Avenue. H.W. Collier was appointed the first
probation officer and superintendent, and
Amelia Collier the matron. In other parts of the
province, juveniles were still processed through
adult courts.

These changes in the provincial corrections
system allowed many boys to be placed on

probation instead of being sent to the Industrial
School. Consequently, the Industrial School
began to deal mainly with more difficult
juvenile cases.

Overcrowding and other prison troubles

After 32 years of operation, the Nanaimo Gaol
closed in 1905. The remaining five short-term
ptisonets were transferred to Victoria Gaol.
Closure of this institution was related to the
small number of inmates at this facility. In the
previous year, staff were cut for this reason.

In contrast, overcrowding on the mainland
began to present difficulties. Twenty-two
prisoners were transferred to Victoria Gaol
from New Westminster Gaol in 1907, due to
overcrowding.

Disciplinary matters were again raised with the
appointment of a commission of inquiry in
1908. Its quest was “to ascertain the truth as to
matters re: Gaoler W. J. Norfolk’s suspension
from the Provincial Gaol at Kamloops.”

Attempts at reform that were made in the latter
part of the 19th century were hampered by
persistent problems. New Westminster Gaol
was overcrowded and dilapidated. In May 1910,
the grand jury’s report on the condition of
public buildings in the city of New Westminster
suggested updating and enlarging the provincial
gaol.

One of the major problems with this facility
was the locking system. Cell doors locked
separately and in the event of a fire, there

would be difficulties in releasing inmates. The
grand jury recommended installation of a
system of unlocking the cell doors
simultaneously.

In November of this year, another grand jury
determined that accommodation at the New
Westminster Gaol was inadequate for the size
of the population, Ventilation of the building
was also poor. Construction of a new gaol was
recommended.

On November 29, overcrowding at this facility
resulted in the transfer of 15 prisoners to the
Victoria Gaol. Even with this transfer, inmates
remained double-bunked at New Westminster.
Accommodation was available at this time for
66 male prisoners. Following the transfer, 100
still remained.

At the end of January 1911, another 12
ptisonets were transferred to Victoria Gaol
from the gaol at New Westminster. When
Nanaimo Gaol reopened, an additional 40
ptisonets were transferred.

Overcrowding and poor conditions prompted
the government to take more aggressive steps.
In February, the attorney general stated that the
provincial government planned to build a larger
central prison farm to relieve congestion at the

36

Corrections in British Columbia