Inmates being interviewed

Press, 16 July 1983, Page 3

Inmates being interviewed

PA Wellington The protest by Waikune prisoners about conditions at the prison was in its second day yesterday, as prison and Justice Department officials interviewed each prisoner. The acting first officer of, the prison, Mr G. Barclay, said the grievances of the 87 prisoners included the officers’ attitude towards prisoners, the quality of food, and lack of medical facilities. The prison was without any medical staff after the transfer of a nurse about two months ago. The prison superintendent Mr Max Hindmarsh, and the

senior inspector of penal institutions, Mr Percy Anstiss, who travelled from Wellington to Waikune, skm south of National Park, have been talking to each prisoner separately about their grievances. No resolution of the protest was expected until the interviews were completed. Mr Barclay said the prisoners, who were responsible for preparing their own meals, were still doing so. The peaceful protest at the minimum security prison began after breakfast bn Thursday. Inmates remained in their cells throughout the day.