SEPT. 24.]

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

2625

PART IV.—PRISON OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.

23. It shall be the first duty of all officers to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with these regulations and with the general orders, and by the exercise of zeal, attention, care, and example to secure the successful and exact operation of the said regulations and orders.

24. Every officer shall constantly bear in mind that reasonable control must be exercised over the prisoners under his personal charge, and shall ensure that orders given to such prisoners are carried out according to their respective physical or mental ability. He should carry out the exercise of his authority with firmness, accompanied by good temper and humanity; violence or harshness must never be resorted to.

25. It is the duty of all officers to treat prisoners with kindness and humanity, to listen patiently to and report their complaints and grievances, at the same time being firm in maintaining order and discipline and enforcing complete observance of the rules and regulations of the prison. The great object of reclaiming the criminal should always be kept in view by all officers, and they should strive to acquire a moral influence over the prisoners, by performing their duties conscientiously and without harshness. They should especially try to raise the prisoners' minds to a proper feeling of moral obligation, by the example of their own uniform regard for truth and integrity.

26. No officer shall question the order of a superior, but must obey first, and, if he thinks himself warranted in doing so, may afterwards appeal to a higher authority.

27. Every officer shall treat his superior officers with deference and respect, and his subordinates with courtesy.

28. All subordinate officers shall obey the instructions of and perform such duties as may from time to time be directed by the controlling officer.

29. Officers shall observe the strictest punctuality in their hours of attendance, and hold themselves always in readiness for any extra or special duty that may be required of them.

30. Subordinate officers shall not be absent from duty without leave; and before absenting themselves such officers shall hand their keys to the officer in charge of the prison.

31. If any officer is by reason of sickness unable to attend to his duty, he shall at once send word to the Controlling Officer, and shall also as soon as possible forward to him a medical certificate as to his state of health, signed by the Medical Officer.

32. Officers on duty shall wear the uniform of their particular grade, and must at all times be cleanly and smart in their appearance.

33. Officers must not frequent or loiter about hotels, nor may they associate or communicate in any way with discharged prisoners except with the consent and knowledge of the Controlling Officer.

34. Intemperance, immorality, or improper language, whether within or without the precincts of the prison, will not be tolerated, and will render an officer liable to dismissal.

35. No officer shall be permitted to carry on, directly or indirectly, any trade, business, or calling in addition to his prison duties, nor shall his wife be permitted to do so.

36. No officer, nor any person employed by him or on his behalf, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract for the supply to the prison of any provisions or other articles for use therein.

37. No officer shall at any time receive any money, fee, gratuity, or reward of any kind, other than his salary, for any service for or on behalf of any prisoner.

38. No officer shall purchase any prison-made article, or have any work done for him by any prisoner, unless authorized in writing by the Controller-General. A schedule of all concessions so authorized shall be furnished yearly by the Controller-General to the Commissioner.

39. No officer shall use for his own purposes any Government material or property, however trifling in value it may be.

40. Officers of all ranks must guard against being placed in such a position as may lay them open to the suspicion of being influenced in the discharge of their duty. Transactions between subordinate and senior or executive officers, either monetary or in kind, are strictly forbidden.

41. An officer shall not strike a prisoner unless compelled to do so in the interests of self-defence. In any case in which the application of force is needful, no more force than is necessary shall be used.

42. Officers shall exercise the utmost care and vigilance in the custody and surveillance of the prisoners under their charge; and no warder shall part with the custody of a prisoner otherwise than in accordance with orders, or by handing him over to another officer.

43. It is the duty of every officer to inform the Controlling Officer of any prisoner who appears to be out of health, although he may not complain, or whose state of mind appears to be deserving of especial notice and care, in order that the opinion and instructions of the Medical Officer may be obtained.

44. All officers shall, without undue delay, inform the Controlling Officer of any prisoner who desires to see him, or to make any complaint, or to prefer any request to him or to any superior authority, or who desires to see the Medical Officer.

45. No officer shall leave his post except by permission or until relieved.

46. Subordinate officers shall not be permitted to receive visitors within the prison, except by permission of the Controlling Officer duly noted in his journal.

47. No private person (including the members of officers' families) shall have access to an officer on duty except by permission of the Controlling Officer.

48. All officers shall attend such drills and exercises as may be ordered by the Controller-General, and shall be expected to acquire proficiency therein.