CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8] — Page 106

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CONFIDENTIA L.

Sir,

C. O.

126

REGL19 AUG (2,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG, 18th. July, 1912.

103

I have the honour to inform you that I have given instructions for the release of a certain number of short- -sentence prisoners from the Gaol before the completion of their

sentences.

2.

It was brought to my notice on my arrival in the Colony that the Gaol was very overcrowded. There are 578 separate cells and twelve association wards which hold four men each, the total accommodation being 626. The number of prisoners in custody on the 30th. June was 736 and it was only possible to manage by putting three prisoners together in some of the separate cells. This is not a satisfactory arrangement and I have, therefore, approved of the Superintendent reducing the numbers in the follow- -ing manner.

3.

There were 129 prisoners due for release bet- -ween the 13th. July and the 6th. August, not including long- -sentence prisoners. Forty will be released every day including those due for discharge until the total is brought down to 630, which allows for the average number of four in hospital. The Superintendent reports that by proceeding in this manner no sentence will be curtailed by more than a few days. When the

numbers

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

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LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,

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