NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern / Police Training College – Penrith / Belmore Barracks Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘Q‘ 8565
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: Commenced Training at ? Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed Thursday 15 November 1906 ( aged ? )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Constable
Stations: ?, Newtown – Death
Service: From Thu 15 November 1906to6 October 1911 = 4 years, 10 months, 21 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: ? ? 1881 in NSW
Died on: Friday 6 October 1911
Age: 31 years,
Organ Donor: NO
Cause: Suicide – Service Weapon – Off Duty
Event location: Home – 5 Derby St, Camperdown, NSW
Event date: Friday 6 October 1911
Funeral date: Saturday 7 October 1911
Funeral location: Waverley Cemetery,Saint Thomas St, Bronte, NSW
The City coroner, Mr. Stephen Murphy, yesterday morning held an inquest concerning the death of William Baldwin, a police-constable,who shot himself at Camperdown on the 6th Inst.
Senior-constable Develin said he found deceased lying on the floor in the back bedroom upstairs face upwards, wearing his uniform. There was a bullet hole in the left breast. Deceased’s wife handed him a revolver, which contained four ball cartridges, and the shell of an empty one. Rose Baldwin, widow of deceased, residing at 5 Derby-street, Camperdown, said that on the 6th inst., her husband was at home. He had been very quint, and between 8 and 9 a.m. witness went downstairs. Deceased was collecting up his police things, as if he were going away. Witness said, “Bill, where are you going,’ and he replied, “I am going to your mother’s.” Witness then said, “Bill, you musn’t go there.” They both went into the kitchen, and her husband put his hand under her chin, when she exclaimed, “Bill, it you want to choke me, choke me,”, and he dropped his hand and did not say anything. She then went to her mother’s place. She returned about noon, and on going upstairs later saw her husband in the back bedroom, sitting on a little, low step, and witness said to her husband, “Bill, are you mad?” Deceased then pointed the revolver at her, and said, “‘It’s cocked, touch that.” She replied, “I don’t want to die.” Her husband thrust the revolver under his coat, and fired it at himself. She had had no quarrel with her husband. Dr. Stratford Sheldon said his examination showed that the bullet had been discharged at close quarters, penetrating the underlying heart. The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased died from the effects of a bullet wound, self-inflicted.
Balonne Beacon (St. George, Qld. : 1909 – 1954),
Saturday 14 October 1911, page 9
“I Am Fall Of This Life.”
THE police report regarding the suicide of Constable William Baldwin in his home at Camperdown, Sydney, on Friday, has been forwarded to the City Coroner.
Senior-constable Develin, of Newtown, states that earlier in the day Mrs. Baldwin went to her mother’s residence, a short distance away.
She returned about noon and found Baldwin writing at the dining-room table.
Shortly after he took his uniform revolver and put it in his pocket and went up stairs. His wife followed a few minutes later and found him sitting on the doorstep of a back room with the revolver muzzle against his left breast.
” Pull this trigger, ” said Baldwin. ” No ” she replied. Deceased then pulled the trigger , and fell back, dying almost immediately.
Not long after the police arrived and found some papers in his pocket.
One was his will, dated Thursday in which he bequeathed all his property to his wife.
At the bottom, in the space for witnesses’ signatures, was written in, indelible lead pencil ( as was Baldwin’s own signature ), ” No time for witnesses.”
Written on the back of half a constable’s report form was the following note:
I am full of this life, fighting every day ( sick to the neck ). I wish all my comrades good-bye. All I feel sorry for is my three dear children— Myrtle, Rose, Stanley.
Baldwin came from the Macleay River about five years prior and joined the force.
Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 – 1909),
Saturday 6 July 1907, page 13
WITHOUT THE OPTION
A seaman named Horace Firrell, 32, was charged at the Water Police Court this morning with assaulting Constable William Baldwin on the 5th instant.
The constable informed the court, that while he was arresting another man on the steamer Hawkes Bay at Woolloomooloo yesterday, the accused threw a couple of lumps of coal. The coal struck witness on the head.
Firrell, who had no evidence to offer, was sentenced to 21 days imprisonment without the option of a.?? ( fine? )
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
For the purposes of this website ‘Q’ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Constable – appointed 22 February 1879
Senior Sergeant – appointed ? ? ?
Sub Inspector – appointed ? ? 1897
First Class Sub Inspector – appointed April 1903 at Hay ( could this ‘possibly’ be ‘Q’ # 3036 ??? )
First Class Sub Inspector – appointed 1 April 1906
Superintendent Henry ‘Harry’ GRUGEON
Born c1855 at Edmonton, England.
Died 10/1/1911, Deniliquin, NSW.
32 years service.
Buried Deniliquin, NSW 1881. Married Johannah HENNESSY, Deniliquin, NSW 1897. Promoted from Senior Sergeant to Sub Inspector 1898. Was a Sub Inspector at Narrandera.
15/10/1898, in the Australian Town and Country news paper.
The police district is under the control of Sub-inspector Grugeon, and the local force comprises, in addition, four footmen and three troopers. The gaol is in charge of Senior constable Bowman.
1906. Promoted from Sub Inspector to Inspector 1906-1909. Would appear that he was stationed at Parramatta as an Inspector 1909. Promoted from Inspector to Superintendent.
17/7/1909, Evening News Newspaper
Police Superintendent Grugeon was entertained at the Woolpack Hotel, Parramatta, at a farewell fraternal gathering, on the eve of his departure for Deniliquin to take charge of the South Western Police District. The Mayor (Alderman Haugh) presided, and there was a large attendance of prominent residents, magistrates, court officials, and others.
Among the speakers were Colonel Ferris, -ex -Superintendent Brennan, Mr. M. S. Love, S.M., Superintendent Day, Mr. G. Addison, C.P.S. and Parramatta Chamber Magistrate, Father O’Reilly, Dr. Kearney, and Sergeant Lucas.
During the evening Mr. Love, on behalf of the court officials, handed Superintendent Grugeon a cheque with which to buy a buggy on his arrival at Deniliquin. (Note that he was given a cheque to buy a buggy)
14/1/1911, Nepean Times.
FATAL BUGGY ACCIDENT. Superintendent of Police Henry Grugeon, of Deniliquin, died about 6 o’clock on Tuesday morning, as the result of a buggy accident. It appears that the superintendent was out driving in his buggy, with a pair of horses, accompanied by his son Stephen and daughter Mary. The horses became restive on Mathoura road, about three and a half miles from Deniliquin, and bolted, and, on turning short, the buggy capsized, throwing the occupants out.
Mr Grugeon fell on his head, and received several nasty cuts on the head and face. He was unconscious.
His son at once went to the freezing works and telephoned to Dr. Marsden, who went out and brought Mr Grugeon to his home, where he was attended by Dr Marsden and Hoskin, but never regained consciousness.
The son and daughter received only a few scratches.
Mr Grugeon was inspector in charge of Parramatta before being appointed superintendent at Deniliquin.
At the Parramatta Police Court on Tuesday sympathetic reference was made to the death of Superintendent Grugeon by Mr E L Maitland, S.M., by Mr E K Bowden on behalf of the legal profession, and by Inspector Bedingfield ( possibly Q # 2799 ) ( deceased’s successor at Parramatta) on behalf of the police.
His death was also mentioned in ‘The Argus’ Melbourne. Not transcribed.
He left a wife, 6 daughters and 3 sons. His wife Johannah died 28/7/1945 at Lewisham Private Hospital.
2/1/2019, Deniliquin Times.
Eight honoured on police memorial wall’ –
Seven former local police officers and a former police chaplain were honoured during a police reunion in Deniliquin.
They were the first to be added to the police memorial wall at the new Deniliquin police station.
Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 – 1950), Saturday 26 August 1911, page 6
On Sunday afternoon (reports the Deniliquin ‘Independent’ of August 18) a large number of representative towns people, including the aldermen, of the municipality, attended at the local cemetery to witness the unveiling of the beautiful monument erected by a section of the police force of New South Wales, to perpetuate the memory of the Late Superintendent Grugeon, who was killed by an unfortunate buggy accident in January last.
All the members of the local police force were present.
Messrs. J. and H. ( Harry )Grugeon, two of deceased’s sons, had also journeyed to Deniliquin, to be present at the ceremony.
The monument is a beautiful piece of work, and was executed by Messrs. Wilson and Co., of Bendigo, which firm was represented at the unveiling by Mr. H. M. Hammer.
The design is a very choice one, being a pedestal with carved drapery, surmounted by a beautifully carved figure representing an angel with arm extended dropping flowers on the grave beneath. The pedestal and figure are worked from the best Carram marble. The monument is supported by a base of Harcourt granite, with two sets of kerbings of the same stone. Marble posts with marble kerbings, neatly moulded, take the place of the customary iron railing, while the inside of the grave is covered with black and white marble tiles.
The monument bears the inscription, ‘In memory of Harry Grugeon, Esq., J.P., Superintendent of Police, Deniliquin, died 10th January, 1911, as the result of a buggy accident.
Aged 56 years.
‘Thy will be done, O Lord.’
Erected as a mark of esteem by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the New South Wales Police Force.”
In the early part of this year, the popular Superintendent of Police at Deniliquin Mr. Harry Grugeon, J.P., died from injuries received in a buggy accident and since then the members of the New South Wales police force have decided to commemorate his memory by the erection of a monument over his grave in the Deniliquin Cemetery.
The design selected is very choice, being a pedestal with carved drapery surrounded by a beautifully carved figure representing an angel with arm extended dropping flower’s on to the grave beneath. The pedestal and figure are worked from the best Carrara marble. The monument is supported by a base of Harcourt granite with two sets of kerbings of the same stone. Marble posts with marble kerbing neatly moulded take the place of the customary iron railing while the inside of the grave is to be covered with black and white marble.
The inscription has been cut out and filled with lead, making it of a lasting character. It reads thus: – ” In memory of Harry Grugeon, Esq. J.P. Superintendent of Police, Deniliquin, died on January 10, 1911, as the result of a buggy accident. Aged 56 years. Thy Will be done O Lord. Erected as a mark of esteem by the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the New South Wales police. ”
The work has been entrusted to Messrs J. B. Wilson and Co., the well known firm of monumental sculptors of this city and is being prepared by them at their works in Mitchell street.
A marble tombstone, suitably inscribed, has just been completed over the grave of the late Superintendent of Police, Mr. Harry Grugeon, the cost of which was borne by the police of the South-western and Parramatta districts.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Day, will unveil the monument at the cemetery here next Sunday.
Mr Harry Grugeon, who is leaving Narrandera, after a residence of ten years, during the greater part of which period he had been engaged in the law office of Mr Quirk, was tendered a farewell by his many friends on Wednesday evening at the Railway Hotel, and presented with a valuable gold albert.
Mr Grugeon, who is a son ofInspector Grugeon, has accepted a position with Messrs Atkinson and Warren, solicitors, of Hunter street, Sydney.
Narrandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), Friday 2 July 1909, page 4
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
New Justices. —
In a batch of 260 names added to the Commission of the Peace on Monday last are included the following:— Harry Grugeon, Superintendent of Police, Deniliquin……
Late of ” Collingwood ” Kenwyn Street, Hurstville – formerly of Orange, NSW
Nephew of Dr. Frederick Thomas West Ford, police surgeon of Melbourne, Victoria
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘Q‘ 1010
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 18 August 1862 ( aged 20+/- )
Inspector
Stations: ?, Rylstone pre 1868 ( Senior Constable – 1868 ), Police Camp – Tambaroora ( SenCon 1869 – 1870 ), German Town – Hill End ( Sgt – 1874 ), Wollongong ( Senior Sergeant 1877 ), Bourke ( Sub-Inspector ), Orange ( Inspector )
Service: From? ? 1862to? ? about 1901 – retired on Pension
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1842 in England
Died on: Sunday 26 November 1911 at ” Collingwood”, Kenwyn St, Hurstville, NSW
Cause: ?
Age: 70
Funeral date: Tuesday 28 November 1911
Funeral location: Church of England, Orange, NSW
Buried at: Church of England Cemetery, Orange, NSW
Grave Location: C of E, Area – Old; Sect: A, Number 350
Memorial at: ?
Mark Edward Dyett FORD – NSWPF – Died 26 Nov 1911
In Loving Memory of Edna Keaquick Rose FORD, beloved wife of Mark Edward Dyett FORD. Died 18 July 1896, aged 47 years. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Also Mark Edward Dyett FORD, Died 26 November 1911, at Hurstville, in his 70th year.
MARK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Retired Inspector of Police Mark Edward Ford, whose last post was at Orange, has died at Hurstville, aged 70 years. When in the service he was of the type that is always popular. He never allowed the officer to submerge the man, and consequently was greatly admired by the men under his control. In his day he was a splendid horse man, and went through many trying experiences in carrying out his police duties In the Interior.
Rear of main photo of Mark Edward Dyett FORD – NSWPF – Died 26 Nov 1911
Truth ( Sydney )
Sunday 3 December 1911 p 10
Mr. Mark Edward Dyett Ford, formerly inspector of police at Orange, died at Hurstville, and was buried at Orange on Tuesday. He was 70 years of age, a nephew of Dr. Frederick Thomas West Ford, police surgeon of Melbourne. He joined the force in Sydney in 1862 as a full private, was sergeant at Hill End in the good old days of the Hill, and was subsequently promoted to a sub-inspectorship. He retired on pension about ten years ago.
The death occurred at Hurstville yesterday of Mr Mark Edward James Ford, who was inspector of the police force at Orange for a number of years, at the age of 70 years.
His wife died at Orange in July, 1896, the body will be brought to Orange by tomorrow morning’s mail train, and the remains will leave the Church of England School-room at 11am for the Church of England Cemetery. Mr F. Ford has charge of the mortuary arrangements.
( Note on headstone has his name as Mark Edward Dyett Ford. )
He lived at ” Collingwood ” Hurstville. Electoral Roll – 1930 – Ford, Mark Dyett – Kenwyn Street, Hurstville – Inspector of Police
The inhabitants of Rylstone, in praise worthy appreciation of the services of the above meritorious officer, have just presented him with a purse of upwards of £25, and an address engrossed on vellum, and signed by the donors. The address reads as follows :
” To MARK EDWARD DYETT FORD, Senior Constable.
” The undersigned, inhabitants of Rylstone and neighbourhood, have much pleasure in presenting you with the following testimonial of their appreciation of your very efficient services as a public officer, in putting down crime,in this district.”
The signatures, with the sums attached follow, and from the amount (£25 5s. 6d.), it need hardly be said that some modest sums have been given, showing that the esteem this officer is held in is not alone confined to the wealthier class of the community. We have repeatedly had occasion to allude to the activity, zeal, and intelligence of senior-constable Ford, and when a selection was made from the whole of the police force of men to hunt down Clarke’s gang, Senior-constable Ford was chosen among the first. For his sake, we wish the testimonial had had a wider range, as the appreciation of his services is not confined to the district of Rylstone.
Acting Sub-Inspector Mark Edward Dyett Ford ( late of Wollongong and now of Bourke), has been gazetted a Sub-lnspector, a promotion which many friends in this district will be happy to hear of.
THE Bench of Magistrates at Wollongong, have this day appointed Senior-sergeant Mark Edward Dyett Ford, Inspector of Weights and Measures for the District of Wollongong.
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
Police Sergeant Killed.
SHOT MAKING AN ARREST.
Sergeant McDonnell, of Warren, was on Tuesday night shot dead by a foreigner known as ‘Sam,’ whom he was endeavouring to arrest. ‘ Sam,’ whose other name has not yet transpired, was in the opinion of the police, behaving riotously and using bad language in the town. Sergeant McDonnell came along at about half-past 7, and was about to arrest the foreigner, when the latter drew a revolver and shot the sergeant through the heart. The sergeant died almost immediately. The foreigner was subsequently arrested by Constable Mitchell, and confined in the Warren Police Station.
Stations: Sydney, Richmond River, thence to Armidale, Tenterfield ( Cst 1/c ), Inverell, and on the 26th November, 1909, he was again transferred to Armidale ( Cst 1/c – SenCon ) as lookup-keeper & police prosecutor
Service: From 12 July 1893 to 7 November 1911 = 18+ years Service
Arthur John VIZZARD Grave: Inscription: Sacred to the memory of ARTHUR JOHN VIZZARD WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 7TH NOV. 1911. AGED 40 YEARS JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH HAVE MERCY MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE. ERECTED AS A LOVING TOKEN BY HIS AFFECTIONATE WIFE AND LITTLE CHILDREN.
ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
As of November 2020 – VIZZARD is still NOT recognised as having died as a result of Work Related Injuries.
GRAVE LOCATION:
Shortly after 10.30am on 7 November, 1911 the constable was at the Armidale Police Station, where he was the Lockup Keeper.
He walked into the yard of the station where it appears he inflicted a fatal wound to his head with his service revolver.
He died three hours later.
He had been on sick report for about two months, suffering from rheumatism, insomnia and depression.
The Clarence and Richmond Examiner of 14 November, 1911 reported that:
” A mild sensation was caused in Armidale when it was known that Senior Constable Vizzard, who was in charge of the lockup, had been found in the lockup yard with a bullet wound in the head.
The unfortunate officer had been suffering greatly lately from muscular rheumatism and insomnia and had been on sick leave for the past few weeks.
During the last few days he appeared very despondent, but nobody suspected he would commit such a rash act.
He was removed into the house in a dying condition.
Senior Constable Vizzard, who came to Armidale from Inverell, was only recently promoted.
He has a wife and three young children. “
The senior constable was born at Corowa in 1871 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 July, 1893. At the time of his death he was stationed at Armidale.
The issue regarding ill health for Senior Constable Arthur Vizzard dates back from approximately 5 years earlier as a result from contracting Dengue Fever when he was required to travel to Queensland and back to execute an interstate warrant and convey back a prisoner. Both he and the prisoner contracted Dengue.
He had ongoing health issues in the following years because of it and as we all know from the inquest findings he finally took his life whilst on “sick leave‘.
I have been aware of full story for about 18 years now. There are three descendants currently working in the NSW Police Force and there was an article in the Police Weekly about the family last decade.
I appreciate what you have said regarding eligibility for inclusion, which I was made aware of prior to the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the National Police Memorial being opened.
This year will be 2 years since I got the e-mail. Still nothing progressed. Tell me this? Why was I personally notified almost 18 months ago that the inclusion was going to happen, then everything goes silent? It is disappointing to say the least.
I know the effect it had on my Grandmother the stigma growing up, her Mother never coped afterwards and the family ended up having to be split up. It is what it is. 106yrs latter the status quo remains. All we can do is wait and watch this space.
Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1881 – 1922),
Friday 5 May 1905, page 3
DENGUE FEVER AT INVERELL
IMPORTED BY A CONSTABLE INVERELL, Wednesday.
Queensland dengue fever has been introduced into Inverell under conditions which were not to be avoided.
A week or so ago Constable Vizzard was despatched to Charleville to escort a prisoner back to Inverell, and while in the sister State, he contracted dengue.
He returned with his charge on Friday last, and on Saturday took ill.
On Sunday the case was diagnosed as dengue fever, and the patient was at once isolated in a ward at the local hospital.
Another case has since been reported, the victim being Ben. Bridge, the prisoner who was escorted back by Constable Vizzard. Bridge has also been sent to the hospital.
Both victims have the malady in an acute form.
News of the disease being in Inverell has caused some alarm among residents.
A mild sensation was caused in Armidale yesterday morning, when the shocking intelligence was made known that Senior-Constable Vizzard had been found in the yard of the lockup in a serious condition.
As was well known, Constable Vizzard had been in indifferent health for the past couple of months. He was a sufferer from muscular rheumatism, which brought on that dreaded complaint insomnia, but not even his nearest relatives anticipated that his career would be terminated in such a tragic manner.
At about 10.30 yesterday morning he appeared to be much the same, and walked through the kitchen of his residence, where his wife and nurse were, out into the lockup yard. The women were shortly afterwards startled by hearing the sounds of a revolver shot, and, proceeding to the spot from whence the sound came, the nurse was horrified to see her charge lying on the ground with a gaping wound in the temple, and a revolver lying close beside the body.
Assistance was promptly summoned, and Dr. Mummery was also quickly on hand, when the unfortunate constable was conveyed into the house.
From the outset, the doctor held out no hope of recovery, his prediction proving all too true, as the end came a few minutes after two o’clock.
The late Constable Vizzard was a zealous, capable, and conscientious officer, in fact, as Senior-Sergeant Hogan remarked to the writer when speaking of his late lieutenant, he was over conscientious.
The deceased was born, at Corowa in October, 1871, and was thus 40 years of age at the time of his sudden death.
As a young man of 22 he joined the New South Wales Police Force, and after going through his term of probation at the barracks, was sent to do duty on the Richmond River, thence to Armidale, Tenterfield, Inverell, and finally on the 26th November, 1909, he was again transferred to Armidale as lookup-keeper.
He was ever active and energetic, and his zeal was not long in being rewarded, for he rose from a constable to a first-class constable, and then to senior-constable.
Although he always did his duty – and a policeman’s work is ofttimes unpleasant – he ” tempered justice with mercy,” thereby gaining for himself universal respect and admiration from all sections of the community.
As prosecutor in the police court, the late officer displayed undoubted ability and knowledge of the law, and was worthy of any attorney’s ” steel. ” Here, again, could be seen his generous disposition for he was always strictly fair and honourable in any cases he was in charge of.
He is survived by a sorrowing wife and three young children, to whom much sympathy has been extended in their hour of affliction.
The North Western Advocate & the Emu Bay Times ( Tas. ) Wed. 8 Nov. 1911 page 3 of 4
NEW SOUTH WALES.
POLICE CONSTABLE’S DEATH.
SUICIDE SUSPECTED.
SYDNEY. Tuesday, — Senior Constable Drizzard was found in the lockup yard at Armidale to-day in a dying condition with a bullet wound in his head. He suffered from insomnia and is supposed to have committed suicide.
SYDNEY, Tuesday. — Senior Constable Drizzard shot himself, while in the lock-up yard at Armidale. The unfortunate officer had been suffering from insomnia, and is in a dying condition .
An inquest concerning the death of Senior-Constable Vizzard, which occurred under tragic circumstances in the yard of the Armidale lockup on Tuesday morning last, was held by the Deputy-Coroner ( Mr. C. A. Jackes ) in the Courthouse on Wednesday. The following evidence was elicited:
Frederick Wm. Vizzard, brother of the deceased, said the deceased was born on 9th October, 1871, at Corowa. He was a married man, with three children. Witness had not seen his brother, previous to that day, for nine months.
Senior-Sergeant Hogan deposed to knowing the deceased for the past eight or nine years. At about 11 o’clock on Tuesday morning he received a call to go to the lockup, which place deceased was the keeper of. With Constable Eagleton, witness went to the charge-room, and there saw deceased lying on a stretcher. The mark of a bullet wound was noticeable on his left temple, and blood was oozing from the place. He was unconscious, but breathing strongly.
Witness next went to the cell yard-room, and there saw a large quantity of blood on the floor. The deceased’s hat was lying near the door, with his pipe. Close by was a police revolver, containing four loaded cartridges and one recently exploded shell. Witness afterwards went to a drawer in the charge room, which was always kept locked. The lock of the drawer had been forced open, evidently by a tomahawk as such implement was lying in the drawer in the place where deceased’s revolver had been put when not in use. Deceased had been off duty for two months, through illness. He complained of muscular rheumatism and attacks of insomnia. When first going on sick leave, he went to Dr. Nash’s private hospital, but returned, and for the remainder of the time was with his wife and family in their own home. Deceased gave no reason for the police to anticipate that he would take his own life. In conversation with witness on Sunday morning, deceased said, ” I would give everything I possess to be able to resume duty on Monday. ”
Witness told him not to resume until the doctor had given permission to do so. Deceased was an efficient officer, trustworthy, and very painstaking.
To the Superintendent : During his nine months in Armidale, witness was practically all the time in deceased’s confidence. Deceased had never at any time expressed dissatisfaction with his position or work in the police force.
Dr. N. Howard Mummery said that shortly after 11 o’clock on the fatal morning he, in answer to a summons, proceeded to the lockup. He found the deceased lying on a stretcher, and being attended to by a nurse. He appeared unconscious. There was a wound on the right temple, the skin around which was stained with gun-powder. There was another and larger wound on the left temple. It was obvious he could not live long. The wound in the head had been caused by a bullet, which had passed through deceased’s head, struck the brick wall of the yard, and rebounded into the middle of the yard, where witness picked it up.
Dr. J. A. J. Murray stated that on his arrival at the scene of the tragedy, deceased was being cared for by Dr. Mummery. Deceased had been ailing since last August. While still on duty, he complained of insomnia, indigestion, and occasional fits of depression. In September he also had an attack of asthma, which was followed by influenza, the after effects of which he never appeared to shake off. He seemed to be in an anxious and dispirited condition. Witness urged him to get a holiday immediately, because no treatment seemed to do him much good. Deceased took the holiday in Sydney, and, on his return, about three weeks ago, witness was again called in. Deceased was then in a worse condition than when he went away. Witness visited him at intervals up to Monday. Deceased had such a serious nervous breakdown that it was necessary for him to undergo a complete rest cure, and witness had made arrangements for him to enter a suitable hospital for the purpose. Deceased had told witness that some times he felt as if he didn’t care to live, but, from the way he said it, witness did not think he contemplated taking his own life – it was said more to express to witness how really depressed he was. The idea of taking his life would come on him suddenly, owing to the condition he was in.
Nurse Ethel Sheerman, residing in Victoria-street, Sydney, said she came to nurse the deceased, and arrived on Monday. She had been sent by Dr. Nash. At about 10.30 on the morning in question, deceased said he was going down the yard to cut some kindling wood. He then seemed in a normal condition. About five minutes afterwards, witness, who was in the kitchen with deceased’s wife, beard the report of a firearm. Witness and Mrs. Vizzard immediately rushed to the spot. Deceased was reclining on the spot. Deceased was reclining on his left side. There was a great quantity of blood flowing from the wound in the head. She picked a revolver up, which was lying near the body, and threw it on the step. Deceased never regained consciousness, and died about two o’clock. Witness had not the faintest suspicion that deceased contemplated such a rash act.
John Purkiss said that between 10.30 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning he heard a woman scream, and immediately ran across. He met Mrs. Vizzard, who said, ” My husband has shot himself in the charge-room. ” and then fainted. Telling another woman to attend to Mrs. Vizzard, witness went into the charge-room and then followed the nurse into the cell-yard, where deceased was lying. With the assistance of the nurse, witness carried the deceased into the charge-room.
The Coroner returned a verdict that the deceased, Arthur John Vizzard, met his death from a bullet wound self-inflicted, whilst- temporarily insane.
The remains of the late Senior Constable Vizzard,. whose tragic death was reported in our last issue, were interred in the Roman Catholic Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral was largely attended by members of the M.U.I.O.F. and local police force marching in the cortege. The Rev. Dean Tobin officiated at the graveside, M. Hirschberg having charge of the arrangements.
In the Estate of ARTHUR JOHN VIZZARD, late of Armidale, in the State of New South Wales, Senior Constable of Police, deceased in testate, –
APPLICATION will be made after Fourteen Days from the publication hereof, that Administration of the Estate of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to MARY VIZZARD, the Widow of the said deceased. Creditors are requested to send their Accounts to, and all Notices may be served at, the Office of the undersigned.
H. WEAVES,
Proctor,
Faulkner street, Armidale.
By his Agents MESSRS. Weaver & Allworth,
Australasia Chambers, Martin Place, Sydney… . . i87
