PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 3516, 1 June 1874, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Monday, Junk 1, Several petitions were received. In answer to Mr Basting’s question—** By what right, or in virtue of what Act or Regulation, the gaoler of H.M. Gaol, Dunedin, deprived the debtor prisoner Stead of the use of pens, ;nk. and paper?’—the Provincial Secretary said he could not do better than read the following letter he had received from the gaoler There is no provision in the-regulations for debtors orisons requiring the gad authorities to furnish any debtor prisoner with pens, ink, and paper. Out of kindness to Stead, I gave him pens ink, and paper; but finding that he. made use of them so as to interfere with the discipline of the gaol, and also attempted to convey messages out of the gaol without my knowledge and to contravene the gaol regulations, I withdrew the privilege I had accorded to him, informing him, however, that if he desired to send any written communication he could have the use of my own office or wardens’ room for the purpose of writing. He has never made such a request me without it bting at once complied with. Whenever he wished to communicate with his solicitor, I at once hot only gave him writing material, but forwarded the letters either through the post or by the gaol officials. I respectfully submit that 1 am not compelled to supply debtors with writing material, so that they may write out scurrilous letters attacking all in power or authority in the Colony. I may state that there is ample provision in the gaol regulations for any debtor prisoner, if he has any complaint whatever to make against the gaol authorities, to prefer the same to the Visiting Justices. urthermore, every week the Visiting Justices put the following question to each prisoner * Have you any complaints to make?’ This was put to Btead every week, and not once did he prefer any complaint against me or any of the officers. Stead has even this wepk stated to me that I have shown him every kindness and indulgence.” Ihe gaoler also drew attention to the fact that the discipline of the gaol would be seriously injured if, instead of complaints being in the first instance preferred to the Visiting Justice, they are brought before such a body as the Provincial Council. The pßnvTrvniAt, TREAsrrwrn laiauiTTßo table the balance-sheet, on receiving which the Speaker called attention to the fact that it did not bear the usual certificate by the Provincial Auditor. Message No. 15 covered the Estimates for 1874-5.