No.
HONGKONG.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF VICTORIA GAOL FOR 1896.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor..
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97
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE,
VICTORIA GAOL, 28th January, 1897.
SIR,—I have the honour to forward for the information of His Excellency the Governor the Annual Report on Victoria Gaol for 1896.
2. I returned to the Colony from leave of absence on the 21st March when I resumed charge of the Gaol.
3. The total number of admissions during the year was 5,582, of which 668 were old offenders. 4. The daily average number of prisoners was 514 as compared with 472 in 1895. I am glad to be able to report that the number of long sentence prisoners continues to decrease steadily.
5. There were 3,887 prison offences committed as compared with 5,365 during the previous year. 6. The profit in industrial labour during the year amounted to $2,684.48.
7. The female prisoners were moved into the Gaol on the 31st October. The portion of the Gaol now allotted to females consists of 6 separate cells, 5 associated cells and 2 penal cells. This accommodation which is somewhat limited might be increased when the improved hospital accommo- dation is provided, but, limited as it is, it is far more satisfactory than the house in Wyndham Street which had been used for some years as a female prison.
8. The conduct of the staff generally has been good.
9. I forward herewith the usual returns.
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The Honourable
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. B. LETHBRIDGE,
Superintendent.