Tuesday, April 13, 2021

GULGONG POLICE

 

Police Station, barracks and lock-up, Gulgong, 1872
Source: SLNSW

Detectives Powell & Hannan, Gulgong, 1872
Source: SLNSW


Detectives Powell & Hannan and their office, Gulgong, 1872
Source: SLNSW


NEWS ITEMS

1871 - [VIGILANCE]
A Vigilance Committee is being formed at Gulgong, in consequence of the scarcity of police.

1871 - [NO POLICE]
The population is now 3000, and daily increasing. No police.

1871 - [FRACAS]
We have been informed that a fracas took place at Gulgong on Tuesday night, during which shots were fired, and several persons seriously injured. Our informant states that a mob of thirsty and impecunious individuals compelled one of the publicans to open his house, and serve out nobblers all round with out the trifling ceremony of payment. One of the policemen was very roughly handled. It is ridiculous having only two policemen to look after this district, containing, as all gold-fields necessarily must do, a liberal proportion of the rowdy element. The respectable inhabitants are loud in their complaints, and it really is time that more men were placed at the disposal of the sub-inspector for duty on Gulgong. 
We have been told that one bright particular star in the thieving galaxy was lately apprehended for stealing a bag of gold from a digger. As usual in such cases, he was hauled off to durance vile, and secured by being chained to a log. By the aid of a file, however, and probably with the assistance of outside comrades, he made good his retreat during the night, manifesting his contempt for the law by robbing the police sergeant. Two men to keep in order such professionals as these is simply ridiculous. It might form a fitting task for Hercules, or rather Briaieus, for it is evident that 'more hands are wanted.'

1871 - Escaped Prisoner.
Escaped on the 9th instant, from the custody of Constable Lisson, Gulgong, Billy Wilson, a prisoner, charged with stealing a purse, £1, and some silver, from one Constantine Butler. Wilson is about 35 years of age, 6 feet 5 inches high, dark complexion, dark hair, brown whiskers worn under chin, dark shaggy eyebrows, prominent eyes, face shaved round point of jaws; dressed in blue serge coat and moleskin trousers.

1871 - POLICE PROTECTION AT GULGONG. 
Yesterday two detective officers and several constables proceeded to Gulgong, where they will henceforth be stationed.
Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Tue 14 Mar 1871 Page 2

1871 - [Death]
Mr. Macarthur, Police Magistrate at Gulgong, died suddenly to-day, from the bursting of a blood-vessel.

1871 - [Stationed at Gulgong]
Two detective officers, and several other constables, are now to be stationed at Gulgong.

1871 - [Sly Grog]
The police at Gulgong, have made a raid upon the sly grog sellers there and, on the 1st instant five offenders were convicted at Mudgee, and fined £30 each, one-half of which amount goes to the informer.

1873 - [Evening News]
Detective Powell dropped dead at Tarrant's Hotel at ten o'clock this morning. He was seized with a fit at one o'clock in the morning, when returning from a supper at the Albion Hotel, but recovered from that and was partially well until he expired.

1874 - APPREHENSIONS
John Bennett, alias Edward Waters, charged with stealing a horse, saddle, and bridle, and saddle cloth (recovered), the property of George Rouse, has been arrested by Sergeant Keenan and Detective Hannan. Sentenced to six months hard labour for illegally using. This offender is identical with Edward Waters, discharged prisoner. [Vide Police Gazette, 1873, page 331.]
Source:  New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 28 Jan 1874 [Issue No.4] Page 26

Gulgong Police Station, Barracks and Lock-up, 1872
Source: SLNSW
Police Compound, Gulgong, 1872
Source: SLNSW

Men in Police Compound, Gulgong, detail
Source: SLNSW

Constable and family outside their home, Gulgong, 1872
Source: SLNSW

Constable and family, detail
Source: SLNSW

T.A. Browne (Rolf Boldrewood) on the verandah of the Court House in the Police Compound, Gulgong, 1872
Source: SLNSW

The author: T.A. Browne (Rolf Boldrewood) 
on the verandah of the Court House in the Police Compound, Gulgong. 1872
Source: SLNSW

A letter from T A Browne, to Lord Wharncliff (2 May 1876) exists in a Collection held by the Sheffield City Archives. It contains: Congratulations on Earldom; losses due to drought and panic in 1868, now warden of gold fields for Mudgee Mining and police magistrate at Gulgong, news of family.

Brian Moran, charged with maliciously wounding a cow, the property of Alfred Tindall, Pyramid Creek, has been arrested by Senior-constable Chiplin and Constable Percival, Hargraves Police. Committed for trial at Mudgee Quarter Sessions.
James Fitzsimmons, charged with stealing two glazed window sashes and a door (recovered), the property of Thomas Cadel, Esq., J.P., Mullamudda, has been arrested, by Sergeant O’Donnell, Gulgong Police. Committed for trial at the next Court of Quarter Sessions to be holden at Mudgee.

Telegraph Office in the Police Compound next to the Court House, 1872
Source: SLNSW

Telegraph Office Staff, 1870s
From the left is Harry Williams, telegram delivery boy, John Tierney Telegraph Station Master, Leslie Donaldson CPS, George Murray Dunn and Edward Clarke solicitors.
Source: SLNSW
____________________________________________________________
The following list was researched by Ruth Davis of Gulgong in June 2006 from 1871-73 Gulgong Advertiser and Argus newspapers and other local papers.

GULGONG POLICE

DATE

SURNAME

1st NAME

RANK

NOTE

1871-76

O'DONNELL

John

Sergeant

1

1871-79

KEENAN

James

Sergeant

1871-73

JOHNSON

William

Snr. Sgt

1871

BIRD

George

Constable

2

1971

BARRY

---

Constable

1871

BOYD

---

Constable

3

1871

CARROLL

---

Constable

1871-73

DUFFY

Patrick

Constable

1871

EMERSON

---

Constable

1871-73

FITZPATRICK

Michael

Constable

1871-75

FOSTER

William

Constable

4

1871

GLIEN

John

Constable

5

1871

HANNAH

Robert

Constable

6

1871-72

JOHNSON

William

Constable

1871-75

LISSON

Richard

Constable

1871

SALTER

---

Constable

7

1871

McMARTHY

---

Constable

1871

OLIVER

---

Constable

 

1872

BOYLE

George

Constable

 

1872

CALLAGHAN

---

Constable

1872

DONOVAN

Patrick

Constable

1871

RITCHIE

---

Snr Cnstbl

1871-75

STAPLETON

Robert

Constable

1872-73

CANAVAN

---

Constable

8

1872

CLARK

---

Constable

1872-73

FLAHERTY

John

Constable

1872

JERRIE

John

Constable

1872

MURRAY

Patrick

Constable

1872

ROGERS

Henry

Constable

1872

SINCLAIR

---

Constable

1872-73

TOOHEY

John

Constable

1873-74

MERRICK

Patrick

1872-74

HANNAN

Robert

Detective

9

---

POWELL

Charles

Detective

1874-75

FORSTER

Robert

Constable

1874

MILLER

---

Snr Cnstbl

1875

BAILEY

---

Constable

1876

MERRIN

John

Snr Cnstbl

10

1879

KEENAN

James

Sergeant

1879

ANDERSON

---

Constable

1879

FORESTER

---

Constable

1879

MERRIN

---

Constable

1879

WALKER

---

Constable

1898

BOWEN

Alfred E

Constable

11

pre-1898

JOYCE

---

Constable

12

1898

BLUNT

William Meredith

Constable

1901

PROWSE

J.C.

Constable

1901

MCRAE

---

Snr Cnstbl

1901

HICKS

---

Constable

1902

PROWSE

J.C.

Constable

1902

KENNEDY

---

Constable

1902

HICKS

---

Constable

13

1902

FERRIS

Edward

Snr Cnstbl

14

1904

MILLING

---

Constable

---

KENNEDY

---

Constable

1918

WILSON

---

Constable, 1st Class

 

WRIGHT

Vivian Henry

Constable

---

WATTS

Charles James

Sergeant

1919

WATTS

Charles James

Sergeant

---

WILSON

---

Constable 1st Class

1930-40

ADAMS

Joseph

Sergeant

15

1930

TICKNER

Charles Edward

Sergeant

1937

DODDS

Carl Mark

Sergeant

SUTHERN

Donald John

Sergeant

16

1949

THOMPSON

Roy H. E.

Constable

17

1949

McKENZIE

K

Constable

TUCKER

Allan Howard

Constable

1948-51

DEACON

---

Sergeant

18

1950

BIGGS

---

Sergeant

1952

GODDEN

Sidney Clarence

Sergeant

19

---

JONES

Allan William

Constable

20

---

JOHNSON

Athol Joseph

Constable

21

1957

BURKE

Austin

Constable

22

1956

PASSLOW

Kevin

Constable

1958

JONES

Roy

Sergeant

1958

SMITH

G.J.

Constable

1970s

 

PARKER

Keith

Sergeant

CHANNING

Ian

Constable

HENSLEY

---

Constable
____________________________________________________________
NOTES

  1. Lachlan area, Two Mile Flat; Promoted to Snr. Sgt. 08.1872; Died May 1876, Sydney
  2. Lock-up-keeper
  3. Mounted Police
  4. Mounted Police
  5. Saw Mill, Reedy Creek; died 1923; buried Gulgong R.C.
  6. Promoted to Detective August; 1872 Transferred to QLD; 1874-1876 Sub-Inspector Colony Fiji
  7.  Mounted Police
  8. Lock-up-keeper
  9. See HANNAH above
  10. Promoted to Sgt 1876
  11. Transferred to Manildra 1901; married Miss Cicognani
  12. Transferred to Wellington; stationed at Gulgong for many years
  13. Replaced Constable Prowse
  14. Promoted to Sergeant at Molong; replaced 27.07.1902
  15. Mary Comer's father
  16. Nickname Tojo
  17. Henderson Evan; Left
  18. Jack
  19. aka Clarrie; Left 1955
  20. aka Jerry
  21. Murdered - 25.04.1958
  22. Left

Source: Researched by Ruth Davis, June 2006 from 1871-73 Advertiser-Argus and other local papers

1862________________
John Racker Medley was born on 15 December 1828 to George Bowley and Hester Medley at Keynsham, Manchester, Jamaica and baptized at the Look Out, Manchester, Jamaica on 27 January 1830. In 1841 he is living with his parents, brother and sister at Park Place, Lambeth, London. In 1849, he was a semi-finalist, with his brother George Webb Medley who defeated him, in the knockout competition at Simpson's Grand Divan Tavern in the Strand, then the home of chess in England - a competition which, by 1851, had international standing. His brother was a well-known London amateur in chess, and John also became well-known in Sydney as a chess player. In 1851 John was working as a clerk to his brother George, who was a member of the Stock Exchange and dealer in railway shares. He served in the Army in Turkey with the Land Transport Corps, 1855-56. He was Sub-Inspector of Police in New South Wales for Bourke, Mudgee and the Gulgong Goldfields, 1862-81. In 1901 he was living in Norris Street London and died at Grantham, 17 December 1902.

1875________________
Sergeant John Merrin, was stationed in Gulgong 1875-1881. In January 1876, Sergeant John Merrin, late of Carcoar and Cowra, officially took over from Senior Sergeant O'Donnell at Gulgong.


1875 - [INSPECTOR JOHN MERRIN]
At Christmas, 1875, John Merrin was a senior-constable stationed at Gulgong, and on Christmas Day word reached him that Mrs. Martin, of the Travellers' Rest Inn at Guntawang, had been murdered. He mounted his horse, and rode to the scene of the slaughter. The Travellers' Rest was a good two-storied brick house, the property of the Rouses, of Biriganbil, and Mrs. Martin was the licensee. When Merrin arrived on the scene, he found, among other persons congregated there, George Pitt, a highly-respectable-looking young man, a teamster, aged about [] years. Merrin, from something he had heard, said to Pitt, 'You were there; what do you know about it?' Pitt replied: 'Mrs. Martin came into my room with a lighted candle about 11 o'clock and said, 'George, are you going to bed?' I said, 'Yes, I might as well. I have been up these two nights. I am going on the road in the morning.' She said, 'Don't go to bed; I will come out as soon as I get, Katey in.' She called Katey in, and then came out again, put her arms round my neck and kissed me. She then went into her room, came out again, and again kissed me. She asked how long I was to be away. Katey came out, and Mrs. Martin returned to the room. After a few minutes she again came out, put her arms round me, and again kissed me. I then felt something touch my throat like a scratch, which I thought she was doing with her nails. I said, 'What are you doing?' She said. 'Nothing, dear.' I then felt something sharp across my throat, and I drew away. She then put her hands up over her face and pulled one gently down towards her threat. She then cut her throat, ran up along the passage towards the door—the parlor door— and sang out, 'Boldly.' She then fell. I said to her: 'That will do. Come into the house.' Pitt showed Merrin a mark on his face, and said that Mrs. Martin had done it. Merrin then went into the house through the passage. Then Pitt said: 'This is the knife she did it with, and this is the corner I picked up the knife in coming out.' Merrin asked him if the knife were his but he denied, saying that he borrowed it from old Tuckerman to cut his corns with. Merrin asked him if he could not have prevented Mrs. Martin cutting her throat. He replied that she had done it too quickly. Merrin noticed that there were some bloodstains on Pitt's clothes, and asked him how they came there. The reply was that he had dropped his hat in the passage where the blood was. Pitt was then taken into the bar, where the body of Mrs. Martin was lying in a pool of blood. Merrin then said : 'I arrest you for the murder of that woman.'
As a matter of fact, there had been 'something' between Pitt and Mrs. Martin, and on the Christmas Eve she had caused him to be jealous, and, calling her out of her bedroom, in the presence of Kate LeStrange, he cut the unfortunate woman's throat. ' He was hanged in Mudgee Gaol.

_______________________

The following research detailing police posted to Gulgong between 1886 and 1919, was compiled by Ruth Davis of Gulgong

_______________________

November 27, 1886
Sergeant G Steel of Gulgong is a very efficient officer. He will be remembered as the officer who brought the culprit Newman [afterwards executed at Dubbo] to justice for the Coonabarabran murder.

April 25, 1889
Last night the annual meeting of the parishioners of St Luke’s Church of England, Messrs H Voss, T Matthews and H DeBoos were elected were elected Churchwardens. Messrs Rouse of Guntawang, Rouse of Biraganbil, Jones, Skillman, Hamilton, Bishop, Lambert, Lowe and Steel were elected parochial council


Jan 2, 1 1898
CPS—the deputation which waited on Mr Reid asking for a Clerk of Petty Session be appointed in Gulgong to say the least did not ground argument on a substantial basis. It was urged that Sergeant Steele who at present looks after the office is so much taken up with his police duties that he is unable to carry out properly the clerical work.
Notice Inviting Objections to Application
I hereby give notice that application by the undersigned person has been lodged with me for a lease of four acres for a Reservoir embracing what is know as Tipping’s Dam in the Parish of Guntawang and County of Phillip and any persons who desire to object to the granting of such application must, on or before the 16th day of March, 1898, lodge or forward to the Warden’s Clerk of Gulgong, a notice in writing in their hand setting forth clearly the grounds of objection. And further I give notice that if any objection together with a deposit of £5, be lodged as aforesaid, an inquiry into such application and objection will be held by Mr Warden Wilkinson at a place and on a day to be appointed in terms of Regulation 7, sub clause [C]

GEORGE STEELE,
Warden’s Clerk.
Dated at Gulgong this 23rd day of February, 1898.
Name and address of applicant—Signed
LUDVIG HASENKAM

April 1, 1898
Slaughter Houses—Mr Inspector Bowker’s report on the Slaughter Houses of Gulgong is very flattering to the local inspector Sergeant George Steel. The report states that the register and; outhouses good order.

1898
VISIT OF THE PREMIER - Enthusiastic Reception at Home Rule and Gulgong
On Friday last the Premier the Right Hon. G. H. Reid, P C, Mrs Reid and party consisting of Hon. J Cook, PMG, Messrs Ball [Albury], Bavister [Ashfield], Clark [St Leonards], Fitzpatrick [Rylstone], Jones [Mudgee], Wilks [Balmain], M.L.A.’s, left Mudgee for Gulgong. The party were driven by Mr R Rouse of Biraganbil and Mr C D Meares. On arriving at Home Rule Mr Moroney on behalf of the residents welcomed the party to town. Brief addresses and refreshments partaken, thence on to Gulgong.
In Gulgong the decorations were both extensive and charming. A large number of vehicles left to meet the Premier, they drew up on the side of the road near Mr Williardt’s residence one and a half miles from town. Troopers Sergeant Steele and Constable Bowen headed the procession, next came the Gulgong Band, then the Premier’s party followed by the Mayor and Aldermen, prominent townspeople, the procession fully a mile long. Coming into town along Mayne Street turned into Herbert Street then up Belmore Street into Medley Street, into Mayne Street then to the Town Hall, the party officially welcomed by the Mayor R W Heard.


William Meredith Blunt
Gulgong constable in 1900 (later bought the Post Office Hotel)


May 3 1901
Molong Argus—We hear that Constable Alfred E. Bowen of Manildra has been specially promoted to the rank of first-class Constable. Mr Bowen was stationed in Gulgong for years and was widely respected. He is a son-in-law of Mrs Cicognani of this town
Reported in town that the popular police officer Sergeant George Steele is to be promoted and transferred.

May 17 1901
By the establishment of an independent Clerk of Petty Sessions Gulgong is placed upon the same footing that it occupied in the pre-retrenchment days.
The officer who has been filling it and the various minor officers is Sergeant Steele. No member of the police force is too highly paid and the superseding of our worthy Sergeant in these offices must be a somewhat severe blow at his annual receipts. As a police officer he is a highly capable man and one who has deserved promotion for years. But promotion in the force is like promotion in most other departments—it does not go by record and worth but by pitchfork. The new appointed C.P.S. officer, Mr Haydock has had a good deal of experience in the procedure of police courts and in the warden’s clerk line also.

August 2 1901
Presentation to Sergeant Steele
A very pleasing function took place in the Council Chambers on last Wednesday evening, when Sergeant George Steele was presented with a handsome illuminated address and a purse of 24 sovereigns, the occasion being the eve of his departure to Wellington, to which town he has been promoted. Mayor Rouse occupied the chair and letters were read from Messrs L G Rouse, Norman Shelley [Sydney], I Rowbotham, CM Lowe and J Niven all of which testified to the sterling worth of the Sergeant. The list of names contained over 90 names.
Much was said as to the character of Mr Steele and the manner in which he carried out his duties both as a policeman and acting CPS Officer.
Sergeant Steele suitably replied stating that he had been nearly 15 years in Gulgong, his family was then two but now it is seven.
Others who spoke were Messrs C R Young stating that he had done his job fearlessly and fairly and Judge Innes had only done him justice when he eulogised him from the Bench. The word ‘Gulgong’ in the Aboriginal tongue signified ‘daughter of a lady.’ Messrs ST Bishop, C E Hilton, W R Bentzen and H Cross all endorsed the words said.
[NOTE this is a long item stating the worth of the Good Sergeant.]

August 16 1901
On Tuesday last Senior Constable Charles H. Hicks of Leadville arrived in Gulgong, he has been promoted and takes charge of the Police arrangements here

July 25 1902
Last Wednesday Constable J. C. Prowse who came to Gulgong in May 1899 has been transferred to Wallerawang, during his time here he proved himself to be a conscientious officer and well worthy of his promotion. Constable Kennedy of Wallerawang will replace Constable Prowse

October 10 1902
Senior Constable Hicks has received word from Sub-Inspector D’Arcy notifying him of his promotion to the rank of Sergeant of Police and also that he is to be removed to Molong. We would have liked him to remain in Gulgong for during his stay here the past 12 months he has earned for himself the goodwill of everybody.

February 13 1903
Constable McRae who has been stationed at Gulgong for sometime has been transferred to Mudgee, he has become very popular whilst in Gulgong and we hope that his transfer means promotion for him.

February 20 1903
Constable Milling from Bathurst has been appointed in the place of Constable McRae.
Senior Constable Ferris is now being recognised as conscientious and straight forward officer—a man who favours no one—and does what he thinks is right.

March 12 1903
Senior Constable Ferris has been gazetted Inspector of Weights and Measures for the Gulgong District. A person found using incorrect weights and measures is liable to a heavy penalty.

April 26 1903
Senior Constable Ferris has been appointed a temporary bailiff in place of Mr JB Clarke
Constable McRae has been promoted to the position of first-class constable.

June16 1918
Senior Sergeant J Blanchfield of Parkes Police Station has been promoted to Inspector at Walgett, he is the son-in-law of Mr and Mrs C Harris of Gulgong, he was once stationed here.

August 13 1918
A farewell was held at the Court House for Mr MJ Mahon PM who has been promoted to Wagga. Present Messrs JJ Dowd and RS Adams, solicitors, Messrs CE Hilton, HD Richards, WG Gibbs, CJ Martin and G Rush JP’s and Sergeant Charles James Watts.


September 3, 1918
Mr Hugh Malone has been appointed as the Police Magistrate at Gulgong—he will be remembered by old timers as being attached to the staff of the local Post Office 30 years ago—he had been in Orange for the past 2 years

October 15, 1918
Mr. C Bleechmore son of Mrs Bleechmore of this town has resigned from the police force in order to enlist.
First Class Constable Wilson of the Gulgong Station is laid up at Condobolin where he went of leave

November 26, 1918
Tenders are called for repairs and painting of the Gulgong Police Station Sergeant’s Quarters. Specifications from the Gulgong Court House.

January 14, 1919
First-class Constable Wilson who has been absent from Gulgong on sick leave for the past four months resumed duties last Thursday.

May 13 1919
Memoriam—BLEECHMORE W. A. who died at the Police Station, Gulgong on May 16 1917, aged 48—inserted by his wife and children.

July 1, 1919
First Class Constable Wilson is spending his annual leave with his parents at Condobolin.

 

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