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Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1934, Page 19 (Supplement)

Prison life in Taranaki in the “sixties” had some compensations. The New Plymouth gaol was then situated in James’ Lane off central Devon Street, and next door to it was a wine and spirit store. One night, it is alleged, some friends of the prisoners decided to bring them some cheer. They obtained liberal supplies of commodities guaranteed to counteract the cold and discomfort of incarceration and then proceeded to the prison. The keyhole of the _ lockup door was large and into it was inserted the stem of a long clay pipe. The liquor was poured slowly into the bowl of the pipe and the prisoners one by One received their share of the good things by sucking contentedly at the stem of the pipe. It is alleged that the gaoler 'found some very hilarious prisoners on his hands the next morning!