Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 799

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Q-Have you seen the three kinds of rattan used ?

A-No, I have only seen two--No. 1 and a small one, No. 3, for boys. I have seen boys receive four strokes.

Hon. Commander HASTINGS--Did the eighteen-stroke man walk away?

WITNESS-Yes.

Q-He was not helped away?

A-No, he had been flogged many times,

Dr ATKINSON-How many strokes did he receive before?

WITNESS-Six, I think; but during his previous term he was flogged three or four times. I think he has had five floggings during the last two years.

THE CHAIRMAN-When you say you would limit the number of strokes to twenty do you apply that to all cases in which flogging is administered?

WITNESS-Yes.

Q-Or only flogging ordered by the Supperintendent with the assistance of a Justice of the Peace?

A--In all cases.

I think the maximum is thirty-six that anybody can give. I think that is too much.

I mean a man in Gaol might be sentenced to eighteen strokes because of repeated acts of insubordination, and perhaps that might be quite enough; but supposing a man has been guilty of highway robbery, would you limit the number to twenty in such a case as that on the ground that he would not feel more ?

A-Yes; he could have his twenty once a week, or once a fortnight if necessary. That would be a matter for the law of the land. I do not think I would Chinaman

pass a for more than twenty; I would not give him more than twenty at one sitting.

Q-You think the punishment would be a greater deterrent if there were fewer strokes and more floggings?

A-I am quite sure.

Dr. ATKINSON-And each time examined?

WITNESS-Of course; each time he would have to come to me to be passed as being fit. I think if he was told he was going to get another eighteen his fortnight. would not be so pleasing as it would under the present circumstances when he gets into the hospital perhaps for six weeks.

Q-You have seen five Chinamen flogged with six strokes each?

A-Yes.

Q-And not injured?

A-Not in the least.

Q-Do you not think it would be better to limit the number to six?

A-I think some of them would have stood more than six, but the Superintendent has not the power to inflict more than twelve. I am giving twenty as an outside limit. I do not mean that every one who is flogged should have twenty-anywhere from six to twenty.