Rioting prisoners

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32562, 23 March 1971, Page 12

Rioting prisoners

Sir, —On reading the list of complaints put forward by the poor inmates of Mount Eden Prison, who apparently come from luxurious and refined homes, I was really shaken to realise that, I for well over half a centunr, and most, if not all of my friends and relatives have been living in near squalor only one clean sheet a week. But for us, perhaps, there is some excuse, we have no taxpayers to foot the bill for washing and ironing two sheets a week per person or do these radioless, poorly-fed (they must miss their fish and chips!) unfortunates do their own washing and get underpaid, still with the taxpayers’ money, for this work? One cannot help wondering, too, if they wear silken pyjamas, grubby underpants, or nothing at all when lying between these offending (or offensive) sheets.—Your, etc., MARGARET HILSON. March 22, 1971.

Sir,—So the prisoners are rioting and former prisoners are picketing for better conditions. Whatever next! They are a iot better off than some. They now get a choice of food and rehabilitation education. They cannot expect all the comforts of home. A little hardship is all part of the punishment for committing their crimes. If we make it too comfortable they’ll be back for free five-star board and lodging.—Yours, etc., DISGUSTED. March 22, 1971.