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 1909, 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 so much more ... Notices from Police
Gazettes from other states are also often included.
Example entries taken from the 22 July 1909 issue:
Stealing Otherwise Than From the Person or From Dwellings
William Kelly, steward, s.s. Riverina, Melbourne, reports stolen from his cabin, on the 20th inst., a tin trunk containing - a dark-brown suite of clothes; four white shirts; a panama hat; a green soft felt hat; two photos in frame cut in the pattern of the map of Australia; a black and green striped vest; two razor hones; a strop; four razors; a pair of kid gloves; a gold-filled chain; and a 9-ct. gold pendant, with the words "Dinna Forget"; a gold padlock, with "Minnie" on it; a silver locket; a leather cigarette case; an imitation gold curb bangle, stamped 15-ct.; and papers. Value £10.-O.5315. 21st July, 1909.
Miscellaneous Information
Return of appointments &c. in the Police Force
Promotions - on 18th July, 1909
From Sub-Inspector to Inspector - Arthur Egglestone Dungey
From First Class Sergeant to Sub-Inspector - Edgar Martin
From Second Class Sergeants to Direst Class Sergeant - John Lord Stillard, No. 3110
From Senior Constable to Second Class Sergeant - Timothy Edward Ignatius Ryan, No. 3321
Superannuation - on 17th July, 1909
Inspector Samuel Mooney, Melbourne District
Deaths - on 17th July, 1909
Constable Francis Bruckner, No. 3866, Melbourne District
Deaths - on 18th July, 1909
Constable Thomas Conn, No. 4385, Melbourne District
Truly a facinating read for all. This is a fascinating way to find out the happenings of the era and region.
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 require
