VPRS 4840 Female Prisoners Earnings Book

Full description

This series was created by the Reformatory Division of the Female Prison, Pentridge. The Reformatory Prison (Female), established in 1909, was a division of the Female Prison, which housed habitual criminals.

Prisoners in Reformatory Prisons were required to work, and the products of their work to be sold or otherwise disposed of (s 12 of the Indeterminate Sentences Act 1907). In 1909, some 11,000 pounds was received for goods sold from prisons. 6,000 pounds was used to repay for materials used in manufacture, and 5,000 pounds was paid into Consolidated Revenue.

Under s 16(5) of the Indeterminate Sentences Act 1907, an account was required to be kept of the net proceeds of the sale of the work of prisoners in reformatory prisons, and any sum in credit upon their release on probation was to be handed over.

This series is a such an account for female prisoners in the Reformatory Prison at Pentridge. It summarises all monies earned, any deductions made, and any credit owing to prisoners upon their release. Such a summary was a requirement under the Indeterminate Sentences Act 1907.

Each entry records the prisoners name, number and date of admission. Entries in columns indicate: Month, Rate of pay, No of days on pay, Earnings (divided into work/sale of work [net proceeds]). Deductions (maintenance, credited to prisoner, remittance by board, balance, remarks [eg any holidays taken]). Amount credited to prisoner, Deductions (for indulgences, remittances, fines).

Monthly balances are recorded for each prisoner. The total balance was paid out to the prisoner upon her discharge.

This series was previously registered as Prisoners Earnings Books.