The Dunedin Goal In-QUIRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 170, 23 June 1883, Page 2

The Dunedin Goal InQUIRY.

'"HT£Ef f EIW BWELiTIONS.

\_BX TELEGRAPH. | (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION) DuNEbijf, June 21. ■ The inquiry ordered by the Government into the past management of tjbe Dmedin Gaol was opened at the Gaol this morning before Messrs C. Whitfoord (Resident' Magistrate) and O Curtis. John Mbrrison said thab he was a prisoner m Dunedin Goal m 1874. His sentence was for eight yeurs^ In May, 1882, subsequent to his release, he made a statement to the Inspector of Prisons regarding the management of the Dunedin Goal. The atatement was now read over to the witness. The following are extracts :— '•Ifc was witness' duty to make up the labor«ga rigs books, which were made up so 1 as frAshow that :; the ' gaol was the only self-supporting gaol m tha colony, : WitneSß : failed to sec that the gaol was selfosupporting. He had several times remonstrated with the Gaoler as to the mariner in '- ] vrh ich the emries were "made; * Additional sentences were passed ddil yon prisoners for idleness m the hard-labor gangs, while | at the same time, m nine cases out of ten, thpse -prisoners -Were physically unfit lor work* lv oiie case an addi- i tiooal seuterice on ; a- prisoner m the < hard-labor gang was rhe cause of bis death. Vickers, a man who was unwell, was m Du ßean's gang, hs had such, a sore leg that he was hot able to wheel the barrow, but he trie i his bnst. Duncan brought him before the Visiting Justices, who, on seeing his leg, dismissed the charge, and for the remainder ofhis sehtenca he was placed m ftir Proctor's gang m the shops. On being discharged, Vickens and his solicitor held an inquiry into the case, but the wards men and witnesses called were afraid to say anything about it, one prisoner saying afterwards that, if ho had 'spoken the truth,- he would never have been out ot difficulties. A sys-« tern of tale-beariug was very prevalent m .the. Gaol, and the Gaoler encouraged it by calling prisoners into the office, giving .them wine and tobacco} and two prisoners, Smith and McLean, were often m the Gaoler's office for this purpose. These men often told lies to the Gaoler, and after com/ins; out of. the office would joke about the matter with the^ other prisoners.^ Witness next-

stated the case of a "prisoner Wilson, who, when unwell, was, refused t>oi, and for Wiom the doctor was uot sent until the man was dead . Witness suggested that a doctor should be Dro.cured for Wilson. The Gaoler was out, and before the doctor ainved Wilson was dead. The two prisoners caj]ed at the inquest as witnesses, gave false evidence ; and he had no hesitation m savins; that they were intimidated by the Gaoler who had them m the office prior to the iuqaest. A second death was that of a man named Mas -mi re, whose original sentence was month. On leavinsr'his bath he had a fit ; but this was not brought under the notice of the Visiting Justices, and next day he was sent out to work, and at the end of the week was brought before the Visiting .Justices, and >?otseven : days' additional punishment. The maa seemed brokenhearted. .He seat for his wife; but s>ui* plained that the gaoler would not give him an opportunity of speaking to her. Witness asked a prisoner named Whitei about Messuirer White 1 said that Messuire had several fits at the waggons, and that he Was unfit for the work. No', notice \wa«t. taken of the fits ; but the man was subjected to six months', additional. imprisonment. It was a common remark among the prisoners that, if they made complaints the Governor of the gaol would always say, " You. had better mind yourself or you will neyer get out of the place." The prisoners were afraid ot complaining to the Inspector ot their treatment. Three prisoners who had complained •had been subjected fco punishment ever since. The goaler not telling Dr Hulme about Messu ire's fits witness told the DoctOjfor which he was severely reprimanded by the Goaler. M.es'suire expired m" witness's amis m one of thes e fits. I