“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31231, 1 December 1966, Page 16

“The Press” In 1866

December 1 A DEBTORS COMPLAINT.—Sir,— Having vainly endeavoured to obtain redress at the hands of the authorities of the gaol, I am induced to apply to you to give my complaint publicity, in the hope that it may reach the eyes of those in whose power it is to curb the exercise of petty tyranny which appears to be exercised by those who are dressed in a little brief authority. The grounds of my complaint are briefly as follows:—Being unwell on the 28th instant, I sent out for a bottle of porter (which privilege is allowed to debtors by law), when to my astonishment the warder informed me that Dr. Donald had ordered that I was not to be allowed to receive any beer. This was done without my committing any breach of the rules which would subject me to such deprivation; or if I had committed any such breach unknowingly, I was not

informed of it. I could, if space permitted give you many instances of the petty tyranny exercised by that Multum in parvo. Dr. Donald, towards the unfortunate debtors confined here, who are treated far worse than the convicted felons, and towards whom a system of petty annoyances is practised by the gaol authorities. It is useless for me to make my complaint to his Honor the Judge, as it only passes unheeded. I believe that the chaplain to the gaol receives £250 per annum for his services, but although the convicted felons have Divine service on Thursdays and Sundays, the unfortunate debtors are allowed to remain Sunday after Sunday without that reverend gentleman coming near them. Hoping you will give this publicity in your journal, in the hope of some redress being obtained.—l remain, yours, &c., A SUFFERER. Debtor’s Quarters, Lyttelton Gaol.