They were divided into six classes, but since the year 1857, when Major McNair took charge, sec. A of the third class, and sec. A of the fifth class were added to the classification.
The First Class consisted of trustworthy convicts allowed out on ticket of leave.
Second Class consisted of convict petty officers, male and female, and those employed in hospitals and public offices.
Third Class were convicts employed on roads and public works, having passed through their probationary course.
Fourth Class were convicts newly arrived, and those degraded from other classes or promoted from the fifth class. They worked in light irons.
Fifth Class were convicts degraded from the higher classes, and such as required more than ordinary vigilance to prevent escape, or regarding whom special instructions had been received from India. They worked in heavy irons.
Sixth Class were invalids and superannuated convicts.
Youths were transferred to a special gang for "boys."
