ENCLOSURE 2
MINUTE BY THE SUPT. OF VICTORIA GAOL.
C.O.
10050/360
Rec 22 APR 19
Hon. Acting Col. Secretary.
In view of the fact that the Secretary of State in approving the Estimates for 1899 has not sanctioned the grant of the privilege of remittance of half pay at 44 cents to the rupee to the Indian Gaol Staff, I have the honour to respectfully ask that His Excellency the Governor will take the question into his consideration, and will, if His Excellency arrives at the conclusion that the privilege ought to be granted, address the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject at an early date.
In my annual report for 1898, which is now in your hands, I have adverted to the less satisfactory maintenance of discipline in 1898 than in 1897, and I have mentioned the constant changes in the Indian Gaol Staff as one of the contributing causes.
I might adduce the fact, in support of that contention, that during the month of June the Indian Gaol Staff, the establishment of which is 44 men, was no less than 11 men, or one fourth short, and that I was put to such straits to carry on the work of the gaol that, having a condemned prisoner to provide a day and night watch for (in accordance with the regulations), I had to get 3 Indian Constables temporarily appointed Warders to enable me to provide the watch,