PARADISE FOR CONVICTS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8809, 10 May 1907, Page 1

PARADISE FOR CONVICTS.

By the arrest of two escaped convicts named Grander and Gerber at Kanderstag, in Switzerland, amazing revelations have been made regarding convict life at the prison of Thorberg, near the town of Wassen. In this penal paradise the convicts did as they liked. They fared sumptuously, liquers being one of their luxuries, and the accommodating warders allowed them to visit the cafes and places of amusement in the town.

Grander and Gerber were the “favourites” at the prison because they had money, which they spent freely on wines and tobacco, sharing them with the other prisoners and the warders. Finding their resources diminished, however, they secured “leave of absence” from the prison in order to obtain funds by highway robbery and burglary. They “worked” the entire Emmenthal valley, and were returning to Thorberg with their booty when arrested. Both convicts denied vehemently that they intended escaping, declaring that they were never so comfortable as in prison. In his defence Grander related a remarkable story of life in the prison. In proof of his honesty he recalled that on one occasion the chief warder allowed him to go to Wasseu, whore he bought five gallons of wine, tobacco, cheese, etc. On his return lie was censured for not buying schnapps for the coffee as well, and early, the next morning lie went back to the town and purchased 'two quart bottles. He afterwards mot some fellow convicts who were out for a mornins stroll, and they emtptied one of the bottles. Grander gave the second bottle to the head warder. Grander added that ho woxxld never have left the prison to rob houses and travellers if lie had not lost his money gambing with the other prisoners. Here is the daily routine in Thorberg Prison, as Grander and Gerber described it to the examining magistrate :

7 a.m.—Rise; receive hot water from the warder; clean cells. 8 a.m.—Breakfast, consisting of coffee, milk, hot rolls, and a liqueur. 9 a.m. to twelve noon.—Cards; games of bowls in the prison yards; other recreations. Noon.—Dinner, consisting of soup, la roast, with vegetables; plain sweet, coffee, Vith liqueur; wine. ' Afternoon. Walk through the town; visit to the cafes or an excursion into the mountains. 6 .pm.—Supper, followed by a smoke, and more games of cards. 9 p.m.—Retire. Some of the prisoners obiected to retiring so early, but the chief warder pointed out apologetically that it was necessary for the prisoners to make some concessions to discipline. The convicts held a meeting, and after a bitter debate it was voted to adhere to the nine o’clock rule. Grnnder and Gerber are to be tried for “escaping,” and further interesting revelations are expected.

THE NURSING MOTHER Who uses Dr. Sheldon’s Digestive Tabulos not only keeps her own stomach perfectly regulated, but imparts the glow of health to the cheek of her babe. Dr. Sheldon’s Digestive Tabulos are mild but infallible. For sale by T. H. Brodln and Turner and Tumor, Tip Top Tons, Martoa 1 and EUia Bxos,,sHbtttervUlo.