William BOWEN

( late of Dungog )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘Q‘ 5316

For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )

Rank:  Probationary Constable – appointed 14 January 1887

Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Stations: Gloucester, Paterson, Minmi, and other places & Dungog ( 9 years to death ) ( Port Stephens LAC )

Service:  From  14 January, 1887 to  4 March 1916 = 29+ years Service

Awards:  ?

Born: ? ? 1859 at Uralla, NSW

Died on:   Saturday 4 March 1916

Cause:  Assault – Murder?

Event location:  Dungog, NSW

Event date:  ? January 1916

Age: 55

Funeral date:  Sunday 5 March, 1916

Funeral location: Church of England cemetery, Dungog, NSW

Buried at:  Church of England cemetery with his only son & youngest daughter, Alma

Dungog Cemetery,

Tabbil Creek, NSW,

3 references for the grave

Latitude: -32.419403
Longitude: 151.738657

GPS: -32 25.16418, 151 44.31976

-32.418649, 151.738825

Memorial:  Memorial & Plaque unveiling at Dungog Police Station on 4 March 2016

 

WILLIAM IS mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance

The sergeant suffered serious internal injuries at Dungog when he was assaulted after detaining a mentally ill man in January, 1916. The sergeant had been called to the Dungog Hospital in relation to a violent and disturbed man. He arrested the man and took him to the local police station. Shortly after their arrival at the station the man again went berserk, kicking the sergeant and attacking him with a chair. The sergeant was taken to hospital for treatment and was eventually admitted to Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital where he died.

The Sydney Morning Herald of 7 March, 1916 reported news from Dungog to the effect that “The funeral of Senior Sergeant Bowen, of Dungog, who died at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Sydney, on Saturday, took place here yesterday, being one of the largest that have taken place at Dungog.”

The sergeant was born in 1859 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 14 January, 1887. At the time of his death he was stationed at Dungog.

I have been unable to find any reference to the assault upon William Bowen within Trove as of 15 Jan. 2016.

Cal

NSW Registry of BDM

Birth = 6811/1858 ( possibly )

Death = 359/1916

 

 ** The person responsible for the assault upon the Sgt was Mentally Ill and sent to the asylum in Newcastle several days after the assault / death.

---

A Commemoration Day and Plaque Unveiling at Dungog Police Station will happen at 11am on Friday 4 March 2016 for Senior Sergeant William BOWEN.

Senior Constable Mitchell PARKER at Dungog is the person to contact in relation to attending this event.

Police Court On Monday last, before Mr McDougall, S.M., John Dwyer, of Dungog, was charged with stealing about 40 pairs of *naves ( *possibly the central part of a wheel; hub ), valued at £10, the property of Mrs K. B. Walker. Sgt. Bowen represented, the police prosecution ; Mr Borthwick appearing for the accused.   Dwyer pleaded guilty and was fined £10, with a fortnight to pay. in default two months in Maitland goal. The fine would be reduced to £5 if the naves were returned to the owner within a week.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/138008263?searchTerm=sgt%20bowen%20-%20dungog&searchLimits=#reloadOnBack

‘DODGER’ EDWARDS

………….

May I refer to another Edwards, an old schoolmate,  ‘Dodger’ Edwards ( Walter John EDWARDS ). He was a super lad also. There were 50 odd pupils at school at Bendolba and some of them up to 18 years of age. Not one of them ever brought down Dodger in a game of football.   When the ball went to Dodger it was a ‘try.’  Most times the football was made of rags. Our coach then was Mr. Gardiner, our schoolteacher. I   think he replaced Mr. Lord, father of Mr. Dick Lord, of Dungog.

In later years, Dodger left our district and went to Gloucester to live. One evening he left Gloucester River to come over to Salisbury on horse back. He got bushed between Whispering Gully and Flag Staff. He unsaddled his horse and to this day the horse was never found. But ‘Dodger‘ came through. I think the trials experienced slightly derainged his mind.

The late Sgt. Bowen was called to the hospital and nearly met his death from a blow that Dodger gave him by hitting him over the head with a chair.

Some two years later, the late Anthony Hudson, his son Tony, and the late Les Middlebrook and I were out beyond Flag Staff and a horse neighed. Old Tony said: ‘Did you hear that,’ We all did, and we were sure there was a horse somewhere. It was over three weeks before we got that horse to mate up with ours. Eventually we succeeded in bringing that horse back. He was a real outlaw, but it was Les Magennis who mastered him. I think this horse was sold later to a circus. I have never solved the problem; was the horse Dodger’s, or whose was It?

…….

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/140534498

Dungog Senior Sergeant William Bowen

BELINDA-JANE DAVIS

A Dungog policeman who suffered serious injuries on the job and died a century ago will be remembered in a special ceremony.

Senior Sergeant William Bowen suffered serious internal injuries when a mentally ill man kicked him and attacked him with a chair at Dungog Police Station in December 1915.

He had arrested the man at Dungog Hospital a short time earlier, after reports the man was being violent and disturbing staff and patients.

Sergeant Bowen, 56, was taken to hospital for treatment, but never fully recovered from the incident.

His failing health led him and his wife to travel to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney on March 3 to see a specialist.

Several specialists, including Sir Alex McCormack, assessed him but were unable to diagnose his condition.

They suggested an operation when he was feeling stronger but Sergeant Bowen continued to deteriorate that day and died in hospital unexpectedly the next morning.

NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione and deputy commissioner Catherine Burn are expected to attend a ceremony at Dungog Police Station on March 4 at 11am, which will mark 100 years since Sergeant Bowen’s death.

NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant and Dungog community groups will also attend and witness a plaque being unveiled, which will commemorate his service.

The Dungog Chronicle recorded Sergeant Bowen’s death on March 7, 1916, saying he would be “hard to replace”.

“He was a very painstaking, conscientious officer, who discharged his duties with the utmost impartiality,” the article said.

“He was very considerate to the men under him, and only those who were acquainted with him intimately knew what a very kind and thoughtful man he was, ever cheerful under the most adverse circumstances, and apparently never harboring an ill-thought about anybody.”

Sergeant Bowen’s body returned to Dungog on March 4 and he was buried in the town’s Church of England Cemetery on March 5 alongside his only son, who was killed in an accident at Minmi a few years earlier, and his youngest daughter Alma, who died of an illness.

It was one of the largest funerals the town had ever seen.

He was survived by his wife, three daughters, Mrs J Hunt, Mrs O.E Carter and Miss Myra Bowen, his two brothers John and Tim, and his brother-in-law Mr Reece and son-in-law Mr O.E. Carter.

Dungog police Senior Constable Mitch Parker said Sergeant Bowen, who was born in Uralla in 1859, joined the police force on January 14, 1887 and spent 29 years serving the region at Gloucester, Paterson, Minmi, Dungog and other stations.

He spent nine years in Dungog before his death.

Senior Constable Parker urged anyone who wanted to pay tribute to Sergeant Bowen’s service to attend the ceremony.

The story Policeman who died a century ago to be remembered first appeared on The Maitland Mercury.

http://www.dungogchronicle.com.au/story/3758911/policeman-who-died-a-century-ago-to-be-remembered/?cs=171

DUNGOG MARKS POLICEMAN’S DEATH 100 YEARS ON

Amanda Douglas      March 4, 2016

His name adorns the National Police Memorial, but until recently, the death of Dungog policeman William Bowen a century ago went unrecognised in the town he called home.

Sub Inspector Robert MORRINE

New South Wales Police Force

Illness

Redfern

13 January, 1914

Sub Inspector Morrine died under unknown circumstances at the Redfern Police Academy on Tuesday 13 January, 1914. The Sydney Morning Herald of 14 January, 1914 reported the following brief information on the death.

POLICE OFFICER’S DEATH.

Police Sub-inspector Robert Morrine suddenly collapsed and died at the police depot, Redfern, yesterday. Deceased had been storekeeper at the depot since 1909. He joined the force in 1887.

The sub inspector appears to have joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1887 and at the time of his death was store keeper at the Redfern Depot (Police Academy). He had previously served as a senior sergeant in the superintendent’s office at West Maitland until mid-1909, when he was promoted and transferred to Redfern.

Edwin Stuart HICKEY

New South Wales Police Force

Sergeant 2nd Class

Officer In Charge – Pymble Police Station

Shot – Murdered

Pitt Water Rd, St Ives

Joined NSW Police Force in 1881 or 1891

Died  1 May, 1913

52 old

Funeral date:  ?

The sergeant was shot to death at the Sydney suburb of St Ives while trying to arrest an offender named Brown on warrants. On the day of his death the sergeant and Constable Barclay attended the offender’s home and while inside the dwelling, told Brown he was under arrest. He began to resist violently before drawing a revolver and shooting Sergeant Hickey three times. The offender made good his escape however was arrested a short time later by Constable Barclay. The sergeant’s wounds unfortunately proved to be severe and he died a short time later at the Royal North Shore Hospital. The offender’s son was also shot in the arm during the incident.

The sergeant was born in 1861 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 October, 1881. At the time of his death he was stationed at Pymble.

[blockquote]Hickey has been in charge of the Pymble Police Station for over twenty five years

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/102941208?searchTerm=%22police%20sergeant%20kill%22&searchLimits=[/blockquote]

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.  ( pre murder criminal history )

Thomas Edwin Brown, assaulting a bailiff in the execution of his duty.

The Sydney Morning Herald  Friday 2 June 1911  page 4 of 14

ACTION STRUCK OUT. INJUNCTION TO RESTRAIN GRANTED. SYDNEY.

Friday. ( 19 April 1912 )

There was brought before Justice Simpson in the Common Law Chambers to-day a case in which Thomas Edward Brown, of St. Ives, near Gordon, made claim for £20,000 against a big list of defendants, including the Attorney-General (Mr. Wade, M.L.A.), several Supreme Court judges, most of the stipendiary magistrates, the Inspector-Generol (sic) of Police; and the Kuringai Shire Council. Plaintiff complained that various legal proceedings had been maliciously used against him, and, that he had been deprived of legal rights. Counsel representing defendants asked that plaintiff’s   declaration be struck out, and that plaintiff be restrained from further proceedings of a like character against them.   It was pointed out that Justice Ferguson had previously struck out an action by plaintiff against some of the present defendants.

Justice Simpson granted the application and the injunction as asked for on behalf of the defendants.

Examiner ( Launceston, Tasmania )  Saturday 20 April 1912  Page 8 of 12

A SHOOTING TRAGEDY.

SERGEANT OF POLICE KILLED,

AN ARREST MADE.  

SYDNEY, May 1. ( Thursday )

A police official was the victim of a shooting tragedy which took place this morning at St. Ives, an orchadists settlement on the north coast railway line.

It appears, that Sergeant Hickey, who for upwards of 20 years has been in charge of the police-station at Pymble, accompanied by Constable Barclay,   proceeded to the residence of Thomas Edwin Brown an orchardist residing on Pitt water-road, St. Ives. The mission of the police was to arrest Brown on two   commitment warrants. One warrant, it is stated, was in connection with the   non-payment of costs in an appeal case, and the other is related to the non-payment of a small fine and costs in connection with a traffic summons case.

The police found the man they were looking for in his orchard, where he was working with his sons. They indicated to him the nature of their business, and   then invited Sergeant Hickey and his companion up to the house, and, turning to one of his sons, said, “You had better come, too.” They all went to Brown’s   residence on the opposite side of the orchard.

Brown and his son entered the door, followed by Sergeant Hickey, with Constable Barclay in the rear. Barclay states that no sooner had they got inside than Brown, sen., without warning,  produced a revolver, and fired point blank at Sergeant Hickey. He fired altogether four shots. Three of them took effect in  the Sergent altogether and in the scuffle which immediately followed a fourth shot lodged in the arm of Brown’s son, who had intervened to prevent further shooting.

Sergeant Hickey fell to the floor, and never spoke.

Constable Barclay immediately ran for assistance, and he met two men named Rogers and McIntosh, and told them what had happened. They ran down to   Brown’s house, and then they found Sergeant Hickey lying on the floor in an unconscious condition. They conveyed him to the local police station, and he was quickly conveyed to the Royal North Shore Hospital, but be died a few   minutes after admission.

Later young Brown who also had been shot, was brought to the institution, and admitted with a bullet wound in his arm.

After informing the two men, Rogers, and McIntosh, of the shooting, Constable Barclay discovered that Brown, sen., had   left the house, and was down the Gordon road. He went in pursuit, and, finding Brown, covered him with his revolver, and ordered him to surrender and to throw up his arms. Brown surrendered quietly, and Constable Barclay, finding, by searching him, that Brown was not then in the possession of firearms, arrested and escorted him to North Sydney, where he was locked up on a charge of shooting.

The late Sergeant Hickey was a greatly esteemed officer. He was on the eve of   retiring from the service, which he joined in 1891.

The Mercury ( Hobart, Tasmania )  Friday 2 May 1913  Page 5 of 8

Police Sergeant Shot.

An Orchard Tragedy

SYDNEY, May 1.

A shocking tragedy was enacted at St. Ives this morning. In attempting to serve two committment, warrants an an orchardist residing at Pymble, Sergeant Edward Hickey was fired on, and so badly wounded that he died shortly after admission to the hospital.

The man who to alleged to have done the shooting has a large-sized orchard off Pittwater Road, St. Ives, which runs from Pymble right through to Pittwater. He has been associated a good deal with law matters, and although regarded as an eccentric, has never been looked upon as being dangerous or likely to be subject to outbursts of violence. He is alleged to have produced   a revolver and fired four shots.   Three of the bullets lodged in Hickey’s body, and he fell to the ground mortally wounded.

Constable Barclay went in search of the orchardist, and having secured him, handcuffed him, and took him to the police station. Later on he was brought down to the North Sydney Police Station, and charged with murder. He gave his name as Thomas Edwin Brown.

Cairns Post ( Qld ) Friday 2 May 1913  Page 5 of 8

The Clarence and Richmond Examiner of 17 May, 1913 printed the following article relating to the inquest into the sergeant’s death.

SYDNEY, Thursday — An inquest was commenced concerning the shooting of Sergeant Hickey at St Ives. Thomas Edwin Brown, who was charged with murder, was present in custody. Constable Barclay deposed that Sergeant Hickey informed Brown that he had two commitment warrants and that unless Brown paid the money he would place him under arrest and convey him to Darlinghurst Gaol. Brown remarked that warrants were illegal and as witness reached the dining-room door of Brown’s house the latter said, “Go back, you can’t come in here; it’s illegal. Sergeant Hickey closed with Brown, who immediately fired three shots at him. Witness drew a revolver and stated that unless Brown put his hands up he would put a hole through him and Brown put them up, at the same time remarking, “I’m sorry, I am prepared to die.” When asked why he shot Sergeant Hickey he replied that he was driven to it. The Coroner found that the deceased died from a revolver wound feloniously inflicted on him by Brown who was committed for trial on a charge of murdering him.

THE ST. IVES TRAGEDY.

BROWN APPEALS FOR BAIL.  

THE APPLICATION REFUSED.

Sydney, Wednesday Afternoon.  ( 14 January 1914 )   

Thomas Edward Brown, charged with the murder last year at St. Ives of Sergeant Hickey, made application this morning, to Mr. Justice Gordon in the Supreme Court for bail. Brown has already been tried once, but a new trial was granted by the High Court, and has now been in gaol nine months.

Mr. d’Apice appeared for the Crown to oppose the application, and Brown appeared in person.  Brown said he would like the application to stand over until later in the day, as on coming to the court he had met some of his children and had been considerably upset.

His Honor refused to grant any adjournment.

Brown then submitted that bail should be granted, so that he might have the fullest opportunity of preparing, his defence.  He had been placed in the section of the gaol allotted to murderers.

His Honor said, the Crown case was thoroughly known; therefore, it was much easier for the accused to prepare his reply in the second case. Even if the Crown consented, his Honor said he did not know that he should consent to the prisoner’s release.  He therefore, refused the application.

Mr d’Apice said the gaol authorities would give the prisoner every opportunity   for the preparation of his defence.

The prisoner, was then recommitted to gaol and removed in custody.

Barrier Miner ( Broken Hill, NSW )  Thursday  15 January 1914  page 6 of 8

NEW SOUTH WALES

RECENT CASE REVIVED.

SYDNEY. April 27.

Thomas Edwin Brown, of St Ives,  orchardist, who was recently acquitted on a charge of having murdered by shooting Police Sergeant Hickey, has been adjudged insane by a special court of   inquiry. He has consequently been ordered to be detained in an Asylum.  Notice of appeal has been given on Brown’s behalf.

The Brisbane Courier ( Qld )  Tuesday  28 April 1914  Page 7 of 10

QUESTION OF SANITY  

THE BROWN CASE.  

DEEMED TO BE INSANE.

A special Court to consider the question of the sanity of Thomas Edwin Brown, of St. Ives, who was acquitted at the Central Criminal Court last month on a charge of having   murdered Sergeant Hickey, but who was   detained on his release on a charge of insanity, was held at the Reception House at Darlinghurst on several days this month. Mr. J.  McKensey, deputy stipendiary magistrate, presided, and at the final sitting on Saturday last, Brown was deemed to be insane.

The exhibits in the case consisted of a number of voluminous documents, in the     majority of which Brown mentioned grievances which he considered that he had. One of these was a petition addressed to Lord Chelmsford, asking for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into his case.  It consisted of 10 pages of typewritten matter, and was forwarded on March 18, 1912.   In it Brown said that the legal process of the State was denied to him, and that he intended to protect himself, family, and property from injury by “these blackmailers of the Crown.” He also went on to say that he would not be responsible for any consequences of his acts, “but will claim to be exonerated from blame from this date during this state of siege, irrespective of evidence taken, as they now concoct evidence for an excuse to punish with, for any act which may be done in a mistaken apprehension of danger or otherwise.”

Mr. Garland, K.C., instructed by Mr. Robinson, appeared on behalf of the Crown; and Mr. Ralston, K.C., instructed by Mr. McElhone, on behalf of Brown.

Dr. Palmer, First Government Medical Officer at Sydney, said that he had known Brown since May 2 last year, and had frequent opportunities of observing him and conversing with him. “I am of the opinion that he is insane,” said the doctor. “For the purpose of making a certificate to that effect I examined him separately. His form of insanity is called paranoia, or systematised delusions. In my opinion the only proper care and control of a person so suffering is to be had in an institution. The chief characteristic of that variety of insanity is that the person suffering is potentially homicidal. For the sake of others, as well as   himself, he should be detained in an institution.”

In answer to Mr. Ralston, witness said that Brown had been tried three times for murder, but the Crown or anyone else did not raise the question of his sanity. He was of the opinion of his examination of Brown was right that he would not get better. His insanity might become modified, and perhaps take on a different form. He was sound physically, and had never complained of sickness.   The delusion he suffered from was that a combination of public officials was persecuting him.

Dr. Andrew Davidson said that he had had a large experience in mental cases, and for three years was medical superintendent at Callan Park Asylum. He had seen Brown on a number of occasions, and was of the opinion that he was suffering from chronic systematised insanity. His form of insanity was one that generally became worse. In certain cases it was dangerous. “The fact   that Brown was arrested for being insane would not necessarily worry him,” said the doctor. “A sane individual would, to a certain extent, be worried. He does not wear   such a worried expression now as he did.”

Dr. Eric Sinclair, Inspector-General of Insane for 16 years, said that he had seen Brown, and also some of the letters which he had written, and was of the opinion that he was insane. “The probabilities that his delusions will continue are very strong, indeed,” said witness. “As far as we know medically, they will continue, but one hesitates to say for certaln what will happen in the future. If it were proved that his delusions have disappeared now, it is obvious that he is not insane at the present time. Assuming on April 2, that Brown had informed Dr. Palmer that he was going to America, as he could not get justice here, I would be inclined to consider that was an indication that the delusions had not disappeared.”

Dr. Chisholm Ross said that after seeing Brown and some of the documents written by him, he should say that the man thought that he was being persecuted. “I say that, if he was not insane, he was preparing for persecutionary paranoia,” continued the doctor. “Cases of this disease are persistent, and as a rule persons suffering from it recover very rarely, if at all. If not under restraint they are a danger to themselves and others.”

In reply to Mr. Ralston, Dr. Ross said that he had been dealing with mental cases for 30 years. He gave a certificate that Brown was a fit subject for examination. He did not give a certificate of his insanity. He had not seen any indication in Brown of paranoia, or any other form of insanity. He was unable to give a certificate that Brown was insane.

Drs. Alfred Walter Campbell and George Edward Ronnie declared that Brown was insane.

David Ross Jamieson, Acting Under-Secretary in the Department of Justice, said that Brown called on him at his office, and said that he wished to make a complaint about the administration of justice. He handed witness a document, and, when it was returned to him he (Brown) said “I can’t get justice from anybody; the Judges won’t hear me;   the Stipendiary Magistrates won’t hear me; and the Chamber Magistrates will not issue process for me. I can’t get assistance or protection from the police, and am in fear. I have a weapon and will have to use It.” He was told to complain to the Inspector-General of Police if the police refused to assist him, and he left the room.

Evidence for the Crown having closed, Mr. Ralston submitted that Brown was illegally before the Court, as he had been illegally   arrested, and that there was no evidence adduced to prove that Brown was found under circumstances indicating that he was likely to commit some offence against the Law. He considered that the inquiry was a nullity, and that Brown should be discharged.

Mr. McKensey said that it was not for him to decide whether Brown was legally or illegally arrested, and overruled the objection.

On behalf of Brown, Dr. Richard Arthur said that he had a conversation with Brown which lasted an hour and a half, and he saw no signs of mental aberration after he had used a number of methods to prove his mental unsoundness. He had heard some of the documents read, and he still adhered to his opinion. The statements made were severe, but they were not in any way exceptional.

Dr. Sydney Jamieson said that when he saw Brown on March 30 he mentioned the question of his having the idea that he was being persecuted, and his attempts to stop those supposed persecutions, but Brown laughed and treated it as a matter of levity. He said: “It is quite true, I signed those documents.” He was then asked by witness if he still thought that he was being persecuted, and he replied: “I wouldn’t say that, but I think that at the time I was very much upset, and my views on what I then wrote are different now.” “I could find no evidence of insanity,” said the doctor.

To Mr. Garland, witness said: “The impression he left with me was that at one time he had seriously entertained these views but that his subsequent experience had modified them; that accumulated experience had altered his views. If a man starts an action against 62 persons as Brown did it is evidence of wild notion. Whether it is paranoia or not depends on whether it is founded on delusion or fact. If his charges against all these officials and sects are baseless then he is a paranoic. I found no evidence of it in my examination. If I knew that the charges he made against the late Chief Justice (Sir Frederick Darley) and others were baseless I would admit that he is a paranoic.”

Dr. J. B. Nash said that he examined Brown, and could find nothing mentally wrong with him, and the documents read did not alter his opinion in the slightest. He had not examined any paranoic that he knew of.

Dr. A. Murray Oram said that after an examination of Brown he could not say that he was insane. It was quite possible that Brown had paranoia, “I say he was not sane in March, 1913, when he drew the document up,” concluded the doctor.

Thomas Henley, M.L.A., said that he had known Brown for 20 years, and had never detected any evidences of insanity.

Peter Christian Bjornstad, Acting Superintendent at the Reception House, said that   Brown now appeared to be perfectly normal.

Dr. A. C. Cahill, called by the Bench, said that he was unable to certify as to Brown’s sanity or insanity because Brown declined to converse on subjects which would throw a light on his mental condition. When Brown wrote the passages charging the late Chief Justice and others with conspiracy, he was suffering from paranoia, a complaint which generally tended to get worse.

Dr. W. W. J. O’Rielly said that he had known Brown for 18 years and he had always acted as a sane man.

Dr. A. E. Perkins, on affirmation, said that he had examined Brown and considered that he was sane.

James Weymark, a wholesale fruiterer said that he had transacted business for Brown for a number of years and had never detected any signs of insanity.

Brown, sworn, said: “I would like to say a lot. The Crown drew the inference when the documents were being read, that because I asked that one of them be continued, I still persisted in my opinions; but that I deny. The statements made in those   documents were written under circumstances which would make them excusable, considering that I was not well-educated and had to seek the assistance of others. I was not conversant with the meaning of all the words. I meant by ‘conspiracy’ a succession of acts which caused me to be   imprisoned. Those acts were, upon appeal to the High Court, ruled to be illegal. In the language of those documents describing the various sects, I had no intention to have it believed that that was so in the   generally-accepted expression of the term. But what I really meant to show was that persons of each of the orders or sects had taken part in this matter in which I had appealed. The same descriptions of persons have repeatedly assisted me in my   troubles. These documents were written at a time when I was in great trouble. I was constantly being arrested. My house was being searched by day and by night, and often when I left home to go to the market I would be arrested and put in gaol. The matters I have complained of were, briefly, the result of judgments of the various Courts which have since been upset on appeal.

Through the experience I have gained since I have been in prison, I am convinced that my proceedings were altogether wrong and unwarranted.”

Brown then narrated his experiences since he was arrested on the lunacy charge, and outlined his actions in the Courts.

After other evidence was given and addresses by counsel, Mr. McKensey said: “I am satisfied that Brown is insane and is not under proper care and control, and is a proper person to be taken charge of and detained under care and treatment. I therefore direct that Brown be removed to the Hospital for Insane, at Parramatta.”

The Sydney Morning Herald  Wednesday 29 April 1914  Page 11 of 26

THE PREVENTION OF MADNESS

The extraordinary divergence of medical opinion as to the sanity or insanity of Thomas Edwin Brown, who was charged with having murdered Constable(sic) Hickey, and was acquitted, but afterwards detained on grounds of insanity, cannot be passed over without comment. The evidence of no less than 13 doctors was taken in the case; and the conclusion of six of them was completely opposed to the conclusion of the other seven.’ We offer no judgment on the result the magistrate appears to have been convinced that those who said that Brown was suffering from a dangerous delusion were right, and the man goes   back into detention. But what we do say is that it is high time that the medical men of this country were given such a training in the diagnosis of madness that such a conflict of evidence should in future be put almost beyond the bounds of possibility. The public, in a case of this sort, does not know which set of doctors was right; it has not the knowledge to enable it to form an opinion on that point. What it does want is the assurance that its medical men will in future obtain such training in this important department of modern medicine as will make impossible the occurrence of any of the terrible mistakes for which the absence of such training leaves only too obvious an opening.

The men who have upon them the responsibility of deciding whether a citizen is sane or insane get very little preparation for that responsibility. Indeed, there is not a single clinic in Australia where they could get a thorough training in this branch of medicine if they wished to. There are numerous schools where students in other countries are obtaining this experience, in hospitals at Berlin, Vienna, Genoa, Kiel, Glossen, at Michigan University, at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, at Baltimore, and elsewhere. But the   Australian student, whose duty it will be in general practice to recognise the early mental or nervous symptoms of insanity, is practically without opportunity of qualifying himself to do so. That is simply because we are not sufficiently abreast of modern medicine to have   provided institutions where the prevention of insanity is carried on, and can be studied. The cure of insanity might not be a department of medicine at all, for all the attention that is paid to it within the borders of New South Wales. Every medical man knows of the progress that has been made in the treatment of insanity elsewhere; how special hospitals and homes have been established for the treatment of it in the earlier stages, when it is often perfectly preventable; how an international committee has been formed to advance the knowledge and treatment of the curable insanity; how special branches of the outpatient departments of more than one of the London hospitals have been established to deal with it. In Australia, except in a very few cases, insanity cannot be treated until it has reached a stage at which treatment is no longer of much use. In one or two institutions founded for another purpose an attempt is being made, mainly through the energy of individual officials, to separate and cure the early stages of insanity. But there is no organised attempt to prevent insanity, and no school where the medical student can learn to recognise it. In a good many cases it really rests in the first instance with the police whether the patient may or may not receive the necessary treatment. This, it has been cynically remarked, is perhaps, after all, just as well. The average policeman does have some opportunity of seeing early cases of   insanity; the average medical student does not.

The Sydney Morning Herald  Thursday  30 April 1914  Page 10 of 18

1914.

(SECOND SESSION.)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE DEPARTMENT.

(ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1913.)

Printed under No. 3 Report from Printing Committee, 13 August, 1914

Four (4) constables were discharged on gratuities amounting to £607   10s., and gratuities amounting to £2,192 18s. 4d. were awarded to the widows of seven (7) members of the Force, in addition to which £94 was allowed for funeral expenses. In the case of the widow of the late Senior-sergeant Edwin S. Hickey, who was killed in the execution of his duty, a pension of £125 per annum was granted for six (six) years, at the end of which period the case will be reconsidered.

https://media.opengov.nsw.gov.au/pairtree_root/5d/00/3b/47/b4/c4/15/06/6f/b4/90/a9/0a/10/1d/c4/obj/document.pdf

The sergeant was the Officer-in-Charge of the Warren Police Station. About 7.30pm on 26 December, 1911 he attended a street disturbance in the township involving an intoxicated man by the name of Neale, whom he subsequently arrested. While they were walking to the police station, Neale suddenly produced a revolver and shot Sergeant MacDonnell through the heart. Neale was quickly subdued by Constable Mitchell, with the assistance of a number of local men. (He is sometimes referred to as Sergeant John McDonnell/MacDonnell).

The Kalgoorlie Western Argus of 2 January, 1912 reported the incident.

MURDERER REMANDED. Warren (N.S.W.) December 27. A coloured man, John Neal, appeared before the police court today on a charge of having murdered Sergeant John McDonnell, who was shot dead in the street last night while attempting to arrest Neal. McDonnell was shot through the heart and died instantly. He was 57 years of age and leaves a widow and two sons. Neal was remanded for eight days.

The sergeant was born in 1854 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 6 March, 1878. At the time of his death he was stationed at Warren.

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The Burrowa News ( NSW )  Friday  29 December 1911  page 6 of 7

Thomas SMITH

Senior Constable

Horse Accident

Euston

19 April, 1910

On the 18 April, 1910 the mounted constable made a patrol to the police paddock, and while he was returning his troop horse began to buck. The horse then bolted and Senior Constable Smith was thrown violently against a tree, sustaining severe internal injuries. Knowing he would not be found before it became dark, he began to walk towards town. When he had travelled a short distance he was found by some men who helped him into Euston in a barrow. A doctor arrived from Balranald that night and after examining the injured man made arrangements to have him taken to hospital. Unfortunately the vehicle conveying the injured constable to hospital broke down and he passed away.

The Register newspaper of 25 April, 1910 reported that ” Regret is expressed at Wentworth ” at the sudden death of Senior Constable Smith, officer in charge of the police at Euston, 80 miles from Wentworth. The constable, it appears was thrown from his horse, which had stumbled and rolled on his chest. At first his symptoms were not considered serious but as the day advanced and while the constable was being driven to Balranald for medical treatment, he expired. He has left a widow and six children. The late constable was highly esteemed in the district, and was a general favourite.

The senior constable was born in 1871 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 February, 1897. At the time of his death he was stationed at Euston.

Thomas O’CONNOR

New South Wales Police Force

Senior Constable

Regd. # ?

Stations: MacLean, Broadwater, Lismore & Casino

Illness – suicide

42 years

Casino

Died: 2 November, 1908

Funeral:  ?

The Sydney Morning Herald dated 3 November, 1908 contained the following brief story of the death of the constable. He had been treated for depression shortly prior to his death.

SENIOR CONSTABLE’S SUICIDE – SHOOTS HIMSELF IN BATHROOM.

Casino, Monday.

Senior Constable O’Connor shot himself this morning in his bathroom at 8 o’clock. He fired three times, the last shot tearing the side of his face and head away. Lately O’Connor seemed quieter than usual, but there was nothing to suggest that he contemplated taking his own life. He leaves a wife and six children.

At the time of his death by suicide, the constable was aged 42 years and was stationed at Casino. He had previously served at Maclean, Broadwater and Lismore.

 William Cochrane ADIE

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Probationary Constable – Mounted Constable

Stations:  ?, Stuart Town

Service:  From  17 December, 1907  to  11 October 1908 = 9+ months Service

Awards:  ?

Born:  ? ? 1883

Event date:  Saturday  10 October 1908

Died on:  Sunday  11 October 1908

Cause:  Horse accident

Event location:  Stuart Town, NSW

Age:  25

Funeral date:  Monday afternoon  12 October 1908

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Stuart Town Cemetery, Wallaroi Rd,

Protestant section ‘ A ‘

[alert_green]William IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

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On Saturday 10 October, 1908 Mounted Constable Adie set out on a patrol of the town and surrounds. By the following day he had not returned as expected and Senior Constable McConville set out to find him. After being informed that an unattended troop horse had been seen in the bush Senior Constable McConville investigated and found the unfortunate Constable Adie seriously injured. It appeared that the young constable had been thrown from his horse the previous day and had lain seriously injured throughout the night. He died while being taken back to Stuart Town for medical attention. The constable’s horse was described in the Melbourne Argus of 14 October, 1908 as being “a particularly savage animal”.

In addition to this, the Sydney Morning Herald of 26 October, 1908 reported the following.

DANGEROUS POLICE HORSES – A SERIOUS ALLEGATION.

WELLINGTON, Saturday – The recent death of Constable Adie, of Stuart Town, who was killed by being thrown from his horse, is causing considerable discussion in the district in regard to the dangerous character of some of the horses supplied to police officers. The animal which killed Constable Adie is well known for its vicious propensities. It nearly killed Constable Cameron when he was at Stuart Town, and last Christmas it threw Senior Constable McConville’s brother, and nearly killed him. There are several other police horses in the district which the constables only ride at the risk of their lives, and every time they go out into lonely bush tracks they are exposed to the terrible fate of the late Constable Adie, who was not found until the day after he had been thrown and seriously injured.

The constable was born in 1883 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 17 December, 1907. At the time of his death he was stationed at Stuart Town.

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Wagga Wagga Express     Thu.  15 Oct. 1908   p4 of 4

Constable Adie, of Stuart Town, was thrown from his horse on Saturday last, and died on Sunday afternoon. He went out on Saturday morning and did not return.  Two men saw his horse saddled and bridled on Saturday morning grazing in the bush, but no notice was taken of the matter.

On Sunday morning Constable McConville found Adie lying in a creek unconscious. He died 20 minutes later, without medical aid.

Deceased was 27 years of age, unmarried, and had been for 12 months in the force.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/145407114

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Wellington Times ( NSW )   Thu. 15 Oct. 1908  p4 of 8

Wellington Times ( NSW )   Thu. 15 Oct. 1908  p4 of 8

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/141594487

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Wellington Times ( NSW )   Thu. 15 Oct. 1908  p5 of 8

( From a Correspondent. )

The funeral of the late Constable Adie, whose death was reported last issue, took place on Monday afternoon. A great number of people from both town and district attended the funeral, which was a long one considering that Mr. Adie has only been in our midst for a short time. It is believed that   he had not a relative in the State.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/141594488

Wellington Times ( NSW )   Thu. 15 Oct. 1908  p5 of 8

Wellington Times ( NSW )   Mon.  19 Oct. 1908  p3 of 4

I will make reference to the horse that was the cause of Constable Adie’s death, in Thursday’s issue of the Times.

A special memorial is to be preached to-night (Sunday) in the Church of England by Mr. Champion in memory of Constable Adie, who was killed last week, by being thrown from his horse.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/141600341

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Wellington Times ( NSW )   Thu.  22 Oct. 1908  p3 of 8

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/141603267

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Wellington Times ( NSW )   Thu.  22 Oct. 1908  p5 of 8

As I said, I will refer to the horse that killed Constable Adie in this issue of the Times. I have known the horse, also Constable McConville’s, which were purchased for police mounts at the same time from Katella. Both were colts at the time, and very wild and vicious at that.

They had to be taken to Orange or Wellington to be shod, the local shoeing smiths could not manage them until they were shod several times. When the police had occasion to use them after a few days spell, they could be seen racing them around the paddock for some time with saddles and bridles on, but whether it was to put life into them or take it out of them, I am not sure ; but I think it was the latter.

Constable McConville is a very good horseman, otherwise perhaps he would have met with an accident ere this.

During Constable Cameron’s sojourn here he got a spill from the horse which accounted for Constable Adie’s death, and which very nearly sent him to glory.

Then, during last Christmas holidays Constable McConville’s brother, who was   on a visit, got a spill from the same horse, which also could have had a fatal ending, as he was rendered unconscious for some time.

So you can see that he can buck when he likes, and it is only a first class rider that should have the handling of such a brute. It is not the class of horse fit for a new-chum trooper — such as was poor Adie — to ride. It is only a pastime for this horse to buck, and seems an easy matter for it to get rid of its burden at will.

It is hoped that the next man sent to fill the gap made by such a brute is able to take out of this horse what the other troopers could not.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/141603256

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Mudgee Guardian & North-Western Representative ( NSW )   Thu.  29 Oct. 1908  p 26 of 28

A special memorial service was preached in the Stuart Town Church of England, in memory of Constable Adie, who was killed by being thrown from a horse.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/157670013

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Wellington Times ( NSW )   Thu.  3 Dec. 1908   p5 of 8

WILLIAM COCHRANE ADIE, late of Stuart Town, Constable of Police, deceased.

All persons having claims against the above estate are requested to forward the same, verified by affidavit, to the undersigned, on or before the thirty-first day of December,   1908.

T. W. GARRETT,

Curator of the above estate.

Chancery Square, Sydney, 1st Dec., 1908. 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/141511275

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John James WALLACE

New South Wales Police Force

Metropolitan Police Force ( NSW )

Regd. #  ?

Uniform #  64?

Rank:  Constable 1st Class

Stations:  ?, Newtown Police Station

Service:  From  12 July 1894  to 11 February 1806 = 11+ years

Awards:  ?

Born:  ? ? 1860

Died on:  Sunday  11 February 1906

Cause:  Shot – Murdered

Event location:  King St, Newtown

Age:   41

Funeral date:  Sunday  18 February 1906

Funeral location:  St Enoch’s Presbyterian Church, Newtown

Buried at:   Rookwood Cemetery

GPS of Grave:

[alert_green]JOHN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

The constable was shot at a dwelling in King Street, Newtown by the offender Tanna, who had been involved in a domestic dispute. Constable Wallace and Senior Constable Maunsell had attended the dispute and had climbed into the home through a window. Constable Wallace attempted to talk to the offender, who was armed with a rifle and a revolver, in the hallway. The offender suddenly raised the rifle and shot Constable Wallace twice. Tanna was later wounded by police, and committed suicide in the siege that followed.

The Australian Town and Country Journal of 21 February, 1906 carried details of the inquest into the constable’s murder, and the performance of the police involved.

THE NEWTOWN MURDER.

The inquest on the bodies of Constable John Wallace and Willie Yass, or Tanna, the victims of Sunday morning’s double tragedy at Newtown, was concluded at the Coroner’s Court, Sydney, on Wednesday. The Coroner said that from the evidence it seemed that the deceased Tanna was fired at by the police some ten, perhaps twelve, times in the course of the affray, but that he was only hit twice by the police, and that both wounds were superficial. The evidence also disclosed the fact that the cartridges were defective. Inspection had shown that. The Coroner said he mentioned that so that the authorities might, if they thought necessary, take action. He found that Constable John Wallace was wilfully murdered by Tanna, and that Tanna had committed suicide. “I think I may be permitted to add”, said the Coroner, “that the deceased, John Wallace, was a brave man and that he died while and because he was doing his duty. As to his comrades, without making any invidious distinction, I think I may also say that those of them who tried to rescue him, and to dislodge the man who murdered him, earned what most men prize very highly, and that is a reputation for physical bravery.”

The constable was born in 1860 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 12 July, 1894. At the time of his death he was stationed at Newtown.

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NEWTOWN LOCAL AREA COMMAND POLICE COMMEMORATION SERVICE

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20130508056

Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT (Marrickville) [7.07 p.m.  8 May 2013]:

Recently at Rookwood Cemetery I attended a memorial service to commemorate police officers from the Newtown local area command killed in the line of duty. The moving service was attended by Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldis, Superintendent Simon Hardman, the commander of the Newtown Area Local Command, many other police representatives, and relatives and descendants of the police officers. Those attendees included Ms Avona Wallace, Mr and Mrs Norman Stephenson, Mrs Lynette Everton and Ms Edna Stevenson. Representatives from the emergency services and community members were also in attendance. The member for Campbelltown, Bryan Doyle, attended representing the Premier.

The five officers being remembered at the ceremony gave their lives to protect the community. They were Constable First Class John Wallace, Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, Constable Lionel Guise, Detective Inspector Reginald Stevenson and Constable Pashalis Katsivelas. The ceremony to mark the sacrifice of these officers reflected on the enormity of their contribution to the community, as well as the impact of their death on their families. It is often said, and it is true, that police officers leave their homes for each shift uncertain of what any day may bring and whether they will return at the end of the day. We owe these men and women our deepest gratitude for the risks they face and take every day in their job. At Rookwood Cemetery we visited each of the graves of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and behind each individual was an illuminating life story.

We began at the grave of Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, who died 80 years almost to the day of the commemoration. Constable Stephenson joined the Police Force in 1912, and four years later enlisted in the army, later joining the fight in France during the First World War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry in rescuing injured soldiers while under fire. Remarkably, when he returned he rejoined the Police Force and continued to serve until his death on 9 April 1933 after a tragic accident involving a motorcycle at the then Newtown Stadium while performing general duties policing.

We were also told the story of Detective Inspector Reginald Hugh Stevenson — I was honoured on the day to meet his widow, Ms Edna Stevenson, who still had strong memories of the incident that led to Inspector Stevenson’s death. Detective Inspector Stevenson joined the NSW Police Force as a cadet in 1943 at the age of 17. In an act of extraordinary selflessness, Detective Inspector Stevenson was on annual leave on 9 December 1974 when he decided to go to work to assist in the planned arrest of a dangerous offender in Newtown, at the time telling his wife, “I don’t want my boys doing this on their own.” During the operation he was shot in the chest after leading his team in pursuit of the offender.

Detective Inspector Stevenson partially recovered and was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. However, he died in 1980 of a heart attack, deemed to be the result of the injuries he sustained on duty in 1974. These officers are just a few of many across New South Wales whose lives have been cut short as they have gone about performing their duty. I pay tribute to them all. They will not be forgotten and local events such as this are a powerful reminder of their sacrifice.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge two Marrickville police officers, Sergeant Stewart and Constable Steele, who on Monday of this week rescued an intellectually disabled person from a house fire in Marrickville. Thankfully, those two officers who took huge risks survived and are quite rightly being hailed as heroes by their colleagues and the community. It is yet another example of the risk our police men and women take every day in order to keep the community safe. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to them.

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/14751036

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Constable 1st Class William JUSTIN

New South Wales Police Force

Horse Accident

Thuddungra

8 March, 1905

On the day of his death Constable Justin was patrolling about ten miles from Thuddungra (Young district) when his horse became skittish and began to buck. The constable was driven into a wire fence by the animal, where he sustained severe injuries to his face and hands. He was found some three hours after the incident by some girls going home from school, and was quickly taken to the home of a Mr Webb. He was taken to Young Hospital the next day however he unfortunately passed away.

The constable was born in 1859 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 19 November, 1881. At the time of his death he was stationed at Young.

Samuel William LONG

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Constable

Stations:  ?, Auburn

Service:  From  6 July 1894  to  19 January 1903 = 7+ years Service

Awards:  ?

Born:  ? ? 1865

Died on:  19 January 1903

Cause:  Murdered – shot

Age:  ?

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Rookwood Cemetery, NSW

Memorial at:  ?

[alert_green]SAMUEL IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

The constable was born in 1865 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 6 July, 1894. At the time of his death he was stationed at Auburn.

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The Auburn Murder Trial.

The Sydney Mail   11 February 1903   p 8

At the Central Police Court on Monday, before Mr. E. H. Wilshire, S.M., the hearing of the case in which Digby Grand, 32, alias Newbold, alias Stephens, alias Ward, bootmaker, a native of Victoria ; John Thomas Woolford, 27 butcher ; and Albert Yeomans, 24, horse trainer, were charged with having, in company, feloniously and maliciously murdered Constable Samuel William Long, at Auburn, on January 19 last year, was resumed.

Mr. Cargill, of the Crown Law Office, appeared to prosecute ; Mr. E. R. Abigail appeared for the accused Grand, and Mr. W. Niland for the accused Yeomans.

Mr. Cargill said that there was no further evidence to call against Woolford, and he was discharged.

Joseph Daniel Gallagher and William Gallagher were cross examined by Mr. Abigail and Mr. Niland as their personal habits and connection with the police.

Francis Henry Furnval, qualified medical practitioner, residing at Auburn gave evidence as to having examined the dead body of Constable Long about 2.30 on the morning of the murder.

JONES ARRESTED.

Henry Jones, for whom the Government offered 200 pound reward, was arrested in a terrace house at Ada street, Ultimo, on Tuesday afternoon.

Sergeant Carson and Constable MacKay, plain clothes officers at No. 4 station located the suspect.  Sergeant Carson and Constable Clarke went to the front of the house about 2.30pm and Detectives Jones, MacKay, and Lenehan to the rear.

They entered simultaneously, revolvers drawn, and found the man they wanted seated playing cards with other men and women.  He differed from the photo we published last week in that he had grown a pointed reddish beard, and with the protection of this disguise was in the habit of going out by night.  He admitted his identity on the police entering, revolvers drawn, and attempted no resistance.  The inmates of the house said he had been only living with them a week.

He was taken to the Central Police Court and placed in the dock with Grand and Yeomans at 3.30pm.  Their trial had been proceeding for an hour before Mr. Wilshire, and Woolford was in the witness box giving evidence, which followed the lines of his confession given by us last week, and which was to the effect that he saw Grand and Jones enter the hotel bar after vainly endeavouring to get him to actively participate, saw Constable Long come along and go through the open door to investigate, heard a shot, and saw Grand and Jones rush out and run away.  Jones, described as alias John Maguire, alias Baker, 36, clerk, was charged and remanded for eight days.  Grand and he exchanging a few quiet words as he left the dock, and the hearing of the evidence was then resumed.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1302&dat=19030211&id=SUFVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=F5UDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3442,1796057&hl=en

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