Are you looking for your family in South Australia, and you think you've
looked everywhere? Have you tried the Police Gazettes? Don't dismiss these just
because they have the word 'police' in the title - they are a massive source of
historical information (both genealogical and social).
As the Police Gazettes were produced for 'the police force only' you will
find information included in them, that you will not find anywhere else. You
will find details of changes within the police force such as promotions,
demotions, resignations, dismissals, deaths etc. Information is also given on
rewards, housebreak-ins, robberies, arson, murders, lost horses and cattle,
deserters, escaped prisoners, missing friends, lost, found and stolen items,
reports on those apprehended and released, and so much more. Notices from
interstate police gazettes are often included.
Example entry taken from the 1 September 1909 issue:
Housebreaking, &c.
On the night of the 26th ultimo, the shop of Frederick Roberts, hairdresser
and tobacconist, at 116 Rundle Street, Kent Town, was feloniously entered,
and the following stolen:- Three black-handled razors, branded "Sinfoine",
scratches on handles; a razor, brown-colour wooden handle; and a
black-handled razor; a pair of scissors; 2lbs or dark Havelock tobacco in
2oz. tins; 2 bottles of dark hair dye, partly filled; a few packets of
cigarettes; some cigars; and 1s 6d in coppers - total value £2 5s.; razors
only identifiable. - (C.1897)
Not only is this a valuable resource for those researching in South
Australia, but it makes for fascinating reading even if you don't have family
there.
This CD contains high quality scanned images of the whole years worth of issues.
It has been bookmarked for easy navigation. and pages can be searched, browsed,
enlarged and printed out if required.
