BRITISH PRISON CAMPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1915, Page 8

BRITISH PRISON CAMPS.

A STRIKING CONTRAST. HOLIDAY FOR THE HU.N'S. By Cable. —Press Association—Copyright London, December 17. The pressmen's visit to the German camp continues. Some of the prisoners display remarkable industry. One made two violins and others excellent carvings. Carpenters made music stands and furniture. A choirmaster trained fifty of his fellow-prisoners, and a brass band was formed with thirty instruments presented by English musicians. Tailors, bootmakers and barbers are paid for their services. The men wash their own clothing and are required to keep their rooms clean. Lights are out at 10 30 p.m., but the men are permitted to be out of doors till midnight undei an officer appointed for each dormitory, resulting in splendid discipline. When a prisoner burned a plank from his bunk, others court-martialled him, charging him with damaging Government property. Although there are no German officers in this camp, many possess superior talents. A chemist acts as dispenser, a barrister was found lecturing to the class on the history of Babylon. A former resident of England was teaching shorthand and English. The pupils are glad of mestal exertion to relieve the monotony Hot baths are, always available. The men are permitted two letters outward weekly and receive all arriving; thus they are in close touch with their relatives. Parcels to the number 1 of 105,000 were received in eleven months, and now they come at the rate of 13C0 daily, with Christmas gifts. It is pathetic to watch the anxiety of the recipients during the search of parcels by the officers, fearing some treasures will he confiscated. Frequently parcels contain spirits, which are tabooed. The men are permitted oookc and English newspapers, except those containing offensive anti-German articles and cartoons. The absence of restrictions is remarkable. A band plays the "Wacht am Bhein." Most of the prisoners are affable. Only once has trouble threatened, and this was tactfully and promptly quelled. One man has escaped in twelve months. The smoothness of the working is due to the sympathetic treatment by the commandant, Major W. C. Bu'lkeley, D.5.0., who was born in Taranaki, New Zealand, and is the owner of property in Colombo street, Christchureh. His father was aide-de-camp to Sir George Grey. He controlled prisoners in South Africa. He has won the confidence of the Germans by his straightforward dealing. On his entering a room everyone jumps to attention in a twinkling. Major Bulkeley does not treat the prisoners like dogs, but as a soldier to soldiers, always returning a salute. Thus, when an exchange of prisoners is arranged and it is necessary to send a picket to bring out five Germans they liave no desire, to go. There are few complaints. A canteen supplements an unlimited variety of foodstuffs. Prisoners are permitted to receive from their homes half-a-sovereign weekly. Some complained of the white bread and prefer coarser.

A travelled American journalist, on taking leave, declared that the camp is a most striking aontrast with AngloRussian camps in Germany, where the prisoners are compelled to sweep the streets and do the most menial work.