GAOL LIFE AT TAURANGA.

Southland Times, Issue 998, 5 August 1868, Page 3

GAOL LIFE AT TAURANGA.

The following account of what His Excellency and Mr. Richmond saw at Tauranga., when they visited the " gaol," is truly amusing. A correspondent says : — ■ - "The other day His Excellency in company with the Hon. J. C,. Richmond and Captain Young, A. D. C. called at the gaol ; a gentle knock was given, and the door was soon opened from within. There were three jolly looking men roasting themselves before the fire, to all appearances happy and comfortable. An inquiry was made for the gaoler, when one of the party jumped up and said " I will soon find htm, for he is only taking an airing," with that he scampered away. Mr. Richmond enquired from the other two in what capacity they were . connected with the gaol, and was answered that they were prisoners. " And what Is that man that went for the gaoler ?' "Oh, he is a prisoner too." Good Heavens," said Mr. R., "he will run away." " Oh, no," replied the other, " he won't do that, he will soon find the gaoler and return with him." The Governor and his suite were astounded ; in fact they could not believe their own eyes or ears. When the prisoner arrived in company with his gaoler, many enquiries were made of the latter by Mr Richmond, relating to whether he was employed by the General or Provincial Government, and that gentleman concluded by saying, . that what they had just seen and witnessed of a country gaol in a place like Tauranga should be duly represented to the Gaol Commissioners. But this was not all. Adjoining the gaol is a magazine containing a large supply of ammunition, left to the mercy of any evil disposed person who might run away with it, and take it to the Hau haus unseen or unmolested ; or if they thought proper, fire it, thereby destroying innocent lives to say nothing of the destruction of property. — Auckland Paper.