The Committee examined the past! history of the establishment of the Gaol dietary. It was noted that] previous atiempis to. curtail the Gietary had been opposed on the medical grounds that such curtail ment would result in an increase fof sickness and mortality among. prisoners in the gaol.
The existing diet tables were submitted in detail to the Committee and cognizance was taken of the fact that these had been drawn up on scientific lines by the Public Health Depart~ ment, with due regard to the established standards as to a sul Doney of calories to constitute an adequate diet. The diets are in the three categories of "full," "medium" and "low," being varied according as to whether or not the convict is] employed, is under doctor's observa tion, or is incurring punishment. A "special" diet is received by TD. and other sick convicts.
In examining the matter, regard was also paid to the incidence of disease inthe gaol and the death rate.
It was stated to be the aim of the Committee to attempt to reconcile the diet needs of the prisoners with the necessity in the interests of the ratepayers to conserve municipal expenditure as far as possible.
The Committee was assured that there was no waste whatsoever in feeding at the gaol. 'The various articles of food constituted in the diet are publicly tendered for and invariably the lowest tender is ac~ cepted, the rice now used at the ga' being cheap, unpolished rice.
Every item of the gaol dietary was carefully scrutinized by members of the Committee with a view to ascer~ taining whether q reduction could be effected.
'The Committee's nding, which has been adopted by the Council, is that during an experimental period of [three months a reduction in the quantity of rice furnished in the diet should be effected, rice being the largest item in the' diet. eros of flowers from "Sophia, Jo, Carl and Vi" was placed thereon' and lowered into the grave.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.