An amazing source of genealogical and historical information, the Police
Gazettes have been a relatively untouched resource, partly because of
accessibility and partly because they weren't generally known as a key source.
Now that they are being released on searchable CD-ROM, they are available for
all to use.
Anyone researching their family will have a 'lost' family member or two! You
may well find them listed here, on either side of the law. Maybe they were a
policeman, or someone who was a victim of crime. You can find the physical
details on many people listed here, including those missing, wanted or released,
which helps to paint a picture of them (name, aliases used, age, height, colour
hair, colour eyes, distinguishing features, even colour clothing worn).
This CD contains all issues released during 1900, and contains information on
housebreak-ins, robberies, arson, murders, lost horses and cattle, inquest
verdicts, escaped prisoners and reports on those released. Also included are
lists of warrants issued, appointments and changes in the Police Service, lists
of arrests, escaped prisoners, and missing persons, men deserting their wives
and children, as well as deserters from service and more ... Notices from Police
Gazettes from other states are also often included. Note a few photographs of
those wanted are included in some of these issues.
A unique feature of this years issues, is that it includes details on Marine
Store and Old Metals Licences, as well as Auctioneer Licences.
Example entries taken from the 17 October 1900 issue:
Miscellaneous Information
Annie Walsh - Two warrants of commitment have been issued by the Pitfield
Bench against Annie Walsh for 3 months' imprisonment, with 28s. costs on
each charge, for selling liquor without a licence. Description:- 30 years of
age, 5 feet 7 inches high, medium build, dark hair, rather good looking;
wore dark clothes. Is addicted to drink. May go to Wycheproof. - O.8816.
11th October, 1900.
Thomas Beck is charged, on warrant, with embezzling £53 3s., moneys of
Carter and Bullen, solicitors, Melbourne, at Melbourne, on the 4th inst.
Description:- Law clerk, 30 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches high, inclined to
be of thin build, light thin brownish beard, whiskers, and moustache, grey
eyes; generally dresses in a dark-grey sac suit and black boxer hat; short
quick steps when walking. Was last seen in Melbourne on the 5th inst. Arrest
desirable in any of the Australian colonies. - O.8863. 12th October, 1900
This CD contains high quality scanned images of the whole of the years
issues. It has been bookmarked for easy navigation. and pages can be searched,
browsed, enlarged and printed out if required.
