CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4] — Page 45

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six strokes

jority of cases, only

inflicted whilst the

are

regu-

lations allow the infliction of a maximum of twelve. I think it also right to inform you that

flogging inflic

in no case is a

ted without a certificate from the Medical Officer of the Gaol as to the fitness of the prisoner to undergo the punishment and that most of the prisoners who have been flogged offenders, convicted of serious crime, who are perfectly well acquainted

are

old

44

acquainted with the Gaol; and: are recruited from the greatest

ruffians and criminals in South China.

4.

With reference to the

2nd paragraph of your despatch, I would observe that a more generally improved building would not necessarily tend to reduce offences for which flogging may be awarded, and the provision of special punish ment cells is at present quite

satisfactory as regards number.

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