THE COMPASS OF PRISON CAMPS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1018, 6 January 1911, Page 4

THE COMPASS OF PRISON CAMPS.

0 PRISONERS' ASPIRATIONS. SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND FLORICULTUHE. The prison tree-planting camps at Waio-. tapu and Waipa were inspected by the Minister for Justice (Hon. Dr. Findlay) during'his recent holiday visit to Rotorua. Spea'kiug to a representative of Tiie Dojiikios yesterday, Dr. Tiiidlay remarked that the gaolers at each of the camps reported that the conduct, of the men bad never been better, ahd the work at' tho camps was going on' very smoothly. The single cell system had now been completed at Waiotapu, and shortly it would be completed at Waipa. The change, said, Dr. I'indlay, was approved by the gaolers, and, he believed, the prisoners themselves were glad of the alteration. Under the old system there were four prisoners in each small cabin. "Shortly after I took office," added Dr. I'indlay, "[ decided that the system then obtaining must give way to the single cell for several reasons then set out."

The establishment of a social hall at each of the above tree-planting stations is said to have done a great deal of good. In these halls, which can accommodate all tho prisoners, the leisure hours are spent, viz., from stopping worl; at 5 p.m.' until the men aro sent to their dormitories at 7.30. The men are,allowed light until 8 p.m., and whilst they are in tho social hall, they aro under the constant supervision of a warder. Some of the men who are backward in education aro making good use of their leisure hours, the bottsr educated prisoners teaching their less fortunate associates. Dr. Findlav has agreed to add some scientific works to the small library at each of tho camps, there being a desire on the part of some of tho prisoners to take up the study of some scientific subjects. The appearance of tha Waiotapu camp is stated to be very much improved by the flower gardens which the prisoners have made about the buildings. A similar move is about to be made by tho prisoners at Waipa. In both camps. Dr. I'indlay concluded, the general scheme of improving the surroundings and mora* level has been followed with excellent results.