IN THE HANDS OF THE GAOLER

Evening Star, Issue 18337, 26 July 1923, Page 9

IN THE HANDS OF THE GAOLER

PRISONERS’ PROTEST,

NOT ENOUGH POOD.

[Pee United Press Association.]

AUCKLAND, July 26.

“ Since our recapture wo have been in solitary confinement for twenty-one days,” complained two prisoners, named Richard Hayes and Charles King, when they appeared in the Police Court for the hearing of charges connected with their escape. " Your treatment is at tho discretion of tho gaoler,” replied Mr Poynton, S.M. “ But wo aro on half rations,” protested King. “ Well, that is a matter for tho gaoler, said the magistrate. “ Nobody knows what goes on in gaol, and nobody outsido bas power to interfere." “ But we aro only awaiting trial, and aro treated as though we wero undergoing punishment,” retorted the prisoners. Chief-dctoctive M’llveney said that the men were not in solitary confinement. To this they replied: “Wo aro in the punishment colls, and were only allowed out for on hour a day for exercise. We aro undergoing the same punishment as if wo were in solitary confinement.” The Chief Detective explained that they were on No. 2 diet, because they were not working. , . ~ King: “We don’t mind working if you stop starving us.” Tho Magistrate replied that they were in tho hands of the gaoler. They could make a complaint in the usual way, but it would rebound on their own heads if it were frivolous.