CO129-298 - Governor Sir Blake Administrator Major Gen Gascoigne - 1900 [3-4] — Page 429

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I should mention that the Medical Officer has

recently recomiended a somewhat longer interval of rect

in the middle of the day in the hot season, and that this will be provided for by the Superintendent by an

alteration of the Bell Scale by which the hours of labour

and duty in the Prison are regulated.

7. With regard to the exemption of first offenders

from crank labour, I have to state that such has been

the practice in the Prison for a number of years,

the

object being apparently to make a distinction between

first and old offenders.

Such distinction is not without its usefulness, and as it is not desirable to alter the well established routine of a Prison without strong reason I am of opinion that the distinction should be preserved.

Lowson, w

who

8. I enclose copy of a report from Dr.

was Modical Officer of the Gaol at the time, on the

subject of the question referred to in paragraph 19 of

your despatch.

I em informed that the rule was made in order

to meet the case of prisoners tearing off external appli- casions in order to retard their recovery from ailments

and thus to escape labour.

The rule is in my opinion a necessary one.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient.

Humble Servant,

M.J. Gascoigne

Major-General

Administering the Government.

nol: 2. 9th March; 1900.