BREAKING-IN LAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 10, 13 January 1931, Page 8

BREAKING-IN LAND.

PRISON LABOUR.

MINISTER IMPRESSED

TOUR OF INSPECTION.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent)

HAMILTON, this dar.

During the week-end, the- Minister of Justice, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, visited the Hautii and Waikune prison camps. He is spending this afternoon at Waikeria. In conversation with a "Star" representative, the Minister expressed surprise and gratification at the remarkable change created in the appearance of the countrv by prison labour. The land within the camp areas was being brought under cultivation in a very creditable manner he said. At Hautu, about 3000 of 10,000 acres had been cleared of bush and scrub. Asked if there was any truth in the rumour that the Waikeria Prison was to be shifted to another locality, and the land cut up for settlement, the Minister said he knew nothing of this. So far as he could there was no reason to adopt such -a course. Waikeria, he said, was a flourishing institution, the returns from which were remarkable. They paid more than half the cost of running the prison farm, which was also an excellent, training around for the inmates, who were given healthy, helpful occupations that would fit them for useful lives on leaving. A considerable amount of capital had been sunk in permanent buildings at Waikeria, and there Avas no foundation for any rumour that it was proposed to cut up the area for settlement. The Minister added that' with the Hautu and Waikune prison camp?, the position was different. These.were merely prison camps, and not intended to be permanent institutions. When the whole of the areas round the two camps were broken in. it was possible that they Would be cut up- for settlement. No private individual could break in this country :it the cost at which it was being done by prison labour. The work was proceeding apace, and he was very much impressed with what he had seen.