Christmas in Gaol

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 847, 16 December 1929, Page 8

Christmas in Gaol

DELICACIES FOR PRISONERS

CHRISTMAS in Mount Eden Gaol differs very little from any other day in gaol; hut there is other food, and more of it. And simple delicacies, such as smokes, sweets and fruit, are distributed liberally among the prisoners.

Wives and children of prisoners, too, are touched with the gladness of the Yule tide Day. They are cared for by mam- of the societies interested in social welfare in the City.

Whatever might be said of the system under which our prisons are administered, and whatever might be the shortcomings of the men themselves, the authorities at Mount Eden certainly work hard to brighten Christmas morning for those who are serving sentences for crime. For prisoners there is so little that can be done. A smile and a handshake in the cold grey cell is small consolation when, the outside world is gay in Yuletide rejoicing—such a greeting is not permitted in any case —and prison routine forbids anything suggestive of added freedom, even for part of th,e day. But the men may at least have a good dinner and extra smokes. And this is the direction in which efforts are made to remove Christmas from the category of everyday life in gaol. Weeks before, the women prisoners —there are about 20 of them—are busily engaged in making plum puddings with which to feed the gaol population of about 390. Public sympathy must accomplish the rest. Charitable societies such as the City Mission, Salvation Army and other prominent social organisations agree to supply goods for the prison treat, and upon the result of their endeavours will depend the brightness of the Nativity celebration. FESTIVE DINNER Some men would almost sell their souls for a “tailor-made” cigarette, after the regulation “plug” which is rationed out every week. It is an open question whether they appreciate the sentiment of the prison chaplain’s good wish on the packets; “May all your troubles end in smoke,” but while the cigarettes last, their troubles are certainly diminished. Within the gaol walls, special religious services are held, and literature is distributed to relieve the solitude of the cells. The “spread” is the event of Christmas Day. Wholesome cake, sweets and fruit are provided in plenty, and if there is anything left at the end of the day the party continues on the morrow, or is reserved for the New Year. It is a case of share and share |

alike. None may send goods to the prison for consumption by one man. It must be pooled and distributed among them all. And the prisoners, strangely enough, have the utmost difficulty in saying “Thank you.” They may feel their appreciation, but so restricted is their contact with the outside world that a request for permission to send a small tribute of appreciation is almost invariably met by refusal. For the dependents of prisoners Christmas is touched with sadness. If the breadwinner of the home has been gaoled for sinning against society the wife and children are the ones who suffer most. They, too. must rely to a large extent upon the generosity of social institutions for their Yuletide cheer. THE INNOCENT PARTY Providing for them is a greater work than organising a Christmas dinner for the prisoners. The children particularly must retain a Christian idea of Christmas Day, it is thought, and learn to distinguish it from other days in the calendar. Clothes and food must be distributed if they are to practise even the most meagre celebration. And so the various societies spend weeks of time and much money in purchasing and parcelling goods for them. This year is no exception. Social workers are already busy providing for the deserving cases to ensure that innocent parties in crimestained families shall not suffer unduly. This work is a greater comfort to the prisoners than the provision of their own special spread. Peace of mind is the greatest possible stimulant to the man in gaol, and his one Christmas thought is the knowledge that his dependents are not being neglected. Every man, even if he be criminal in habits, cherishes a modicum of sentiment at Christmas time. His goodwill, then, if not verbally expressed. is embraced in his thoughts of gratitude to those who are keeping his hearth warm until he regains his freedom. L.J.C.