Maltreatment of Prisoners

Maoriland Worker, Volume 13, Issue 31, 1 August 1923, Page 4

Maltreatment of Prisoners

Statements made by two prisoners to Magistrate Poynton in Auckland throw some light on hideous deeds done within our prison walls. These were that, while awaiting trial for a misdemeanour, they were kept in solitary confinement for 21 days on half rations, and allowed only one hour's exercise daily. We know they spoke the truth, because we have seen men suffering this treatment in the same 'gaol. The practice there is to punish a man for breaches of the prison regulations BEFORE HE IS TRIED, by putting him into a dark cell, depriving him of occupation, . keeping him penned up for 23 hours daily, and cutting down his rations to one-half. His blankets are taken from him in the daytime, he Is allowed no seating accommodation in his chilly cell except a concrete peg, and, to save his soul, the warder or cleaner CHUCKS HIM A BIBLF., although he is denied light! After waiting for a week or a fortnight he is tried and, if guilty, is given SOLITARY CONFINEMENT, the only difference being that they 'lock him up for 24 hours daily, give him bread and water, and TAKE HIS BIBLE AWAY. One of the prisoners said to Mr. Poynton: "Nobody knows what goes on in gaol, and nobody outside has power to interfere." This is, unfortunately, • only too true. But The Maoriland Worker will speak for these men, if the Magistrate won't.