Death of Constable Gilholm.

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY.

A Magisterial Inquiry was held at the Court House, Taree, on Saturday afternoon last, by the District Coroner, Mr. W. N. Dove, P.M., concerning the death, in the M. R. D. Hospital at 10.30 that morning, of Constable J. W. Gilholm, of Forster, who received injuries while returning from duty at the Taree races on the previous Saturday afternoon.

Sergeant Hogan deposed: I am a Sergeant of Police, stationed at Taree. I have seen the body of Joseph William Gilholm, now lying dead at the Taree Hospital this day. He was 36 years of age, and was a native of Rothbury, England. He has been a member of the N. S. W. police force for over 12 years, and was till the time of his death in charge of Forster police station.

On the evening of the 12th instant he arrived at Taree station, for special duty at the Taree Show. On the morning of the 15th. about 8 a.m., I gave him instructions to attend the Taree races that day, with other mounted men.

About 8 p.m. on the 18th I saw deceased in the Taree Hospital. He was then conscious, and lying in bed. He complained of great pain in his chest and body, pointing more particularly to his left side. I asked him how the accident occurred. He said he and Constable Stein were riding home to Taree after the races were over, and that as they were coming near Brown’s Creek a man named McInherney joined them. After crossing Brown’s bridge slowly, he and McInherney started off in a canter ; and after going a short distance, his horse shied off the road. He said a little further on something struck him on the head and knocked him on to the back of the saddle; and that was the last he remembered. I said to him : ” Were you and McInherney racing ? ” He said ” No ; McInherney was on the road, and I was on the side..”

I have seen deceased from three to five times a day since, and was present when he died. He made no complaints against any person. He was quite conscious up to within half-an-hour of his death. The only complaints he made were of great pain, and he could not get his breath. I have known him about 10 years, and have always found him a sober man. He has left a wife and three children. He is possessed of no property, and no banking account. He owns one horse, and some furniture at the police station. His life was insured, but the premiums have not been paid for the last four years, in the Widows’ Fund.

John William Gormley deposed: I am a duly qualified medical practitioner, and am Government Medical Officer residing at Taree. I have seen the body of Constable Gilholm, and have held a post mortem examination thereon.

On Saturday, 15th. instant, on returning from the races, I found the constable doubled up upon the side of the road. I asked Constable Stein and McInherney, who were with him, to take him to the Hospital at once. This, was done. I saw him put into a sulky, and went on to the Hospital to get everything ready for, his reception.

I received him into the Hospital that evening and at once directed Dr. Curtayne to be sent for. We had a consultation then the next morning we had a farther consultation, with Dr. MacQueen. I was then in attendance on the man till to-day, when he died.

The post-mortem disclosed that five ribs on the right side were fractured, and had penetrated the lung. On the left side there was a rupture of the lower lobe of the lung. The right kidney was also lacerated as to be almost divided at the upper third. I consider that death was due to the resulting shock. During the time that deceased was in the Hospital he received every attention. The man was too ill from the first – to enable a diagnosis to he made. He could not be moved about. Deceased was a splendidly built man. The injuries disclosed by the post-mortem, were necessarily fatal. There was no sign of drink on the deceased, and I had seen him a few minutes before leaving the race-course, and he was then quite sober.

When approaching Brown’s’ Creek bridge on the evening of the 15th, I saw deceased’s horse shy off the road to the left, and a moment after I saw deceased all doubled up on the ground. I did not see what he struck, but I hurried on, and when I got to where he was I saw it must have been the stay of the telegraph post. He seemed to duck to getaway from the obstruction. I am of opinion, from what I saw, that he was compressed between the stay and the saddle. The injuries I discovered at the post-mortem could have been thus brought about.

Frederick Ernest Stein deposed ; I am a constable, and reside at Cundletown. On the 15th inst. I was on duty at Taree races, with the deceased ( Constable Gilholm ) and other constables. Deceased and I left the course to return to Taree a little after 6 p.m. We were riding our troop horses. When near Brown’s Creek hill, John McInherney joined us. McInherney was talking to deceased, and we rode along at a walking pace to the bridge. It was then raining sharply, and when we got on to the bridge McInherney and deceased cantered on. Neither had waterproof coats. I stopped behind, keeping my horse at a walking pace, soon after they left me, when they had gone 20 or 30 yards, deceased’s horse left the road, and swerved towards the fence on the left hand side, and dashed under the strut of the telegraph pole. Deceased struck the strut, and fell backwards over the horse’s rump. I was at that time about 70 yards behind them. McInherney kept on up the main road. I went to Gilholm‘s assistance, and found him unconscious on the ground ; He was lying on his face, with deep cut over the right eye. This was bleeding freely.

McInherney came back and at the same time Dr. Gormley drove up, and I asked him to see the deceased. Constables McKenna and Dowsett also rode up. Deceased was taken to the Hospital, and was admitted not more than 15 minutes after the accident, and was at once attended by Dr.Gormley. I saw Gilholm on the course often during the day. I saw no sign of drink on him. I have known him about 10 years. The horse deceased was riding seemed to be quiet. He was in the procession with the Premier, and so far as I know was quietly, ”

John Joseph McInherney deposed : I am a farmer, and reside at the Lansdowne River. On Saturday, 15th inst., I was at the Taree races. I left the course about 6 p.m. and rode towards Taree. On my way in I overtook Constables Stein and Gilholm. I joined them, and rode with them to the foot of the hill at Brown’s bridge. When we crossed the bridge Gilholm and I started at a canter. He was on my left hand. We went about 60 yards, when his horse galloped past me riderless. I looked around and saw Gilholm lying on the ground ; I went back. Stein was with Gilholm, and Dr. Gormley arrived immediately afterwards.

We put Gilholm into a sulky, and took him to the Hospital. I have not seen Gilholm since. We were not racing. Nothing was said about our racing. It had just started to rain, and that is why we cantered. I was a bit ahead of Gilholm, and saw nothing of how be fell, Gilholm was perfectly sober. I did not in any way jostle Gilholm, or force him out off the road. The accident occurred close to the end of the bridge fence.

The Coroner found ” That the deceased, Joseph William Gilholm died at the Manning River District Hospital on Saturday, 22nd February, 1902, of shock arising from injuries to the lungs, ribs, and kidneys, caused by his being accidentally thrown from his horse while on duty. ”

The funeral took place at the Dawson Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, when the cortege was a very large and representative one, The Rev. R. H. Phillips conducted the service.

Memorial to Sergeant Stone.

It will be remembered when the late Sergeant Stone was buried at the Dawson Cemetery, in May last, a movement was made in the police force to erect a memorial headstone and iron railing. This has now been accomplished — the railing being set on brick in cement. The stone is a white marble cross, standing on a brick and cement base, the lettering being in lead, as follows :— ‘ Erected by the N.S.W. Police to the memory of Sergeant Alfred Stone. Died 14th May, 1899 ; aged, 52 years.”

The expenses have been borne by the police in the north-eastern district— and their memento is a credit to their kindness of heart and forethought.

The work was executed by Mr. David Mudford, of Cundletown.

Constable Stein acted as Secretary and Treasurer to the movement, and very great credit is due to him for the successful manner in which he carried it out. Mr. Mudford, we understand, did not charge for his labor in erecting the memorial stone and railing, and the late sergeant’s comrades feel greatly indebted to him for his kindness.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article171624144.txt

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Magisterial Inquiry.

THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT.

On Wednesday morning last, at 11 o’clock, the District Coroner ( Mr. T. B. Boyce, J.P. ), held a, Magisterial inquiry at the residence of Mr. G. C. Hickson, Bullock Wharf, Wallamba River, touching the death of Alfred Francis Stone, Sergeant of Police. The inquiry lasted about two hours, and was then adjourned to Taree for the purpose of taking Dr. Gormley‘s evidence. Inspector Baker was present at the inquiry, and examined the witnesses.

The following was the evidence adduced : —

John Joseph Walsh deposed : I am an engineer in the employ of Mr. Hickson, at the Bullock Wharf Sawmills, Nabiac. I remember the afternoon of Wednesday, 10th instant. About 4 o’clock I saw Sergeant Stone ride up to the mill, which was then in full work — the engine and saws making the usual noise. I afterwards saw him in the mill, and bid him ” Good-day, ” and saw his horse tied up to a post of the mill. The Sergeant was in his uniform, and was thoroughly sober. About half-past 4 I saw the Sergeant come round to the front of the lathe-room, in which I was working. He was then leading his horse, and was about three or four yards from where the horse had been hanging up. He stopped the horse, and put the bridle over its head, put his foot in the stirrup, and mounted the horse, with his left foot in the stirrup, but before he was able to get his right foot in the stirrup, and become properly seated, the horse bolted at full gallop for about 10 yards, when he began to buck. The horse gave about two bucks, which took him. about twelve yards further, when the Sergeant was thrown off, falling sideways on to his head on a log. I heard the fall, and his head strike the log. I ran up to him, only being about fifteen yards from him when he fell, as I feared he would come off when I saw the horse bucking. He was lying on his back, with his eyes wide open. I picked him up— that is, lifted his head up and found a large cut on the left side of his head, at the back, about two and a half inches long, with blood pouring from it. I had deceased’s head on my knees. Several other of the mill hands came, and we bandaged his head up. He was unconscious. We then carried him to Mrs. Greenaway’s. Subsequently he spoke, but in a rambling manner. Before he was removed to Mrs.Greenaway’s a messenger was sent for Dr. Gormley, who arrived about nine o’clock in the evening. During the evening he muttered ” Oh, my head ” — but was quite delirious. I helped to lift him into a wagon the next afternoon, to be conveyed to Taree. Whilst doing so he said ” Don’t hurt me. ” He still seemed to be delirious.

Noel Eller Gorton deposed : I am a middle man at the Bullock Wharf Sawmills. I remember seeing Sergeant Stone ride up to the mill on the afternoon of Wednesday, 10th instant. He hung his horse up to the mill, walked in, and stood by the boards for a little time. He passed through then to the other end of the mill. When he was coming back we had just finished cutting the piece of timber we were at, and I met him and was speaking to him. I asked him if the affairs of the late Mr. Thomas Cocking, on whom an inquest had been held, were settled, as there was some money due to me in connection with the funeral. The Sergeant replied that he had been speaking to Mr. Flett about the matter, but it was not quite settled. The Sergeant was perfectly sober. I then went back to work, and deceased went to his horse. I saw him take the bridle off the post. The next I saw was the horse bucking over the skids, with the saddle and bridle on. Walsh, the previous witness, then called ” The man has got a fall,” and I went out to where he was. The Sergeant was laying on the ground unconscious, bleeding from a bad cut in the back of the head. He was bandaged up, and then removed to Mrs. Greenaway’s. I had known Sergeant Stone for about ten years.

Daniel Underwood Greenaway deposed : I am a bench hand at the Nabiac Sawmills at Bullock Wharf. I remember Wednesday afternoon, 10th instant. I saw Sergeant Stone leading his horse near the mill, and afterwards hang it up at the mill. The horse seemed to be fidgetty after being hung up, evidently from the noise of the mill. The sergeant after hanging his horse up walked through the mill. When coming back he talked to Mr. Gorton, the previous witness. He then went to his horse, and took it away, leading it from the mill. I saw no more of him, until I saw the horse in the air, and the Sergeant falling off. He came down on his head and shoulder on a log. I went to him shortly after, and saw Mr. Walsh holding his head up. There was a cut on the back of his head, which was bleeding freely, and he was unconscious. He was removed to my mother’s place, but did not appear to get any better — being about the same all through., Dr. Gormley arrived about half-past 8 o’clock, and attended to him, and saw him again early the next morning. He was removed the next afternoon — Thursday, the 11th instant— to Taree, never having regained consciousness. I did not consider the horse a dangerous one to ride. I saw the Sergeant riding it up towards the mill, and it was then going quietly. It was also ridden away after the accident, and after making a bit of a jump went quietly.

Frederick Ernest Stein deposed : I am a police constable stationed at Cundletown. I knew the police horse that Sergeant Stone was riding up to the time of his death. Its number was 801. The Sergeant had been riding the horse since the 20th February last, when it arrived at Taree from Maitland. I have seen him riding it, and ridden along side of him — being all day with him on the 7th April — and have seen him mount and dismount the horse without any trouble. I never saw the horse near any sawmill, or other going machinery. Sergeant Stone told me when we were riding together, that the horse was a bit too good for him, as he was inclined to buck. He also said “ I am getting old.” This was said casually, whilst talking about the horse, after I had remarked that it appeared to be a good one. Sergeant Stone was twenty-two years in the force, and had been stationed at Taree since the 22nd October, 1897, He was 52 years of age. He was a native of Canada, and has left a widow – his second wife – and a family of four sons and two daughters by his first wife. His life was insured — the total value of his policy now being £242, in the National Mutual Life Association. Bullock Wharf is 19 miles from Taree— and Sergeant Stone was in the habit of making frequent patrols here. I have seen the entry in the Duty Book at the Taree Police Station of Wednesday, the 10th May, instant, showing that Sergeant Stone left the station that morning at 10 o’clock ; on patrol to Nabiac. Deceased’s full name was Alfred Francis Stone.

The inquiry at this stage was adjourned to Taree, where it was resumed at 8 p.m., when

John William Gormley deposed ; I am a duly registered medical practitioner and Government Medical Officer, residing at Taree. On Wednesday evening, the 10th instant, I received a telegram asking me to go to Nabiac to attend Sergeant Stone, who had met with an accident. I went out and saw him at Mrs. Greenaway‘s house, close by the Bullock Wharf Sawmill. I found him in a semi-conscious condition, but unable to give any account of how his accident occurred. He was suffering from injury to the head, and had a scalp wound at the back of his head. I remained at Nabiac for the night, and in the morning he seemed if anything a little better. I then returned to Taree and had a conveyance sent to bring him in. He remained in the same condition until Friday morning, when he became more unconscious, in which state he remained until Sunday morning, dying about 11 ‘o’clock. The immediate cause of death was pressure on the base of the brain. A fall from a horse would cause such an injury — especially if he fall on his head. There was no evidence of the skull being fractured.

FINDING

The presiding magistrate recorded the following finding: — “ I am of opinion that the deceased, Alfred Francis Stone, came to his death at Taree, on Sunday, the 14th. May, 1899, through pressure on the base of the brain, caused by deceased having been thrown from his horse at Bullock Wharf, Wallamba River, whilst in the execution of of his duty as a police officer, on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 10th instant, and that the occurrence was purely accidental. ”

Obituary

DEATH

LEPLAW.- On June 28th, at his residence, Manly Beach Police Station, John, the eldest and beloved son of David and Ann Maria Leplaw of Corunna, aged 29 years.

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Sydney, 4th August, 1883

His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to appoint the undermentioned members of the Police Force to be additional Sub-Inspectors under the Licensing Act of 1882, for the Metropolitan Licencing District.

H. E. COHEN.

Rank and Name*.

Manly …….. Senior-constable John Leplaw.

PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

The Widow of the late Senior-constable Leplaw desires to render her moat earnest and heartfelt thanks to the residents of Manly, also to the Officers and Members of the Police Force, who have aided her in her late bereavement, by so generously and liberally subscribing towards the relief of herself and little children.

August 14, 1884 (Signed) ELIZA LEPLAW.

WATER POLICE COURT.

A TROUBLESOME CUSTOMER

A stabbing affray between a Queensland black and a police-constable occurred in the bush, near Manly on Sunday morning (says the Herald).

Senior-constable Leplaw, who is stationed at Manly, received information on Saturday evening that two Queensland blacks were wandering about in the bush close by in a nude state, and on the following morning, accompanied by two civilians, he set out in pursuit of them, with a view of ascertaining how and in what condition they were living.

Having discovered their whereabouts he approached them, and by means of certain signs endeavoured to make them understand that he would give them some clothing and also food if they would accompany him. One of them wore a shirt only, whilst the other was going about perfectly naked. The former made some remark in his native tongue to the latter, who thereupon bolted off, but he was pursued and quickly overtaken by the two civilians who accompanied Senior-constable Leplaw.

The officer, thinking that the other would also attempt to run away, kept very closely to him, and immediately he drew a knife, which he had concealed about his shirt, and with it he rushed at the officer, making a blow. The latter, in endeavouring to ward it off, received a nasty gash on the back of the left hand, near the thumb.

A lively tussle ensued between Leplaw and the black, who fought most desperately, but the officer, notwithstanding that he lost a large quantity of blood, at length secured his assailant, handcuffed him, and brought him along with his mate to Manly.

Leplaw then escorted them by the s.s. Fairlight to Sydney, and had them locked up.

The wound on the officer’s hand was dressed at Manly. Although a very ugly one, it is not likely that it will have any serious results.

BARNUM THE SHOWMAN AGAIN.

The two Queensland ‘blacks’ who were arrested by Senior-constable Leplaw, near Manly, on Sunday morning, and one of whom stabbed the officer in the hand; were brought before Mr. Marsh, S.M., at the Water Police Court Sydney, on Monday ( says the S. M. Herald ) and on the application of the police they were remanded for a week.

Mr. Cunningham, an agent for the well known Barnum show, appeared in court, and he informed Mr. Marsh that the prisoners formed part of a contingent of nine blacks which he had recently procured in Queensland for the purpose of forwarding to Mr. Barnum to add to his list of curiosities. He had been instructed by Mr. Barnum to obtain six or more Queensland blacks, and with a view of carrying out his directions Mr. Cunningham proceeded to a camp in Queensland some few weeks ago, and after making certain offers to the nine in question they were induced to accompany him.

He brought them to Sydney, and the two prisoners deserted, thus accounting for their presence in the bush near Manly.

Mr. Marsh replied that it appeared to him as if the case partook very much of the character of kidnapping, and legal proceedings might in consequence be the result at any moment. He added that the matter should be thoroughly inquired into by the police, and he was informed that it would be.

NEWS OF THE DAY

Row at Manly Beach

The recent disturbances at Manly Beach formed the subject of investigation again on Saturday, at the Water Police Court, before Mr. Buchanan, S.M.

Adam Fraser, who was brought up on three charges of assaulting senior constable Leplaw, resisting the police, and assaulting constable Minogue, was fined £5 or the alternative of one month in gaol.

John Lewis, who was also similarly prosecuted by the same officers, was discharged, the case against him not being substantiated.

This matter will come on again at the Court on Tuesday afternoon, there being still two cases to be dealt with by the bench.

Charge of Arson.

( From the Echo. )

The hearing of a charge of arson preferred against one Robert Burman was concluded at the Water Police Court on Saturday, before Mr. Buchanan, S.M.

The prisoner was charged with having on or about Monday, 5th instant, wilfully set fire to a dwelling house at Manly Beach, the property of Mr. T. Stonier.

Sergeant Higgins deposed that when he arrested the prisoner at 5 o’clock on the evening of Friday, 9th instant, and informed him of the nature of the charge, he said “I do not know how I did it ; there is no use blaming anyone else for it ; I must have been drunk when I did it ; I have no recollection of how it was done ;” witness had seen the prisoner on the 7th instant, when a conversation took place concerning a robbery, which, it was alleged, occurred at the prisoner’s place some time before the fire, and also with respect to a bullet which prisoner had previously stated had been fired at him ; prisoner on this occasion said that the robbery was genuine, but that he fired the shot himself; he also stated that on the morning of the fire he was sleeping at Mr. Littlejohn’s house, and that about 2 o’clock he was awakened by hearing an explosion of cartridges and the barking of dogs ; he found that his place was in flames, and that the two back rooms were burnt ; he had lost everything by the fire, and did not know who had done it ; on the 7th instant prisoner was in a house which was situate about 220 yards from that which had been destroyed by fire ; when witness inquired about the shot, prisoner showed him a window through which he said the shot had been fired ; witness asked him how it occurred, and whether he knew who did it, when he made a statement to the effect that about two o’clock in the morning he heard a voice saying, ” Are you asleep ?” that was the way in which his master used to call him – when he (prisoner) opened the door, and looked out, and saw a man standing about 10 yards off ; the man ( prisoner stated ) said to him ” I thought I roasted you the other night, take that,” at the same time firing a shot from a pistol ; he pursued the man over the rocks towards the Quarantine Ground, where he missed him ; the prisoner showed witness some tracks, which he said were made by the man ; prisoner also stated that he knew the man, whose name was Carl Endersen, and that he had previously known him in Victoria, where they quarrelled ; that Endersen threatened to have revenge, and that he believed it was he who had set fire to the house ; subsequently, in the course of conversation, the prisoner stated that it was he (prisoner) who had fired the shot, and that he had never known a man named Carl Endersen ; witness had made inquiries, but had not been able to find any such man.

Constable John Leplaw deposed that at about half-past five o’clock on the evening of the 5th instant prisoner came to him at Manly, and stated that his house was burned down by fire at ten minutes past two o’clock that morning ; in reply to enquiries, prisoner stated that he was sleeping at Mr. Littlejohn’s, about 200 yards from the house which had been destroyed, and that his wife and family were away at Marrickville, at Mr. Stonier’s place ; prisoner said he first saw the fire himself, having been awakened by crackers and barking of dogs, that he had 40 cartridges in the house, and that the place had been wilfully set on fire. This witness, having described other conversations which took place between him and the prisoner, said he made a search in the house occupied by the prisoner since the fire, and found a leaden bullet (produced), and on the bed in the bedroom occupied by prisoner, he ( witness ) found a loaded pistol ; prisoner then said, ” Don’t go any further in this case, I’m the man you’re looking for;” witness asked him what he meant, and he replied, ” I’m the man that’s done the whole of it, do what you like with me, I will make a full confession ;” prisoner also said, ” I fired the shot into the room on the morning of the 7th, and I don’t know there is such a man as Carl Endersen, for whom I got a warrant, alive ;” witness asked him why he had done it, and he replied, ” I was afraid that I would be blamed for the burning of the house, I was trying to make up a scheme to get out of it ;” witness asked him whether he knew anything about the burning of the house, and he paused for a moment and then said, “No, I do not;” witness then asked him how he accounted for the footprints, and …. could show him ( witness ) the ……..belong to another party; I put them on to lead you astray; you will find the boots in Littlejohn’s house, in the largo room;” in consequence of that conversation witness arrested prisoner, and afterwards went to Mr. Littlejohn’s house and found the boots which corresponded with the tracks which prisoner had pointed out ; the house which was destroyed seemed to be scantily furnished. Other witnesses were called, and their testimony tended to show that prisoner was the first person seen near the house when it was discovered by some neighbours to be in flames ; that the building consisted of four rooms, and was constructed of weatherboard ; that it was the property of Mr. Thomas Stonier, of Marrickville ; that prisoner had arranged to purchase it for £500, the purchase money to be paid in weekly instalments of £1 ; that he had made four payments ; and that the building was insured by Mr. Stonier in the London and Lancashire office for £100, and that Mr. Stonier had made a claim on that policy.

The prisoner, having been cautioned in the usual way, made a statement to the effect that he had been drinking on the Saturday and Sunday preceding the fire, and that he went home at 8 o’clock on Sunday night, and could not remember anything more than that the house was in flames when he awoke next morning.

The prisoner was committed for trial at the next Court- of Quarter Sessions. Bail was granted, the prisoner being required to enter into his own bond of £100, and to find two sureties in £50 each.

WATER POLICE COURT.

Yesterday, Messrs Brown, Greville, and Captain Edwards, Js P were on the bench in the Charge Court.

Matthew Regan, on remand, was convicted of resisting Constable Leplaw while in the execution of his duty, and ordered to pay a fine of 20s , or go to gaol for seven days.

WATER POLICE COURT.

Yesterday, the bench in the Charge Court was occupied by Messrs. Reading, Penfold, and Cock, and in the Summons Court by Messrs. Hunt and Jenkins.

POLICE.

At the Central Police Court, yesterday, the Police Magistrate was assisted in the Crime Court by Messrs. Jolly, Reading, Thomas, Skerratt, and Carpenter; and in trio Summons Court, by Messrs. Neale, Ridge, Barden, and Blair.