OIL MAGNATE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1929, Page 7

OIL MAGNATE

GOES TO GAOL. NEGRO FELLOW-PRISONERS. NEW YORK, May 3. Mr Harry Sinclair, the millionaire oil operator, is now in gaol serving his 90 days’ sentence for contempt of the Senate when lie refused to answer certain question during the inquiry into the Teapot Domo scandals. In his motor-car he drove up to the District of Columbia gaol last night and surrendered to the superintendent, Major Peak. As he stepped from his car dozens of cameras clicked in the glow of a flashlight. Mr Sinclair, who is 53, was seen with iiead erect, a look of defiance in his eyes, and making no effort to escape the photographic barrage. In a minute the doors of the* prison had clanged behind him.

To-day he is being photographed and his finger-prints are being taken, but the rules do not insist cn hair cutting. The millionaire has a strange medley of com pa 11 ions, mostly Negroes. There will be no lessening oT the sentence for good .behaviour. 0110 of t lie richest men in the United States, who left liis luxuriant home at Great Nock, Long Island; to go to gaol, is permitted to have £1 for expenses, enabling him to “buy cigars, cigarettes, or peanuts. ASSISTANT DRUGGIST. Unlike Klvcrton Chapman, who 30 years ago went to prison for the same offence, Sinclair will enjoy 110 luxuries. Chapman lined his cell with Persian rugs and fitted it with furniture de luxe. His meals came in from one of the best Washington restaurants.

Air Sinclair has none of these tilings. He sleeps in a dormitory with other prisoners, eating prison fare, and reading books from the prison library in which virtue is always presented as triumphant. There is a wireless programme from 6 to 9 o’clock each evening. After that hour all the prisoners must he asleep. Cards are not permitted, but the prisoners make packs oif\t of cardhoard cereal boxes, and sugar lumps sometimes serve as dice. '

The millionaire prisoner, who studied pharmacy in his university days, Ins been appointed assistant druggist. He faces the prospect of another six months for contempt of court, bqt the Supreme Court is not expected to give its decision until shortly before the summer adjournment,