PITCHED BATTLE IN GAOL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18330, 30 July 1929, Page 9

PITCHED BATTLE IN GAOL.

Mass Attempt At Escape. CONTROL AFTER STERN STRUGGLE. (United Press Association—Hy Electrie 'l’filcgrn ph—Oonyritrli t.) (Received July 29, 8.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 28. Auburn State Prison, one of the largest in the State, was virtually destroyed by fire to-night, as the result of an extraordinary attempt at a wholesale escape by 1700 men and women prisoners. A few guards, aided by volunteers, exhibited great courage and resourcefulness under the leadership of Warder Jennings, in holding back the mob of convicts, with machine guns, from the walls, which the prisoners were unable to cross, despite the possession of the prison’s store of ammunition, gas bombs and firearms. The plot was apparently perfectly timed and matured, and for ten hours the situation was desperate, after which Warder Jennings reported that control had been regained with ten convicts missing. One was killed and eleven injured, also four guards were injured by bullets and gas. Four firemen are suffering from burns and suffocation. The attempted break occurred during the Sunday morning period when the convicts were in the yard. Two overpowered the guard and obtained the keys to the ammunition stores, after which others fired the buildings, and hours of difficult tasks for the guards ensued.