Sub-Inspector Bru.EN attended the meeting oi the Board by the invitation of the Chairman to give his opinion on the matter.
Mr Bullion said it would depend en tirely upon what method the Board intended to use the prison labour. If the Board wished theprisoneiS to break metal within the gaol yard, then the yard would have to be enlarged. In that ease one waidor would be su.'lieieut to guard the prisoners, hut if a gang of six was let out side, the gaol two warders would be required. The warders received £lO9 per annum. Mr Bidleu thought that any extra expense incurred wotdd be paid out of the local revenue, and not from the immediate funds of the Board. The number of prisoners continued at bhortland are invariably small, owing to the fact that all piisoners who are sentenced to three months’ imprisonment are sent to Auckland, as they can be kept at Mount Eden for nearly one-half of what it requires to keep a prisoner here, lie thought the average number of men available would be about six all tlic year around. Drunkards, who were sentenced, to 48 hours’ imprisonment, would be oi: little or no use to the Board, as the men. would be unable to do much work after 1 intoxication.
