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Q--And the reason you give is that there is a marked falling off in the physique of the men?
A-I think there is a marked falling off in the physique of the men. I think that the shot drill and stone carrying are perhaps made more irksome to the prisoners than they used to be. More attention is paid by the staff to get the men to perform their tasks in a proper manner, whereas the work used to be performed less strictly.
Q-This Committee heard the other day that on one occasion it was discovered in the Gaol that the cranks were much below pressure?
A-Yes.
Q-Have you found that out ? -
A-It was found out in Mr. THOMSON's time.
Q-Has any discovery of that kind occurred whilst you have been there?
A-Yes.
Q-Then the cranks were put to their full pressure?
A-The cranks were put to their full pressure.
Q-Any results from that? Any increase in the refusals to labour?
A-Yes.
Q-When was that?
A-I cannot tell you definitely; it was before I went home; I think it was in 1894 that one morning I found that the cranks were not up to pressure.
Q-Was that the fault of the cranks or was it the fault of the officer ?
A-It was the fault of the officer who inspected them.
Q-With regard to your staff, do you consider that their conduct in any way aggravates prisoners and so incites them to commit breaches of Prison discipline? A-I think that the majority of the staff treat the prisoners very fairly.
Q-Have cases of this description, that is, aggravating conduct on the part of the staff, ever come under your notice either directly or indirectly?
A-Yes.
Q-How have you dealt with them?
A--I have punished the officer concerned.
Q-Have you reported to the Government?
A-No.
Q-Have you had any changes in the staff during the period of your superin- tendency
A-A very large number.
Q-What led to such changes?
A-Inefficiency of the officers.
Q-Do you consider the present staff fitted by good discretion, temper, and tact to have control of prisoners?
A-Fairly well.
Q--What are the weights and proportions of the three rattans used in flogging prisoners ?
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