212
With reference to the occurrence of unnatural crime, I beg to submit that with a proper system of lighting and superintendence it can be entirely prevented.
Sir,
I have, &c. (Signed)
W. R. KYNSEY,
Principal Civil Medical Officer, and Inspector-General
of Hospitals.
Inclosure 2 in No. 49.
Colombo, Convict Hospital, April 23, 1875. HAVING been requested by you to offer my opinion on the subject of cellular confinement as compared with that in large association wards, I have the honour to state that in my opinion cellular confinement is not suited to either European or Native prisoners in this Island. In the hot season both classes suffer from bilions derangement while in cellular confinement.
The annexed Table will show that during a period of twelve months 984 cellular prisoners were admitted into the Convict Hospital, and only 423 from the association wards at Welikada, Slave Island and the Fort.
As it is in contemplation to convert the wards at Slave Island into cellular divisions, I beg most respectfully to point out that a greater mistake cannot be committed than to convert the fine airy and well-ventilated wards into cells.
Since the Slave Island Gaol was opened on the 12th January, 1874, we have only received 279 prisoners into hospital, during a period of twelve months, compared with 984 admissions from the cells at Welikada. The cases from the Slave Island Gaol are mostly injuries received at the Breakwater Works, ophthalmia from irritation to the eyes from particles of granite dust and Portland cement, while employed at the Breakwater, simple diarrhoea, and intermittent fever. The most serious cases of fever and bowel complaints are generally admitted from the cells at Welikada, of prisoners in the penal stage who take ill soon after their admission into prison.
With reference to the subject of unnatural crime, I beg to say that during the period of two-and-a-half years that I have had medical charge of convicts, I have only heard of two cases, and both these were crimes committed in the cells at Welikada.
In my humble opinion, the best measures to be adopted for the prevention of this crime in association wards are to have them well lit with gas, and to have a vigilant guard on duty at night.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
J. L. VANDERSTRAATEN,
Assistant Colonial Surgeon.
The Principal Civil Medical Officer and
Inspector-General. of Hospitals.
TABLE of Admissions into the Colombo Convict Hospital, from the Convict Establish- ments at Welikada, Slave Island, and the Fort, from February 1, 1874, to January 31, 1875.
213
The above period of twelve months has been chosen, as Welikada Gaol was only fully reoccupied during the month of January, 1874, and the Slave Island Gaol was opened on the 12th January. From the 1st of February, 1874, both gaols had their full complement of prisoners. Average strength at Welikada (cellular and association), 385; average strength Slave Island, 366, and the Fort, 145.
Inclosure 3 in No. 49.
WEEKLY Return of Sick of the Criminal Prisoners in the Gaol Hospital at Welikada, from April 19 to April 25, 1875.
Description.
Strength.
Men.
Welikada Slave Island Fort..
Total
24
2*2
408
25 28
27
27
26
406
12
3
G
6
150
2
964
39 31 TO 33
36
Disease.
Other Diseases.
Total.
සස ද
26
9
2 2
37 6 5 11 16 37
Remarks.--General health continued very good until last night, when a convalescent case of fever took ill suddenly with cholera, and is now in a dangerous condition. The last case treated here for cholera was on the 24th February. There is no cholera in this neighbourhood.
J. L. VANDERSTRAATEN, M.D.
(Signed) The Principal Civil Medical Officer and
Inspector-General of Hospitals, Colombo.
No. 50.
Governor the Right Hon. W. H. Gregory to the Earl of Carnarvon.—(Received June 29.) (No. 139.) My Lord,
Queen's House, Colombo, Ceylon, May 25, 1875. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch No. 85 of the 7th ultimo,* requesting me to submit plans for your approval before commencing the construction of any new prisons in the island, and to state that this instruction will be attended to.
I have, &c.
W. H. GREGORY.
(Signed)
No. 51.
Governor the Right Hon. W. H, Gregory to the Earl of Carnarvon.-—(Received August 23.) (Telegraphic.)
NOTHING but outside wall to inclose sufficient space according to feature of
Colombo, August 21, 1875. ground begun. No intention of commencing structure without submitting plans. Will be ready for next mail.
From
From
the Cellular Division at Welikada.
the Association Wards nt Welikada,
Slave Island, and the Fort.
1874. February
H2
43
March
98
44
April
37
33
May
68
33
June
94
39
July
113
29
August
76
31
September
108
October
60
November
74
December
87
1875. Junuary
87
PAPP8P8888*
28
34
21
45
(No. 231.) Sir,
41
Total
984
423
No. 52.
The Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Right Hon. W. H. Gregory.
I HAVE received your despatch, No. 117 of the 8th May, 1875,trespecting the general
Downing Street, October 7, 1875.
prison accommodation in Ceylon, but dealing more particularly with the question of the
(128)
* No. 48.
+ No. 49.
3 T
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
C.O.8
Reference :-
885
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
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