THE MARTINET.

Observer, Volume 6, Issue 137, 28 April 1883, Page 83

THE MARTINET.

The new regime at Mount Eden Gaol does not recommend itself to the warders. It would appear that the new governor is somewhat of a martinet, as a " Rambler " points out in the following letter : — Sir, — In my peregrinations I find there are wonderful doings just now in the stockade, at Mount Eden, since the arrival of the Addington understrapper, who has been appointed governor. Since taking over office, he has tried all sorts of petty tyranny with the officers, some 22 in number. Captain Hume, Inspector, gave the warders a half-hour for breakfast. This was stopped, and the men had to go without breakfast for several days, until he found out it was Captain Hume's instructions that they should have the half -hour. Day after day lie is issuing fresh orders to annoy the officers. His latest one is, that they shall " salute " himself and the head warder every time they are passing, or when they appear before them. The Auckland Gaol, hitherto, has been blessed with sensible governors ; but now they have got a red-tape fledgling from Addington, where he had charge of some half-dozen women and one or two warders. I believe he made the women curtsey to him until one of them fell down one day, like the Dublin fisherwoman, on the pavement. I remember, many years ago, a young recruit joining a regiment. He was ordered to salute all officers by raising one hand to the peak of his cap, but one day he was carrying two pails of water across the barrack square, when the colonel came in sight. The recruit reasoned with himself. "If the others get one band, this big official should get two," so he put down the buckets and up with both hands. The colonel smiled and passed on. Now, if the chief warder is entitled to a onehanded salute, then the new governor is clearly entitled to both hands. Just fancy his passing 22 warders with, both hands to the peaks of their caps ! I expect soon to hear of two boys being wanted— one to carry his pipe, and another ]m walking - stick, when he goes strutting ixh'-.v.t amongst the warders and prisoners. B<, ih<- L\.j. I saw him with a smoking-cap m. ;.---;:t' about among the prisoners sinokiiv;. .sifJt,." u>,-iv is .^ strict order against it. 1; will V -. '-r^ini- : . ■ the warders when Cuptai". .ir uu ,.- ivri-c; next month, and puts this (jock .B<->t?!?i. . -i v Ids proper place.— Rambler. — [It : - mi.lv?..- a, good thing for our correspondent that be kdsi completed his sentence, or if he were discovered from any peculiarity in his style, he^Cvould be likely to receive very short comnydrfe under the existing regime.