given to Gaol authorities. It was repealed by Ordinance W:18 of 1885 and I observe Major Dempster has recommended its revival, while the Home Recretary suggests that powers might be given to the Magistrates to punish -breaches of Prison discipline by additional imprisonment . The Secretary of State for the Colonies states he is prepared to assent to this suggestion of the Home Office being tried, if it is considered absolutely recessary.
On this I beg to report
that such an Ordinance would strengthen the hands of the Superintendent of the Gaol, but I cannot conscientiously report that it is in my opinion absolutely necessary.
"As regards Prisoners with sentences over twelve months,
carving
644
earning remission, it is now quite unnecessary. Suck prisoners generally much better conducted than short sentence
are
prisoners. The system in this Colony as regards remissions differs indeed from that at home, inasmuch as the remissions must be sanctioned by the. Governor, while at home the date
is calculated, and the release carried out, by Prison Authorities. En Hongkong the names are In subruitted seconthly and His Excellency approved of the release on dates fixed sometime before. Subsequent loss of marks were therefore not counted against- prisoners. His Excellency having
orvered the date of release, it could only be postponed by special authority from him, which would probably not be obtained in time.
This
!