PRISONERS SHOT DEAD

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 August 1930, Page 10

PRISONERS SHOT DEAD

GAOL WITH REPUTATION.

SYDNEY, July 24

Yatala gaol, in South Australia, from which four prisoners escaped in sensational circumstances last week — two to be shot dead by the police—is notorious for riots, fights and escapes. It has been the subject of (much comment in Parliament and many commissions of inquiry, due mainly to the fact that it was run on regulations that were 70 years old. In an attempt to break away from the trouble-breeding regulations the administration became ultra-modern, and it was not unusual for the whole prison to take part in Saturday afternoon football matches in a paddock adjoining the gaol. Also, it was quite a usual thing to see one of the gaol’s most notorious prisoners—after he had been reform-ed-driving the governor’s car out-' side the walls of the prison. It is not known whether these “reform” methods had anything to do with the escape of the four desperate characters, but a cry has gone forth that there was too much “honour system,” and that the prison was understaffed; The Premier of South Australia has denied this, but it is certain that there will be a full inquiry into the whole matter.

When the men escaped they were working in an open quarry, and the Chief Secretary of South Australia, Mr. J. Jelly, said it was only to be expected that men who were given that class of work would make a dash for freedom. The only alternative was to keep men in their cells, and this apparently is not in keeping with the policy at Yatala. Mr. Jelly referred to the number of rebellions that had been reported from gaols in various parts of the world. These, he said, were bound to have some effect on prison discipline generally. At Hie same time there has been general comment at the fact that such notorious criminals as those who escaped were allowed the freedom of open quarry work. DETERMINED TO KILL. The character of the men was well exemplified in their behaviour during the police chase. It was clearly their intention to kill the police who displayed much bravery during the chase. While riding on a stolen lorry John Eustace Newchurch, a half-caste aboriginal, who had previously escaped, opened a fusillade on the police. It was only because the police aim was better that their lives were spared. When Hayes, one of the escapees, was recaptured he was dressed in female attire. His face was expertly painted and powdered. His dress was of print material, and he had white shoes and stockings. A smart black hat hid his close-cropped hair. He made no resistance when the police entered the house where he was, and a search failed to reveal any firearms. The dwelling in which Hayes was caught was occupied almost entirely by half-castes. The house was surrounded before the police ' entered. The police had their revolvers drawn, expecting a fierce fight, but instead they found the disguised Mayes quietly seated on a ■ sofa. The detectives kept their revolvers levelled at him while he was •searched, and when he was told to stand up he did so with surprising willingness. He said that he did not intend to cause any more bother. “I have had a good day,” he added.

When the detectives were ready to move away with their prisoner they received a shock to hear Hayes protest that his shoes were too flimsy to go out on to the wet roadway. He said that he declined to walk in the wet for ''anyone, and if they wanted to take him they would have to carry him. This the detectives decided to do. One of the detectives bundled the “flapper” in his arms and carried him to the waiting patrol van.

Hayes’ sangfroid amazed his captors. When handcuffed he said, “It’s your win this time, boys.” When being searched he admonished the officers for treating,-a member of the fair sex with marked discourtesy, and added, “Remember that I am a woman.” He spent the night in the cells in his adopted attire, and was so dressed when he appeared before the Court next day. He did his best to attract attention to his dress.