GAOL TURMOIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 102, 1 May 1936, Page 6

GAOL TURMOIL.

"WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?"

(To the Editor/)

In your article under the above heading it is stated "it is cxpcctcd thdt three of the ringleaders will he dealt with by tho prison justice." What is all the trouble about? Is the public entitled to know what has brought about such a serious disturbance 111 our gaol, or shall the prisoners be treated as they were in tho bad old days of the Stai Chamber? We are now informed that three of the ringleaders have been put on bread and water. The alleged offence wo do not know and concerning the circumstances silence reigns supreme. All we are informed of are some alleged statements made to the worthy magistrate by some prisoners while he was visiting the gaol. This is surely a very disquietening state of affairs and the public, who pay for the upkeep of the gaol, are entitled to be informed of what is taking place and not to be satisfied with official silence or suppression. Something serious has happened to men who are incarcerated, and the veil of silence is publicly drawn over the whole matter. These prisoners cannot speak for themselves, and although they are prisoners they are entitled to fair treatment. The only fair way of dealing with this matter is to admit the Press to throw the light of publicity on tho whole matter and thereby prevent the continuation of the rumours that are going about concerning this unfortunate affair. A VISITOR.