GENERAL.
23. 388 punishments were awarded for breaches of prison discipline as compared with 493 for the preceding year. Corporal punishment was inflicted in twenty-five cases for prison offences.
24. One hundred and sixty-six (166) prisoners were whipped by order of courts.
25. There were 16 deaths (14 natural causes and 2 executions).
26. The conduct of the Staff, with some exceptions, was very good.
27. The General health of the Staff was good.
28. Existing fire appliances are in good condition.
29. The rules laid down for the Government of Prisons were complied with.
30. A Food Committee was appointed to enquire into the diet for prisoners and a temporary improved scale of diets was approved as from 7th December pending further consideration of the matter.
31. Captain H. F. Bloxham, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, was transferred to the Gold Coast on 16th August. Mr. C. D. Melbourne acted as Superintendent of Prisons from 16th to 26th September during the absence on sick leave of Mr. J. W. Franks.
32. With reference to the Secretary of State despatch of 12th November 1930 enclosing a copy of the resolution of the Colonial Office Conference in regard to Prison Administration and Prison Services and drawing attention to comments in the Committee's report I have the honour to state that
(1) the Police and Prison Departments in this Colony are kept separate as recommended by the Committee.
(2) There is no Discharged Prisoners Aid Society in this Colony. Such an institution might do useful work in assisting recommended cases after discharge.
(3) Given better accommodation educational classes could be held and lectures given but until it is possible to segregate the different classes and to separate the hopeful cases from the habitual, the prospect of reforming the criminal in prison is remote.