Quod Comfort

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 723, 24 July 1929, Page 8

Quod Comfort

(To the Editoi

Sir. — My colleagues and myself noted miih interest a recent paragraph in The Sun which recorded the observatiocs of Dr. T. J. Hughes, medical offic®for health, and Mr. F. K. Hum, s.li who together inspected Mount Eden Prison The other day. Dr. Hughes described the sanitarv and ablutionary arrangements in that institution as good, and said that everv care was taken by the prison author: ties of those who came under their charge. Partly owing to the publicity that this statement has received, and partly to the number of letters fro n . public-spirited citizens who have takrn up the cudgels on the part of the inmates of that particular hostelry, we consider that the time has noW come for we guests of the Government, to state our own case. As you will doubtless have observed from the crest on this letterhead, sir. 1 am writing on behalf of the L.W.P., or Lads of the Waikik.imookau Icniteutiary—an organisation which, though the membership m»*urallv fluctuates from time to time, is numerically strong at present.

1 would like to make it quite clear to start with that our relations with the authorities are of the happiest. The authorities would do anything for the Lads, and the Lads would do anything to the Authorities. Apart from this, however, there are several little matters which, as they affect our comfort, will doubtless be attended to immediately they are made public. I append these below in order: (1) The name “Prison.” The Lad.; consider that this has a harsh sound. May we suggest that it be altered to “Hostel.” “Home,” or “Pension.” (2) Library Censorship.—There is a righteous feeling of indignation against the Gaol library authorities for following the act of the Auckland Library in banning the book, “All Quiet on the Western Front.” We are sure the librarian has acted from a misguided sense of propriety, but we also feel that his hasty action has not been in the best of taste. There are certain things, sir. that are not done, even by a librarian. Besides, we want the book to read in bed at night.

(J) Supply of hot-water bottles.— There is at present an acute shortage of these necessary articles. It is true that, the authorities have apologetically distributed their own among the Lads, g.ing without themselves: but even so the supply will scarcely go round. In any case the warders’ hot-water bottles are of a distinctly inferior quality, and occasionally they leak, giving colds to the unfortunate Lads who use thsm. The Authorities have stated regretfully that they have no funds to purchase mop. Now, sir, may I suggest that a flag day be organised, the proceeds to be spent on hot-water bottles for the Institution. The Boys have expressed their willingness to sell the flags at the street corners, and feeling sure of public sympathy and support, we would confidently look forward to the occasion proving a huge financial and social success.

(4) Conduct of ladie3 at prison dances. —We regret we are forced to complain of the conduct of certain young ladies who have attended recent dances held in the prison ballroom. They were found smoking in the dressing-room, and, of course, were asked to leave. It has since been discovered that the ladies in question were uninvited. We venture to include this protest in order to di?such ill-mannered “gatecrashers” from intruding on what are otherwise well conducted and exclusive social functions. (5) Escort to places of amusement. —Many of the Lads feel justly indignant at the way in which they are escorted to cinemas, theatres, and ether places of amusement and instruction. During the Winter Show the Lads who wished to see the evidence of the splendid growth of our magnificent province were formed up in line and escorted to the show r , as any school children might be. Sensitive Lads felt that such a cedure reflected no credit on the tac„ and good taste of the Authorities. We wish to mention this fact as a reproach rather than a rebuke, trus *- ing that the better feelings of the Authorities will prevent it from occuring again. (Signed)— W. SVKKS. Secretary, P*