So you've heard of Police Gazettes? But just what are they? These were weekly
publications which were distributed among the Police Force, and included
information on all sorts of happenings within the state of South Australia.
Far from being just a unique, useful and extremely fascinating resource for
local, family and social historians, these Police Gazettes contain details and
information that can not be found anywhere else. As well as listing those in the
police force with promotions, resignations, commendations etc, you will find
information on courts lists, arson, murders, deserters, lists of those arrested
and discharged, warrants issued, escaped prisoners, missing persons, and
listings of stolen items (and from whom). Notices from police gazettes from
other states are also often included.
Example entry taken from the 8 March 1899 issue:
Miscellaneous Information
Uniform for Foot Police
Measurements for new winter uniform must be left with the contractors
immediately, and the new uniform will be worn on and after April 30th.
Caps will be entirely discarded after that date, except in the case of
sergeants.
6/3/99. L.G. Madley, Commissioner of Police.
Example entry taken from the 6 September 1899 issue:
Inquests
At Kadina, the 30th ultimo, on the bodies of Jack Miller and Rose Miller
(aborigines), who were burnt to death in their wurley the previous day.
Verdict - "That Jack Miller and Rose Miller met their death through their
wurley catching fire, the deceased both being incapably drunk at the time,
there not being sufficient evidence to definitely show the origins of the
fire".
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
1899.
High quality scanned images of the whole years worth of issues. This CD has been bookmarked for easy
navigation, and pages can be searched, browsed, enlarged and printed out if required.
