THE GLASGOW BANK DIRECTORS IN GAOL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 130, 9 April 1879, Page 2

THE GLASGOW BANK DIRECTORS IN GAOL.

All the prisoners, (says the European Mail), are completely under prison discipline, are dressed in the prison garb, and supplied twith the food provided for all convicted offenders. Their former high social position, ivithall its accompaniments has no effect as against the rules recently issued by the Home Secretary for the guidance of prison officials in Scotland, and the five gentlemen in question are accordingly treated in no exceptional manner. Accordingly to the regulations affecting prisoners of the class to which the prisoners belong, eacli of them is roused at a quarter to 6 o'clock in the morning. An hour afterwards they are served with breakfast, which consists of Boz, of oatmeal made into porridge and a pint of sour milk; and after partaking of this repast they have to wash out their dishes and clean up their cells. Shortly afterwards they receive 2| lbs. of oakum, which has to be teased out by 4 o'clock, and prisoners failing to accomplish their full task are reported to the governor who deals with them in the way he thinks fit, the punishment, however, generally being bread mid water rations. For half an hour during the forenoon of each day, | with the exception of Sunday, the prisoners enjoy on airing in the " cage," and then at 12 o clock dinner is served. The meal is made up of two scones, 4oz in weight, and Boz of broth, while at 5 o'clock supper is handed in, in the shape of Goz of porridge. After 4 o'clock the prisoners may pass their time within their cells as they please, and at a quarter to 8 o'clock the gas is turned off, by which time it is expected that all have retired to rest. On Sunday there is a service in the chapel twice a day— at 11 and 2 o'clock—but it

is not imperative that prisoners should attend. The dress which every prisoner must wear consists of a grey tweed jacket, trousers, and vest, plain leather sh n es, and a Kilmarnock bonnet, while the regulation as to visiting is that soners can only be seen by one relate or friend once in three months. As to the general treatment of prisoners, however much depends on the state of health, and the prison surgeon can, if he finds it necessary, order a respite from work and superior food. Judging from appearances it is more than probable that in the case f of one or two of the bank directors such relief will be necessary for some time at least. They have no easy-chairs as they had before the trial, and nothing at all exceptional; but it indicates a realisation of their situation, and a willingness to " submit to their fate," that they have not asked for anything exceptional, They are not' 1 cropped." " Cropping" has not been a requirement in Glasgow for many years, and when their hair needs cutting it is cut fashionably. Whiskers and inoustacheare allowed, and canbe trimmed accordingly to the prisoner's wishes, and entirely shaved off if desired. •