THE GAOL ENCLOSURE.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 70, 14 January 1882, Page 280

THE GAOL ENCLOSURE.

The Mount Eden Graol lies on the south side of the Kyber Pass-road. It is built on a piece of ground that has been partly formed by cutting into the scoria rocks on the side of the extinct volcano which partly encloses the gaol, and completely commands the site on -which it stands. The pdsition was well chosen in many important respects. It is in close proximity to a practically inexhaustible supply of the best scoria rock in Auckland, the situation is salubrious, the porous foundation facilitates drainage, and the site is sufficiently isolated. The gaol premises are in the form of a parallelogram, enclosed by a splendidly liuilt stone Avail, all erected by prison labour. As one who has had some experience of military defences, I consider this wall thick and solid enough to withstand for a considerable time the fire of any ordinary ileld-gun, and it is sufficiently high to render escape practically impossible. Within this wall ia a second enclosure, consisting •of wood, which originally formed the outer boundary of the prison. It must have been very, insecurej and entailed a much larger outlay on warders than the present strong, high wall. The gaol buildings are situate -within this central en■closure, and are further isolated by means of the ■design upon which they are planned. The residence of the Governor and the ft&mle and debtors;' departments are outside the prison walls, in close. proximity, on the west side. I shall have something to say further on as to the means of classification of criminals. There are two entrances to the prison — one on the north, and the other on the west.