The Tasmanian Police Gazettes are an unbelievable source of historical
information that you will not find elsewhere. Packed with names, dates and
events, the Police Gazettes provided information and instructions to members of
the police force.
Published by governments and their agencies and used as a means of
communication to officials and the general public. Police Gazettes as far as
family historians are concerned, are a highly valuable primary source documents.
The Tasmanian Police Gazettes generally included the following information:
warrants issued, apprehensions, prisoners discharged, deserters from families
and service, missing friends, changes in the police force (promotions,
demotions, those that left the service etc.), property lost or stolen, and so
much more ...
Example entry taken from the 17 July 1925 issue:
Arson
FORTH - Elizabeth Sarah Hayes, of Forth, reports that at about 2.30 a.m. on the
4th instant a six-roomed weatherboard cottage, containing furniture and effects
(her property), situate at Forth, was totally destroyed by fire; the property
was valued at about £400; the house was insured for £300 in the Tasmanian
Government Insurance Office, and the furniture and effects for £75.00.
Incendiarism suspected.
Example entry taken from the 24 July 1925 issue:
Persons Inquired For
HOBART - Donald Reginald Smith. Enquiry is requested with a view of
ascertaining the present whereabouts of the abovenamed, for the purpose of
enforcing as order for his wife's maintenance. Description: Native of
Tasmania, age 36 years, 5 feet 6 inches, dark complexion, dark hair, blue
eyes, small nose, close mouth (with thin lips), round chin, round face, small
ears, clean-shaven, thin build; a signwriter and painter by occupation;
generally untidy in his dress, and is fond of drink and billiards. The person
enquired for was last heard of in Tasmania about the 7th ultimo, and is
believed to have proceeded to Victoria. Enquiry at the instance of the Bench
Clerk, Hobart.
An incredible resource of historical information, this publication is now
readily available for all to use. Containing 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.
