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* DIETARY.
CHINESE.
Ordinary diet for Chinese prisoners, (see Appendix).
RICE.---The Committee are of opinion, that this scale may be reduced with very good effect to 1 lb. 10 oz.
The amount of rice allowed, viz. 1 lb. 13 oz., is unnecessarily great, and the consequence is, that a quantity capable of filling 2 rather large baskets is generally left. This is sold for pigs' food.
The evidence on this point varies, and it would seem that more is left during the hot season than in the cold weather, but judging from the amount of rice consumed by the free Chinese labourer, the quantity allowed to Chinese prisoners is excessive.
The free labourer on hard work consumes generally 1 lb. of cooked rice, or in the case of very strong men, 1 lb. at one meal, but this is exceptional, (N.B.-There has been great difficulty in ascertaining the average meal of a free labourer. This amount seems to be a fair estimate as obtained from various persons likely to know).
In the Gaol, each Chinese prisoner is allowed 1 lb. 13 oz. of uncooked rice. The quantity becomes about double, or 3 lb. 10 oz., when boiled.
Part however of each ration is withdrawn to make conjee, which is served at 11 A.M.
A ration of rice thus reduced but partially boiled and therefore not of its full weight, was lately weighed in the presence of a member of the Committee. It weighed 1 lb. 9 oz., that is 1 ounce more than the exceptional meal of the free labourer referred to. To this was added, after it was weighed, 3 large slices of turnip, forming a most abundant meal.
The conjee is given, by way of refreshment, to such prisoners as like to have it at about 11 o'clock. It consists of rice boiled in a large quantity of water, so as to become something like gruel in consistency. Cabbage and beans are boiled in it, and it seems to be a most nutritious and palatable compound as made in the Gaol.
Free labourers, when engaged in hard work, generally take it early in the morning.
FISH.-Salt fish is supplied 3 days a week. Fresh fish 2 days, this is necessary probably to prevent scurvy.
CAYENNE CHUTNEY.--Of this, 1 oz. is supplied. It seems to the Committee to be an unnecessary luxury.
VEGETABLES.---These are supplied with rice 2 days a week.
TEA.-The quality of this tea is very inferior. It might be improved, and the quantity increased from ¼ to ½ lb. as before recommended in the case of European prisoners.
Chinese prisoners sentenced to 3 years penal servitude and upwards are allowed 1 lb. of pork per week in addition to the very abundant and generous diet provided by the Gaol Rules. When this unwarrantable luxury was introduced, the Committee are unable to discover. The Medical Officer is of opinion that pork is a proper and necessary addition to the ample diet already provided.
In this opinion the Committee cannot concur, and recommend that the ration of pork be at once discontinued.
Chinese prisoners generally increase in weight, which is not to be wondered at under the circumstances.
*For the Dietaries, see Scales appended.
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PENAL DIET.
CHINESE.
The amount of rice supplied is 1 lb. 13 oz.
The Committee are of opinion, that this amount may be considered a sufficient and proper amount; the fact that it is enough to support a prisoner in health seems to prove that the same amount given with other food is too much in the ordinary diet.
Should the suggested alterations in the dietary of European and Chinese prisoners be carried out, the Committee recommend that the Medical Officer be directed to watch the effect upon the prisoners very carefully, reporting at once to the Colonial Secretary, or His Excellency the Governor, any change he may observe in the health and strength of the prisoners.
FIREWOOD AND SOAP. -The attention of the Committee has been directed to very large quantities of these articles provided daily by way of rations for the prisoners.
The ration of wood is 2 lb. per head, and of soap ½ oz., or a little more than ½ oz. The wood is never issued to the prisoners and the soap only to Europeans. Supposing an average of 400 prisoners in the Gaol, 800 lb. of wood is supplied daily. This is far in excess of what is required for cooking, and the Gaol clothes are not washed in boiling water.
A large quantity of washing from the Hospital is done in the Gaol, but the wood is sent in from the Hospital with the dirty linen.
Turnkey JONES, who is in charge of the cook-houses, states that for cooking for 400 prisoners, on full diet, 560 lb. would be sufficient.
Part of the surplus wood has hitherto been used for the Turnkeys' cooking and the residue has been stored. Mr. JONES says that in February 7,000 lb. were saved and nearly the same amount in March up to the 24th.
SOAP.-The Chinese can hardly be induced to use soap, so that a reduction of the quantity might well be made.
Recommendations.--The Committee recommend that the practice of issuing firewood and soap as daily rations be at once discontinued, and that they both be supplied according to a scale to be drawn up. The Committee are of opinion that about one half the quantity would suffice.
It cannot be difficult to ascertain with tolerable accuracy the quantity of wood required to cook provisions for a certain number of people, and that quantity should be procured daily.
WOMEN'S DIET.
There can be no doubt that the dietary for women is excessive.
Recommendation. That it be reduced at least by one quarter.
HOSPITAL DIET.
This is half of the full ordinary diet, and seems sufficient.
It must be, of course, very much under the control of the Medical Officer.
DEBTORS AND FIRST CLASS MISDEMEANANTS, &c.,-DIET.
Recommendation.-For this class, and for persons confined for want of sureties not being dangerous to the peace and good order of the Colony, who cannot provide their own food, the Committee recommend that the diet be somewhat improved.
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