These rules imply that prisoners were viewed as
insolent, idle, negligent and disrespectful.
Punishment for infractions was similar to what
was given under Superintendent Todd’s
administration.

As mentioned, there were disciplinary problems
not only with convicts but also with gaol staff:
“Tt would be in the interest of the prisoners and
the officers if the gaol discipline was mote strict
than it is at present,” the superintendent stated
in the annual report containing the amended
tules and regulations. Application of these rules
to gaol staff was explained in the amended
tules. For example, rules 2, 3 and 4 stated:

The Warden shall conform to the Rules
and Regulations himself, and shall see that
they are strictly observed by the prisoners

and by the officers employed in or about
the Gaol.

The Assistant Gaolers and Guards, while
inside the Gaol, shall be under the orders
of the Warden, or, in the event of his
absence, of the officer in charge of the Gaol
at the time. And when the chain gang is on
the outside of the Gaol the Senior Guard
shall have control of the Guards and

prisoners.

Where there is no Warden, these Rules and
Regulations shall apply to the Officer in
charge of the Gaol or Lockup, excepting as
to punishments.

The annual report noted that the Nanaimo
Gaol was unsuitable for present needs.
Superintendent Hussey recommended the
construction of a modern, larger, and more
secure gaol away from the business area. A new

gaol was built of brick and stone in 1894,
replacing the old log and plank structure on the
waterfront. This gaol had a capacity for 100
prisoners. A new lockup was also built at North
Bend. This increased the number of lockups by
this date to 45.

The Provincial Police Act was passed in 1895. This
act divided the province into policing districts,
each of which was manned by at least one
constable. It also alowed for more continuity in
the application of regulations, and in the
administration of gaols and lockups. ‘This
change resulted in the construction of two
more lockups, at Rossland and Union,
increasing the tally for the province to 47.

The Kamloops Gaol was overcrowded,
unsanitary and dilapidated. Prisoners were
frequently moved from Kamloops Gaol to
New Westminster Gaol to relieve chronic
overcrowding. An 1894 report stated that 37
ptisonets, including three women, were
crowded into seven cells. Individuals judged
insane occupied two other cells. Sanitary
conditions were appalling. These factors and
growing needs in the southern Interior
prompted construction in 1896 of a new, more
secure gaol for Kamloops.

The new gaol opened in 1897 with a capacity
for 86 prisoners. John Richard Vicats was
appointed warden. This facility eventually
housed the Bill Miner and his accomplices:

It was while Vicars was warden that the jail
briefly housed Kamloops’ most infamous
prisoner—Bill Miner. Miner and his two
accomplices were captured a few days after

their ill-fated attempt to hold up the CPR

Era of Punishment (1871-1949)

29