Weapons found in prison

Press, 11 June 1977, Page 22

Weapons found in prison

’) PA Auckland H A minority’ element of 1 young, irresponsible prisi onerj was believed to be responsible for the weapons found in Mount i Eden Prison recently. I according to the prison's superintendent (Mr J. Rogers). He said that the weapons were found after prison officers noticed that an unusually high number of prisoners from certain wings were reporting sick, and were reluctant to exercise in the yard during the week-end. because they wanted to be out of the way if there was trouble.

Mr Rogers said that a search was made, and a garrotte three daggers, three sharpened knives, and four batons were found. As well as the weapons found in showers and toi lets, hacksaw blades, wire cutters, sheeting, and c’ ilian clothing were found in one cell. ! During the checks, hid- | den piles of rope and j plaited sheets were found in another cell, and the two inmates of that cell had since been dealt with by' a visiting Magistrate and transferred to Patemoremo Prison. Mr Rogers said that it was not unusual for weapons to be made in the prison, but the quantity of the recent haul was disturbing. “However, I believe it was the work of a minority group of some younger, more irresponsible prisoners, and not a general feeling of the inmates," he said. Mr Rogers said that the weapons might have been made for internal use, as there were opposing factions in the prison who bore grudges against each other.