ESCAPES FROM PRISON.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 October 1940, Page 4

ESCAPES FROM PRISON.

PULL and detailed inquiry is needed to establish the precise circumstances in which four of a party of five prisoners, attempting to abscond from the Auckland prison succeeded in getting away, leaving behind them three warders disabled and one of the three gravely injured. On the broad facts, however, the episode stands out as one that should have been made impossible by efficient organisation. Extended experience has shown that "it is difficult to prevent occasional escapes, particularly from prison camps and similar establishments, the inmates of which are in a measure trusted and plhced upon their honour. Infrequent exceptions of that kind cannot be regarded as discrediting the system in its general operation and effect. The Auckland gaol-break, however, is definitely in a different category.

In this instance the escape was made from what is intended to be a strong prison, in which offenders of the most dangerous type may be kept in secure confinement. Inquiry is needed, not only to place responsibility where it belongs, but in order that adequate safeguards may be established against any repetition of the episode of Tuesday evening. The Minister in Charge of the Prisons Department (Dr McMillan) has said that no statement is to be made on the occurrence at Auckland until a full inquiry into the circumstances has been held. That, of course, is reasonable, but the need both of full inquiry and of positive action is emphasised sharply. It is already clear that there lias been a serious failure of prison organisation or system at Auckland, and that what happened on Tuesday evening should not have happened and certainly must not'be allowed to happen again.