flogged here on the raw surface on the back?
A-No.
Q-As a rule six strokes do not break the skin?
A-In some cases they do, and in others they do not.
Q-It is the exception?
A-No, only the other day Dr. Bell was present when the skin was broken in six strokes in one case, and in the other it was not.
Q-What is the hard labour in the Gaol? Is it more severe here than it is in the convict prisons at home?
A-I think it is worse.
Q-And you think that the Chinese are of worse physique than the convicts in England?
A-Yes, I do.
Q-What are the tasks?
A-In county prisons, mill and crank labour.
Q-How many revolutions would they do at home?
A-14,500.
Q-And here?
A-12,500.
Q-Less here then?
A-There is a 14 lbs. pressure at home and a 12 lbs. pressure here.