If you had family living in Queensland after 1859 (when Queensland separated from New South Wales), have you thought of looking in Police Gazettes for information? These are a unique, useful and extremely fascinating resource for local, family and social historians. Compiled to be distributed amongst the Police Force only, these Gazettes contain details and information that can not be found anywhere else. Far from listing just those in the 'Force', you will find information on courts lists, inquest verdicts, lists of those arrested, escaped prisoners and missing persons, and listings of stolen items (as well as from whom).
A fascinating read for learning about the social history of the time, even if you don't have family there - this CD contains all issues that were produced in 1867 and 1868 - at this stage it was once a month.
Example entries:
Felonies and Offences not Otherwise Described - 6 February 1867
Edward Painton is charged on warrant with embezzlement. He is aged about 22, 5 feet 7 inches high, ruddy complexion, light brown hair, whiskers and moustache, the latter small. He was formerly employed as chemist and druggist in Brisbane and Sydney. 21st January, 1867.
Missing Friends - 1 April 1868
Information is requested respecting Thomas James Bull, English, aged 19, about 5 feet high, medium build, dark moustache, T. B. on right arm, girl's likeness left arm. He left Brisbane on 3rd July, 1867, employed by a hawker and photographer to proceed overland to Victoria; last heard of at Gayndah, where he stated his intention of going overland to Rockhampton. Information, sought on behalf of his wife, to Officer in charge of Detectives, Brisbane. 10th March, 1868.
Originally produced by Archive CD Books Australia in 2006, this title has now been remastered and re-released, and includes better searching capability. This CD contains high quality scanned images of the whole of each year's worth of issues. These have been bookmarked for easy navigation, and pages can be searched, browsed, enlarged and printed out if required.
