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Q-He would not go out of the Gaol with the wound not dressed ?
A-I think he would not.
Hon. Commander HASTINGS-They are flogged across both buttocks ?
WITNESS-Of course.
Q-Do you have a right-handed and a left-handed officer?
A-They are flogged in one way and not crossed. That would not be allowed; it would be an improper way of flogging.
Q-They are not flogged by a right-handed man and then by a left-handed man? A-Not in my experience. I have never known any one flogged in that way. I take it it would be a very severe way of flogging. For instance, eighteen lashes one way and eighteen lashes the reverse way would cut to pieces.
Dr. ATKINSON--What is the maximum number of floggings you have known in a prison at home in one year
?
WITNESS-I cannot call to mind. I should say the maximum would be about
twenty.
Q-What would be the number of inmates ?
A-1,800 men, and the power to inflict punishment is a great deal stronger. You can award a greater punishment to a prisoner at home than you can here.
THE CHAIRMAN—More punishment at home than here ? WITNESS-Yes, the governor's power is more extended.
Hon. Commander HASTINGS-Except in flogging? WITNESS-With the exception of flogging.
THE CHAIRMAN--I see that besides flogging there are other punishments. An offender might be kept in a punishment cell for not more than three days on bread, or rice and water, or the Superintendent may deprive a prisoner of his pork for not more than four meals at one time. That is rule 271. Is that of any use?
WITNESS --Depriving him of his pork is of no use.
Q--The punishment cell, is that of any use?
A--Yes.
Q-Is it a deterrent ?
A-I am afraid not to a Chinaman.
Q--Another mode is that the Superintendent may deprive any prisoner of his evening meal for persistent and aggravated idleness or refusal to labour. Is that often employed?
A--Only when the prisoner is discharged on the following day.
Q--It would not be employed in the middle of a man's sentence?
A--No.
Q-Rule 273 says "The Superintendent may restrain in cross irons of 10 lbs. weight, or less, or in handcuffs, any disorderly or violent prisoner for not longer than twenty-four hours at one time."
A--That is not in force here.
Q-It is a dead letter? You do not remember during the year or so you have been here that it has been in force?
A-No.