THE GAOL ENQUIRY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1011, 2 August 1883, Page 3

THE GAOL ENQUIRY.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. At the gaol enquiry to-day - , Captain Hums detailed his prison experience. He had been deputy-governor at the millitary priaonflatDartmoor, Portland, and Wormwood Scrubs (London). The case for Mr Caldwell was then entered on. Ex.-warder Gray said he was in the Dunedin Gaol for five years in ail, up to ISBO. Five months ago Captain Hume called on him and asked if he knew anyr : thing about irregularities. He replied he knew a little and said he knew of no illtreatment. He only saw Mr Caldwell use the violence which was necessary when prisoners became obstreperous or . impudent. He expressed his preparedness to come forward and give evidence, but the Inspector never troubled him afterwards. Mr Caldwell had favorite warders, but he did not encourage the epy system. Prisoners .were never asked to do -more than they were able, and he never saw warders drunk on duty. Mr Caldwell was a strict disciplinarian. Saw Rogers before his death, but he made no complaints. On one occasion Garrett was insolent, and witness and the doctor removed him from the office, but used no unnecessary violence. He strongly defended Warder Duncan who carried out his duties systematically. His reporting of mere prisoners than other warders was readily explainable. Duncan’s gang comprised a larrikin mob, who rebelled against work and Duncan s systematic way. Ex-Warder Frederick gave denial to Bateman’s statement that the latter informed him about Rogers’s health. He never saw Mr Caldwell ill-use prisoners, : and never was asked to act as a spy. Had : there been whistlers he must have known .it.. Bateman’s statement about a conspiracy was also untrue. Cummock was ringleader of the prisoners opposed to the gaoler. He had left the service since he last gave evidence, because it was the only dignified position he could take, seeing that another warder had preferred a charge against him. He felt his character was not safe and he was glad to leave. He overheard three warders say, “ If we all say the same, it will be right.”