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the same time that Mr. Griffith's description of it is painted in colours not warranted, as shown by the above-mentioned facts.

(Signed) FREDERICK WATTS, Inspector of Prisons.

55

1

message stating that you think it your duty again to bring the subject seriously under their notice, and inviting them to consider the best means of providing the additional prison accommodation which is evidently required.

December 31, 1872.

Inclosure 6 in No. 9.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

KIMBERLEY.

No. 11.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

TUTTI I

Reference

C.O.885

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

Extract from the Speech of Governor Rawson at opening the Legislative Session 1871-72.

I HAVE satisfaction in informing you that the number of offenders confined in the prisons throughout the island is not only greatly diminished since the corresponding period of last year, but is no greater than it was four years ago, when food and employment were as abundant as at present, although the population has increased considerably during the interval. An improved system of prison discipline has been introduced into the prisons, which has contributed largely to this result; but its effective operation is much hindered by the insufficient accommodation in the building and yards of the principal gaol, which is a source of much anxiety to the Executive, and calls for early remedy.” I am hopeful also that an improvement in the discipline of the police, and an increase of their activity, which it has been my constant endeavour to stimulate, will be found to yield good results.

Inclosure 7 in No. 9.

Extract from the Speech of Governor Rawson at opening the Legislative Session 1872-73.

I WOULD suggest for consideration, whether, as soon as the present asylum can be vacated, it might not be converted, into a female prison; and that part of Glendairy Prison which is now appropriated to females, might not be employed as a prison for males convicted of minor offences; and the present Town Hall Prison, which is so ill-adapted for its purpose, be restricted to the confinement of untried prisoners, or if other accom- modation can be found, be given up altogether. This arrangement would facilitate that maintenance of discipline, and by uniting the two penal establishments, may even diminish the cost of superintendence.

Inclosure 8 in No. 9.

STATEMENT of the number of Deaths among the Prisoners confined in the Bridgetown Gaol in the years 1839 to 1844 :---

Yours.

No. of Prisoners,

No. of Deaths.

1939

1,190

2

1840

1.240

5

1841

1.347

1

1842

1,322

*

18-13

1,841

2

1814

1,224

Total

7,664

13*

No. 10.

(No. 7. Barbados)

The Earl of Kimberley to Governor Raurson, C.B.

Downing Street, March 7, 1873.

Sir,

I HAVE received your despatel No. 6 of the 14th of January, relative to the Town Hall Gaol. I think it would be well that you should call on Captain Hyde, to pre- pare a full and detailed Report on the present state of the prison, modelled on his Report of 1870, and that you should communicate it to the Legislature, accompanied by a * Equal to 1 in 389.

•

Governor Rawson, GB., to the Earl of Kimberley.-(Received June 28.)

(No. 47. Barbados.) My Lord,

Windward Islands, Barbados, June 3, 1873.

WITH reference to your Lordship's despatch No. 7 of 7th March last, in which your Lordship instructed me to bring the subject of the unfit character of the Town Hall Gaol for the confinement of prisoners to the notice of the Legislature, I have the honour to forward copies in triplicate of the message in which I communicated to the House of Assembly the Report of the Provost Marshal on this subject, prepared according to your Lordship's suggestion, together with Reports of the Chaplain to the Prisons, upon the inefficiency of the existing Juvenile Reformatory.

2. There appears to be a disposition to take up both questions; and a Joint Com- mittee of the Council and Assembly will be appointed to consider them.

3. I am happy to be able, at the same time, to report that there has been a con- siderable decrease in the number of prisoners in confinement throughout the Colony during the last six weeks ended 29th May. The average of these six weeks, and of the corresponding period in each of the last five years has been as follows:-

1869 1870

1871

1872

1873

396

352 313

334 300

4. Considering the general deficiency of the crop, and its almost total failure on some estates, following upon a deficient crop, and excessive drought in the past year, I am surprised at this result. I can only attribute it to the extensive emigration which has taken place last year, which has diminished the pressure upon the means of livelihood open to the labouring classes, and to the deterring influence of the improved system of discipline introduced into the prisons. Either cause is a subject for satisfaction.

I have, &c.

(Signed) RAWSON W. RAWSON.

Inclosure 1 in No. 11.

Message from the Governor to the Honourable the House of Assembly.

THE Governor transmits, for the information of the House of Assembly, the following documents referred to in his Address opening the present Session of the Legislature:-

1. Reports from the Provost Marshal upon the condition of the Townhall Gaol, and upon the other places of confinement under his charge.

2. Annual report of the Chaplain to the Prisons upon the establishments under his charge, together with remarks on the Juvenile Reformatory at Station B.”

3. Copy of a Circular despatch from the Secretary of State dated 11th March, 1873, submitting a plan for the establishment of a permanent Exhibition of Colonial Products in connection with the Exhibition Buildings at South Kensington in London.

4. Copy of despatch from the Secretary of State pointing out certain changes required

in the Lighthouse Act of 1872, to correspond with the form of the Imperial Graut.

(Signed) Government House, May 7, 1873.

Sir,

RAWSON W. RAWSON, Governor.

Provost Marshal's Office, Barbados, April 14, 1873.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of 2nd April, informing me that his Excellency the Governor had received a despatch from the Secre-