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.

Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Sat 14 Jan 1871 Page 2

1871 - [NO POLICE]

The population is now 3000, and daily increasing. No police.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 16 Jan 1871 Page 4

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.'

Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Mon 16 Jan 1871 Page 4

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.

Source:  New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 18 Jan 1871 [Issue No.3] Page 16

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.

Source: The Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939) Sat 11 Mar 1871 Page 2

1871 - [Stationed at Gulgong]

Two detective officers, and several other constables, are now to be stationed at Gulgong.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 18 Mar 1871 Page 5

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.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 11 Mar 1871 Page 6

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.

Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Tue 26 Aug 1873 Page 2

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.

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 23 Nov 1870 [Issue No.47] Page 315

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.

Source: Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954) Sun 1 Sep 1912 Page 11

_______________________

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

The Police Barracks, 1892 Illustration
Source: The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Sat 13 Feb 1892 Page 364

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.

 

SALVATION ARMY

Salvation Army - Gulgong Corps (NSW) - 1894

Source: Photo and information provided by Barabara Gurney

1894 - [SALVATION ARMY]

It is thought that Harry Gudgeon is the person marked with an "X", back row, far left. He joined the Salvation Army in 1893 and would have been 14 when this photo was taken. George Farthing appears "second top right next to the bearded fellow with the flag".

GULGONG CORPS BAND - late 1890s

Source: The Salvation Army Australia - Museum

Back Row: J C Smith (CS), Dad Lyons, H Barnett (Treas), J Barrett.

Middle Row: Richard Farthing, H Hall, Captain Kirgan, Harry Gudgeon (Sec)

Front Row: John Farthing, George Farthing, BM Will Bowie

The following particulars are supplied by Captain Robert G. Kirgan:- "The names of the bandsmen (beginning from the left of the top row) are: 1st, James Smith (circular bass), also sergeant-major. a real sticker of some thirteen years' standing; always at his post, and can be relied on. 2nd, John Lyon (colour sergeant), of some twelve years' standing, trusty, godly, and true. 3rd, Harry Barnett (drummer), also treasurer of the corps, has been a fighter for some years; took up the collection in the open-air for the first time last week; always first at his post; foes all he can to help along the work; doesn't grumble; his motto is "Every beat for Jesus". 4th, John Barrett (Eb bass), three years converted, and trying his best to fight fully for his Redeemer. 5th (left hand side), Richard Farthing (1st baritone), is a saved junior, a real thorough, godly lad. 6th, Lieutenant Harry Hall (first trombone); he is now on furlough, completely run down in body, but a real fighter; godly and faithful, he has been over seven years converted, six of whihc he has spent as an officer. 7th, Daphne Kirgan, who takes up the collection with her mother whiel the band plays. 8th, Captain Robert G. Kirgan, the officer in charge of the Gulgong corps, has seen some nine years warfare - eight years an officer, now on his seventeenth station, and not got weary yet. 9th, Harry Gudgeon (eupho.), also secretary; saved about six years; a man of one idea, that is, fighting for God in the Army; he can be depended upon; faithful, a real sticker. 10th (left-hand side), John Farthing (first tenor); a saved junior steadily but surely climbing up; some day expect to see him sergeant-major; a good little worker. 11th, George Farthing (first cornet), bandmaster; one who believes in fighting and going forward; earnest, faithful and trusty; saved many years ago. 12th, William Bowie (son of Captain Bowie, now on rest); first cornet; a saved junior; a real good player, steady, good and reliable. This band is not afraid to speak, sing, pray, collect, or fish in meetings."

Source: Paul Farthing 

GULGONG SALVATION ARMY BAND - 1898

Captain Hardwick, CO

George Farthing, BM

1904 - Salvation Army Concert item at Gulgong Corps , "All in the Lifeboat". 

Bandmaster Gudgeon is thought to be the man in the bow of the boat.
Source: The Salvation Army Australia - Museum

Gulgong Corps YP Band, 1921.

Source: The Salvation Army Australia - Museum

Back row: Gladys Gudgeon, Agnes McGovern, Maude Gudgeon, May McGovern.
Middle row: Candidate Wade, Bandmaster Gudgeon, Georgie Rixon, Captain Bryson, Clarrie Wade.
Front row: Gladys Gudgeon, Arthur Gudgeon.

Bathurst, ca 1933

Back row: Harry GUDGEON (middle back) and Robert James CAMPBELL (standing next to him wearing his cap).

Front row: Possibly Maud Lillian Gudgeon (2nd from right)

Gulgong Salvation Army members outside "The Elms" boarding house, Bathurst, ca 1933

Back row: Possibly Maud Lillian Gudgeon (2nd position)

1931 - GULGONG REPRESENTED

The Gulgong Salvation Army was represented at the Salvation Army Congress (Bathurst division) which commenced at Bathurst last Saturday, the personnel being Captain A. V. Brown, Lieutenant Trumuji, Mr. R. Campbell and Misses M. and G. Gudgeon.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 7 May 1931 Page 12

1933 - TO ATTEND CONGRESS

Captain L. Thomson and Mrs Thomson, of the Gulgong Salvation Army, and Bro. R. J. Campbell are leaving for Bathurst tomorrow (Saturday) to attend the annual congress of the Army. Bro. H. J. Gudgeon and his daughter will also attend.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 15 May 1933 Page 6

1933 - THE ELMS

Last weekend was a busy one at the "Elms" Guest House, Russell Street. No fewer than 38 folk being entertained. Twenty-two of the guests were visitors for the Salvation Army Congress, and each was more than satisfied with the service received. The guests included ... Bandmaster Gudgeon, Sister M[aud] Gudgeon, Sister Gladys Gudgeon, Bro. F. [sic, R] Campbell (Gulgong);...

Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Wed 17 May 1933 Page 2

1933 - SALVATION ARMY - DIVISIONAL CONGRESS - YESTERDAY'S MEETING

The widespread ramifications of the Salvation Army in the Bathurst Division were strikingly demonstrated in Bathurst during the Week-end when the Divisional Congress, which will continue till to-morrow (Tuesday), was commenced:

THE CONGRESS... was also attended by Salvationists from all parts of the Western Districts, together with a number of Territorial Headquarters officers from Sydney. All told about 200 Salvationists were present for the meetings on Saturday and yesterday...

The Mudgee Band is one of the most remarkable in the whole Commonwealth. For the last 46 years it has been conducted by Bandmaster Searle who has a son and grandson in his band, another member of which is Ald. Gudgeon, of Gulgong. In addition a daughter of Mr. Searle, Miss May Searle, led the timbrel brigade from Mudgee.

That the music was appreciated was evident from the crowds which gathered round the bandsmen. The festival also, was a marked success.

Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Mon 15 May 1933 Page 4

Coral and Bob Duck Chong, 1932

Mrs Lt Colonel Martha Liddell and Coral Duck Chong (nee Taylor)
working on relief for flood victims

Advance party from the 'Petersham Silver Band'

arrive in preparation for the band's visit to Gulgong Corps, 1936.

Source: The Salvation Army Australia - Museum

Pictured: Glen Mayne (far left), Jack Saunders (2nd on the left), Claude Townsend (owner of the Ford)

1936 - Feast Of Fine, Uplifting Music. JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. Salvation Army's Local Activities. "THE MESSAGE HAS NOT CHANGED". Visit of the Petersham Silver Band

WHAT a feast of fine, uplifting music Gulgong had last week end! Saturday and Sunday were red letter days for the local Salvation Army, the occasion being the Jubilee and a visit from the Petersham Silver Band. Not for very many years past has the town heard such strong, healthy music. It was inspiring.

The Band makes a practice of visiting some country town for Sydney Eight-hour Day week-end; its members having been to most centres, including those as far away as Wagga Wagga. Gulgong was fortunate on this occasion. It should be known that no Salvation Army bandsman is paid for his services.

A FINE SIGHT.

The Band arrived on Saturday morning, some of the members having travelled from Sydney during the greater part of the night. They made a fine sight as they marched up Mayne Street in their uniforms for a public reception which was given by the Mayor (Ald. J. H. Stahl), in Herbert Street, near the intersection of Mayne Street about 11.15 a.m.

The visitors were introduced by the Bandmaster of the Gulgong Salvation Army (Bro. H. J. Gudgeon) who referred to the presence of Bro. Farthing who, he stated, was a native of Gulgong. Bro. Gudgeon explained that the bands men were not professional players, but men who gave their time and money for the furtherance of the work of the Salvation Army.

The Mayor said that it didn't need any words of his to say how much the people of Gulgong appreciated the visit of the bandsmen. One of the marches which the band had played that morning had brought back memories to him, as he had played the same march in the local band 25 years ago. The people appreciated their visit and he sincerely trusted that they would have a happy time here.

Mr. J. J. Dowd, on behalf of the Advance Gulgong Association (in the absence of the president, Mr. A. Baldwin), extended a welcome, and said that the citizens of Gulgong would appreciate the very nice music the band was able to play. He hoped that the visitors would take back pleasant recollections of Gulgong.

Bandmaster N. Knight responded, and explained the twofold purpose of their visit. He was supported by Bro. Farthing, who said that 13 years ago he had the proud privilege and honor of having brought the band to Gulgong. There were few members of the band present who were here then. "We are here to try and cheer you and at the same timehelp the local Salvation Army Corp," he said.

JUBILEE TEA. |

Late in the afternoon a Jubilee Tea was held in the Oddfellows' Hall. Adjutant Hoepper, of the local Corp, presided. Seated at four tables were respectively the band, young people, Home League members and officers, a handsome birthday cake adorning the latter's table. The cake was made by Miss Taylor, of Tallawang Street, and was decorated by Mr. Bert Sweeny, baker, of Gulgong.

In opening the proceedings, Adjutant Hoepper apologised for the absence of Major Turner, Divisional Commander of the Bathurst Division, who was to have presided, but whose motor vehicle had broken down between Bathurst and Mudgee.

...

COUNTRY VISIT.

On Monday morning a number of the visiting, bandsmen were shown over the Cullengoral Gold Mine, and Mr. R. J. Campbell's property where shearing was in progress. A number of them had not previously seen a sheep shorn.

PERSONAL.

Bandsman Geo. Farthing, who was born in Gulgong, renewed old acquaintanceships and was amongst the most pleased visitors. Bro. Farthing, who left Gulgong about 35 years ago, is now foreman-blacksmith of the Harbor Trust, Sydney. He learnt the trade the same time as Bro. H. J. Gudgeon, having been employed in the same shop, which was owned by Bro. Gudgeon's father, the late Mr. James Gudgeon.

Mr. W. Bowie snr., is an ex-resident of Gulgong and is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Bowie, Mr. Bowie, who is a brother of Mrs. H. J. Gudgeon, is employed as a joinerat Saxon's Timber works in Sydney.

Other visitors in connection with the celebrations were: Mesdames Knight, Powley, Shaw, Barry and Anderson (wives of bandsmen); Miss Fury (daughter of Staff Sergeant Fury); Mrs. Leonard (mother of bandsman Leonard); Bandsman E. Marsh and Mrs. Marsh, of Burwood; Mr. and Mrs. W.: Kingston and family, of Dubbo. Visiting members of the band,were: Messrs. N. Knight (Bandmaster); N. Powley (Deputy Bandmaster); F. Shaw (Band Sergeant); G. Farthing (Band Leader); R. Fury. (Staff Sergeant; N. Bruce (Band secretary); L. Gray (Band librarian): W. Winter (Band League secretary); W. Bowie snr., W. Bowie Jnr., C. Bowie, J. Thain, F. Chaplin. A. Bedwell, A. Farthing, C. Townsend, N. Caisley, J. Hanna, J. Anderson, J. Saunders, M. Leonard, G. Mayne, H. Berry, L. Parsons, V. Heath, J. Gutheridge, R. Shaw (bandmen).

There were five members of the band unable to make the trip. The band was accompanied by Major and Mrs. W. Percy, who have charge of the Salvation Army at Petersham.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Oct 1936 Page 13

Salvation Army Band Gulgong, pre-1940.

Harry Gudgeon on left with some family members.

Robert James Campbell on right.

Source: Barbara Gurney 

Norman Liddell (born Taylor) and Joyce, 1950

Salvation Army Hall, 1975 (edited)

Source: National Archive of Australia (Camel pics).

Today the Salvation Army Hall houses the Henry Lawson Centre

Source: The Salvation Army Australia - Museum

GEORGE FARTHING'S MEMOIR - EXTRACT

Salvation Army

On one memorable journey to Mudgee we had quite an experience. The matter of transport was always a problem. There were no motor cars and very few of us had our own means of travel. The corps (Gulgong Salvation Army) owned a horse (Charlie) and a sulky but that would only accommodate three at the most. This time however we were fortunate. We had in our yard undergoing repairs a big carrier van. Its tyres had been cut and shut and it was in good going order, so Harry Gudgeon got permission from his father who owned the coach works (that was where we worked) to use the van for our trip to Mudgee. That would solve our problem providing we could get the horses. The van was built for two or more horses and it would carry the whole company of us providing we could muster the steeds. Well! Harry had a pony and the corps owned one and I think we borrowed old piebald from Harry’s father. I forget where the other came from, but we got him. None of them had worked together before. Indeed I doubt if any of them had ever been in double harness before. But what did that matter to us. We had to get to Mudgee somehow and here was a bit of adventure.

The fact is, we were accustomed to handling horses all our short lives up to that time. That is Harry and me. Indeed we were handling them and shoeing them every day. However when the time arrived we raked up the harness from here and there, yoked up our steeds, packed in our human freight. I don’t remember how many of us there were exactly, about twelve bandsmen and two ladies. They were my sister Susie and Maudie Bowie. Of course Maudie Bowie played in the band and Susie was our organist.

Harry held the ribbons and did the driving. It was really his show. So off we started. The horses were in their element. You would think they had been working together all their lives, so we had a lovely trip into Mudgee and we had a lovely time. There was a large and appreciative audience.

Source: Paul Farthing from the Memoirs of George Farthing.

We Became Salvationists

Then we all became Salvationists. This is how it came about. Mother was ever of an evangelical turn of mind. One day she heard of, or read of (I don’t know which) a peculiar people called the Salvation Army. Then Mother heard of them as they used to say "opening fire" in Sydney. She read of their work, their evangelism, of the way they were persecuted. Mother was thrilled. Our poor weak-willed minister used to talk to Mother about them and more than once I remember him praying in the pulpit for the new movement. Then one day word came to Mudgee that the Salvation Army was coming to Mudgee. The Mudgee corps was opened by Capt. and Mrs Owen. Six months was the usual term for officers those days.

Then Capt. and Mrs Veitch came along. Mother was just longing to get into Mudgee to see the Army, so one day, in she went. How she got in I don’t remember. There were no railway trains to Mudgee those days, no motor cars either, a mail coach ran once daily. But we usually used to do the 18-mile trip by spring cart. Sometimes if we had an extra load we would do the journey by horse and dray. That would take 6 or 7 hours, or more. I have since (in modern times) done the journey by motor car in half an hour.

Well Mother lost no time hunting up the S.A. The first meeting Mother attended she felt she was just in the seventh heaven. Up on to the platform she went, and sat beside Mrs Veitch. Then she told Mrs Veitch that she was a Christian and would like to have a word. Mother’s request of was of course granted and there and then my dear Mother gave her first testimony in a Salvation Army service.

Arrangements were made on that visit for a copy of the War Cry to come to us every week, of course it was passed on to others. Soon a small War Cry round was established. War Crys were sent out from Mudgee to our place and yours truly, then just a small boy, was often sent out with a bundle of War Crys to deliver. Thus I became one of the first War Cry boomers in Gulgong. I remember one day having to call on a Mrs Katie Devit. How Mrs Devit became a War Cry customer I don’t know. However one day I went to deliver to Mrs D. her War Cry. I knocked, a voice said "come in". In I went and to my surprise and horror, there was poor old Katie sitting before the fire smoking an old short stemmed clay pipe. I remember disposing of the War Cry and making my exit as soon as possible. It was the first time I ever saw a woman smoking.

Another of my customers was up in the town to my old Congregational Sunday School Superintendent, Mr Barnett, at his blacksmith’s shop and coach works. It used to fascinate me to see them shoeing the horses and seeing the sparks flying from the anvil, seeing them working the bellows etc. I little thought that in a few years’ time I would be an apprentice serving my time in the same shop. But it was not under Mr Barnett, it was under Mr Jim Gudgeon.

Well it was naturally not very long before we had representatives of the Mudgee corps out at Gulgong spying out the land. Of course it was Mother who got them out. I remember among the first company who came out was a Miss Annie Rowel, elder sister to Mrs General Carpenter. She, Mrs Carpenter, was Miss Minnie Rowel those days. Of course our place was their rendezvous. We young children were sent off about our business while Mum and Dad entertained the distinguished visitors. Anne Rowel became Mrs Colonel Harris. There and then Gulgong became an outpost of the Mudgee corps. Arrangements were made that the meetings be held in our disused Congregational Church building.

At the appointed day Capt. Veitch with his company came out to Gulgong for the first Salvation Army service to be held in our town. The Capt. was a tall, well-built Scotsman with a sandy beard. He used to play a cornet. That’s what I liked about him. We younger children were not allowed to attend that first service, but of course we heard Mother and Father and our elder bros and sisters talking about it. There was of course the usual trouble with the roughs, but not a great deal. The fact is the Army was received in our town with open arms and went ahead with leaps and bounds, and in a very short time Gulgong possessed an independent corps.

The corps was opened by Capt. Veitch and a large company of Mudgee people came out for the great occasion. Our first officers were two lassies, Captain Emmie Cummins and Lieutenant Briant. They did a great work and were loved by everybody. My Mother and Father became members and my bro. Will and the elder sisters of the family got converted and joined up and we youngsters were sent to the junior Sunday school and eventually got saved and became S.A. soldiers so that the Farthing families both in Gulgong and Mudgee became well known as Salvation Army families. I don’t think there are any Farthings left in Gulgong now but the Mudgee family have greatly increased and there are still quite a number of them doing good work in the local corps and I am happy to say in and around Sydney and other cities of Australia. And in other country towns members of our families are serving God in the ranks of the dear old Army.

Source: Paul Farthing from the Memoirs of George Farthing.

 

CHURCH - CONGREGATIONAL

 
Congregational Church, Mayne Street, Gulgong
behind the Robert Simcoe & Co. Store
Source:  State Library of NSW

In 1866 meetings were held, which led to the formation of a Congregational Union for New South Wales ... This Union adopted for its fundamental principle that of the Congregational Union of  England and Wales.—“ That the Union of Congregational Churches is founded on a full recognition of their own distinctive principle,—namely, the scriptural right of every separate Church to maintain perfect independence in the government and administration of its own particular affairs, and therefore that the Union shall not in any case assume legislative authority, or become a Court of Appeal.”

The Union holds its meetings twice every year—April and October; the October meeting being held always in Sydney.

CHURCHES       DATE OF FOUNDATION.            PASTOR.

Bathurst                         1871                         S. J. Green

Gulgong                         1871                         J. Trevor

Source: The Australian almanac. (1873)

NEWS ITEMS

1871 - TENDERS 

Tenders will be received up to 12 o'clock of the 26th instant, for the Building of a Congregational Church at Gulgong. The structure to be of wood. Plans and specifications may be seen at the residence of Rev. T. JOHNSON, 226, Albion-street, Surry Hills, to whom tenders are to be sent.

The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 20 Oct 1871 Page 1

1871 - Congregational Church

On Sunday 11th February, The Rev John Grahame of Sydney will hold the opening services of the new

Congregational Church in Queen Street near Woods & Co. The church is a neat commodious building, made to order in Sydney and fitted together in Gulgong. Its iron roof is ventilated at the ridge. There are a number of large windows. The pastor, the Rev J. Trevor has been resident in Gulgong for some months. The erection of this handsome church ought to lead to other denominations taking steps to improve their houses of worship.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 51, 3 February 1872

1873 - MARRIAGES

On the 26th November, at the Congregational Church, Gulgong, by the Rev. J. Trevor, JOHN WILLIAM of Canadian, near Gulgong, eldest son of JOHN DAWMAN, Colchester, Essex, England, to MARGARET ANN, second daughter of WILLIAM WILLIAMS, of Sydney, New South Wales.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Tue 2 Dec 1873 Page 1

1874 - [EDUCATIONAL LEAGUE]

On Tuesday evening last the Revs. Messrs. Greenwood and Woolnough, a deputation from the Educational League, held a meeting in the Congregational Church, Gulgong, for the purpose of forming a branch on this gold-field. Mr. John M'Laughlin presided, and there was a good attendance. The chairman and both the rev. gentleman addressed the meeting, but it is unnecessary to report their speeches at length, for the same arguments which have been employed at numerous other meetings and published were necessarily used here. Mr. Woolnough emphatically contradicted a rumour to the effect that he and his colleague were lecturing for hire. They accept no remuneration, not even from the League, but pay their own expenses and work for love, because they are sincerely impressed with the truth of the principles they advocate. Votes of thanks were accorded to the deputation and the chairman, and responded to. A committee of management was appointed, with Mr. M'Laughlin as secretary, and a numerous list of names were enrolled.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 27 Nov 1874 Page 2

1876 - Correspondence. (To the Editors of the Protestant Standard. )

Dear Sirs,— A correspondent in your issue of the 13th May, is rather anxious to uphold the lives and character of the priesthood as men who have dedicated themselves to the service of the Most High, who forego the pleasures of married life, who sacrifice the name of father, and who vow never to press to their heart that being a wife.

Now, I am not going to run down all priests as bad, yet there are priests who are not serving God as they should do; and that there are priests who, if they "forego the comforts of married life," are base enough to press to their vile hearts the wives and daughters of other men; and with your permission, Sirs, I will zrelate a case in point:—

There lately lived at this place, (Home Rule), a young girl, of sweet seventeen, rather good looking, who had returned home one day from her confessional duties, and told her mother, that the priest had committed a most diabolical outrage on her, that he had taken liberties of the worst kind, in fact, so bad, that she refused to tell the matter to any but her own sex. When the girl told her mother what the priest had done, the mother would not listen to her story, and swore to take her life if she circulated any such report about this holy man of God. I may here mention that this priest is held in high esteem by the daughters of Mother Church.

Well, Sirs, this poor girl confided her secrets to a Protestant friend, but the cat soon came out of the bag, which made the girl's life at home worse than a dog; so much so, that she left her roof. She was married by the Rev. —— and now enjoys the comforts of a good home, and has become a member of the Congregational Church of Gulgong. Her parents and all former friends treat her as an outcast, and outside the pale of salvation.

The husband of this young woman was also a Roman Catholic, but has joined the same church with his wife, and says that he gets more consolation in one sermon from Mr. —— than all the "rubbish" he ever heard from the priests. Since this man has become a convert, he has told some awful tales about the priests and their little games with nuns, and others on the continent; in fact, only the other day he wrote a long letter to our local gun, exposing the doings of the priesthood in France and other places, but the editor is too illiberal to open his columns for the exposure of anything done within the pale of Mother Church.

I did hear the Protestant Standard is to be favoured with a copy of the letter, if so, your readers will get a treat. Should this priest be intended for promotion, which we hear is not unlikely, would it not be well to reunite the text, "a Bishop who should be blameless, the husband of one wife, &c."

I remain, yours, FACTS.

Home Rule, May 20th, 1876.

Source:  The Protestant Standard (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1895) Sat 3 Jun 1876 Page 2

1881 - PRESENTATION TO A CLERGYMAN.

On Thursday last the Reverend J. Trevor, pastor of the Congregational Church at Gulgong, was the recipient of an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns, presented to him by the members of his congregation. The reverend gentleman suitably acknowledged the gift.

Source:  Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 29 Jan 1881 Page 38

GULGONG & DISTRICT SCHOOLS

• BERYL PUBLIC SCHOOL
• BROADFIELDS SCHOOL
• CANADIAN LEAD PUBLIC SCHOOL
• COOYAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
• CUDGEBEGONG SCHOOL
• DAPPER PROVISIONAL SCHOOL
• GOOLMA PUBLIC SCHOOL
• GULGONG
• EARLY BARK SCHOOLS
• CONVENT SCHOOL/ALL HALLOWS
• PUBLIC SCHOOL
• RED HILL SCHOOL RESIDENCE
• SCHOOL OF ARTS
• GUNTAWANG SCHOOL
• HOME RULE SCHOOLS
• CONGREGATIONAL
• LOWE'S PADDOCK
• PUBLIC SCHOOL
• ROMAN CATHOLIC
• IRONBARKS SCHOOL
• LAMBING HILL SCHOOL, GOOLMA
• REEDY CREEK BUSH SCHOOL
• SPRING RIDGE HALF TIME SCHOOL
• STUBBO SCHOOL
• TALLAWANG SCHOOLS
• TUCKLAN SCHOOL
• ULAN
• WOLLAR
• WYALDRA PUBLIC SCHOOL

See also:

• CLASS PHOTOS - 1912-1970
• EDUCATION WEEK
• SCHOOL RESULTS
• SCHOOL STAFF