ORDINANCE No. 1 OF 1853 . 277
Gaol Regulation.
1. The rules now in use for the regulation of the gaol at Hongkong shall continue Gaol rules now
in use to con
tinue.
in force until modified as hereinafter provided, and a copy of the said rules shall be Copy of rules to
be hung up in
continually displayed within the said gaol in some conspicuous place where they may gaol.
be with facility seen and read by the inmates of the said gaol, and a copy shall also be
appended to the Justices' Visiting Book in the said gaol .
2. Any three Justices of the Peace for the said Colony having met together for Any three Jus
tices of the
the purpose of considering any proposed modification of the said rules, having also Peace may
amend rules.
previously given notice of their intention to the sheriff and to the other Justices of the
Peace then in the Colony, may alter or add to such rules , sending forthwith to His
Excellency the Governor a copy of such alterations, or additions ; and such alterations
or additions shall be of equal force with the former rules until His Excellency the
Governor in his Legislative Council shall signify his disapprobation of them, whereupon
the said alterations and additions shall be of no force or effect : Provided that it shall
not be in the power of the said Justices to impose any greater penalties for any breach
of any prison rule than are hereby provided.
3. It shall be lawful for the sheriff to punish by imprisonment in a solitary or Power of sheriff
to punish re
refractory cell for not exceeding three days, on bread and water, or rice and water, (or if fractory prison
ers.
the prisoner be under conviction of felony, to punish by moderate corporal punishment
not exceeding twelve strokes) , any prisoner whom he may find after due investigation
to have been guilty of any of the following offences, or of any breach of prison
regulation or discipline :
Assault and battery.
Profane cursing, or swearing, or using indecent language .
Indecent, irreverent, or disorderly behaviour.
Idleness or negligence in work, or wilful damage or mismanagement of it.
Wilful damage to any cell, ward, or room , or to any gaol furniture or property
whatever.
4. If a prisoner be guilty of any of the above offences, or of a breach of gaol Powers of sherift
and Justices of
regulations or discipline for the due punishment of which the sheriff may deem the the Peace where
those of sheriff
are insufficient.
powers vested in him insufficient, it shall be lawful for the sheriff in conjunction with
any Justice of the Peace for the said Colony, after due inquiry, to punish such prisoner
by close or solitary confinement, on bread and water, or rice and water, for not
exceeding fourteen days ; or if the prisoner be under conviction for felony or have
within three months next previous been guilty of a similar offence, by personal
correction not exceeding thirty- six strokes.
5. Any person who shall convey, or cause to be conveyed into any prison, or in Assisting pri
soners to escape.
any manner to or within the reach of any prisoner whether within the gaol walls or
without, any disguise, instrument, or arms to facilitate the escape of any prisoner,
shall, on conviction before the Petty Sessions, be subject to imprisonment with hard
labour for a period not exceeding six months . Provided nothing herein contained
shall be deemed or taken to prevent such person from being proceeded against by
indictment-if thought necessary.