THE LAWRENCE GAOL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 358, 23 May 1874, Page 2

THE LAWRENCE GAOL.

The contract for the enlargement of the Lawrence Gaol was completed some abort time since, and the work, which was performed by Mr. Whittet, has, we are informed,, .given every satisfaction. Through the courtesy of Mr. Inspector Thompson, we were shown over the building by Mr. Titchener, the officer in charge. The building is of an Octagonal shape, from a design by Mr. . Mears. The outer wall, which is 14 inches thick, is built of brick set fn cement, and coated with half an' inch of cement inside, and appears strong enough to prevent any attempts at escape being successful. The building as it now stands, old and new, contains 13 apartments. The day or mess room is 12ft." x 14ft.-, and is the largest. The next is the debtor's j*oom, which is Bituate opposite the day room, Having some regard to comfort, this room is provided with a fire place. At the time of our visit it had one occupant, although even one is- a • rare occurrence in Lawrence. The kitchen is provided with a large Leamington . range, which is fitted with every modern improvement, and is capable of doing duty for the greatest possible number who may ever be confined within theGaol'sprecincts. There ia also a bath room, where prisoners have to perform their ablutions. On the other side ' of the kitchen is the tool house, where all tools used by the prisoners are kept when not in use. Passing into the main hall of the building, we noticed leg-irona hanging very portentously against the walL They are in a very appropriate position. The very sight of them, it is hoped*, will, deter prisoners from becoming refractory. The new portion of the building is principally occupied by cells,

which are lofty and roomy. The whole of the building is kept scrupulously clean and in good order. The prisoners' bedding ia neatly folded on their rising in the morning, and the cells are Bwept out before the labor of the day commences. The prisoners then get breakfast, afterwhich they commence their daily task. When the weather is fine, the able-bodied, portion are,set to work in street cutting, &c. The forming of Lancaster-street may- be designated' the Lawrence " Bell Hill," for no doubt it is a work of some magnitude. Several smaller works have been performed by prison labor in the vicinity of the Camp Reserve. The Corporation have also received the benefit of their services at various times on useful works about the_ township. In wet weather very little remunerative employment can be found for the prisoners, so they are for the most part of their time kept under lock and key. We may here remark that a substantial wall round the building is badly wanted — indeed, the Gaol will not be complete without it. By the erection of a wall, the time of the officers in. charge of the prisoners would be economised, as at present if one man requires to go outside, an officer has to follow him ; whereas, if a wall surrounded the gaol, all the outhouses could be built within the enclosure. The only other defect observable is a deficiency of furniture — indeed, there is literally none. Perhaps the authorities do not consider it necessary, but we should imagine a few bunks and forms might be the means of preventing the Gaol from being- converted into an Hospital — a result which is not at all unlikely so long as prisoners are allowed to sit or sleep on cold floors.