I beg at the same time to ask your sanction to the Establishment here of a system of gratuities to be placed to the credit of deserving prisoners as a reward for industry.
The gratuity to vary according to the classification of each prisoner from 1 to 4 cents per day and to be paid to him after his discharge, or be otherwise applied to his benefit as may be considered desirable.
I consider such a measure would tend to a beneficial result. The colony would receive a return in the shape of additional labour more than the value of the gratuity.
At present prisoners are turned out of Gaol without the means of providing themselves with even a night's lodging, and are constantly recommitted within twenty-four hours of their release.
The consequence is that they would be in possession of a small fund which would enable them to live respectably until they could earn an honest livelihood.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant, R. F. Robinson.
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