RIOT IN THE PARRAMATTA GAOL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1070, 27 October 1882, Page 3

RIOT IN THE PARRAMATTA GAOL.

On September 30 the Parramatta gaol, which f.ir years pa t has been noted for the good conduct of the prisoners confined in it, was the scene of a turbulent rising, which was, however, quelled without loss of life, although with some difficulty. The prisoners there number 240, and though they have hitherto been uniformly well-behaved, there have been of late vague indications of a growing storm, which induced extra vigilance on the part of the prison st ff— about twenty-five men. On Saturday morning the storm broke. A prisoner named Hicks, who with another was to be discharged next day, chose to commit an act of insubordination, probably prompted theieto by the knowledge that his term of imprisonment could not at that late stage be extended ; and as it was necessary to punish him in some way, he was, to his evident surprise and discomfiture, ordered to the dark cell. On the way thither he suddenly broke from the warders, and, without any possible hope of escape, rushed about the passage shrieking “Murder I” and bawling and howling at the top of his voice. Of course be was promptly secured, but the warder who first seized him fell with him to the ground. Hicks received neither bruise nor scratch, but tlie warder had the back of his hand skinned, and his forehead severely bruised Hicks was then placed in the dark cell, and was only released therefrom yesterday morning, when his sentence expired, and he was set at liberty. Meanwhile his refractory conduct had borne startling fruit. The 240 prisoners, divided into four parties, working in separate and isolated yards, no sooner heard his piercing cries, than they also commenced to shout, yell, and blaspheme, until the usually silent gaol resembled a Pandemonium. The warders tried in vain to calm them. Some reviled their guards, others stormed and raved about the quality of their rations ; but the majority accused the warders of cruelly ill-treating Hicks —of kicking, heating, and nearly killing him. Under the circumstances the visiting Justice (Mr. R. Stewart) was sent for. and be attempted to bang the infuriated gang to order, but in vain. “ Show us Hicks” was the impudent demand yelled at him ; “They’ve murdered him,” was ihe absurd statement which followed. Mr, R Stewart of course poohpoohed their request since to comply with it would have been subversive of all discipline, and would be likely to cause an incalculable amount of evil. He, however, assured them r.hat he had examined Hicks, who was without a scratch or bruise, aud the doctor corroborated this statement. The rioters calmed down somewhat at this, but still remained unruly, and the inmates of one yard had the assurance to propose that one of their number should be allowed to see Hicks. Naturally this also was refused, and they then continued unruly throughout the day, maintaining a thieatening demeanour, and refusing to go to their cells. The authorities, however, were equal to the occasion, and took such steps that at locking up time—--4.30 p m.—the prisoners were reduced to subjection again without a blow being struck Some of the local police were summoned to the assistance of the warders, and then the insurgents were dealt with yard by yard. Confronted by men armed with the bayonet, and ready to use it too, should such a course be necessary, each mob of thieves and ruffians in turn recognised the fact that they were overmatched, and retired into their separate cells. [The ringleaders, we learn by telegraph, were flogged and removed to another yard.]