47
complicate these regulations Classification. 219 for location".
expression.
a curious
The classification might begin with males & females : it seems to me too elaborate,
though
it
is right to distinguish between first offenders and
old hands: the distinction between hard labour.
237.
DRAFT.
The separation between the untried and the convicted prisoners is necessary, especially in a gaol like Hong Kong, where proper separation is nearly impossible.
260. It has been already noticed that the weight of the irons should be specified & the object in using them i.e. merely "restraint" and penal servitude ought to be abolished. The real practical distinction being between short sentenced and long sentenced prisoners.
In this rule as in the ordinance boys under 16 are distinguished from adults - while in rule 269, 17 is apparently made the dividing line.
Visits and Communications to prisoners.
rule 230. I cannot quite make out whether there is any rule in England about petitions of prisoners: but from the report of the penal servitude commission it would seem that the practice is or was that a prisoner should not petition the Secretary of State more than once a year.
I should substitute in this rule 'over one year' for 'over two years'.
261. As it stands this rule might apply to males & females, adults and juveniles indiscriminately.
Flogging as a preventive.
261. I would point out that while flogging for prison offences used to be authorized by ordinance (4 of 63) it is now authorized by the regulations under an ordinance (18 of 45 which repeals 4 of 63).
I have suggested on another paper - 14201 - that the proposed regulation giving the Superintendent power to flog on his own responsibility should not be allowed.
266. Classes of labour. There is no tread wheel at Hong Kong - they ought to get one if possible. Next to the tread wheel, the crank is said to be the best form of punishment.
Carrying a weight does not seem desirable; though I have nothing to guide me as to the weight: the shot used in prisons usually weigh either 24 lbs or 32 lbs.
rule 235. They might give 14 day prisoners one hour's exercise - half an hour is very little.
258-259. I think these dietary punishments in prisons are objectionable, but I suppose they are more effectual.
Stone weight of 45 lbs. does