AUCKLAND

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 447, 3 October 1877, Page 2

AUCKLAND

October 3. The Grand Jury have visited the Gaol, and ma-Ie a presentment to th; effect that instant attention should be pai I to the means provided fur ingress and egress in ease of fire. If such a catastrophe occurred, many lives would be lost They also recommended that the number of warde s should he inceased, and poured out that at present there were 4'i female prisoners huddled together in a space hardly sufficient to accommodate half that number, and that women awaiting trial are herded together with criminals of the basest description, sleeping in the same apartments. The Grand Jury pointed out also that the exer -ising yard, at present used as a drying ground, is not sufficiently s-jecii>us for the insurance of the health of prisoners, and that, in view of the absence of proper appliances for extinguishing fire, and the disregard of frequent representations as to in uffioient accommodation, they strongly represented to his Honor the Judge the great neglect of the Gaol and other Government institutions by the authorities. His Honor said he agreed thoroughly with the recommendations of the Grand -lury, and would forward them to the Government with a strong endorsement. William White pleaded Guilty to an indecent assault on a lit<le girl, and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with hard labour. The South British Company's policy on \he Sarah File was reinsured to the extent of LIOOO.