PRISON UNREST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22405, 29 April 1936, Page 12

PRISON UNREST

MORE TROUBLE OCCURS MEN REFUSE TO WORK THREE LEADERS PUNISHED DISTURBANCE SOON QUELLED Determination to test the discipline of the newly-appointed superintendent of Mount Eden Prison, and hopes of leniency from the Labour Government are stated to have been among the underlying causes of dissatisfaction which culminated in mutinous conduct by a section of the prisoners yesterday morning. A number of the men refused to commence their usual work, and as a result a party of about 40 members of tho police force was sent to the prison as an emergency guard. The police remained inside the prison for about an hour and a-half. and returned for a short period early in the afternoon. It was stated subsequently that the three ring-leaders concerned in the disturbance, which followed that of Anzac Day, had been punished, and that the men had returned to work. Recurrence Unlikely The disturbances were not altogether unexpected, although it had not been anticipated that it would be necessary to seek the assistance of the police. It is understood, however, that a recurrence of the trouble is unlikely, following a decisive message from the Minister in charge of Prisons, Hon. H. G. R. Mason, which was communicated to the prisoners yesterday. The message stated that no combination or union among the prisoners would be permitted, and that any complaintß should be made to the superintendent, or to the visiting justice, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. This communication proved effective, and shortly after it had been delivered to the men they returned to work.

The leaders of the trouble, a man who is under a life sentence for murder and two others who are serving long terms of imprisonment for other offences, were dealt with by Mr. Hunt yesterday afternoon, under the regulations. Two were charged with assault, and the third with using insulting language to an officer. One man was sentenced to six days' bread and water and the other two to three days' each Police Aid Enlisted Refusal by a section of the longterm prisoners to commence wbrk yesterday was followed about ten o'clock by the prison authorities calling in the police. All available men, including small parties from suburban police stations, were hurried to the prison. Senior-Sergeant M. Flanagan was in charge of the detachment, which arrived in official vans and a private motor-car. The police took no part in quelling the disturbance, being placed inside the prison ready for action in case of emergency. The police party left the prison at 11.45, and it was then stated by Mr. D. A. Mackintosh, inspector of prisons, who is in Auckland in connection with the trouble at Mount Eden, that the prisoners were expected to return to work as usual in the afternoon. He added that the police had been sent for as an emergency measure, and that it had not been necessary to use force in compelling discipline.

"I'm like McGlusky, I'm a man of peace," Mr. Mackintosh added, jokingly, as he left the prison at lunch time. He refused to give details of the origin of the trouble, but stated that no difficulty was expected in connection with the afternoon's work. Prisoners Resume Work Vans which provided transport for the police returned to the prison about 12.45 o'clock, and the party was again admitted. Reporters anxious to interview the superintendent, Mr. W. T. Leggett, were not permitted to pass the main gates, and were asked to leave the prison property. A brief stay at the prison was made by the police in the afternoon. The party left after about half an hour, and the prisoners resumed their work as usual.

The visiting justice, Mr. Hunt, arrived shortly after the final departure of the police. He was engaged for less than an hour in hearing evidence in connection with breaches of regulations with which the three men wero charged. One man denied the charge, but was convicted and sentenced with the others.

An indication of the improved position at the prison in the afternoon was given by an incident that occurred during Mr. Hunt's visit. He was approached by a prisoner, who asked whether it was correct that Mr. Hunt was to retire before long. On being told that this was the case, the man said, "Well, good-bye, sir. I wish you luck."

DISCIPLINE TO BE ENFORCED STATEMENT BY MINISTER [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON. Tuesday The disturbance at the Mount Eden Prison this morning was referred to the Minister in charge of Prisons, Hon. H. G. R. Mason. The Minister said firm action would be taken against those responsible for the incidents which had occurred on Saturday and again to-day. "A detachment of police attended at Mount Eden Prison this morning," Mr. Mason continued, "as the prison authorities, guarding against any possibility of excitement among the prisoners arising from the incidents on Anzac Day, had arranged for the prison warders to be reinforced in that manner. After some hesitation on the part of the more refractory prisoners all went quietly to work. The Government is giving, and will continue to K' ve t every support to the Mount Eden authorities. Discipline will be enforced according to the regulations and every precaution is being taken not to leave any power in the hands of the dangerous criminals responsible for the troublo. Those responsible for the insubordinate conduct are being dealt with by the visiting magistrate under the provisions of the prisons regulations." x