ALLEGED LAX DISCIPLINE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 458, 13 May 1909, Page 3

ALLEGED LAX DISCIPLINE.

Christchurch, May 11. Some trouble has arisen at the prison camp at Hanmer. It is stated that the discipline is exceedingly lax, and some of the prisoners have got out of hand. The foresters engaged in the treeplanting are supposed to assist the warders in maintaining discipline, but they seem to have been disinclined to do this. It is reported that some of the prisoners have attended public gatherings, and that they have been photographed in public places, in company with warders. The position is regarded as rather serious. It is expected that Mr W. C. Kensington, Undersecretary for Lands, will arrive from Wellington to-morrow, and will go to Hanmer, and that Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., will also visit the planatation to-morrow to hold an enquiry. “As far as my information goes, and I have made enquires,” said the Minister for Justice (Hon. Dr. Findlay) to a Post reporter, “the statements in the telegram are fanciful and exaggerated. Some trouble has arisen in connection with the conduct of one of the warders, and there is some conflict as to the actual facts. I have asked Mr Bishop, S.M. at Christchurch, to proceed to Hanmer and make a short enquiry and furnish me with a report.”