OLD BERRIMA GAOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20086, 25 October 1928, Page 11

OLD BERRIMA GAOL.

PLACE WITH A HISTORY,, POSSIBLE PRESERVATION. The old Berrima G;.ol, which was first use,], in July, 1859. is being offered for sale by the New South Wales Government. * Tenders have been invited for the demolition and removal of the builditigs. Ever since the Federal Government, ceased to use the gaol as a detention camp for German prisoners during the war the New South Wales Government, has been content to lease the old buildings to a returned soldier at a nominal rental, and the lesseo has conducted many tourists over the building. Recently tiie Government, decided to dispose'of the whole property, which comprises the gaol buildings and over four acres of land. The buildings contain a large quantity of good stone, although there is very little demand for it in the district, and the cost of transporting it from Berrinia would be heavy. Suggestions have been made that the old gaol should be preserved on account of its historical value, and as a reminder that prisons of the type no longer exist in the State. Tl is quite possible that the building' s will not he completely removed. It was stated recently that 'the Commonweal* h military authorities were making inquiries regarding them. Although it is not known to what use the Military Department would nut the ohlgaol 1 been suggested that it might bej-emod-elled and used as a detention. those who fail to undergo compulsorj military triuuipg.