Poverty or Crime.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5470, 18 November 1885, Page 3

Poverty or Crime.

TO THB BDITOB OF THB BTAB,

Sra, — Being a prisoner in Lyttelton Gaol about three or four weeks since, I was present when a J.P. and the gaoler condemned from 100 to 150 blankets, also about 100 pairs of shoea and slippers. Onehalf of the blankets would, I am sure, have been thankfully received by many poor families in Christchurch. I, myself, would have been very thankful to have brought up two or three to cover myself with. But they are to be torn up to make mops, &c. The shoes, some of them, were better than I see on some of the poor men walking in Christchurch. I saw the gaoler, and asked to have a pair of old boots given to me, and my clothing washed ; but nothing could be done for me or given to me, as I was only sentenced for three months. On Sept. 30 a man was discharged after a sentence of three months, who asked to have a bit of leather put on the heel of his shoe, but it could not be done, he only being a three months' man. Are these rules made to save expense to the country P If so, why is a prisoner allowed to work in the gaoler's garden, and a warder receiving eight or nine shillings a day to look after him ? Also, why Bhould a prisoner be kept as general servant 'and nursemaid in the Gaoler's house all day ; is it to save the expense of the Government paying a female servant for him ? I was offered food and a bed at the prisoners' home for a fortnight, but my clothing smelling of mildew, and no shoes or socks, and the Charitable Aid Board's officers said they could not assist me, I was compelled to make the application I did in the R. M. Court, noticed in your paper of last night. Had I been sent there as a thief ©r forger, I should have got what I asked for.— l am, &,c,

THOMAS COLLINS, 200, Montreal street north