EATING A WAY OUT OF GAOL

Evening Star, Issue 18145, 8 December 1922, Page 5

EATING A WAY OUT OF GAOL

NEW GUINEA JUSTICE. Hunger striking as a means to escape r sentence is not unusual, but for a man to eat -himself out of gaol is a novelty. This and other queer happenings occurred in the administration of 'the law in such an out-of-the-way corner as New Guinea (says the ‘Daily Mail’). The man who ate himself out of gaol ■was charged before a resident magistrate in an outlying district with “blackbirding” (illegal recruiting of labor). The magistrate imposed a fine, m default imprisonment, and was dismayed when the prisoner declined to pay and announced his intention of serving the sentence. Gaols were far away, and there were no means of transit.

“Look here,” pleaded the R.M., “be a good chap and pay -up. It’ll be most awkward if you don’t.” But the prisoner grinned and was odburate.

The magistrate was on a tour of his territory and could not linger, so he was forced to transform his cutter into a tenrporary gaol and take his prisoner with him. He soon discovered that his compulsory guest had an inordinate appetite, and as a result his meagre stock of provisions was being sadly depleted, and in danger of extinction. Faced with tlio prospect of starvation himself, bis justice became tempered with mercy. At the end of a week, having taken istock of his provisions, he gave his prisoner back his freedom.

■A prisoner convicted of selling honor to the natives was fined £2O, in, default a month. He asserted his innocence, and as a protest decided to go to gaol, although it was pointed out to him that gaol was “no place for a white man.” He found this was the case, and complained of his accommodation. A new hut was built for him. He complained of his food. On giving bis parole he was allowed to eat at the hotel.

One evening ho discovered a number of officials within heating of him _ as he ate, and proceeded to express his views of the Administration generally. A message was sent to the gaol, and' the warder who was then in charge sent a native down to bring him back. The prisoner was highly incensed at this slight, and ichased 1 the Pa-puan-homo to bring hia master. The head warder duly arrived, and after • few friendly toasts at the bar gaoler and gaoled rolled home together arm-in-arm.