3 JANUARY 1931, Page 22

LIEUT-COLONEL N. S. SIMPSON

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

SIR, I should like to pay a tribute to the memory of Lieut.- Colonel N. S. Simpson, I.M.S., Inspector-General of Prisons, Bengal, who was Murdered in his office at-Writers' Buildings, Calcutta, on Monday, December 8th. I had known Colontl Simpson for over twenty years, but it was during the six years that I held the office of I.G. Prisons, Bengal, that we became intimate friends. He was twice my successor in posts in the Jail Department. He succeeded me as Super- intendent of the Presidency Jail, Calcutta, and in October, 1929, little more than a year ago, was appointed Inspector- General cf Prisons on my retirement from service.

I always looked upon Simpson as a loyal colleague and a warm personal friend, our official relations were always very happy, I do not remember that we ever had any difference of opinion on jail policy, our views on Penal Reform were identical, and he always supported me warmly in my schemes for improvement of the Bengal Jails.

It was a great comfort to know that my policy would be continued by my successor; he made a generous tribute to my work in the annual Administration Report of the Bengal Jails for 1929, issued a few months ago.

Simpson was an ideal prison officer, he had a judicial mind and possessed a remarkable gift of tact which was invaluable in dealing with difficult prisoners. He was a humane man and held enlightened and very progressive views on the treatment of prisoners.

We had kept up a regular correspondence since my retire- ment and exchanged news of interest to Penal reformers. It was a tragic coincidence that Colonel Simpson and the late Mr. F. Lowman took up their respective posts as Inspectors-General of Prisons and Police within three days of each other. Both these gallant officers were murdered by Revolutionary Terrorists before they had had time to complete their work. Simpson was enthusiastic for all ball games and had a remarkably good eye ; he was one of the best amateur billiard players that I have seen. He kept up his interest in all medical affairs, and had an up-to-date knowledge of professional literature.

Norman Simpson's death has left a blank in my list of personal friends that will be impossible to fill up.—I am, Sir,

&c., W. G. HAMILTON, Lt.-Col. I.M.S. (retired.)

Late I.G. Prisons, Bengal.

Warzvicks Bench House, Guildford.