MAN WHO BUYS PRISONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

MAN WHO BUYS PRISONS.

TURNING GAOL INTO HOTEL.

Lorry drivers are shortly to stay of their own free will in Knutsford Gaol, Cheshire, and pay 3s a night for the privilege. Tho prison has been bought from the Government for £4150 by Sir. Thomas Oakley, of Lulon. After allowing some time for tho public to visit the colls and the gallows, ho has decided to open it as a hostel.

Buying prisons is a lia'jit with Mr. Oaklev. Ho silready owns three at C!osport, 'Derby, and Worcester. ITo is pulling ihuse down for llio bricks and stone, but bo will make a new departure of going into (lie catering business with his latest acquisition. ' " Knulsforcl," Mr. Oakley said, " stands on'si five-aero silo on tlio main LomlonLiverpool and Manchester Road. _ There must 110 scores of men engaged in road transport, who would welcome ;i hostel, and I' sliall concreto over about three acres as a park for their lorries. At 3s ;j head I hope to givo 300 men a good bed in tho cells nightly, with bath and breakfast."

Among tho other queer purchases of Mr. Oakley aro:—Water-chutn at the Crystal l'aiace, light cruiser, four aerodromes, part of Gretna munition factory, six or soven breweries, cotton mills, and fourteen country mansions.

Tho great mystery at Knutsford is tho missing graves of tho hanged murderers. Mr. Oakley fully expected to have to cope with the problem of disposing of or covering up these. Rut ho could find none.