Timely suggestion
published: Thursday | August 5, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

MRS. GLORIA Palomino's recent suggestion that convict labour should be used to repair and maintain roads is timely and not without precedent.

During World War II the road from Cooperage to Hardwar Gap (pronounced Hardware) was widened and improved by convict labour, particularly from Red Light to Newcastle where the existing track was rebuilt to accommodate motorised traffic. The improvements were desig-ned and supervised by the Public Works Department.

The convicts were credited with a daily wage and on leaving prison were handed their accumulated funds which must have encouraged their rehabilitation as the lore suggests no member of the road gangs ever returned to prison.

In a confidential tribute, Mrs. Palomino's quaint and delightful 'Gap Restaurant' at Hardwar Gap was originally the Public Works Department's overnight /rest house.

I am, etc.,

COURTNEY ILGNER

Norbrook Mews

Kingston 8