THE WESTPORT GAOL.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 203, 25 March 1868, Page 3

THE WESTPORT GAOL.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times and Charleston Argus.) Sir, —When a journal makes statements, they should, at least, possess the grand element—truth, but those made in the Evening Star of Monday last, concerning the above gaol, are in a great degree destitute of that necessary ingredient. In that establishment, all classes do not "mix together, irrespective of sex or antecedents ;" neither do they form the " happy family" represented, though prisoners may there be treated better than in some parts of the North Island, whore it is just within the range

of possibility that the writer of the article in question—while under a very dark cloud - gained practical experience. As to his "acquaintance" receiving such a reply from a prisoner, as represented, it is a simple falsehood, and is an anecdote that recently appeared in a Sydney paper, clumsily reproduced and adapted to the literary exigencies of Westport. Prisoners do not " bask in sunshine outside the prison building," nor do they enjoy " even some of the luxuries of life." Through the whole article runs a tissue of misrepresentation, not to say mendacity ; and though it is true that the officers of the gaol, through deficient appliances and accommodation, the absence of a palisade, &c, cannot do all they could wish, it is too bad that their difficulties should be increased by the scurrilous attacks of any penny-a-liner who is hard up for a subject in these dull times. Yours, »kc., Justitia. Westport, March 24, 18G8.