By the mid-1860s, approximately 11 lockups
(generally consisting of two cells) existed in
both colonies. Most of them were located in
mining communities. Although sentenced
offenders were usually housed at the gaols in
New Westminster or Victoria, sentences of

about a week’s duration were served in lockups.

A lockup built at Quesnellemouth (ater called
Quesnel) in 1865 had a larger than usual
capacity. In the building plans, it was described
as a wooden structure with measurements of:

..20 X 22 feet ...4 cells with divisions of 2
inch lumber well braced and spiked and
frontage of same thickness as sides. Doors
of each cell to have a strong iron bolt and a
strong larger Padlock—to be different. A
bar across each door of cells. Doors to open
outward—5 iron gratings on sides of cells.

Lockups were also built at Yale, Osoyoos Lake
and Saanich in 1865.

In 1866, the two colonies united to form the
colony of British Columbia with Victoria as the
capital, Steps were taken to co-ordinate the
justice administrations that were earlier
established in the two colonies.

Disciplinary problems were evident in the gaols
during the colonial period, both with inmates
and staff. As an example, the chain gang was

under the supervision of one guard, but the
work was not being properly done. Because the
chain gang at New Westminster was under the
control of the Department of Land and Works,
Chartres Brew proposed that a person from this
department should be appointed to supervise
and direct its work.’? Staff turnover also
appeared to be an issue. In May 1869, a gaoler
was discharged for neglect of duty and a new
gaoler was appointed at New Westminster.

During the colonial period, a system of
administering justice was created that included
courts and a police and prison department.
Institutionalization increasingly became the
means of dealing with the offender. Lockups
and gaols were haphazardly constructed in
response to the flow of people into mining
areas. These facilities were part of the evolving
justice system and viewed as a necessary
development to keep law and order.

Other punishments were corporal punishment,
fines, execution and transportation (in at least
one instance). Fines were used for minor
infractions or in conjunction with
imprisonment. Executions occurred only in
cases of murder. During this period, no white
settlers were executed for murder, although
some Indians received capital punishment.

19 Prom a letter to the colonial secretary, August 1, 1866.

Era of Colonial Rule (1849-1870)

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