FEMALE PRISONERS AND "FAGS."

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 36, 11 August 1923, Page 7

FEMALE PRISONERS AND "FAGS."

According to the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. T. M. Wilford) the women in the gaols are now craving for cigarettes. Mr. Wilford stated in tho House of Representatives yesterday that the daily issue of tobacco to the male prisoners had been the best means possible ol maintaining discipline, because the hardened old-timers would sooner obey the rules than forego their allowance of 'baccy.

'' And now," added Mr. Wilford. " I understand the women prisoners are agitating for their Cigarettes—(laughter)— and that a great number of the hard-case women prisoners who pass through our gaols are protesting that they require their cigarettes." Mr. Wilford added that when he was Minister of Justice, ami was down at, Acldinglon Women's Reformatory, there was a particular woman with whom nothing could be done. "At last," said Mr. Wilford, . - .thfi matron obtained.the. etorj, that; «h.«

could not stand it any longer without' a cigarette. I believe that the regulations were not observed strictly, and that she was allowed a cigarette a day." Mr. R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs): " One a da.y?" A voice: "Woodbines." (Laughter.) Mr. Wilford: "I don't know how many the hon. gentleman (Mr. Wright) smokes a day, but I do know that there has been an agitation for the women prisoners to have the same rights as men in the matter of smoking cigarettes. I would like to ask the Minister how the agitation is working out." ''■ It is true that the men have an allowance of tobacco," replied the Minister of Justice (the Hon. C. J. Parr), " and there is no doubt about it that it was a step in the right direction. The soothing influences of nicotine have been a step in the direction of getting men into the right frame of mind." Mr. H. E. Holland (Buller): i' It is a mud drug.

Mr. Parr': "I think most people will admit that it is justified." The Minister said he did not know whether it was right to supply cigarettes to female prisoners. " Certainly," he remarked; "old women prisoners, by instructions ot the doctor, are allowed an amount of tobacco, but I believe they prefer the pipe to the cigarette. At any rate, that is.allowed, with marked benefit to their health. I think the hon. gentleman goes 100 far when lie suggests that we should supply the women with cigarettes. Mr. Wilford: " I did not suggest anything." " I think the smoking of cigarettes deprives women of a great deal of their charm and pleasantness," said Mr. Parr, " and should not be encouarged." Mr. Holland: "How does it affect men?

The Minister did not offer any personal explanation.

" I WILL KEEP FROM GAMBLING."

Gambling was held responsible by Mr. W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) in the House of Representatives last night for the increasing prevalence of crime amongst youths.

An hon. member: " Drink."

Amidst the laughter that followed the remark, the speaker reminded the House that j,-i previous occasions he had quoted official statistics in support of his contention that drink was not responsible for crime.

I would like the hon. member to show me where this is mentioned on the Estimates," interrupted the Chairman of Committees, drawing attention to the subject of debate, the Prisons Department vote.

" Very well, Mr. Young," replied Mr. Lysnar, " I will try to keep from gambling." (Laugter.) • The Chairman: " I would suggest to the hon. member that he should keep to the prisons."

Mr. Lysnar again trespassed upon forbidden grounds, and on being halted by the Chairman, confessed, amidst laughter, that he was afraid he could not cany on. "I will get there somehow, though, he remarked as he sat down W h ?W£ il Armstron S (Christchurch Jiast): Will the gamblers get there?"