“NOT FIT FOR DOG”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 851, 20 December 1929, Page 1

“NOT FIT FOR DOG”

SHOCKING CONDITIONS IN OPOTIKI PRISON DARK IN BROAD DAYLIGHT From Our Own Correspondent OPOTIKI, Today. The shocking conditions of the Opotiki prison, was the subject of a protest, by Mr. N. A. Hodgson, solicitor for D. Hunia, who again appeared in court today, on remand on a serious charge. Mr. Hodgson said the prison could only be described as “the black hole of Calcutta.” The place was worse than a pig-sty,"'hnd was not fit to put a dog in. He considered one night In a cell enough punishment for any crime. Counsel said he wished to make it clear he was not blaming the Opotiki police who were doing all possible for tbe comfort of prisoners under the conditions prevailing. The gaol was 50 years old, being built in 1880. The floors were rotten, and there was practically no ventilation. The atmosphere in hot weather was almost unbearable. He made the protest not only on behalf of his client, but for others. Hunia had been in the gaol almost a month on remand. The police in asking for a further remand for three weeks asked if the justices could assist in the efforts intended to draw the attention of the authorities to the conditions, and invited the justices to inspect the cells. The justices agreed to do this, and after doing so endorsed remarks made by Mr. Hodgson. They said that when the cell doors were closed it was practically dark in broad daylight. while the lack of ventilation could not be worse. They considered tiie prison should be immediately rebuilt, and stated their intention of protesting to the authorities at the condition of the prison. Hunia was again remanded until January 10 when the case will be definitely heard.