To a large degree, however, the
operation and conditions of gaol and
militaristic style were contrary to the
new philosophy.

Malcolm Matheson remembers gaol
conditions during this time:

Matheson’s third assignment
when he started at Oakalla Prison
Farm was the “hole”—a place

where prisoners were placed for

purposes of administrative =—s Y

discipline or solitary confinement. ‘
P Y

The hole was, in fact, a black hole

as there was no light. It was just a

pit with a ladder that went down

into it.

Prisoners were placed in it for a

maximum of 10 days and received Crowded condi he local lockup in Pri v
bread and water while there. Th rowed conditions at the local lockup in Prince George: Inmates sleeping on

loors and tables (February 3, 1953) Corrections Branch Archives
“hole” that closed in January 1988 | (February )

was located under the cow barn
and was a sanitary facility in
comparison to what existed when

Matheson first worked at

Oakalla.°

Prince George Gaol Warden William F. Trant, and staff members
A, Miller (1), N. Cheer (r) (1950s) Corrections Branch Archives

9 Interview with Malcolm Matheson, 1988,

Era of Rebabilitation (1950-1969) 69