A PUGNACIOUS PRISONER.

NZ Truth, Issue 299, 18 March 1911, Page 5

A PUGNACIOUS PRISONER.

Violent Assaults on Warders. A Criminal's Repentance. The Board Room at Mt. Eden gaol was, constituted an "open court" this week to hear a charge against Frederick Logan for committing a breach of prison regulations. The miscreant was a stalwart young man, about 24 years of age, of ezccfilent physique, but with, a rough countenance and roving eye that betokened a wild temper. He was guarded by (four burly warders during the pro* ceedings that were presided over by Magistrate Cutten. When asked if he had anything to say, Logan promptly grunted "Guilty, your Worship." Governor Poynton explained that several years ago his wayward charge had started his .criminal career m New South Wales, and after scoring eight convictions on the other side, he visited these "Fortunate Isles." Logan was only six weeks m the Dominion when .he was trapped on a charge of breaking and entering, • and was awarded four years' imprisonment. Since he had received the hospitality of our Dominion he had been a source of continual annoyance to the prison authorities— he was a very refactory customer. On February 27 Logan was brought before a visiting justice for insubordination, and when being removed by Warder Bemrose, he struck that officer a heavy blow with his clenched fist. "What have you to say to this charge ?" queried the magistrate. "Nothing whatever," replied the prisoner, with an assumed meekness. Governor Poynton -then went on to relate how, only a couple of months ago, Logan had been brought before the Magistrate's Court and charged with violently assaulting Chief-Warder McMurray. On that occasion lie attacked the warder again m court after receiving his gruel. Magistrate : And have you nothing to say at all, Logan ? Prisoner : Well, your Worship, I'd like to make a statement. Would you mind giving me a chance, and let me down as light as you can ? I promise you the authorities will have no mere trouble with me. I want you to consider the treatment 1 have been under— of course, I know I brought it on myself, but it drove me mad, and I didn't know what I was doing when I struck the warder. I've had a big spell of bread and water, sir. Magistrate: This is the third time. you have been up for misbehavior. I have had one case before me, and you committed an assault on the chief-warder m my presence.Prisoner- : Yes, sir ; I had the intention of defying them, but I've learned since that "it. is better for a man to go along quietly and try to please the authorities, and I have been under great punishment since I was last before you. For /the last couple of weeks I bjave made up my mind fully to go right m. the future if I can get a chance. In answer to the magistrate the Governor said Logan's last punishment was 30 days' confinement m irons. The magistrate said he would take into consideration the fact that the prisoner had had a period on bread anrt water, and also the fact that he now promised to settle dowa and heha% f e himself, he would, therefo«e, not impose a punishment that vreuld come upon him immediately. L#gan was sentenced to lose three months' remission on the original .sentence. The pris.- ner retired meekly, saying 2 "Tfiank you, yoiu yvoxtihtor,"-