133 cells where the majority of the Chinese prisoners are confined. On the days of my visits, I found five associated cells so crowded that only 258 cubic feet of space was allotted to each prisoner; in another associated cell I found the prisoners had only 206 cubic feet of space.
2. During the months of July, August, September, October, November, and December of last year, and the early months of this year, the condition of the associated cells for the confinement of Chinese prisoners was still deplorable.
At one time, from three to four hundred prisoners were confined in associated cells which provided less than 190 cubic feet of space for each occupant. To relieve this overcrowding, Sir Arthur Kennedy deported and branded forty-five Chinese prisoners in the month of January this year.
4. But for this prompt action, it is possible that an epidemic of disease might have broken out in the Gaol, for Your Lordship will see by the enclosed copies of memoranda by the Acting Superintendent, the dry earth system is not adopted.