Int
M1
Brilliant 22 Augt
This heavy bill involves the following justification:
Measures must be taken to address the expense of prisoners.
The number of prisoners in fact has risen considerably - in 1858 there were only 250 in confinement. However, in 1863 the number was 550.
The Gaol on Stonecutter's Island, 3 miles from Hong Kong, is capable of unlimited extension.
To bail out 347 and make the Victoria Gaol a central Police Station, a Bridewell for debtors was proposed.
These works were estimated to cost more than £20,000 by the Engineer. But Victoria Gaol was short of accommodation and cost $100,000. The Treasury approved the new Gaol.
As it was found that the new Gaol could not be completed within 4 years under ordinary circumstances, it was determined to buy and station a hulk off Stonecutters Island for the reception of 250 long-sentenced men.
The New Prison at Stonecutters Island and the Police Station at Victoria are being built at the same time, and the latter will be finished in perhaps 2½ years.
The Governor reports that 280 men have been put onboard the hulk and moored off the Island, but the expense of fitting out the Hulk has been very heavy, much more so than was contemplated.
The total cost has been significant.
The existing situation is most inconvenient and crowded.
It was decided to erect a new...