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3.
I cannot find that this decision of the Secretary of State was ever communicated to this Government, or that the views of this Government were ever asked for with regard to a ruling which imposes, without the consent of the Legislative Council, a heavy liability on this Colony. Moreover, I have the honour to point out that the accommodation in Victoria Gaol is very limited and that the Colonial Government has for some years past been in difficulties in the matter. A branch prison was for a time opened at the Belilios Reformatory and the question of building a new Gaol was frequently discussed and was only put aside for the time being as the Colony was unable to afford the outlay involved.
4.
In these circumstances it may at any time become necessary owing to want of space to refuse admission into Victoria Gaol to prisoners convicted by His Britannic Majesty's Courts for Sian: and in no case can the Colony afford to pay the expense of their maintenance.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
Huggins
Governor, &c..
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