194 A NATURALIST IN CANNIBAL LAND 



up in Gizo gaol for some offence had hanged himself 

 in prison, and the natives, probably having a garbled 

 version of the incident, were very angry against all 

 white men for that particular reason. I heard of the 

 tragedy at Gizo and thought that the fate of Oliver 

 might very well have been mine if it had happened 

 that I had been camping inside the lagoon and not 

 keeping a good watch. 



The boy in gaol had no reason of cruelty to explain 

 his suicide. Gaol life in those parts of Oceania which 

 are under British rule is quite free from all harsh- 

 ness. Here is an official report of the routine of Port 

 Moresby gaol the chief gaol in Papua : 



" Cell doors are opened at 5.30 a.m. Blankets aired, 

 rolled up, and put away on shelf on verandah built 

 for that purpose, so leaving all cells empty during 

 the day time. The cells are swept clean by the 

 female prisoners after breakfast every morning. 

 Breakfast is served at 6.15 a.m. At 6.45 a.m. all 

 prisoners are lined up, drilled and the roll called. 

 The different gangs with their warders are then 

 despatched to their respective duties. At noon the 

 mid-day meal is served at the most convenient locality 

 to which they may be working. Work is resumed 

 at 1 p.m., which is continued until 5 p.m. Supper 

 is served at 5.20 p.m., and at 6 p.m. all are lined up, 

 roll called, dismissed to their cells and locked up for the 

 night with the exception of those absolutely necessary 

 for maintenance of gaol discipline. All work is sus- 



