Medical Topography of Malacca. 61 



The 4th Class. — Mostly invalid and old men, employed in sweep- 

 ing and other easy work, are allowed by Government each monthly 

 Co's. Rs. 1-10 annas and six gantons, or 37iifes of rice, lib of oil, 

 and life of salt. 



There is at present no Superintendent of Convicts. They are 

 under the charge of five Christian Tindals, inclusive of overseer, and 

 under whom are 4 Sirdars or belted Peons, chosen by Government 

 from the 2nd class for their good behaviour. They are allowed 

 Co's. Rs. 6 in the month, and one cloth in the year. 



Local convicts are all classed under the same head, receive all \% 

 monthly ; are not found in any thing ; are employed in repairing the 

 public roads and buildings ; are paid by the assessment ; and are 

 under the immediate orders of the Police Magistrate. 



They are under the surveillance of two Christian Tindals and of 

 two Sirdars. The former accompanying them when working on the 

 roads, the latter only when they are employed in town, such as 

 sweeping the bazars, &c. 



The average number of local convicts throughout the past year 

 has been 26. 



No change beyond the above named division in the convict lines 

 of the transmarine from the local felons has taken place, with the 

 exception of one addition to the former, viz. a man of bad character 

 who had made his escape from Singapore, was retaken, and sent 

 here. All unruly characters become orderly and well-behaved on 

 arrival here, and simply from the fact being well-known amongst 

 them, that this is the easiest of the Penal Settlements, best climate, 

 and cheapest ; where they are exceedingly well-lodged, and have every 

 comfort and convenience in their lines. The difference between the 

 comforts here and the reverse at Singapore is very striking ; flogging 

 here is a complete rarity ; I have not been called upon to attend 

 once during the past 12 months. At Singapore rarely a month passes 

 without some flogging. There have been 33 additions to the local 

 convicts. I cannot suggest any improvement either as respects diet, 

 clothing, employment, exercise, or in any other respect, as the whole 

 seems to be conducted in a very wholesome and efficient manner. — 

 Extracted from a report to the Medical Board. 



