WORK OF THE PRISONERS

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1932, Page 9

WORK OF THE PRISONERS

NOTABLE DISPLAY AT SHOW. Possibly the most surprising exhibit is the stall showing work done by the men in the prison at New Plymouth. Black and w'hite drawings, hand-paint-ed cards, cabinet-making work and a complete wireless set are included among the exhibits. The work is the result of many hours of patience, and reaches a remarkably high standard of achievement.

The wireless set, complete with cabinet, was made by a man who, until he entered prison, had never even heard a wireless. His triumph over technical difficulties was extraordinary, and his construction of the cabinet was equal to that of a skilled tradesman.

In the display are a large number of black and white drawings. Many of them are quaintly humorous, and others are drawn with considerable sincerity. “Bondage,” the picture of a man bound by chains, is simple and powerful. Some of the men have painted and drawn cards for shop window displays with the idea of fitting themselves for this work when they again take their places with their fellow men in the world. Another exhibit is a carved cabinet of intricate design and not a flaw can be seen in the many tiny cuts which make up the pattern. One man has sewn and wokre’d designs on two aprons. Another has made strings of gaily-col-oured beads out of karaka berries, there are several fine water-colours in the display and one man has painted two beautiful designs on cushion covers. The whole display is a credit both to {he men and to the prison authorities. Many of the exhibits are for sale and the money realised will be used by the men in providing new materials for .other work.