Issued November 2007 Patron: Commissioner P White APM

THE NEWSLETTEROF THE

NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC

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FULL UNIFORM - IDEAL TROPICAL WEAR!

The Citation

Office Address:House No.1Peter McAulay CentreBerrimah Northern Territory 0800Australia

Postal AddressPO Box 39764Winnellie NT 0821Australia

Phone/Fax 08 8922 3374E-mail ntpolicemuseum@ntpa.com.au

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

President Mark McAdieVice President Sean ParnellSecretary/Treasurer Danny BaconCommittee Denzil McManus

Chantel ParsonsJohn Wolthers

Kym Chilton Barry Frew

Acting Editor Citation Magazine

Dear Sir

I wish to advise of those elected to the Committee of the NT Police Museum and Historical Society for the forthcoming year. Would you include these details in the next issue of Citation.

The president is Mr Mark McAdie; the Vice President Mr Sean Parnell, and the Secretary and Treasurer Mr Daniel Bacon.

`Other Committee members are Denzil McManus, Chantel Parsons, John Wolthers, Kym Chilton and Barry Frew.

The office is open at House 3 at the PMC between 9am and 12md on Monday and Wednesday except for Public Holidays. Email is ntpolicemuseum@ntpa.com.au

Membership fees are $150 for life membership, and $15 for annual membership. Citation magazine is available to all members of our Society without cost.

Yours faithfully Barry Frew . Outgoing Secretary 10-08-2007

CHIT CHAT

Rosemary Rowe and Val Watters continue to attend the Society office week after week, and have been doing so for over seven years. Rosemary and Val are preserving a legacy for the future. Thanks to you both.

Again thanks to trouble shooter/computer whiz David Watters without whose technical assistance this and every newsletter would never make the press!!

Barry and Clare Frew keep the organization running, and every day we are thankful for their commitment.

Terry Boxal, whose service in the Northern Territory Police goes back many years, was one of the interstate Society members who attended the Retired Police Association Reunion in September. Terry joined the NT Police in 1946 after having served in the R.A.A.F. during WW11 where he attained the rank of Warrant Officer. He spent his time in the job in Darwin, and because of the investigation training received in the R.A.A.F. he spent considerable time as a Detective. After training in Melbourne, he worked in what was to become the Finger Print Section. He resigned on the 22.8.51 to take up a position with the Federal Government Attorney General's Department. He spent the first year with the A.G's in Darwin and during that time the Granthum taxi driver murder was committed, and Terry identified one of the offenders from fingerprints. Terry then served in Sydney and later in Melbourne, where he remained until retirement.

Physically and mentally active, Terry keeps himself extremely busy reading business articles, attending the gym and looking after family investments. Terry took part in the march to the Cathedral to attend the Police Remembrance Service, and didn't look anything like an 87 year old.

Other Society members who attended from interstate were David Pollock, David Le Cerf, Mavis Conaghan, Neil Vogelsang, and Graham Fry. They all looked well, and Mavis well known as an intrepid traveller, was about to undertake an exotic cruise.

And while on the topic of intrepid travellers, Society member Marlene McNeill has just completed (by the time this goes to press) a three month overseas trip – solo. Destinations included England, Ireland – a favourite -, Scotland and America where the Big Apple had a definite wow! effect. Having visited many friends in these different locations, Marlene had a few days with Jock (retired N.T.P.) and Joan McPherson at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand before returning to Australia.

Barry and Clare Frew have also recently returned from tripping overseas.

Ray Weir called into the office last month and recalled the 1968 case in which Billy Benn murdered an Aboriginal at Harts Range, and subsequently wounded Len Cossons and Blake Jobberns. The hunt for Benn proved difficult because he hid his tracks by walking in the rocky country. However, Benn's dogs were his undoing as they chose to avoid the rocks, and his pursuers were able to follow the dogs’ tracks. Benn was eventually arrested by Constable Terry O'Brien after a 13 day search.

NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY

The 29 September is St Michael's Day - the Patron Saint of Law Enforcers.On this day each year, police forces in the Australian and South West Pacific Region commemorate and remember fellow police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

National Police Remembrance Day, 2007 was commemorated at a moving ceremony at St Mary's Cathedral, Darwin on 28 September.

WANTED

A BRIEF HISTORY OF NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE FORCE : 1870 - 1931

The Northern Territory sometimes referred to as `the last frontier' has a (permanent) police history dating from 1870 when Inspector Paul Foelsche and six other police officers arrived in the Territory. A small rural constabulary (part time force) had existed earlier but was disbanded.

The Territory was then under South Australian control and the town of Palmerston, now the city of Darwin, was founded by William George Goyder - Surveyor General of South Australia.

In December 1869, the Governor commissioned Paul Foelsche, a Corporal in the SA Mounted Police stationed at Strathalbyn, to be the first Sub-Inspector of Police at Palmerston. He sailed for Darwin soon afterwards. The early police letterbooks recording correspondence between the Commissioner's office in Adelaide and Inspector Foelsche in Palmerston have, unfortunately, been lost so we do not know the exact history of the early days.

The police uniform then worn in the Territory was the same as that worn in South Australia. It consisted of a short cut-away blue serge tunic with nine regulation buttons; silver twisted cord shoulder knots, black braid on the sleeves and silver chevrons for non-commissioned officers. The riding breeches were dark blue corkscrew serge with a white stripe. Ideal tropical wear! The first firearms were a Schneider rifle or carbine, calibre .577.

These were the first breech loaded rifles used in the British Army, and the original cartridges had a cardboard case. Later Martini-Henry rifles were used, and Webley revolvers were issued. Like their predecessors, the Rural Constabulary at Escape Cliffs, the first detachment of police at Palmerston had as their first responsibility the maintenance of law and order in the community. Known as "The Camp", the main settlement area was on the harbour waterfront, near what is today Stokes Hill Wharf.

With the discovery of gold near Pine Creek in 1872 the police found themselves with never a dull moment. Stations were established at Adelaide River, Yam Creek, Pine Creek, and Roper River and later at Daly River.

The first European to be murdered in the Northern Territory was a surveyor named Bennett. He was speared by Aborigines at Adelaide River and was buried on top of Fort Hill, Darwin, overlooking the harbour. The grave was ultimately moved to the cemetery at McMillans Road, to make way for a bulk-loading terminal.

The first police fatality occurred in 1872 when Mounted Constable Davis, a noted swimmer, disobeyed a local Standing Order and had a dip in the sea. He was taken by a crocodile.

Darwin's first police station was a crude affair of poles and plaster measuring 20ft by 12ft. The inspector lived nearby in three rooms. A small stone building with two cells was the accommodation for those in custody. These are now incorporated in the Administrator's offices on the Esplanade.

Then, as now, the police had the invaluable assistance of Aboriginal Trackers.

In Central Australia the police were part of the South Australian Mounted Police. Mounted Constable Shirley was the first mounted trooper in charge at Alice Springs (first called Stuart).

Borroloola, Roper River, Barrow Creek, Charlotte Waters, Arltunga, Lake Nash, Tennant Creek, Harts Range, to name but a few, are Police Stations redolent of history, and the deeds of tough and colourful men - on both sides of the law!

At one time there were two Commissioners of Police in the Northern Territory: one for the Territory of North Australia and one for the Territory of Central Australia.

In 1931, the two Territories became the Northern Territory of Australia and the authority of the Commissioner of Police was vested in the Administrator of the Northern Territory, in Darwin.

"TIME-LINE OF NORTHERN TERRITORYPOLICE HISTORY 1864 – 1931”

1864 Government Resident BT Finniss appoints 7 special "Rural Constables" to assist with the maintenance of law and order at Escape Cliffs settlement. The 7 men were also to act as stockmen and explorers

1870 January: Inspector Foelsche arrived in Darwin wit 6 officers. Total Force of Northern Territory Mounted Police comprised 1 Inspector, l Corporal and 5 Constables.

1872 November: Constable Davies taken by Crocodile while swimming in Darwin Harbour.

1873 First Police stationed in Central Australia at Charlotte Waters and Barrow Creek. These Stations manned with Officers detached from Far Northern Division of South Australian Police --this procedure followed in Central Australia until 1911.Strength of Force as of December: 1 Inspector, 1 Sergeant, 17 Constables - to deal with spread of settlement and expansion of population due to the first gold rushes and to provide security for overland telegraph line.Police camps established at Howley and Pine Creek. Police Stations opened at Southport and Yam Creek.

1879 Police Officer stationed at Alice Springs.

1884 4 miners killed by Aboriginals at Daly River Copper Mine. Severe reprisals led by Mounted Corporal Montague.Second Officer stationed at Alice Springs. Mounted Constable Willshire organises native Police Corps - disbanded January 1885.

1886 November: Police Stations opened at Borroloola and Katherine.

1888 Third Constable stationed at Alice Springs.

1889 Police Stations opened at Camooweal, Roper River, Powells Creek, and Anthony Lagoon.Mounted Constable Willshire establishes Police patrol party at Boggy Hole (Finke River) to control cattle spearing.

1891 Police Station opened at Illamurta. Mounted Constable Willshire tried (acquitted) on charges of murdering Aboriginals while at Boggy Hole.

1894 Police Station opened at Gordon Creek (Victoria River Downs).

1898 April: Police Station opened at Timber Creek. Gordon Creek Police Station closed.August: Police Station opened at Brocks Creek.

1902 Inspector Foelsche retired. Inspector N Waters appointed.

1903 October: Police Station at Camooweal closed: no longer needed to control border crossings after Federation in 1901.

1911 1 st January: Northern Territory transferred to Commonwealth responsibility.Strength of Police Force as at l st December 1911 was 1 Inspector, l Sergeant,2 Senior Constables, 20 Constables and 24 native Constables. Stations existed at Darwin, Alice Springs, Arltunga, Anthony Lagoon, Borroloola, Brocks Creek, Horseshoe Creek, Illamurta, Katherine, Pine Creek, Powells Creek, Rankine River, Roper River, Timber Creek. Inspector of Police in Darwin assumed control over Police Stations at Alice Springs, Arltunga and Illamurtapreviously controlled by Inspector of Police at Port Augusta. Police salary pay increases approved to provide for 9/- per day for 1st Constables.New Police Station opened at Rankine River.Martini Henry Carbines issued in 1881 almost worn out. Winchester 44 calibre repeater recommended.

1912 "The trouble with natives killing cattle still continues principally in the Victoria River District and sending the offenders to goal does not appear to have any deterring effect". (Inspector Waters).Police Stations built at Rankine River, Horseshoe Creek, Alice Well and Arltunga.May: Constable at Illamurta moved to the Alice Well and Illamurta Station closed.All officers who had transferred to the Northern Territory force from South Australia applied to retransfer to South Australia at the expiry of their 5 year service except Inspector Waters, Sergeant Burt, Senior Constables Stott and Dempsey and Constables Dowdy and Mackay.

1913 Telephone installed at Alice Well Police Station.Police Station at Roper River blown down. Replaced by angle iron building of two rooms with verandahs at front and back.New two roomed angle iron building erected at Anthony Lagoon. Police Stations at Alice Springs, Alice Well, Horseshoe Creek, Pine Creek and Brock's Creek improved. Stone lockup built at Arltunga.

2 Constables from Midnight Creek Police Camp removed to Bow Hills (Wave Hill area).Police buildings at Katherine damaged by floods.Police officers appointed Protectors of Aboriginals ex officio - move designedparticularly to check abduction of Aboriginal women by white men - a practice which frequently led to violent reprisals. Discontent in Police force that travel allowance not paid - other publicservants received 10/- per day.

1914-15 Implementation of policy of removal of part-aboriginal children from Aboriginal mothers where possible. Such children placed in compounds at Kahlin (Darwin) and "The Bungalow" (Alice Springs). Track cleared from Pine Creek to Maranboy Tin field.Cattle killing continued by Aboriginals in Roper, Borroloola, and Victoria River Police districts."Slum clearance" of Darwin Chinatown undertaken. Some Chinese repatriated. Some resettled at Stuart Park. Venereal diseases among railway workers causing serious public health problem in Pine Creek area.

1924 Major CV Dudley assumed office as Commissioner.

1927 Office of Commissioner again vested in Administrator.

1926-27 Police barracks under construction in Darwin. Police stations under construction at Katherine and Newcastle Waters.6 Police officers transferred to Central Australian administration.

1927-28 Constable AR Clapp accidentally fatally shot near Katherine. Position of Commissioner of Police abolished.Police camp established at Mataranka. Police Station at Batchelor closed.

1928 Dingo trapper Fred Brooks killed by Aboriginals near Coniston (North West of Alice Springs). Constable WG Murray of Barrow Creek and party shot at least 31 Aboriginals during investigations into Brook's killing. In January 1929 a Government appointed Commission of Enquiry found that the shootings were justified.

1929 Rural venereal disease treatment depots established at outlying Police Stations, the Officers-in-charge receiving from the chief medial officer the necessary drugs and instructions for their use.

1930 Increased Police activity to suppress trafficking in opium and liquor among Aboriginals.291 Police horses on strength.

1931 Non-Aboriginal population of the Northern Territory totals 4,193 - 3,600 in North Australia (above the 20`h parallel) - 593 in Central Australia.Mounted Constables Reid and McNab injured in riot of unemployed at Government Offices, Darwin. 10 arrests made.

Former telegraph station building at Charlotte Waters taken over for use as a Police Station.

WILLI A M C HA RLES MI LLER

This article has been adapted from the South Australian Police Historical Society Inc. Official Newsletter with the kind permission of that Society, and of David Miller son of William Charles and Eleanor May M i l l e r nee Ewans.

My father, mounted constable William Charles Miller was stationed at Wallaroo (in S.A.) in September 1909 with the S.A. Police Force, when he was sent to join the N.T. Police Force in Palmerston N.T.

This started a letter writing love affair with my mother to be, who was the daughter of a policeman stationed at Yorketown in S.A. They wrote weekly to each other for almost three years, until May 1912 when Mother sailed to Darwin and married W.C.M. on 12th May. The same day they caught the train to Pine Creek where he was stationed. The following year my mother gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Unfortunately with no medical help available at Pine Creek, he died at the age of 3 months from a simple virus.

In 1915 my parents returned to S.A. I was the last of five more children. I am now 81 years of age.

My father retired from the S.A.P.F. in 1943 whilst Inspector Northern Division at Wallaroo again.

As a Boer War Veteran he served under Lord Kitchener who in turn came to Australia to review our armed forces and W.C.M. was his aide-de-camp when he landed in Darwin!

In June 1985 whilst caravanning to Borroloola and Darwin my wife and I arrived at Borroloola just in time to celebrate the centenary of the Police Station where W.C.M had spent 18 months stationed there! My wife and I took extracts from his letters, which were historical and interesting reading; also three albums of photos he had taken during his six years in the N.T.

The Darwin Reference Library set up the "Miller Collection" where these items can be viewed.

I have three surviving siblings, my brother at 91 being the eldest who was a Police Constable when World War II broke out. He enlisted in the R.A.A.F. and became a fighter pilot and later retired as a civil airline pilot.

I know your readers will enjoy reading the letters.

Yours TrulyD.R. Miller. July 2007.

Palmerston December 16 th 1909.

.... Last night I was on the West Arm Mona Tin Mine. Went on a patrol which takes two days and did not get back till this afternoon .....

Lord Kitchener is expected here on the 21st and the boss told me if hewanted an orderly I would have to be it. Do not know how things will go it will be ... hot wearing the southern blue and white stripes and top boots, and I know the horses arenot used to carrying swords so I'll have some fun.

Katherine River Sunday 7th November, 1909. ….. tonight although it’s Sunday I feel like dancing the Highland fling and dear Nellie it is because you love me and I love you and it is nice to hear it if only in a letter.

Palmerston July 5th, 1910.

I have not had a mail since my last letter of 14/6/10. I returned safely on 29th June from Bathurst Island and am feeling A1. We had plenty of hard work walking through long grass about 10 feet high and we succeeded in accomplishing our task, that is to say we crossed the Island from the nor west to the south east and had some funny experiences which I will relate later on in life. I expect you will see an official report in the paper about our trip. The place is beautifully watered by natural springs and I am enclosing a few pieces of fern which was growing on the bank of a creek. The soil is rich and I expect they will start a rubber plantation. Some of the creeks and jungles were beautiful and we struck some blackfellows’ graves at one of which Mr Holtze took a snapshot of me and if they are any good will send you one. The day I returned I walked into the bar and called for a drink. My landlady served me and did not know me. I had not shaved for a fortnight and had a beard and was as black looking as a crow but have had it off.

I suppose you have read about the Boolman Silver Load Boom here. It is believed to be genuine. The property is 80 miles from M.C. John's Station, Roper River. From a reliable source I heard the ore which is on top is very rich but the question is will it go down. I haven't got an interest in it yet as they floated one and two companies while I was away and the shares were too high when I came back.

M.C. Johns and two other M.Cs. have leases pegged out but they are disputed so they cannot do anything with them until they are settled by Court. If they win I may buy an interest. M.C. Kelly W.A.M. is leaving here for the south tomorrow and Jack Johns, Bill's brother who succeeded me at Wallaroo is taking his place. M.C. White is a going to Victoria River in charge and S.C. Dempsey who was here on sick leave from that station is going to Katherine. M.C. Reed went to Pine Creek this morning to accompany M.C. J.H. Kelly on a hunt after a cattle duffer and your humble servant is left to break young Johns in when he arrives. Being the only working John in Palmerston I have a lot to do and have three days races this week and two young horses to handle next week. The Tanjuan left here for South today but the Eastern will race her to Sydney so my mail is going by the Eastern.

Palmerston 9th August, 1910.

We are expecting the Steamer at any moment. I have nothing fresh to write about. M.C. Burt has gone to W.A. for a prisoner. He left on Sunday night in the Nelson and will be home about Saturday, and then the Nelson will take on coal and mail, also your humble servant and will in all probability sail for Borroloola on Sunday or Monday morning. I am busy this week as I am acting Clerk of the L.C. in Burt's absence and also have a bit of shopping to do buying pipes, tobacco and matches etc. Time works wonders. Let us hope that it will do something miraculous and bring us face to face sooner than we anticipate. Although I am leaving here it is only 600 miles to be nearer to you. Look at the map for the McArthur; Borroloola is about 60 miles up the river. There are several stockmen here from that district who know I am going there and have promised me a royal reception so I won't be a stranger. M.C. Stott is coming to Darwin to attend the Criminal Sessions so I will have about 3 months on my pat malone.

Borroloola N.T. via Camooweal September 4th, 1910.

I am lucky at having the choice of such a fine lot of books and the time passes so quickly. Every morning I rise at 6.30 am and take the prisoners down to the spring to carry up water for the house.

They are natives and are hobbled with leg chains which are riveted on and they are very heavy but very necessary as to make them work. We must take them out of the cell and without the leg irons they might get away or have to be shot for trying.

At 7.30 I have breakfast and all last week I have been making a road. I supervise that until 12 noon and then have dinner and then spell until 4 p.m., that is the hottest part of the day. Then I take the prisoners down and they draw water from the well and water Stott's garden. There are nice cabbages and tomatoes and a lot of paw paw trees. That takes an hour and then I have a bath and have tea and read and write until about 8.30 p.m.

Thursday evening 8th

I have been busy today laying a stone slab floor in the verandah of my room over at the library. The stone was carried from the bed of a creek near the Court House by the prisoners and trackers. It will be a good job when finished because before it was soft earth which stuck to my boots and made my room very dirty. I have a new friend, a puppy, only a mongrel, has a lot of Irish Terrier about him but nevertheless he will be a smart dog. I brought him from Darwin and already he will bite any of the natives who are not dressed, but if they have trousers on he lets them go unchallenged. I take him down to the river every evening and he has taken to the water like a duck. He is the only trustworthy friend I have here.

These prisoners are a great tie but I am thriving on it, eating a lot of good food mostly corned beef and bread and honey, just sufficient vegetables so as not to let one forget the taste of them. In fact I am sometimes ashamed at the Pub because I am always the last to leave the table.

RAYMOND REECE BRIDGLAND – “BRIDGIE”

The following is an extract from CITATION - December 1964 - by former member F.D. Deans.

Deans’ introduction:Horses were part of the bush environment which he loved, and in which he had become a shrewd tracker, a great judge of men, and a Policeman known everywhere for common sense. But he was not only a gifted bush Policeman. The Inspector was a fine Police Administrator. He had a full knowledge of his legal powers, but never exceeded them. This versatility enabled him to take charge anywhere in the Force. Wherever you served under him, out bush or in towns, he made you feel that you were "a good man for the job".

RAYMOND REECE BRIDGLAND joined the Northern Territory Police Force in 1915 as a Mounted Constable after four years' service in the South Australian Police Force.

The 523,000 square miles of the Territory was policed by a Force of just 20 men. Inspector Waters was in charge with Sergeant Burt 2nd I/C. Lone bush stations of this vast Territory strung out from Borroloola in the Gulf to Timber Creek in the west; and down to Alice Springs in Central Australia, where Sergeant Robert Stott (father of S/Constable Gordon Stott) was in command with 3 Constables.

All this - in the days before pedal wireless, aeroplanes or motor cars (the firstPolice vehicle was a Ford utility, in 1924).

M.C. Bridgland's first station was at Daly River, which he opened. He was next stationed at Maranboy, followed by a period at Emungalan, which, at that time, was the head of the railway line from Darwin. He recalls the building of the Katherine Bridge and the busy times in the construction camps. During 1919 and 1920 he was at the Roper with M.C. Sheridan. Murders and cattle killings kept them on patrol during both wet and dry seasons.

In 1924 the passenger ship Douqlas Mawson, which plied between Thursday Island and Burketown, was lost in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Stories and rumours drifted into Darwin that two white women survivors were in Arnhem Land living with the natives. This was taken up by Southern papers and blown up into a big furore.

Accordingly, Mounted Constables Bridgland, Lovegrove, White and Hoffman, with eight Special Constables and four Trackers, were sent to Caledon Bay by boat to investigate these stories. The expedition set out in a sturdy sailing ship, the Huddersfield, from Darwin, with all sails set. Loaded in her hold were stores for a dozen men and 4 Trackcrs. The horses were lowered from the jetty into the hold, suspended in slings. Fodder, saddles and packs and all the equipment required for a patrol - to last at least 6 months - was included.

Arnhem Land at that time was virtually unknown, not even reliably mapped; inhabited by suspicious, unfriendly, if not downright hostile, aboriginals.Once they had left the Huddersfield, the Police party was completely cut off from all help or contact with civilization until the ship eventually called back to pick them up. In Darwin they reported they had found no sign of the survivors. However, more stories were in circulation that two white women (one pregnant) were living with Arnhem Land Aboriginals. So Mounted Constables Bridgland and McNamara, with Trackers Jingle, Neighbour, Slippery and Rumba-lilli, again sailed from Darwin to Arnhem Land. No horses were taken, so they made their camp near Cape Alexandria and began their toiling, tenacious search again - this time on foot. After combing the bush for weary months, they could find no trace of the mythical missing women.

Tracker Rumba-lilli, thoroughly wearied and scared, deserted. He made his way to Roper River where he reported “Bridgie bin killed ". Word was sent to Maranboy to M.C. Heathcock, who notified Darwin Police Headquarters.

Headquarters acted promptly - Arrangements were made for the Naval Sloop H.M.A.S. Geranium - a survey ship - to sail for the Arnhem Land coast.

The Geranium found the Police party, quite intact, after all. After embarking the party, the Geranium sailed for the McArthur River, where they landed M.C. Bridgland and the Trackers, who found their way to Borroloola.

From Borroloola M.C. Bridgland went to Rankine River, where he relieved M.C. Lovegrove, who returned to Darwin with the Police reports covering the Arnhem Land search. After two years at the Rankine, M.C. Bridgland returned to Darwin and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and continued to relieve on various bush stations.

The Territory was growing, with increasing numbers of police entering the Force, so that he was called into Darwin to relieve the Superintendent more and more often. He still managed to get periods on his beloved bush stations until 1938, after which Headquarters, Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek saw him most.

He was at his desk in Darwin Police Station when the first Japanese bombs fell, and carried on his duties in Darwin and Alice Springs during the war. He was made Inspector in 1948, Officer-in-Charge, Southern Division - and retired in 1949.

A POLICEMAN’S LOT IS NOT AN EASY ONE

Police Stn, Newcastle Waters.

23rd May, 1921.

Sir,

I have the honor to report for your information that I contracted a slight cold about the 20th, April, and whilst inspecting the Newcastle Cattle at the South Yards the cold eased off and seemed to settle in the Drum of my Right Ear; for nine days the Absess in my ear caused intense pain, the last two nights of which I was forced to walk about all night the absess then broke. About three days later I syringed the core out of my ear and immediately another Absess commenced to form. The same thing has been going on ever since the 24th, April and is still causing a good deal of pain.

I did not enter this in the Journal because I considered it only temporary and something that I could attend to myself; but, as the Absess’s were still forming Ideemed it advisable to communicate with Dr Jones, giving him particulars, he at once advised me by wire to come to Darwin for Medical attention, hence my application of even date for permission to go to Darwin with Actg Sergt Stretton.

To/ ( I have the honor to be. ) Inspector Waters ( Sir, )

Darwin ( Your Obedient Servant )

( ) (Sgd) JC Lovegrove M.C

(

NEWCASTLE WATERS POLICE BUILDING 1926

THE CAPTURE OF HUMBERT TOMMY

One night in October 1937 Humbert Tommy, an aboriginal in the Timber Creek area of the Northern Territory of Australia, attacked a Constable of Police and his tracker with spears and wounded both. Then he escaped into nearby bush.

An excerpt from Administrator Abbott’s Annual Report – 1938.

Humbert Tommy, the aboriginal who speared a Constable and Police Tracker George several months ago in the Victoria River Downs country, has now realised that his Nemesis, in the form of Constable Fitzer, of the Northern Territory Police Force, was at his heels ever since he fled into the vastnesses of the rugged country around the Victoria River.

Fitzer regarded the spearing of his best tracker as almost a matter of personal honour, and, although he was due for over nine months leave which he intended to spend abroad, asked that his leave might be deferred until he had arrested Humbert Tommy. This was granted by Superintendent Stretton, and Fitzer set out once more for the country he knows so well.

The Constable, with a tracker named Jaberoo, and an aboriginal borrowed from a nearby station, reached Victoria River Downs Country on 10th October, and camped in the bush, combing both banks of the river for tracks and camps. He missed Humbert Tommy by two days at one camp. A few days later, Fitzer found that Tommy had fled into the rough country around Mount Sanford. Here the Constable had to wait for five days, until his police plant of horses caught him up.

When this came, he set out through the bush and hills to Mount Sanford, travelling at night and keeping away from any roads or tracks. He reached his destination in four days and surprised a camp, but Tommy again fled. Fitzer then patrolled all the outlying waters, covering a radius of 120 miles, but only found old tracks.

A day or so later, the Constable detected fresh tracks near the old Gordon Downs Stockyards and sent his three trackers, Jaberoo, Sandy and Frank, to reconnoitre along the crests of the hills, and one returned to say that they had located a big camp of blacks, who had just killed a branded cow and they were feasting. The other native trackers stayed watching the camp, and remained unseen themselves.

Fitzer was then able to question four aboriginals, who admitted that they had been running with Humbert Tommy for some time, and admitted that Tommy had left them only the day before and had made for his own country, the Humbert River, where he was hiding in the hills.

Fitzer picked up Tommy's fresh tracks, and followed them all that day and into the night, when he was very close to the Humbert River. All that night the Constable and his trackers searched, and in the morning they found that a few hours previously Tommy had swum along the river to baffle his pursuers. The circle of police and trackers closed in on the fleeing black, and early the next morning Tracker Frank came across Tommy, who had given up his flight as hopeless, and was waiting to be arrested. He was brought to Darwin, where he will be tried for attempted murder.

The Administrator said he had released the story of the arrest as it was such a good example of determination and skill, with splendid assistance by natives, who realised that Humbert Tommy was a fugitive from justice.

It also showed, added Mr Abbott that the Northern Territory Police Force was as efficient and skilful in bushcraft as ever; and in Constable Fitzer's case, all personal desires had been set aside in order to carry out his duty.

The above account was given to the NTPMHS by Tasman Fitzer’s niece, Pam Rixon.

Mounted Constable Tasman Charles Vivian Fitzer:Born in Australia, brought to New Zealand at a very early age, settled in Christchurch. Primary Education at East Christchurch School.Secondary Education at Christchurch Technical College. First job at a firm of Public Accountants, Christchurch.At 18 years of age tried to enlist in the N.Z. Forces in World War l - rejected, too young.Caught a ship to Australia, enlisted in the Australian Armed Forces by falsifying his age.Served in active combat overseas, and was then posted to a position on Thursday Island.Persuaded by a war time mate to join him in the Northern Territory Police Force, heeventually did so in 1925, the beginning of an illustrious career.

"A tall, powerfully built man with greying hair and bronzed features, Constable Fitzer looks like a character out of Banjo Patterson's or Ion Idriess' sagas - which in fact he is. He led the patrol which captured the notorious aborigine killer, Nemarluk, after a chase vividly described in Idriess' book, "Man Tracks". ......For five and a half months constable Fitzer was out on patrol hunting the killer". Weekly News (N.Z.), February 1, 1950.

The paper went on to quote Constable Fitzer as saying, "Aborigines were good workers. They made excellent stockmen and crocodile hunters, and their work as trackers was invaluable to the police."

"Mrs Fitzer has achieved as great a renown as her husband. Idolised by the natives, - many of whom she has nursed, Mrs. Fitzer was `purged of the devils consuming her' by aborigines who sang and danced when she had a serious illness. White women are seldom allowed to see dances by the aborigines, but another corroboree was held in honour of Mrs. Fitzer when she left for her holiday in New Zealand", continued the Weekly News.

Left to right:- Assistant officer Brian Parker, mounted policeman Tasman Fitzer O.I.C and Eric Jolliffe, outside Timber Creek Police Station 1954

Jack Coghlan, retired member and member of the NTPMHS, recently recalled that he was travelling to Alice Springs on Tuit's bus in the mid 5Os at the same time that Tas and Eileen were leaving the Territory. Jack said that wherever the bus stopped there was a crowd of people waiting to greet and farewell the Fitzers.

On 31.3.01, Creed Lovegrove paid tribute to his aunt on her ninety ninth birthday - part of which is reprinted below:Eileen Fitzer is the last of the Styles girls, Lillian Lovegrove, Gertrude Easton and Myrtle Fawcett having passed on after leaving their mark on the Territory. These are the children of Tom and Eleanor Styles, granddaughters of the great Darwin pioneers Ned and Eliza Tuckwell. The Styles girls were all born in Darwin in Eliza Tuckwell’s cottage in Mitchell Street with Granny Tuckwell as midwife. Their mother was also born in Darwin. They were fiercely Territorian.Creed presented a thumbnail sketch of Eileen Fitzer’s life in the following poem.

Auntie’s been around a bit.She’s seen a lot of things.She learnt to nurse at Williamstown,She nursed at Alice Springs.She did a stint at Tennant,Where the golden hills are bare,She ran the Pine Creek hospitalAnd bossed the fellas there.

She’s been around Australia.She’s been around the globe.She’s lived at Daly River,Timber Creek was her abode.She grabbed her chancesBy the throat,And lived her life in full.When she was out on Byrnes’ run (Tipperary)She choked a wild scrub bull.

She’s still a Buff’s supporterAs she was when just a girl.She livened up old Darwin townWhen she joined the teenage whirl.She supported Harold NelsonWhen he got us all our vote.She helped him get to CanberraTo become a man of note

Auntie’s ninety nine todaySo we’re glad she got here mateWe want her friends and rellies,To help her celebrate.We’ll have some beef and damperAnd all that sort of gear,To launch our Auntie EileenInto her hundredth year.

.

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FINGERPRINT SCIENCE

TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Adapted from an article by Denzil McManus

“A fingerprint system has been installed at Police Headquarters and instruction in taking prints and the necessary material for taking such prints has been supplied to a number of outstations.

A.V. Stretton Superintendent of Police."

This statement is taken from the report of the Administrator of the Northern Territory for the year ending 30 June 1934.

In the early forties Victor Charles HALL, a serving member of the Northern Territory Police, undertook an extensive and, in those days, expensive course in fingerprint identification, searching and filing with the International Association of Identification based in the United States. The fingerprint system in use in Australia was the “Henry” system introduced from New Scotland Yard to a newly established Fingerprint Section in the N.S.W. Police Department in 1903 Hall received qualified assessment from Central Bureau, Sydney, so with this background he proposed to the Department that he establish a fingerprint section in the Northern Territory at minimal expense with probably a maximum benefit. His proposal received no support.

Two other members were sent by the Department at different times to Central Bureau for training. One was Terry BOXALL (see Chit Chat), the other Joe MUTCH.

Late in 1956 the office of Territory Enterprise Pty at Batchelor was broken into and a safe containing a considerable amount of cash was stolen. As the NT did not have a fingerprint bureau, a technician from Central Fingerprint Bureau, Sydney, was brought to Darwin for the inquiry and the move to establish a bureau in the Northern Territory was set in motion. Ronald Richard McDONALD, a fingerprint expert of many years experience, was seconded for a period of three years from the Fingerprint Bureau, Sydney to train members of the Northern Territory Police.

There were two applications for the two positions: Premo John BONATO, who joined on 2 September 1952, and who had of his own volition undertaken a study by correspondence of the fingerprint science through the International Association of Identification in the US, acquitting himself with some distinction; andDenzil John McMANUS, who joined on 12 January 1955, and who had some five years of Architectural Drafting in previous employment, together with a curiosity of the science, its complexities and potential.

Bonato and McManus were transferred to the Bureau in November. The first office was in a small residence at 443A Smith Street, which had been condemned in 1954 as unsuitable for human habitation.

McDonald, their trainer and mentor, demanded and got 100% plus at all times. He knew what he had to achieve, how to go about it, there were no short cuts, no excuses. Get on with

the job. Eyes down and looking. The fingerprint classification to be used was “The Australian Extension and Modification of the Henry Fingerprint System”.

Two further members were assigned to the Fingerprint Section in mid-1959 along with a work load of extraneous tasks.

During 1960, and before Ron McDonald returned to Sydney, a decomposing body was found on Fannie Bay Beach. When an attempt was made to get fingerprint impressions, the epidermis was found to be no longer attached and McDonald brought his skills to the fore in instructing the two members present how to remove the epidermis glove - an extremely delicate procedure, which was accomplished with great success. Impressions were obtained and the body identified.

Sgt. Denzil McManus was made head of the Fingerprint Section in 1961 where he remained until his retirement on 20 May 1987.

HUMOUR IN THE WITNESS BOX

If you ever testify in court, you might wish you could have been as sharp as this policeman.

He was being cross-examined by a defense attorney during a felony trial. The lawyer was trying to undermine the policeman's credibility.... .

Q; "Officer -- did you see my client fleeing the scene?" A; "No sir, But I subsequently observed a person matching the description of the offender, running several blocks away,"Q; "Officer -- who provided this description?" A; "The officer, who responded to the scene, " Q; "A fellow officer provided the description of this so-called offender. Do you trust your fellow officers?"A; "Yes, sir, With my life,"Q; "With your life? Let me ask you this then officer. Do you have a room where you change your clothes in preparation for your daily duties?"A; "Yes sir, we do!"Q; “And do you have a locker in the room?"A; “Yes sir, I do.. “ ,Q; ‘And do you have a lock on your locker?"A; “Yes sir.".Q: "Now why is it, officer, if you trust your fellow officers with your life, you find it necessary to lock your locker in a room you share with these same officers?"A; "You see, sir -- we share the building with the court complex, and sometimes lawyers have been known to walk through that room,"

The courtroom erupted in laughter, and a prompt recess was called.

The officer on the stand has been nominated for this year's "Best Comeback" line -- and we think he'll win.

KATHERINE RACES, KING'S BIRTHDAY WEEK END, 1952.A TOWN UNDER SIEGE.

Dad always took the best Beswick Station gallopers out of the stock camp 6 weeks before the races and put them on hand feeding - chaff and oats, when the Katherine Amateur Race Club rules of the season declared "feed optional." Otherwise those horses nominated for a grass fed meeting were paddocked on Manbulloo close to the town for six weeks after being walked in from the supporting stations. If hand fed, they were groomed and exercised on their home ground, and boy, they fairly lapped it up. They knew what it was about, for six were becoming veterans of the races. Another promising youngster or two would be included even if just for the experience of fronting the intimidating crowds of humans and other horses, the sights, scents and sounds of the bush town, the excited barracking and the racecourse layout itself. If they ran well, didn't throw the jockey either in the saddling paddock or in the tension building moments before the start, and showed promise, they would be entered again the next year when they would definitely perform better. That's if the valuable animals hadn't been gored by a scrub bull, been staked on a gallop through timber or suffered permanent injury from an "everyday" fall while mustering during the intervening 10 months. At 12 years and 13 years old respectively, Billy and I were stable hands and trainers after daily school lessons.

We walked them in the 70 mile, mainly to make up good strong fields. Our two best galloping mules of course carried the packs, candidates for the mule race. Dad, and we, knew privately owned horses or those of Manbulloo, Willeroo, Elsey or Nutwood Downs would take the Cup and Bracelet and be place getters in most of the races. But Dad was a great sportsman and a proven horseman. How he loved horses. He was still breaking in thoroughbreds at age 77, until the doctor told him to act his age.

We children clambered aboard the cream International utility with its Commonwealth number plate C61185. Mum and Dad were in the front, we kids on the back. I think Mr and Mrs Grimster had the green Beswick Compound (now Barunga) truck and took all our people aboard, at least 50 happy souls. What a load! Swags, billycans, beef buckets, dilly bags of woven pandanus frond fibres and other gaily coloured materials, bright new dresses, ringers' shirts, stockman cut trousers, `cowboy' hats and shiny `lastic side boots with the Cuban heel.

The KB-1 ute was pretty battered by now. Because of the bush work it had done, and was still doing, the flashing panels beneath the tailboard had been badly distorted, even torn in places because of the overhang behind the drive wheels and the steep banks and often boggy creek beds. As the nose rose for the climb out of a steep creek, so the tail went down as the rear wheels bottomed the creek. Grate, scream, rip with dust or mud spurting and flying. There was the odd clout from a stationary tree evident on the front mudguards, legacy of muddy bush tracks when drive and steering traction was minimal, or nil.

Bill and I often straddled the coaming behind the rear mudguards with bare feet braced upon them inboard and outboard, as though these panels were stirrups. We gripped with our knees and never fell off. The girls were much more circumspect, sitting on blankets upon the spare wheel lying on the floor-boards, or upon the floor. The twin beauties Gwen and Ruth Grimster, 15, often sat upon the coaming behind the cab, legs and feet inboard, an arm on the cab roof if it wasn't burning hot from the sun, the other hand gripping the coaming behind the cab. Their brother Bill and I would fly off to open the paddock gates while Dad was still slowing down. First to the chain or strainer bar was the winner. Dad used to say the Beswick

mob were the smartest gate openers in the Territory. We passed Tandangle, now deserted except for a few of the elderly who wished to remain on their ground, ("croun longa me feller allabout"). The banana plantation was still healthy by the spring. We called on Mr and Mrs Tom Wake at the new Compound, Beswick Creek (now Barunga). They were almost ready to hit the track, too. Little Elizabeth, an only child, piled in with us. The twins and both Kays (Kay Grimster and Kaye Morey!) made a fuss of the lovely little kid.

And then it was over the Beswick Creek and the "mad mile," a stretch of mainly smooth embedded boulders, with Billy and I riding "one arm free of leather" as the ute bucked and lurched in first gear. A quick hello to Constable Bill and Ms Marie Condon at Maranboy and we were off on the last 14 mile of dirt track to the bitumen. They, too, were about to leave for the Katherine, Bill having been called to duty there for the big weekend

Great times, and great days.

This year our two families set up camp at Nixon's (or Knott's) Crossing, just upstream of the motor crossing track on the east bank. The Katherine never stopped flowing. At this time of year, in the middle of the dry, it was a placidly flowing stream, crystal clear, and we kiddies swam and swam.

Race days were full days. Dad had been a prime mover in getting the race club strong again and was president. If he didn't have his horses running in a particular race, he was often judge. I think this was the year a horse called Aeroplane broke its shoulder with a sharp crack heard by all as he flew past the winning post. The poor animal came to a halt in three strides, off foreleg swinging uselessly as he held it clear of the ground. Dad climbed down from the judge's stand to examine the animal as it stood sweating and trembling in the middle of the race-track. He ordered it be led away to be destroyed.

Naturally, Billy and I ran after the running or trotting crowd, the bull dust rising lazily around all. As we came past Dad, who was still standing where he had inspected the horse, he raised his voice, "Perry! Billy! Go back to the saddling paddock immediately. Don't you ever run with a mob!" A little hurt, we did as we were told. But it's true. Beware mob moods and stifle the instinct of curiosity, particularly when it is not your concern. To this day I marvel at those adults who were so blood thirsty that they had to see the poor animal shot, and its death throws. What an example to set for your children, indeed.

At the end of the day's sport, we would mount the ute and truck for camp. Billy and I would bring up buckets of river water for the camp and replenish the wood stack. We kiddies would swim merrily, washing the sweat and dust off before supper.

On the evening of the Race Ball, our mothers and the girls, floors of their tents sprinkled with water to dampen the dust, would finally appear, astoundingly beautiful in their finery and make-up. Once again we would board for the ride to the dance hall in Second Street. Our mothers were always neat and tidy, fresh and clean, but on this occasion they were indeed fastidious, dusting the seats and inner doors free of dust 'with their handkerchiefs before sitting. The twins and lovely Big Kay, 13, likewise performed this action and I must admit Billy and 1, in our long whites and town shoes, also palmed the dust from the gunn'les. Little Kaye, a blonde gem at 10, was also being very careful with her finery.

We were anticipating the sights awaiting us. The dance hall was a former army Sidney Williams hut 60 foot long with corrugated iron lower walls then gauze wire from shoulder height up to the roof. There was no lining, and who needed it? There would be electric light, streamers with do-dads a-shining and that was enough. The wooden army forms set about the perimeters with perhaps "Bing" Crosby, "Scotty" McLean and "Slicker" Collard scraping candlesticks with their stock knives, the shavings falling to the floor "to make it good for dancing!" The band of piano, violin and trumpet (or clarinet) would be warming up. Bill and I were looking forward to meeting again our mates Jim "Young `un" Forscutt, Ginger, Bill and Rhonda McLean, Tommy Crosby, Bobby Dowling and others.

The colourful "cocktail hour" dresses or ball gowns of the ladies would be a special sight to see, and I still suffer a pang of nostalgia and comfort whenever I encounter such a turnout. The men would be in white long'uns, polished black shoes already coated with the bull dust of the car park, (paddock!) long sleeved white shirt and, of course, a tie "to show our respect for the ladies," for the great efforts made by them, the examples so set.

But on this night of June, 1952, the hall was deserted and in complete darkness. Not another car showed in the sweeping beams of our headlights as we rolled to a stop, the white dust sagging over and behind us. We could hear our parents in the cab. "It is race ball night isn't it, Dear?" from Mum. "Of course it is," gruffly from Dad, voice slightly roughened by the odd Beenleigh Rum, or three. Then we saw this fellow with a light coloured shirt approaching from the gloom. "What's going on here? Where's everyone? Where's the lights?" asked Dad, trying to open his door by the outside handle, the inner one having dropped off over the corrugations years before. "Lookout Ted, he's got a gun in his hand," warned Mum, with alarm in her voice.

We all saw it then, a squirt, glinting in the back glow of the headlights, held vertically to the ground."There won't be a ball tonight on account of the policeman being shot." Toneless way in which he said it appalled me."What the hell do you mean?" Dad had the door unlatched and was about to slam it into this unimaginative man (he later told a friend). "Bill Condon was gunned down in the main street this evening. I've been deputised by Jim Mannion to look for him." What a relief to hear that. He was saved extensive injury. "Cripes! Who did it?""That mad yeller feller Terry Stapleton. He's still on the loose. Constable Condon and Sergeant Mannion are in hospital.""Jim shot too?""Yes, wounded in the leg." The shocked silence ran on.

Dad ran us to Charlie and Joyce Fuller's home in First Street where he arranged for us all to stay. Dad and Mr Grimster then went to get our swags from the river camp and brought them back. "Uncle" Chas was to stand guard over us all. Dad suggested Mr Grimster also stand by his large family but they both bid us goodnight and attended the police station where they too were deputised. They, with most able-bodied men, were away all night.

We learned that there had been an altercation at the Green Cream Handy Shop late that afternoon. Formerly Mr and Mrs Ramirez milk bar, it had recently been taken over by Mr and Mrs Peterson. Someone had pulled the chair out from beneath Stapleton's girl friend as she was about to sit, and she fell to the concrete floor. Stapleton naturally fronted the idiot responsible, but then went out and got his rifle. He fired it wildly. No one was hit. Constable

Bill Condon, on duty in Katherine for the festive long weekend, heard the shots and approached Stapleton in the main street, asking him to hand the fire arm over.

Stapleton fired, with Constable Condon being flung backwards before falling to the ground.

Sergeant Jim Mannion, having heard the fusillade of shots from the police station, then appeared in the police utility across the street, railway side, and Stapleton fired again. The bullet passed through the vehicle's door, wounding Sgt Mannion in the calf. He threw himself across the seat to escape the next shot, if fired, but Stapleton took off for the bush.

Constable Condon was trying to rise as Sgt Mannion went to him. "He got me in the guts, Jim." Both officers were taken to the hospital.

Meanwhile back at the Fuller's friendly, ground-level home, we from Beswick rolled our swags out on the gauzed-in, spacious verandah. We youngsters were all very concerned, almost sickened about this outrageous happening. Bill and I (and I suspect his elder sisters, too) were avid readers of the Western Monthly and Zane Grey Western magazines. Such happenings only happened in the Old Wild West, but reality was brought home to us that night. "Dodge City" we dubbed the Katherine.

The night may have turned chilly, which was normal for the King's Birthday weekend in June. Perhaps we were ordered into the living room in case Stapleton was still prowling about and was attracted to the brightly lit verandah. We turned the lights off and went inside. Whatever the reason, I can recall becoming fully awake, sitting on the floor in the corner of the warm room when Dr Laurie Mocatta walked in, following his knock.

The adults were at the dining table and 1 saw Mrs Condon, a very attractive auburn haired lady, reach for her cigarettes and light one after looking at the doctor. She searched his face with her eyes and then said calmly, "He's dead," and after a slight pause, "isn't he?" The doctor nodded. Mrs Condon lowered her head. There were no tears, no theatrics, just a calm acceptance. Mum, Mrs Fuller and Mrs Grimster moved closer to the dear lady.

Mrs Fuller, an ex-A I M nursing sister from the Wimmera Nursing Home way out there on Victoria River Downs, asked the doctor if he'd like a cup of tea. The professionalism, the practicality of these dedicated women! He accepted. Mr Fuller, an ex-VRD contract drover, offered the opened bottle of Beenleigh OP Rum. Doc nodded and Charlie splashed in a dose. It's the only time I've seen a Tea Royal! Or heard of it.

I said to Bill, "Let's get out of this," and we crawled to our swags, mindful of not showing ourselves above the low iron walls of the darkened, gauzed-in verandah. We were pretty shattered ourselves, for Bill Condon was a strong, quiet policeman, an honest, fair bush trooper, as we'd heard our fathers say. He'd treated us as young men beyond our years. He had a zest for living and a quiet sense of humour. He and his wife Marie used to come and spend the odd week end with us at Beswick and enjoyed the crystal clear waters of magnificent Melkchalandu with our families and aboriginals. He would usually overnight with us on his patrols east to Mountain Valley, Mainoru and the Bulman. Constable Condon had survived World War Two while serving with either the 7`h or 9h Division, Australian Imperial Force, in the Middle East, then New Guinea and the Islands campaigns, from memory. To be gunned down in cold blood by an insane coward who had never served his country in war in the main street of Katherine while doing his duty, confronting an armed

man while he himself was unarmed in an attempt to protect it's trusting citizens, seemed very unjust to us. And so it was.

Dad and Mr Grimster came home at sunrise, looking crumpled, red eyed and very tired. Stapleton was still on the loose and we were ordered to stay indoors, even though the `loo was out in the back yard, across the flat, beyond the clothes line. Mrs Fuller cooked them steak, fresh tomato and eggs. "You boys make sure the coast is clear when your mothers or the girls wish to go out." We were proud to do so. They departed soon after, but weren't gone that long. Stapleton had been captured.

Constable Tom Hollow, OIC Mataranka Police Station had also been ordered to duty at the Katherine for the race weekend. He saw Stapleton sitting on the railway pipe-line, his loaded rifle leaning beside him. Also unarmed, Constable Hollow walked straight up to Stapleton, confiscated the rifle and placed him under arrest. He handcuffed him and led him to the police station. Another very brave man, indeed."Did I kill the copper?" "You did.""If I'd'a known that I'd'a given you copper bastards a run for your money." No remorse whatsoever. And theses are verbatim quotes.

That was one of the first times I'd heard the term "copper" used and definitely the first time to be used in a derogatory way. I didn't like it at all. We all looked up to members of the Northern Territory police force and our young minds just could not understand this dislike, this disrespect, this evident hate. Bill and I decided he was a bad man, a desperado of the vilest type. What else could we think?

The funeral was, of course, held that morning. There was not a refrigerated morgue in Katherine in those days. Everyone attended the church service, but we children were spared the graveside service. Constable Barry Tiernan rendered The Last Post at graveside with his bugle, we heard. many N T Police members came down from Darwin to pay their respects to a fine officer. Barry used to be our physical fitness instructor at the United Church Boys Club in Darwin.

The Race Ball went ahead that night, for the trophies had to be presented to the race place-getters before all but the townspeople went back bush. Tributes were paid to the late Constable William Brian Condon. A minute's silence was observed and I expect the little band's trumpeter rendered the Last Post for a fallen former Serviceman.

Before leaving Maranboy to go back to her family inside, (New South Wales, 1 think) Mrs Condon handed me her late husband's saddlery and harness making tools with almost a full side of bag leather and a side of bridle leather. These were treasured and made good use of. Mother kept in touch by mail with Mrs Condon for many years.

Condon Street, Katherine, perpetuates the name of this fine officer. I assume the memorial cairn and plaque honouring Constable Condon erected at the new Giles Street, First Street police station back in the `Sixties was removed to the present Emergency Services Station on the highway at Katherine East.

P Morey © 2003.

The following are extracts from former Commissioner Bill McLaren's manuscript on the Northern Territory Police Force:

Police PersonnelDuring the second half of 1954, and during 1955 the following 22 recruits joined the Northern Territory Police Force:-

Allan Westbury Lake on 27th July 1954; James Brian Edwards on 31st October 1954; Thomas William Falconer on 31st October 1954; Donald Francis Clout on 6th November 1954; Graeme Joseph Browning on 8th November 1954; Stephen George Martin on 10th November 1954; John Peter Healey on 22nd November 1954; John William Bailey on 22nd November 1954; James Colin Conmee on 2nd December 1954; Noel James Owens on 13th December 1954; Jack Herbert Coghlan on 13th December 1954; and Charles William Porter on 27th December 1954.Denzil John McManus on 12th January 1955; Charles Edward Tisdell on 23rd January 1955; Kevin William Dunn on 21st February 1955; Maxwell Stuart Clow on 21st August 1955; Michael Richard Herrony on 25th August 1955; Barry Morcom Bruce on llth September 1955; Bruce McLeay Knauer on 13th September 1955; Jim Deans on 18th September 1955; Patrick Vincent Salter on 26th September 1955 and John Neilson Frederick on 16th October 1955. As at 1 January 1959 only 12 of the original 22 remained in the force.

As at 1 January 1969 the following eight members remained in the job:1. CW Porter – Inspector2. CE Tisdell – Inspector3. NJ Owens – Sergeant First Class4. DJ McManus – Sergeant Second Class5. JH Coghlan – Sergeant Second Class6. PV Salter – Sergeant7. AW Lake – Sergeant8. GJ Browning – Constable First Class

As at 1 January 1979 the following five members remained in the police force, and all later retired at age:1. CW Porter – Assistant Commissioner2. NJ Owens – Chief Inspector3. JH Coghlan – Sergeant First Class4. DJ McManus – Sergeant Second Class5. GJ Browning – Senior Constable

The following three retired members are still alive and well:Noel James Owens was born 16/5/1933 and joined the Force on the 13/12/1954, aged 21 years.

Unfortunately we have no papers in his file at the museum, however from Mr McLaren’s manuscript, I see that Noel was transferred to Mataranka on the 19 July 1957 where he took charge of the Police Station – Noel had previously relieved there from December 1956 to18 February 1957. He was promoted to Sergeant Third Class on the 13/12/1957 and consequently was transferred out of Mataranka on the 16/1/1958.

Noel worked at Alice Springs Police Station until September 1960 when he was transferred back to Darwin following his promotion to Sergeant Second Class on the 11/8/1960.

Until Noel’s promotion to Sergeant first Class on the 9/10/62 he worked at General Duties Darwin and as Police Prosecutor. He took over as Station Sergeant Darwin Police Station immediately following his promotion to Sergeant 1/c.

Noel later spent some time as Licensing Sergeant until his promotion to Inspector on 24/8/1973.

Noel was Inspector and then Chief Inspector at Alice Springs in 1974 till late 1977 when he was transferred back to Darwin.

Noel spent the last half dozen or so years service writing and correcting submissions the Police Force needed to make to Government on proposed Legislation amendments and proposed new Acts. His expertise in this area was sadly missed upon his retirement.

Noel was promoted to Superintendent on the 18.12.1980, and Chief Superintendent on the 31.1.1986. Noel took age retirement during 1990.

Noel was an all round sportsmen and represented both Darwin and Alice Springs in Rugby League football.

Jack Herbert Coghlan – “Gentleman Jack” as he is universally known, was born in Victoria on the 15.10.1929, and soon after he gained his matriculation, when still only 19 years of age, he commenced work as a “Patrol Officer” in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea from the 14.3.1949 till 27.2.1954.

Jack was appointed to the NT Police on the 13th February 1954. Except for a few photos and his “Statement of Service” as a Patrol Officer that Glenys Simpson was clever enough to secure – his Society file is bare.

Jack was promoted to Sergeant Third Class on the 14th November 1961, Sergeant Second Class on the 8th November 1966, and Sergeant First Class on the 6th March 1970 – even though Jack handled promotional examinations quite easily, no one could persuade him to seek promotion to a more senior rank.

Jack was initially stationed in General Duties in Darwin and transferred to Alice Springs in about 1957. He was stationed at Roper River for a couple of years and in 1959 he was

transferred to Larrimah, by 1961 he had two daughters and was transferred to Darwin upon being promoted to Sergeant.

Jack was a shift boss, later took over as Police Prosecutor following his promotion to Sergeant 2/c, Jack spent a short time in CIB before taking over as Station Sergeant Katherine following his promotion to Sergeant First Class.

Following his return to Darwin Jack took over as senior lecturer and recruiting Sergeant at the Training Centre.

Jack spent the years before retirement in 1988 working in the Inspectorate.

Jack was a star Australian Rules Footballer as a youngster and everyone who saw him play expected him to make the big time in Melbourne – at about that time Jack suffered an extremely bad fracture of the leg which put him out of contention for some time. By the time his leg was fully recovered he was working in New Guniea – he played football in Darwin for a short time, and later played in Alice Springs - the old timers say that even after some time away from the game, he was still a very good player.

Two of Jack’s three daughters have long established Darwin families.

Denzil John McManus – was born in Victoria on the 20th May 1927, and after leaving school, did his apprenticeship and became a qualified draftsman. Denzil was appointed to the NT Police on the 12th January 1955. Except for one photo and a few newspaper articles about his long successful 30 years service in the Information and Fingerprints Section, we have nothing on Denzil.

Denzil spent his first couple of years in General Duties, Darwin, and when Sergeant Ron McDonald from NSW Police arrived in Darwin on the 6th November 1957 to establish a Fingerprint Bureau in the Northern Territory, Denzil was one of the members selected to work in the Section and later become a Fingerprint Expert. Sergeant McDonald returned to Sydney after spending three years in Darwin.

Denzil was promoted to Sergeant 3/c on the 4th December, 1959, and Sergeant Second Class on the 9th October 1962.

Denzil took over at OIC of the Section, and trained staff as operators from 1960 until his retirement from the job in May 1987.

Denzil has remained in Darwin, he and Shirley have 10 acres at Howard Springs – Denzil is a great horseman and still has a couple of horses on his property.

Denzil is on the committee of this Society and the Retired Police Association. He still attends our working bees and his special skills are much valued and frequently utilized.

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Thomas William Falconer, Jack Herbert Coghlan and Denzil John McManus are members of this Society, and the latter two, James Colin Conmee and Patrick Vincent Salter still reside in Darwin.