Maximium
Security Index.
The Cell Blocks A and B ( Maximum
Security ) is the most substantial and also the oldest building
in the complex. The masonry walls are of coursed porcellanite rubble,
like the infirmary, but are now covered with a cement render. The
former wooden truss roof has been replaced by a modern gable roof
of low pitch. Except for a band of rubble visible at the west end
and the iron grilled gates and windows, no part of the original
building is visible externally. The interior however, is intact
and little changed since 1883. WC`s have been introduced into each
cell and many of the securing eyebolts for shackling prisoners to
the wall have been removed. Although most of the plastering on the
lower parts of the walls was redone after Cyclone Tracy, the upper
sections retain the original parts.
All corridor ceilings are new but the iron work on the doors and
windows is largely original or early. At the west end, the concrete
floor and wall bases indicate where the gaoler`s office and early
reception area were before they were demolished.
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