Prison work stopped

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 265, 29 November 1988, Page 1

Prison work stopped

Work has been stopped at Waikune Prison on the removal of buildings after a court interim order was served. The Whanganui River Interim Maori Trust Board sought an injunction because the land is subject to a claim application to the Waitangi Tribunal and because the trust has suggested the old prison be used to set up a training centre for school leavers and young Maoris.

The interim order followed the announcement last week from the justice Department that all the prison buildings would be removed. At the beginning of the week contractors were on the site preparing the gymnasium, hall and garages to be transported to Rangipo and Hautu Prisons. A Landcorp site in National Park has been reported as the proposed destination for the 23 prison houses. Trust Board chairman Archie Taiaroa said

the work was begun "swiftly and quietly". Taumarunui Mayor Terry Podmore said last week that the first he knew of the work was on Sunday Morning, November 20, when someone told him the power board had been asked to disconnect the power supply. At that time he said he was furious the Justice Department had started the removal when there were various suggestions for alternative uses for the complex.