CAMP DISCIPLINE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 273, 18 November 1941, Page 4

CAMP DISCIPLINE

ARMY DEFAULTERS

POWERS OF CONTROLLER

Additional powers for the control of defaulters' detention camps granted the controlling officer, Mr. L. J. Greenberg, are set out in amendments to the National Service Regulations, 1940. These deal with such matters as the prohibition or regulation of smoking, restriction on the number of letters which may be sent or received and prohibition of congregation for the purpose of meetings or discussions. The camp supervisor is to ensure as far as possible that every inmate is employed on productive or useful work except in cases of physical incapacity through illness or injury.

Extended powers are provided the controller with respect to dealing with breaches of the camp rules. These extended powers can involve close confinement within the camp or a reduction in the dietary scale, or both.. In any case, where he considers it necessary the camp supervisor can place tne inmate in close confinement, pending the consideration of the matter by the controlling officer.

Included in the p<jwers conferred on the camp supervisor are several for the control of people entering or approaching the camp. He can direct any person not to enter or remain in the camp or loiter within its vicinity. He can regulate such a person's conduct within the camp and has power of search. He can also arrest without warrant any person who commits or is reasonably suspected of having committed or being about to commit any offence against the regulations.

The power of search is also conferred on the camp supervisor in respect of inmates, both at the time of admission or at any later time if the supervisor deems it desirable.