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S. The new rules and regulations for the Prison came into force on the 29th of March, and the power given under them to the Superintendent to award a maximum of 7 days' solitary confinement, and a maximum of 42 days' separate confinement upon full and penal or reduced penal diet in alternate weeks, has been exercised with marked effect.
9. There were 735 prisoners reported for refusing to labour during the year.
This offence in a prison filled principally with Chinese is a difficult one to deal with.
Since I have had charge of the Gaol I have only known one European who refused to labour. As a rule Europeans prefer to labour than to sit idle. Chinese prisoners on the other hand, with very few exceptions, would be content to sit in a cell from one year's end to another and do nothing.
This extreme apathy tends to induce to refusing to labour and undoubtedly accounts for the obstinacy with which Chinese prisoners will persist in refusing to labour.
I have found separate confinement on full and penal or reduced penal diet in alternate weeks the most efficacious punishment in obstinate cases of this extremely troublesome offence.
10. The number of prisoners reported for having tobacco during the year shows a further decrease. Three Indian Assistant Warders were dismissed during the last 9 months of the year for traffick- ing with prisoners, and since their dismissal the number of cases in which tobacco has been found on prisoners has materially decreased.
In November and December there were four such cases, but during those months there have been several free labourers at work in the Gaol.
11. I attach a return shewing details regarding all the whippings that were inflicted during the past year.
12. The profit in industrial labour during the year amounted to $2,620.08. The balance sheets for each industry are shown in enclosure E.
13. The report from the Gaol Medical Officer shows 4 deaths from natural causes, and 2 cases of suicide during the year.
The sanitary condition of the Gaol is good.
14. A modern apparatus has been constructed for the carrying out of executions.
15. A new fire main, with 3 hydrants, has been laid within the Prison walls, and a complete new set of fire-extinguishing appliances has also been supplied.
16. On the 22nd November a commencement was made in carrying out the improvements in the Gaol originally suggested by my predecessor in C.S.O. 1937 together with some additions in the matter of separate cells recommended by myself.
The principal of the suggested improvements within the Gaol were the increase of yard space by the demolition of D wing; the subdivision of a number of association cells into separate cells; and the extension of the female prison.
D wing has already been pulled down and. with the materials removed from it, 89 association cells are being rapidly converted into separate cells. Almost the whole of the labour is supplied by prisoners. The work is therefore being carried out at very small cost.
There were formerly in the Prison 248 separate cells and 115 association cells.
Within the next 6 months when the subdivision now in progress will be completed, there will be 427 separate cells, and 26 association cells, which will afford accommodation for 453 prisoners in separate confinement. In cases of necessity 104 extra prisoners can be accommodated by putting 5 prisoners in each association cell, making the total capacity of the Prison 557.
With 427 separate cells it will be possible in all ordinary times to locate every convicted criminal prisoner in a separate cell. This Prison will then be in as satisfactory a condition as it seems possible to render it on the present site.
17. The conduct of the Gaol Staff has been, on the whole, very good. I bave already stated in paragraph 5 that the record of prison offences for the year gives evidence of increased efficiency in supervision.
Great credit is due to the Chief Warder for this result, to which the Principal Warders also have contributed materially by the example they have shown of tact and discretion in dealing with prisoners, and by the steady enforcement of discipline.
18. During the year 11 European Warders have been engaged locally. They have been drawn from H. M.'s Naval and Military Forces and have given satisfaction.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
The Honourable
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
F. H. MAY,
Superintendent.