Estimates-1958 — Page 184

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HEAD 25 PRISONS DEPARTMENT

Estimate 1957/58

Revised estimate 1956/57

$7,604,390

6,381,000

Approved estimate 1956/57

6,628,550

Actual expenditure 1955/56

5,266,299

Permanent staff

Net increase

1956/57

577

1957/58

Difference

673

+96

96

The overall net increase of 96 posts consists of 106 new posts offset by 10 existing posts deleted. 88 of the new posts as follows:-

New posts

1 Superintendent*

1 Chief Officer*

8 Principal Officers, Prison Officers Class I & II (Combined overall establishment, but 4 posts to be Principal Officers)*

2 Principal Warders*

4 Assistant Principal Warders*

60 Warders*

2 Dressers*

5 Temporary Clerks*

1 Office Attendant*

1 Messenger*

3 Coolies*

88

** Approved by Special Warrant during the year.

were approved by Special Warrant during the year to staff a new prison at Chimawan on Lantau Island. This measure was introduced to relieve overcrowding at Stanley Prison and to provide short-term prisoners with useful employment: the former Social Welfare Home for the Physically Handicapped was adapted for this purpose.

The other staff changes are:-

New posts

1 Assistant Chief Officer

2 Prison Officers Class II

1 Principal Warder

7 Wardresses (Permanent staff)

3 Temporary Clerks

Existing posts deleted

1 Chief Warder

1 Asst. Chief Warder

1 Storekeeper Class III

7 Temporary Wardresses

3 Telephone Operators

18

1 Trade Instructor

10

The senior posts arise from the reorganization of duties at Stanley Prison. The additional Principal Warder, replacing a Storekeeper, Class III, will perform duties in the depart- mental stores. Three more clerks are needed to cope with increased office work and the number of telephone operators has been increased to release warders to their proper functions whilst still maintaining 24-hour operation of the telephone exchanges. Another Trade Instructor will give prisoners technical instruction in the manufacture of tin gear and metal work.