SHORT RATIONS IN GAOL.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1167, 14 April 1874, Page 4

SHORT RATIONS IN GAOL.

A writer in the Dunedin Guardian, who contributes some notes on the Gaol of that city, has the following to say under the heading, " Bows about Short Rations" : —" Nothing is more common than for prisoners to complain of their provisions,—not only on the question of qualitj, but also of quantity. The old hands are such adepts at weighing their food, by poising it on their hands, that if it- is an ounce short they will at once complain to the governor. Should it turn out that the food is really short weight, which .is sometimes the case, the required amount is added, and the prisoner goes away content. There are some curious stories told on this subject, but none more so than the following, which came within the experience of our informant :—Rows about rations are of frequent occurrence, of course, they are enjoyed as a relief to the inoDotony of convict life. If a serious riot can be got up, so much the better —if not, then a mock indignation meeting can be held. There is old Jerry, who has so long been accustomed to convict rations that his hands are as capable of weighing them as any Government pair of scales whatever. He finds that he has been defrauded of his allowance by half-au-ounce, and getting on his legs, he addresses his companions on the subject. Such a speech has been reported to me as follows :—' Gentlemen, This here dinner ain't weight, and it ain't the first time I've been short. Now, I don't wish always to get our superiors here into trouble—(A Voice: "They ain't our superiors , they are our servants, paid by the Government to take care on us") —but such is their duty that I shall feel bound to bring the matter afore the House of Commons. (Hear, hear.) The nation pays for our victuals, and it would be ungrateful on our part not to look after it. (Cheers: "Old England for ever!") Meantime, as I said afore, this dinner ain't weight, and I shall go and call their polite attention to it,' Amid cries of' It's no use' the old rogue betakes himself to an officer, and presently returns with the mistake corrected; 'You see, gentleman,' he exclaims, again haranguing his companions, 'I have succeeded in making our servants do their duty. But, as for you, you'll put up with anything—the honour of old England ain't safe in your hands. However, sorry to drink your health in water only, but here's to you all the same. May we never want a right-screw [good warder] in prison, nor the needful out of it.' (Cheers, followed by ' Britons never shall be slaves.')"