LIFE IN PRISON

New Zealand Mail, 22 January 1902, Page 53

LIFE IN PRISON

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WANGANUI, January 15. The captured escapee from Wanganui Prison, George Thurston, was before the Court, this morning on a charge of breaking away from gaol on tiie 7th inst. Evidence was given by the oaoler, and Warder Steele and Constable Campbell. similar to that given in the case against the other three prisoners last week. Accused made some startling allegations concerning his alleged treatment in gaol. In answer to tiie Magistrate. lie said lie had been bullied about, ancl was always hungry. Asked if lie could state what particular language he took exception to, accused said the warders say, in bullying voice, “ Come over here,” and beckon instead of calling prisoners by name. The Gaoler: “I think they think we ought to say “If you please.’” Accused: “They talk as if they were talking to some animal.” The Gaoler said that visiting Justices saw all prisoners except accused, and they had no complaints to make, exceptabout the food. The prisoners got the regulation ration, and he had no power to alter it. Warder Steele admitted that accused had said something to him about work and rations, and had asked if he could get more food and something to do. Accused said he wished to make a statement on oath, and stated that the reason he broke gaol was because ho did not get sufficient to eat, and was badly treated by the warders. Tho side door on the town .side was open when lie escaped, and that was how he got out. He jumped over the gaol fence, and ran away. He had complained, and tho gaoler said he was not a squatter’s son hut. a prisoner, and ninety-nine out of every hundred who camo in there were liars. He t-old him that if lie was to make complaints he would make it “ d warm for him ” during tho time he would be there. Accused thought the host tiling to do would bo to say nothing at all. The tone of voice of the waiders, who talked in a rough, bullying way, was what accused complained of, not- so much the words made use of. Accused was committed for trial to next sittings of the Supremo Court.