IMPROVEMENTS.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 70, 14 January 1882, Page 281

IMPROVEMENTS.

As we return from the quarries to the precincts of the gaol I cast a glance over my shoulder, and observe that the men who Avere but just now as busy as a hive of bees have suddenly paused in their work, and are watching us. "I suppose they are wondering who the strange visitor is ?" I remark to Mr O'Brien. " Oh, some of them are sure to know you, and to pass the word along." I can't say that I feel at all complimented by the suggestion. We pass into the office, where, with Mr O'Brien's assistance, I make a rough sketch plan of the gaol for my own guidance. I don't intend to print it here :it miglxt make some people too wise. Tkose -\vlio want to get into gaol can gratify that desire without any very great difficulty ; and as for those who are already inside, they had better stay there until released in the ordinary course of law. The great defect in this prison is the want of means for classification. So far as the means will permit, every effort is made to isolate the most hardened and dangerous criminals from those who are as yet young in vice ; but the accommodation is bo insufficient and unsuitable as to render the effort only partially successful. The juvenile offenders, who are in the debtors' prison, can be isolated at night, but not in the day-time. They have to take their meals with the worst criminals. However, Parliament has passed a vote for the erection of new gaol buildings, which will be of stone. The plans are already drawn, and on the occasion of my visit the necessary levels were being taken. These new buildings will make ample provision for a complete classification of prisoners. The work will be performed by prison labour, with the assistance of skilled mechanics.