Officer Stories  3 – Major Arthur Thomas Peirson VD

Superintendent for Prisons Brisbane and Chief Controller for Prisons

Peirson served forty-eight years in the prison department, a truly remarkable career. Peirson was a penologist with great humanitarian principles. He was a stern but just disciplinarian in his management of the prisons in Queensland.

Major Arthur Thomas Peirson VD

Superintendent for Prisons Brisbane and Chief Controller for Prisons

Arthur Thomas Peirson was born on the 5th of October 1867 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England to Joseph and Margaret Peirson. A military family, the Peirson’s travelled around Europe before Arthur and his brothers were educated in Scotland.

A military cadet, Peirson served his cadetship under his Uncles tutelage. Upon completion and with the help of his father, Arthur Thomas Peirson obtained a position as clerk for Chief Controller for Prisons A.E. Halloran. Peirson travelled to Queensland in 1885 as a teenager to join the ranks in the prison service.

Military Career

Peirson not content with just completing his cadetship, joined the Queensland Military Forces (QMF) in the 1st Moreton regiment where he served in the Boer War campaign and saw action in the shearers strike in Bundaberg, all while maintaining his position in the prisons department and slowly rising through the ranks.

Peirson remained in the QMF until his retirement at the rank of Major in 1920.  He was awarded the Victorian Decoration for long and distinguished service to the QMF.  

Prison Career

Peirson was appointed Acting Superintendent for HM Prisons Brisbane in June of 1904 after the death of Superintendent J.V. Williams, a position that Peirson would go on to hold for the remainder of his life.

A prisoner advocate, Peirson achieved great popularity with the officers and prisoners alike. He developed a series of prison reforms that were a very warranted change from the old system of only punishment. Peirson introduced a system of teaching useful trades to the long serving prisoners in the hope that when they were eventually released from prison they will manage to be a functional member of society. In order to achieve this, Peirson himself became proficient at the trades being taught to the prisoners so as best to supervise them. Trades such as brush-making, shirt-making and mat-making were introduced.  

Mat Making Shop 1920s

Other significant changes were made in the time of Peirson, including the extension of library and educational services for long serving inmates, better food and conditions, more frequent welfare checks and much tighter reigns on the prison staff.

Peirson served forty-eight years in the prison department, a truly remarkable career. Peirson was a penologist with great humanitarian principles; a stern but just disciplinarian in his management of the prisons in Queensland.

Death in Office

Major A.T. Peirson’s Grave at South Brisbane Cemetery

Peirson died at his home, at HM Prison Brisbane (later known as Boggo Road Gaol) on the 16th of May 1933 having been suffering from a stubborn illness for some time. He was survived by his devoted wife and only son who also worked in the prison service.

The day Peirson died, an impressive tribute to the memory of their late Chief was paid by the warders of the day shift. As each man finished duty at 5 o’clock, he marched towards the Superintendent’s official residence, halted a few paces from the entrance, stood erect and saluted, before marching, after a moment’s pause, out of the gates. It was a simple, dignified, and spontaneous tribute that bore eloquent testimony to the respect and esteem in which the late Superintendent was held by the prison staff.

The funeral procession was equally as impressive. A guard of honour led by Senior Warder Dwyer was drawn up outside of the Superintendent’s residence. Lt. Governor Sir James Blair and Registrar of the Supreme Court Mr. F. S. Kennedy entered the residence where a small service was held. The cortege then made its way to the South Brisbane Cemetery where Major Peirson was laid to rest. His grave is adorned with a lovely monument.

 Sadly, we can’t hear from Major Peirson about his time as Superintendent.  You can, however, hear from another officer this Sunday on our officer tour!  Be guided through Boggo Road Gaol by former officer Kevin Hayden; hear from him all about some of the most terrifying riots, thrilling escapes and infamous prisoners! Click here to book.

This article was contributed by Research Coordinator Sue Olsen as part of the ongoing research program for Boggo Road Gaol Pty Ltd. The aim of the program is to bring to light and share articles relating to Boggo Road for the purposes of review and study. Do you have a story to share or something you would like us to know about? You can contact the research team here