THE CENTRAL PRISON ESTABLISHMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 4121, 12 May 1876, Page 4

THE CENTRAL PRISON ESTABLISHMENT.

The Hon. Mr Bowen, at an interview he had with the Taranaki Harbor Board lately, submitted to the members a plan of the proposed prison, which appeared to be somewhat similar to the Mill Bank Penitentiary in London. The ' Herald' learns that it is the intention of the Government to erect only part of the prison; but if the number of long-sentenced prisoners increased, then the remaining portion could be added. It is to be built of wood, lined with corrugated iron, the latter material being found to be far more secure than stone, for there is no way of cutting a hole through it except by a drill and a file ; but in using these tools the iron would vibrate, and the noise cause immediate detection. The prison is to be erected at Moturoa, and the site chosen is close to the native village there, the land having recently been purchased from the Maoris by the Government. The block »f land is between forty and fifty acres, and there is a stream of

water running through it. On looking at the plans of the prison as they appear on paper, one is forcibly reminded of a -windmill, and in stating that, our readers will perhaps be better able to follow out our description of the proposed new building, which will be two storeys in height. The front portion of the prison will stand on a block of ground having9|a frontage of about 172 ft by a depth of 90ft, and will consist of rooms averaging twenty-five feet square, surrounding a courtyard in the centre. The buildings, however, which enclose the courtyard at the sides and front are not to be erected yet, only those at the back; and this portion will consist of a

number of rooms occupying a frontage of 172 ft by a depth of 25ft. Here, on the one aide, on the ground storey, will be the registry room, the reception cells, and fumigating oven; and on the other a store for the clothing, and a steam-drying room, together with apartments for warders, &c. Running back from the centre of the front portion is another part of the building, 86ft long by ,45ft wide, and through it will be a passage about 12ft in width ; on either side of which are the officers' apartments, &c. To the left is the governor's room, which is separated by a passage from the pantry, kitchen, scullery, and larder; and to the right are the efficers' messroom, the bakehouse, the bread and flour-rooms, and other offices. Attached is a circular building about 49ft. in diameter, and from which are to be run out four wings, 105 ft.

long by 34ft. wide, where the sleeping cells for the prisoners are to be built. It is the intention of the Government to build only two of these wings at present. In the circular portion there .are marked on the plans " sunken courts," but we cannot gather for what use they are intended. The rooms in the front portion of the upper floor of the building will be devoted to the hospital, bathrooms, dispensary, and doctor's room, on the right side; on the left side will be the warders' rooms, &c ; and in the centre the chaplain will have two rooms. The staircase from the ground floor fronts these apartments, and leads into the chapel, which portion of the building is about 60ft. long by 40ft. wide, and will be *n—v«y over *!><» *r —*"T At the two farthest _*iers~of the chapel ve rooms for the library and; a schoolroom. Passing into the circular portion of the building access is obtained to the upper floor of the wings, where there are more eells. We have briefly given an outline of the building proposed to be erected, but in the absence of an elevation plan we can say nothing whatever as to its architectural appearance. Mr Clayton is the architect, and now the Government proposals have been acceded to by the authorities at Taranaki we may expect in a few weeks to hear of tenders being called for the erection of the building J