231354-1936-Supplementary-Draft-Bills--Crown-Rights-Re-entry-Amendment-Cane-for-Birch-Substitution — Page 4

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Objects and Reasons.

1. Three instruments are at present authorised for use in penal whippings or floggings. Under section 90 (c) of Ordinance No. 41 of 1932 boys under sixteen may be whipped within the court premises with a light cane or rattan. For floggings and whippings in prison the "cat" and the birch are the alternative instruments authorised by section 12A (c) of Ordinance No. 10 of 1886 and section 4 (1) (b) of Ordin- ance No. 3 of 1903. The birch only is the instrument authorised by sections 4 (2) (d) and 6 of Ordinance No. 3 of 1903. For offences punishable under Prison Rules the birch and the light cane are authorised under General Rule 317 (a) and all three instruments are authorised as alternatives under General Rule 321.

2. The object of this Bill is to abolish the birch and to substitute a light cane or rattan in all cases where the use of the birch has been authorised hitherto.

June, 1936.

C. G. ALABASTER,

Attorney General.