WELLINGTON.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1259, 26 January 1883, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT), V A great deal has been written and eaid for and against the establishing of th* penal e*. tablisnment at the central position of Mount Cook. Whether the neighborhood will bo depreciated by having such a grand edifice as that described in the “ Post "very recently, the future will show, and it is not my purpose at present to say, but a grander could not possibly be selected, oommandinaMb as it does a glorious view of the harbour the suburban country about, stretching back into Cook Straits to the South, and the magnificent range of the Aunutaka and the Hutt Valley to the North; a more glorious and animated a scene could not well be conceived. Whilst your “own" is vainly endeavouring to describe the view, the prisonere who ar* at present preparing the foundations, making the bricks, etc., are in hail of me, and to hear their hearty laughter, jokes, etc., on* almost feel* inclined to change positions with thsm : indeed theirhealthfulpursuitand “freedom ’’ are envied. This much is certain, they are at present enjoying themselvee, although they are leisurely filling and emptying their hand-trucks, for it is Anniversary Day, and the harbour is alive with craft competing for the prizes given, the gay bunting giving th* scene a very festive air. The prisoner* also had full view of the sports on Boxing Day. giatis, as the scene of their labours overlook* the Basin Reserve, and it was very laughable to hear their remarks upon the various competitors; how they would “bet a bob” on this one; what a duffer the other “long slab " was, etc. Perhaps the prospect will not be so lively for some of them when the edifice is furnished. However, their present motto seems to be “carpe diem," and when confined within the gaol’s massive walls, they can calmly reflect now they have enjoyed themselves out of them whilst rearing and what a benefit they have been conferring 3 on mankind generally. A very pleaeant reflection, too, if they divest themselves of the causes that compelled them to take up their reluctant dwelling there, and in future strive to mend their ways.