Report of the Superintendent, Victoria Gaol

Convict Hulk "Royal Saxon"

With reference to the European prisoners, the past year has convinced me that the experience of their labor was more than enough to cover the cost for Europeans in this climate. Field for skilled labor such as mat making, to which most of the Europeans would earn their maintenance and clothing. Stone breaking is a form of labor for which is objectionable in the summer.

With reference to No. 20 question, there have been 7 insane prisoners (Chinese) in the gaol. 3 of these were deported from the Colony and others handed over to their friends to be taken care of. I am happy to say there has been no case of suicide, although several attempts have taken place. One Chinaman on remand for murder seemed determined to make away with himself night and day. A sentry was placed over him.

A Scale of Remission of Sentences has been established by His Excellency the Governor which works well, and is a stimulus to industry and good conduct to the prisoners generally. The recommendations of the Royal Commissioners have been attended to, and no prisoner has had the benefit of the scale when not combined with industrious habits.

I have reasons to be satisfied with the general conduct of the prisoners during the year. No assaults on officers. One man (a Chinese) has made his escape from the latter place and only escape from the prison.

(Signed) F. Douglas

Superintendent, Victoria Gaol

Convict Hulk "Royal Saxon"

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Answers to Queries

1. A Hulk having three decks, the main and lower of these being fitted up with cells. On the spar deck is the Forecastle, European Police and Cabins for the accommodation of the Superintendent and Gaol staff, also small houses for the turnkeys.

2. Under the jurisdiction of certain Justices of the Peace who are appointed Visitors, and who visit the Gaol by rotation. The Gaol is under the charge of a Superintendent.

3. A Superintendent appointed by the Secretary of State. 1 Clerk Interpreter, 1 Warden, 1 Head Turnkey, 6 European and 4 Indian Turnkeys, also 4 Malay Boatmen — all being appointed by the Governor. All the officers reside in the Prison.

4. Male prisoners only. The Hulk is for 100 prisoners. There are 20 cells on the lower and 16 in the lower deck, with five castle cells on the spar deck. There is a good airing ground on shore.

5. 37 Sleeping cells. Solitary or Dark Cells, None.

6. Each European Prisoner receives weekly at a cost of $1.24: 10 lbs Bread, 5 lbs Beef or Pork, 1 lb Vegetables, 1/2 lb Sugar and Salt. The Black and Chinese prisoners receive weekly at a cost of $0.60 each: 12 lbs Rice, 1 lb Beef or Pork, 1 lb Vegetables, 1/2 lb Fish, 1/2 lb Tea, 1/2 lb Salt, 1/2 lb Chutney, and 1/2 pint Oil. Food and clothing materials are contracted yearly by the Superintendent. Medicines supplied from the Civil Hospital.

7. Average annual cost per head is $48 per annum.

8. The White Prisoners are supplied in Winter with Serge clothing and Flannels. In Summer with Cotton drill clothing. They each have 1 pair of Blankets, Mattress and Pillows. The Black and Chinese prisoners are supplied with cotton drill clothing throughout the year. In Winter they are allowed Flannel Shirts. For bedding each have a Blanket and a piece of matting.