APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTOR OF PRISONS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1881 Session I, H-04a

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1881. NEW ZEALAND

APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTOR OF PRISONS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO).

Presented to loth Rouses of the General Assembly, hy command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to the Agent-General. (No. 6 ) Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 3rd January, 1880. During the late session of Parliament a vote was taken for the appointment of an Inspector of Prisons. _ The Government is anxious that effect should be given to tho decision of Parliament as soon as possible, and has determined to request you to place yourself in communication with the proper authorities in order to obtain a suitable officer for the purpose. I gather from an abstract of the second annual report of the Commissioners of Prisons, which appeared in the Times newspaper some three or four months ago, that very considerable advance has recently been made in England in the discipline and economy of gaols, and that the whole system of gaol-management is undergoing revision, with very satisfactory results in the saving of expenditure, and also as affecting the repression of crime. The Government is desirous of obtaining the services of an officer who has a thoroughly practical acquaintance with the latest methods adopted in the prisons and penal establishments, and also in the reformatories, of Great Britain in respect of discipline, appliances, and buildings, and has himself held office in one of the best-managed penal establishments. You are aware that up to the present time the gaols in this colony have been built on no definite system, and without the advantage of a knowledge of the plans most approved in England. The time has come when considerable increase of gaol-accommodation will be required, and it is of the greatest importance that the officer to be appointed should be personally acquainted with the plans which have been adopted by the Commissioners in the new prison buildings which, I understand, have been largely erected under the scheme of consolidation entered upon by them. No officer who had not himself been engaged in carrying out the work of modern prison discipline would be likely to be capable of doing the work of organization which is now so necessary in New Zealand. It should be expressly mentioned that the services of such officer will be generally available in connection with his department for purposes of correspondence with the gaolers from head-quarters, where he will be stationed. The salary will not exceed £600 per annum. The usual travelling allowances will be attached to the office. The correspondence which you yourself conducted in respect to the appointment of Dr. Skae will suggest other qualifications for the office which you would consider necessary to insist upon, and the Government will approve of similar terms of engagement to those adopted in Dr. Skae's case (Appendix to Journals, H.-46, 1876). I may also refer you to the correspondence in your office on this subject which took place between the Colonial Government and your predecessor. The last letter from Sir W Tyrone Power bears date the 16th November, 1876. You will observe in this correspondence that tho question of a central penal establishment is raised. How far that view may be acted upon in the future will remain for Parliament to determine. I believe that later experience goes in the direction taken by Mr. Bowen in his memorandum. However this may be, you will understand that the officer appointed should be, as indicated by_Mr. Bowen, a man of such education and ability, as well as practical experience, as would give weight and authority to his recommendations in reference to the system to be adopted for the future in the colony You will probably think it advisable to authorize the officer appointed before leaving England to spend some time in visiting any modern prisons with which he is not acquainted, and which it may be thought worth his while to see ; and he should furnish himself (as I observe you have authorized in the case of Mr. Van Asche) with the latest reports, plans, &c., bearing on the subject. The same remarks would apply to reformatories, some of which should be visited. 1-H. 4a.

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As soon as you have satisfied yourself in the choice of the officer, I shall be glad if you will arrange for his leaving for the colony at as early a date as possible. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, Wit. Rolleston, London. (In absence of the Colonial Secretary.) P.S. —I believe there is also a correspondence in your office between myself when Superintendent of Canterbury and the late Dr. Featherston on the subject of the appointment of a gaoler in Canterbury, which had a very satisfactory result. This may contain useful information collected on the subject by your predecessor. —W.R.

No. 2. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 193.) Silt,— 7 Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 18th March, 1880. Referring to your letter, No. 6, of the 3rd January last, instructing me to select a gentleman as Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand, I have the honor to transmit copy of the advertisement which 1 have issued for that purpose, together with copies of the application form, and statement specifying the qualifications required and the conditions under which the appointment will be made. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. Inspector of Prisons, New Zealand. —The Agent-General for New Zealand will receive, until the 15th April, written applications for the appointment of Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand. The salary will not exceed £600 per annum, with the usual travelling expenses. Candidates must have a thoroughly practical acquaintance with the latest methods adopted in prisons and penal establishments, and also in the reformatories of Great Britain, in respect of discipline, appliances, and buildings. As experience in these matters is an indispensable qualification, no notice will be taken of applications from persons not possessing such experience. Private or personal representations on behalf of any candidate will in no way serve him. The testimonials and references accompanying his application will alone be considered. A printed statement, giving further particulars and forms of application, can be obtained by intending applicants at the office of the Agent-General for New Zealand, 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, S.W March 9, 1880.

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. New Zealand : Form of Application, Inspector of Prisons.—The applicant is requested to fill up the subjoined form, in duplicate, which must be sent to Sir Julius Vogel, 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S. W., on or before Thursday, April 15th, 1889, together with two copies of his testimonials, which should be written (or printed) on one side of the paper, and fastened together at the left-hand upper corner. The selected candidates will be duly communicated with. On returning the application the envelope should be marked "Inspector of Prisons." 1. Name in full and address .. 4. Are there any of your testimonials to which 2. Age .. .. you desire to call special attention? 3. How long experience in matters connected 5. In what capacity has your experience been with prisons and prison management, &c. ? gained?

Enclosure 3 in No. 2. Statement specifying generally the Qualifications which the Government of New Zealand require as regards the Candidates for the Appointment of Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand, and also giving Information respecting the Duties, &o, of the Office, and the Conditions under which it would be held. Candidates must have a thoroughly practical acquaintance with the latest methods adopted in prisons and penal establishments, and also in the reformatories of Great Britain, in respect of discipline, appliances, and buildings. They should have a complete and personal knowledge of the plans of buildings, suitable for those purposes, most approved in England, more especially of those which have been most recently adopted by the Commissioners of Prisons. The increase of population in the colony renders it essential to add considerably to the gaol accommodation, which, hitherto, has not been provided on any definite system, so that no officer, who had not himself been engaged in carrying out the work of modern prison discipline, would be likely to be capable of undertaking the duties of the office, which would involve the work of organization which has now become so necessary Any gentleman who obtains the appointment must therefore be prepared not to limit himself to what he may understand to be the ordinary duties of an Inspector of Prisons, as he will be required, and must be competent, to advise and in every other way aid the authorities in the colony in placing the whole prison system there on a complete and properly organized footing.

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Under such circumstances it is obvious that the officer to be appointed should be a man of such education and ability, as well as practical experience, as would give weight and authority to his recommendations. It must be expressly understood that his services will be made generally available in connection with the department to which he will be attached, for purposes of correspondence with gaolers from head-quarters where he may be stationed. Subject to such modifications in regard to details as may be found necessary or advisable, the engagement will embrace such terms as the following: — (I) The Inspector will receive a salary not exceeding £600 per annum, to commence from the date of his leaving this country direct for tho colony The usual travelling allowances will be paid him while engaged in the business of the Government. (2.) The cost of his passage, and that of his family (not exceeding six adults in all), from Loudon to New Zealand, will be paid by the Government. (3 ) The Inspector will not be entitled to any p<ayment for extra services. In case any such payment is made it will be considered as a gratuity only (4.) The Inspector will be required, within seven days after the expiration of each calendar month, to transmit to the Government a statement of all his claims and demands for travelling and other expenses, and, if such claim is not furnished, or any item omitted, he will lose all claim in respect of the same. (5.) The engagement will be terminable at the expiration of three years from the time of the commencement of the said salary, or at any time afterwards, by either side giving six months' previous notice in writing. (6.) In case the engagement is determined at or before the expiration of the said period of three years (other than and except as mentioned in clause 8), th.e passage-money of the Inspector will be paid back to England, in the event of his forthwith leaviug the colony for England. (7 ) The engagement shall cease and determine if the Inspector shall, iu the opinion of the Government, become incapacitated for the performance of his duties on account of illness or accident. (8.) If the Inspector shall at any time neglect or refuse to perform, abide by, or comply with the terms of his engagement, or any of the duties required of him, or any of the orders of the Government, the Government may, by notice in writing, immediately determine and put an end to tho engagement. (9.) The other stipulations usually included in such engagements. 7 Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 9th March, 1880.

No. 3. The Agent-General to the Hon. tho Colonial Secretary (No. 477 ) Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 15th June, 1880. Referring to my letter, No. 198, of the 18th March last, respecting the appointment of an Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand, I have the honor to report that, in reply to the advertisement, copy of which I sent you in the above-numbered letter, I received a large number of applications for the forms and statement specifying the qualifications required, &c, which resulted in my receiving completed applications from thirty-seven gentlemen who offered themselves as candidates for the appointment. After carefully examining these applications, I selected seven with whom 1 thought it desirable to have personal interviews Only one of them, however, after I had conferred with Sir Edmund Du Cane, appeared to possess those qualifications which, from what I understood to be the duties of the office, would render them altogether fit for so important an appointment. The one who would, I believe, have, fully met your requirements, was, unfortunately, not in a strong state of health, and, although he furnished me with a medical certificate to the effect that he was quite equal to the duties which he would have to perform, I thought it right to obtain an additional opinion from another eminent medical gentleman, and I regret to say that the result of this further examination was not sufficiently favourable to justify my offering him the appointment. On further conference with Sir Edmund Du Cane, I have come to the opinion, in which Sir Edmund fully concurs, that the conditions under which it is stated the office is to be held are not sufficiently advantageous to induce men possessing the necessary qualifications to seek the appointment. The provision as to the engagement being terminable at six months' notice after three years' service appears to denote that the office is not regarded as likely to be a permanent one; and the amount of the salary, described as "not to exceed £600," produces the impression that there is no prospect of any increase. Under these circumstances, I have this day sent a telegram to the Hon. the Premier, copy of which I herewith enclose, and shall await a reply to the same before taking any further steps in the matter. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 3. From Vogel to Premier. (Telegram.) 15th June, 1880. _ Prisons. Cannot get suitable Inspector present terms. Instead three years, suggest make appointment permanent, subject Civil Service Regulations. May I use discretion ?

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No. -1. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary (No. 588.) Sir, —■ 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 7th July, 1880. Referring to previous communications respecting the appointment of an Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand, I have the honor to inform you that I have selected Captain Arthur Hume, late of the 79th Highlanders, for the office. Captain Hume is forty years of age, and has served as DeputyGovernor of Her Majesty's convict prisons of Millbank, Dartmoor, Portland, and Wormwood Scrubs. Sir Edmund Du Cane, in recommending Captain Hume for the appointment, states that he is in every respect qualified for the post, having had considerable and varied experience in the working of both close and publie-w-orks prisons since his appointment as Deputy-Governor in August, 1874, and that he has performed his duties in such a way as to merit Sir E. Du Cane's entire approbation. Captain Hume and his family, consisting of Mrs. Hume and six sons (the eldest aged thirteen), will, it is proposed, leave this country for the colony in the steamer "Durham," which sails on the 15th September direct for Lyttelton. I may add that I have had a personal interview with Captain Hume, and feel every confidence that he is well fitted for the appointment. I have authorized him to visit any modern prisons which he may consider it desirable to see, and also some of the reformatories of Great Britain, for the purpose of making himself as fully acquainted as possible with the latest methods adopted in such establishments in respect of discipline, appliances, and buildings. The terms and conditions of Captain Hume's appointment will be similar to those mentioned in the printed statement, which I issued for the information of candidates, copy of which I herewith enclose. I will have a formal agreement prepared by Messrs. Mackrell, and duly executed by Captain Hume before he leaves for New Zealand. I have, &c., Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial-Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 4. For Enclosure, see Enclosure 3 in No. 2, ante page 2.

No. 5. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary (No. 651.) Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W , 10th August, 1880. I have the honor to enclose, for your information, copy of correspondence which has taken place with Captain Hume, who has been appointed Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand. As you will perceive, Captain Hume makes an application for Government quarters and medical attendance, and, while pointing out to him, in reply, that I have no power to hold out such expectations, I have promised to submit the question for the consideration of the Government. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 5 Captain Hume to the Agent-General. Sir,— 3, Boscombe Road, Shepherd's Bush, W., 27th July, 1880. With reference to my appointment as Inspector of Prisons, New Zealand, I have the honor to request you will forward and recommend for the favourable consideration of the Government this my application to be granted Government quarters, or lodging allowance in lieu, and medical attendance for myself and family, from the date of my Landing in New Zealand. Both of these allowances are invariably given with prison appointments, and from all I can learn I believe I shall have great difficulty in taking a house in Wellington unless one is provided by the Government. I forward this request at once, in order that the necessary entry may be made in the legal agreement you are causing to be drawn out. I have, &c, A. Hume, Captain, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Inspector of Prisons, New Zealand.

Enclosure 2 in No. 5. The Agent-General to Captain Hume. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 4th August, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo. I cannot hold out to you any prospect of the request contained in it being complied with, and I doubt if it is the custom to make such allowances with respect to the appointment in question. lam not aware, for example, that Sir Edmund Du Cane receives such allowances, and, relatively, the appointment is somewhat analogous to that of the head of the department in England. I am, &c, Julius Vogel, Captain Hume. Agent-General.

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Enclosure 3 in No. 5. Captain Hume to the Agent-General. Sir, — 3, Boscombe Road, Shepherd's Bush, W., 6th August, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, on the subject of Government quarters and medical attendance in New Zealand. Sir E. Du Cane does not draw lodging allowance because his pay is consolidated at somewhere about £2,600 a year; but I would beg respectfully to point out that Inspectors of Prisons in England receive a salary of £700 a year, rising to £800 after five years' service, and their duties are purely those of inspectors under the orders of the Commissioners ; but in my case I am to be head of the department, and shall probably have other duties in addition to perform. When I tell you that lam quite as well, if not better, off in my present position of Deputy-Governor, with a house and medical attendance, than I shall be in New Zealand on £600 a year with far more responsible duties to perform, I feel sure you will give the matter your most favourable consideration, and so put the case before the Government as will obtain for me the allowances I am seeking. I may add that, when first offered the appointment, I had no idea that house-rent was so high in New Zealand, so that under these circumstances I feel sure you will kindly do what you can for me in the matter. I have, <fcc, A. Hume, Captain, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Inspector of Prisons, New Zealand.

Enclosure 4 in No. 5. The Agent-General to Captain Hume. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 10th August, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, relating to your application for Government quarters and allowance for medical attendance in New Zealand. I should be sorry to lead to expectations that might not be fulfilled. I have no power to increase the terms of your appointment. You will, however, be able on your arrival to make your own representations, and I will send a copy of the correspondence on the subject to the colony I can make no promise whatever, but I will ask the Government to consider the matter. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, Captain Hume. Agent-General.

No. 6. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 3rd September, 1880. Referring to my letter No. 588, of the 7th July, I now have the honor t» forward the agreement entered into with Captain Arthur Hume, who has been appointed as Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand. Captain Hume and family will proceed to the colony in the s.s. "Durham," sailing on the 16th instant. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 6. Articles of Agreement made and entered into this twenty-fifth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and eighty, between Her Most Gracious Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, for herself, her heirs and successors, and Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Governor of her Colony or Dependency of New Zealand, for himself and his successors, acting for and on behalf -^ of the Government of the said colony, and hereinafter called the Government, by Sir Julius rt Vogel, of No. 7, Westminster Chambers, in the City of Westminster, Knight Commander of the w Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Agent-General in Great Britain for the said colony, of the one part; and Arthur Hume, of 3, Boscombe Road, Shepherd's Bush, in the County of Middlesex, late Captain in the Seventy-ninth Highlanders, for himself, his executors and administrators, of the other part. Whereas the Government are desirous of appointing an Inspector of Prisons in the Colony of New Zealand : Now, it is hereby agreed as follows : — 1. The Government, upon and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter contained, engaged and retain the said Arthur Hume as an Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand, iind the said Arthur Hume is diligently and faithfully to employ the whole of his time in such service, and in doing such work as may be required of him by the said Government in relation thereto, and is not, during his engagement, to bo concerned directly or indirectly in anytrade or business whatsoever. 2. The said Arthur Hume is forthwith to proceed to Wellington, in New Zealand, and immediately upon his arrival is to report himself to the Government. 3. The said Arthur Hume is in all things and in all respects to obey, perform, and fulfil the lawful orders, commands, and directions of the Goverment of the said colony, and of any superior officer for the time being duly appointed, and is to advise as and when required, and in every other way aid and assist the Government in placing the present system of prison discipline and management and the

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custody of prisoners on a complete and properly organized footing, and will render all such services as may be required by the Government in connection with the department to which he may for the time being be attached for any purpose connected with the prison discipline, organization, and superintendence in the said colony 4. The said Arthur Hume is charged with the duty of seeing that the various provisions of the law with reference to prisons and prisoners in the colony are carried out, and is from time to time to report in writing, as and when he may be required by the Government, upon the state and condition of the several prisons and the inmates thereof, and to render all assistance in his power to the Government in initiating and carrying out such measures as may be from time to time found necessary for the due and proper supervision of the prisons, and supervision, care, and treatment of prisoners, in the said colony 5. The Government will pay the cost of the passages of the said Arthur Hume and his family, consisting of not more than six adults in all, including the said Arthur Hume, from London to New Zealand, and will pay him a salary of £600 per annum, during the continuance of his engagement, such salary to commence from the date of his leaving London direct for the colony, and to be paid by such equal periodical pityments as are usual in the colony for official salaries. The Government will also pay the said Arthur Hume the fair and reasonable usual sums allowed for travelling expenses within the colony whilst engaged on the business of the Government. 6. The said Arthur Hume is no 4; to be entitled to any payments for extra services, and in the event of the Government making- him any extra payment the same is to be considered and regarded as a gratuity only 7 The said Arthur Hume is, within seven days after the expiration of each calendar month, to transmit by the most ready course to the Government a statement of all his claims and demands upon the Government for travelling and other expenses up to the end of the previous calendar month, and, if such claim be not so furnished or any item or items omitted therefrom, the said Arthur Hume shall have no claim or demand upon the Government in respect of any such claim or any omitted item or items. 8. Either party may determine and put an end to this engagement at the expiration of three years from the time when the said salary shall commence to be payable, or at any time afterwards, by giving to the other six months' previous notice in writing, signed by the party giving such notice, or by the Secretary for the time being to the Governor, if such notice shall be given to the said Arthur Hume. 9. In case this engagement shall be determined and put an end to at or before the said period of three years, other than and except as mentioned in clause 11 of these presents, the Government will pay the passage-money of the said Arthur Hume and his family (not exceeding six adults) back to England, in the event of his forthwith leaving the colony for England, but not otherwise. 10. This engagement shall cease and determine if the said Arthur Hume shall, in the opinion of the Governor, become incapacitated for the performance of his duties on account of illness or accident. 11. If the said Arthur Hume shall, at any time or times, neglect or refuse to perform, abide by, or comply with the terms of this engagement, or any duties required of him, or all or any of the orders of the Governor, or other officers for the time being duly authorized in that behalf, the Governor may, by notice in writing under the hand of his Secretary for the time being to that effect, to be given to the said Arthur Hume, immediately determine and put an end to this engagement, anything hereinbefore contained to the contrary notwithstanding. As witness the hands of the said Sir Julius Vogel, as such Agent as aforesaid only, and not so as to make himself personally liable, and of the said Arthur Hume, the day and year first above written. Arthur Hume, Captain, Witness —■ Late 79th Highlanders. W P Mallan, Surgeon, 6, Boscombe Terrace, Shepherd's Bush.

Authority: GtEOege Dibsbtjkt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBl