Report on the Dunedin Gaol.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4576, 4 September 1883, Page 2

Report on the Dunedin Gaol.

The Dunedin Gaol Commissioner's reportfinds a large number of serious irregu* larities had occurred iv the management of tho gaol from 1877 to 1883 inclusive.* The Visiting Justices had imposed sentences of additional imprisonment without the authority of law and with undue severity; that the conduct,of the medical officer was careless and unsatisfactory ; that a system of espionage was encouraged by the gaoler; that material evidence was suppressed at an inquest on a prisoner who had died; that both the goaler aud Visiting Justices showed a hostile spirit to the Inspector of Prisons from the first, and

that the gaoler impeded him in performing his duties. Several other irregularities are also proved, but credit is given to the Visiting Justices for,unremitting attention and to the galor for zeal. The Justices were, however, mainly responsible for the irregularities committed. The Commissioners recommended :—lst, That the late Gaoler Caldwell be required to retire from the* service upon pension. 2. That the services of the medical , officer, Dr Burns, be dispensed with. 3. That Warders Flannery, Watson, and Noonati be removed from the service, and th*V all warders who have been 3 years in Dan* edia gaol be removed to other gaols. 4. That all prisons officials should be periodically removed. There are aleo ei£bt other recommendations as to alteration^ in the Act, and in the regulations required to prevent a repetition of occurrences such as have taken place.