BATTLE WITH CONVICTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 728, 30 July 1929, Page 9

BATTLE WITH CONVICTS

DESPERATE SORTIE IN NEW YORK GAOL MACHINE-GUNS USED (Australian and X.Z. Press Association) NEW YORK, Monday. The Auburn prison, one of the largest in New York State, was virtually destroyed by fire today. The outbreak followed upon an extraordinary attempt to escape made by 1,700 men and women prisoners. The few guards, aided by volunteers, exhibited great courage and resourcefulness under the leadership of Warden Jennings in holding back the mob of convicts. The officials used ma-chine-guns from the walls of the gaol, while the prisoners could not cross in spite of their possession of the prison’s store of ammunition, gas bombs and firearms. Apparently the plot was perfectly timed and well matured. For 10 hours the situation was desperate. After that Warden Jennings reported that control had been regained. Ten convicts are missing, one was killed and 11 were injured. Four of the guards were injured by bullets and gas and four firemen suffered from burns or suffocation. The attempt to escape was made early this morning at a period when the convicts are usually in the yard. Two men overpowered a guard and obtained the keys to the ammunition stores. Then others set fire to the buildings and hours of desperate work for the guards and volunteers ensued.