8. The new rules and regulations for the Prison came into force on the 29th of March, and power given under them to the Superintendent to award a maximum of 7 days' solitary confinemen and a maximum of 42 days' separate confinement upon fail and penal or reduced penal dict in alterna weeks, has been exercised with marked effect.
{'
9. There were 735 prisoners reported for refusing to labour during the year. This offence in a prison filled principally with Chinese is a difficult one to deal with. Since I have had charge of the Gaol I have only known one European who refused to lubom As a rule Europeans prefer to labour than to sit idle. Chinese prisoners on the other hand, with few exceptions, would be content to sit in a cell from one year's end to another and do nothing,
(A.) VICTORIA GAOL.
363
Return of Reports for talking, idling, short oakum picking, &c., in the years 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897.
MONTH.
1894.
1895.
1896.
1897. Daily average number Daily average number Daily average number Daily average number
in Prison, 455.
iu Prison, 472.
in Prison, 462.
in Prison, 514.
I have found separate confinement on full and penal or reduced penal diet in alternate weeks April, most efficacious punishment in obstinate cases of this extremely troublesome offence,
This extreme apathy tends to induce to refusing to labour and undoubtedly accounts for th January, obstinacy with which Chinese prisoners will persist in refusing to labour.
March,
122
301
214
200
February,
166
814
209
161
209
223
249
147
180
236
257
154
May,
223
295
270
191
In November and December there were four such cases, but during those months there ha December, been several free labourers at work in the Gaol.
10. The number of prisoners reported for having tobacco during the year shows a further decreas Three Indian Assistant Warders were dismissed during the last 9 months of the year for traffic August, ing with prisoners, and since their dismissal the number of cases in which tobacco has been found September,. prisoners has materially decreased.
June,
179
311
261
166
July,
211
447
191
142
187
374
192
159
410
346
213
132
October,
441
309
174
160
November,
363
273
174
151
205
225
198
140
11. I attach a return shewing details regarding all the whippings that were inflicted during past year.
Total,.
2,896
3,654
2,592
1,903
12. The profit in industrial labour during the year amounted to $2,620.08. The balance she for each industry are shown in enclosure E.
13. The report from the Gaol Medical Officer shows 4 deaths from natural causes, and 2 cases. suicide during the year.
The sanitary condition of the Gaol is good.
14. A modern apparatus has been constructed for the carrying out of executions.
15. A new fire inain, with 3 hydrants, has been laid within the Prison walls, and a complete me set of fire-extinguishing appliances has also been supplied.
16. On the 22nd November a commencement was made in carrying out the improvements in Gaol originally suggested by my predecessor in C.S.O. 1937 together with some additions in matter of separate cells recommended by myself.
The principal of the suggested improvements within the Gaol were the increase of yard space b the demolition of D wing; the subdivision of a number of association cells into separate cells; a the extension of the female prison.
(B.)
Return of Offences reported of Prisoners fighting with or assaulting each other, or Officers,
for the
years 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897.
1894.
1895,
MONTH.
Daily average unaber
in Prison, 455.
Daily average number in Prisou, 472.
1896.
1897.
Daily average number Daily average number
in Prison, 514.
in Prison, 462.
January, February, March,
6
Nil.
4
F
19
5
I
12
3
4
4
April,
3
12
May,
12
12
June,
16
4
1
July,
6
D wing has already been pulled down and, with the materials removed from it, 89 associatia
Almost the whole of the labour is supplied cells are being rapidly converted into separate cells. prisoners. The work is therefore being carried out at very small cost.
Angust,
3
4
September,.
2
2
October,...
10
November,
3
December,
3
4
1
୫
Total,
96
69
28
34
There were formerly in the Prison 248 separate cells and 115 association cells. Within the next 6 months when the subdivision now in progress will be completed, there willl 427 separate cells, and 26 association cells, which will afford accommodation for 453 prisoners separate confinement.
In cases of necessity 104 extra prisoners can be accommodated by putting
prisoners in each association cell, making the total capacity of the Prison 557.
With 427 separate cells it will be possible in all ordinary times to locate every convicted crimis prisoner in a separate cell. This Prison will then be in as satisfactory a condition as it seems possi to render it on the present site.
17. The conduct of the Gaol Staff has been, on the whole, very good. I have already stated paragraph 5 that the record of prison offences for the year gives evidence of increased efficiency supervision,
Great credit is due to the Chief Warder for this result, to which the Principal Warders also le contributed materially by the example they have shown of tact and discretion in dealing with prisone and by the steady enforcement of discipline.
18. During the year 11 European Warders have been engaged locally. They have been drar from H. M.'s Naval and Military Forces and have given satisfaction.
The Honourable
(0.)
Return of Offences of Prisoners having Tobacco for the years 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897.
1894.
1895.
MONTIL
Daily average number in Prison, 455.
Daily average number in Prison, 472.
March,
January, February,
April,
May,
June,
July,
August,
September,....
1896.
1897.
Daily averago muunber Daily average number
in Prison, $14.
in Prison, 462.
7
18
2
0
18
15
13
11
4
10
17
1
77
3
1
I have the honour to be,
11
11
1
10
3
2
Sir,
10
6
5
Your obedient Servant,
S
20
October,
12
15
6
F. H. MAY,
November,
Superintendent
December,
6
4
8
3
5
NN--ONJYAQ
3
4
7
2
0
1
2
2
Total,
117
126
42
30
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
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