As mentioned in my despatch of 10th instant, the number of prisoners confined has fallen from 710 in June to 559, and the urgent necessity for extra accommodation no longer exists. There seems to be reason to believe that the strict discipline introduced into the Gaol by General Gordon, coupled with the reduction of superfluous diet, has had the effect of making the criminal classes look upon confinement as much more objectionable than it has been in previous years.
The Acting Superintendent, as observed in enclosure dated 19th March, 1887, considers that the question of the necessity of a new Gaol is still an open one, but it must be remembered that when the present Gaol was built, the population of the Colony was under 120,000; it has now risen to 190,000.