IMPROVED METHODS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 50, 28 February 1923, Page 5

IMPROVED METHODS.

CAMP AT HAUTU. USEFUL WORK FOR PRISONERS. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star."» WELLINGTON, this day. The policy pursued by the Prisons Department of finding useful outdoor work for the majority of prisoners has developed until the department can show admirable results. One enterprise for utilising prison labour is the development of a large area of Crown land in the Hautu block, near Lake Taupo. Although the actual work of development was only commenced in May of last year after the camp had been established, much valuable work has been done; the block upon which the camp has been established has been ringfenced, and the boundaries planted with trees (chiefly Oregon pine), while divisions have been made for different classes of crops. It appears that a good crop of oats is now in evidence, while j potatoes and other root crops are proving most successful.

The camp is now being fully supplied with vegetables grown on the property, and local Maoris, being impressed by the department's methods, have decided to follow similar plans on their adjoining lands.

The properties belonging to the department at Waikcria, in the Waikato, at Templcton near Christehurch. and at Jnvercargill arc all being developed and farmed with considerable success. On its various properties the department has now fully 500 cows, from which a considerable return of butterfat is being obtained, while other products are all helping the revenue.