ESCAPE OF PRISONERS.
Made Keys and Opened Doors. SYDNEY, March 24. The Royal Commissioner, Mr Justice Clark, who inquired into the escape of three prisoners in November last and the general conduct of the Hobart Gaol, has presented his report, in which he emphasises the general unsuitability of the institution. The escape of the prisoners is attributed to the structural defects in the building, portions of which are 120 years old. The report also stated that more warders are needed. The commissioner said he was satisfied that the three men had keys to get through doors and gates. One prisoner in evidence described the method adopted by prisoners in the manufacture of keys. A first impression is gained from watching the keys carried by the warders, shaping a key from lead, and making indentations from memory. The lead key is then tried in a lock and obstructions in the lock leave marks which indicate where further cutting is needed. From the pattern is manufactured a key in iron. The prisoner said also that it was known that the three men were to escape and that they had made four keys.
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Bibliographic details
Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20556, 6 March 1935, Page 1
Word Count
190ESCAPE OF PRISONERS. Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20556, 6 March 1935, Page 1
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