Police
Tumut & District
.
To FIRST POLICE APPOINTMENTS IN NSW
To POLICE HONOR ROLL - From 1803
1860 - ADELONG. - The following is from the Mining Journal of Friday last: - THE RETIREMENT OF F. W. VYNER FROM THE BENCH OF MAGISTRATES AT TUMUT. - All who are in the slightest degree interested in the administration of Justice at the Tumut, will share in our regret at having to make the above public announcement.
At the conclusion of the business (trifling in its character) in the Police Court, Tumut; on Friday last, F. W. Yyner, Esq., addressed those assembled in the following words ;-" I take this opportunity of stating or the information of those who may be interested in the announcement that I have this day forwarded the resignation of my commission as a Justice of the Peace to his Excellency the Governor, and therefore, I shall no longer have the honour of occupying a seat on this Bench. That there may be no misapprehension of the motives which induced me to take this step, I beg to offer a few remarks upon the subject.
It is doubtless most desirable; that the public should feel perfect confidence in administration of justice by the County Benches, and that confidence I think is likely to be impaired when a Bench is formed exclusively of the members of one family. From the contiguity of my residence to the town, it is more than probable that I should be often called upon to met with my brother Captain Vyner, who has lately received the appointment of Police Magistrate for this district, and to avoid that contingency I have, after mature consideration, felt it my duty to resign my commission.
I cannot leave the Bench without expressing my recognition of the good feeling and unanimity which has always existed between my brother magistrates and myself, and the courtesy I have ever experienced from the professional gentlemen who practice in this court.
However much we may regret, all will be able to appreciate and applaud, the honourable principles that have induced Mr. Vyner to take this step. Tumut has, however another proof that no earthly good is entirely unmixed with evil since her possession of that long-desired, long-needed been of a Police Magistrate entails the necessity of resignation on the part of one who has so zealously and worthily filled a prominent position amongst her honorary Justices of the Peace. - (Ref- Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875)(about) Previous issue Tuesday 7 August 1860)
1863 - Bingham - he succeeded Captain Sinclair as Police Magistrate in Tumut. He became the first Returning Officer of the Murrumbidgee Electorate. Henry Bingham was born in Gloucestershire in 1789 and came to Australia in 1837. He was appointed Commissioner of Crown Lands and took up residence on the Tumut River in 1840. Mr. Bingham was also the Gold Commissioner
The convicts under his control were housed in barracks on the River’s bank. The bell, which was rung to indicate orders to the men, was for many years in the old house. The Police Headquarters was on the opposite side of the River, lower down at Cockatoo. Bingham always moved around with an imposing cavalcade, he always rode a beautiful horse.
An amusing story is told about Mr. Bingham. Two domestic servants arrived - one for Mrs. Bingham, and one for Mrs. Large, wife of Dr. Large. The maid for Mrs. Large, Polly, was very good looking. The maid for Mrs. Bingham was not so good looking. Mr. Bingham, to whom they had to report, changed maids, Mrs. Large’s good looking maid going to Mrs. Bingham. Next day Mrs. Large addressing her maid as “Polly” received no reply and asking the girl if she was deaf discovered that the girl’s name was not Polly. So Commissioner Bingham’s swap came to light. - (Ref- Rev French.)
1865 - GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. - APPOINTMENTS. - Frederick Wheeler Vyner; Esq., Police Magistrate, Tumut, to be Commissioner of insolvont estates at the same place.
Mr. John Archer Broughton, clerk of Petty Sessions, Deniliquin, to be registrar of the district court,, and commissioner of insolvent estates at tho same place. - (Ref- Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875)(about) Previous issue Wednesday 8 February 1865).
1865 - SPECIAL. POWERS of MAGISTRATES. - Mr. Frederick Wheeler Vyner, Police Magistrate at Tumut, has been authorised to exercise for the respective districts the special powers give by the Clerks of Petty Sessions Act of 1857. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Saturday 4 February 1865).
1868 - GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. - The folowing notifications appear in the Government Gazette of last night (Tuesday), 21th instant: Frederick Wheeler Vyner, Esq, Police Magistrate, Tumut, to be coroner for the districts of Adelong, Tumut, and Tumberumba an order has been made by the Governor and Executive Council, dated 8th Octobor,1868. - (Ref- Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875)(about) Previous issue Wednesday 25 November 1868).
1870 - REGISTRAR GENERAL - In accordance with the provisions of the Act for Registering Births Deaths, and Marrages (19 "\ letona No 31), Mr Henry Hilton has been appointed Registrar of births, deaths, and marrages, for tho district of Tumut. - Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Wednesday 19 January 1870).
1872 - ZOELLNER --- Police sergeant --- Tumut
1872 - JOHNSTON William constable --- Tumut
1872 - LARKINS Frank constable --- Tumut
A typical and elegant country town centre of law and order the Court House and Police Station (just up Wynyard Street from All Saints) are characterised by a hip roof and timber verandah posts. The Police Station was completed in 1874, the Court House in 1878 and the Stables in 1879. The Court House was designed by the notable Colonial Architect, James Barnet.
1872 - CARR, James bailiff Tumut Tumut
RAID ON A CHINESE GAMBLING DEN. [BY TELEGRAPH.] (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) TUMUT, TUESDAY. - The police, assisted by several civilians in the capacity of special constables, made a successful raid on a Chinese gambling den last night, and arrested 22 inmates, who were all lodged in the lockup. They wero brought before the Bench to-day, and at their request remanded till to-morrow. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Wednesday 4 March 1891).
1892 - TUMUT, Thursday. - At a meeting last night, the Mayor presiding, it was resolved to take mitietary steps to organise a cavalry corps The project was warmly espousod, and 37 young men at once gave in their names. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Friday 11 March 1892).
1896 - TUWUT, Saturday - A number of the leading residents entertained Mr N Emanuel, solicitor at the Royal Hotel. He recent1y recovered from a severe attack of typhoid in recognition of important services he has favored to the progressive movements here, Mr Immanuel was prescented with a silver tea service, Alderman Weeden (Mayor) presided. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Monday 17 August 1896).
1929 - ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS CHARGE OF STEALING - "Can't a fellow walk around with out any boots?" a youth asked Constable Linaker at Tumblong, 10 miles from Guhdagai, when the policeman asked him why he was walking the roads without boots. Constablo Linaker arrested the youth and a companion, and charged them with stealing a motor, car valued at £550 from Yass on Saturday. The man denied the charge, but, the police stated, later admitted it. Then he told the Police how he and his companion had come away from Sydney in a lorry to Liverpool. They got a lift in a car, and .then "jumped the rattler" to Yass. There they stole a car and reaching, Gundagai got to Nangus, 17 miles from the town, where they ran out of petrol.They went to the Murrumbidgee River and stole a boat moored there. The boat was caught in a rough current, struck a snag and sank. They had their boots off and lost them when the boat sank: They started back to Gundagai, when the Police, who had tracked all their movements, arrested them. Both were remanded back to the Yass court. - (Ref- Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954) (about) Previous issue Wednesday 23 January 1929).
APPOINTMENT. - Our newly-appointod C.P.S. arrived in town by coach on Thursday last, and began his official duties. His predecessor in office will leave Tumut for Inverell on Monday next.
JURY LISTS.-The annual meeting of her Majesty's justices of the peace, for the purpose of revising the jury lists for years 1872-3, will be held at tho court house at Eden, Young, Hay, and Broulee, at 10 o'clock of the forenoon of Tuesday, the 10th of December next.
THE DISTRICT COURT.-The District court was duly opened on Friday, the 22nd instant, by Judge Forbes, Messrs. Ooutt« and Docker representing tbe bar. as anticipated, there were no cases of any public importance to be dealt with. But I cannot let this opportunity pass without asking the question whether barristers and attorneys in general are duly impressed with the serious nature of a court of justice. To judge from the appearance of the Tumut Courthouse on the day in question, the unsophisticated spectator, without any great stretch ?of imagination, could huve supposed himself in the' class room of aa unruly school, presided over by a weak-minded dominie. However much gratification the members of the legal fraternity may derive from this unseemly wrangling, they ought to consider that they are gentlemen if only by Act of Parliament. Noblesse oùltgc.
MINING.-The directors of the Great Britain G. M. Co. have made a call of 10s per share, to pay off existing liabilities (£1300), and to form a fund for working expenses. The Tarabandra G. M. Co.'s share list is still incomplete. A discovery of a gold-bearing reef near Blowering is reported, and a lease has been applied for.
APPOINTMENTS. — Benjamin Lee, jun., Esq., Police magistrate, Bathurst, to be visiting justice to the gaol at that place, and to be commissioner of insolvent estates for that district, vice Marsh.
COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS. — Coolah is appointed a place for the holding of Courts of Petty Sessions.
CIRCUIT COURTS. — Circuit courts will be held as follows : Wagga Wagga, on 3rd October ; Albury, on 12th October ; Deniliquin, on 20th October.
BATHURST POLICE MAGISTRATE. — Benjamin Lee, jun., Esq., P.M., Bathurst, is empowered to exercise at Bathurst, Oberon, and Rockley, within the Police district of Bathurst, the special powers authorised to be given to Police Magistrates by the second clause of the Clerks of Petty Sessions Act for a period of two years from the date of the order in Council.
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1899 - NEW LIST OF MAGISTRATES. - The following new list of Magistrates for the colony of New South Wales has been gazetted. The list was agreed to at a meeting of the executive Council, held yesterday morning and presided over by Mr. J. A. K. Mackay, M.L.C. (Vice-President);- JP - Mr James M'Gregor, of Bombowlee, near Tumut. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Saturday 21 October 1899).
THE LATE CONSTABLE G. KEN. VICKERY.
CANCELLED RESERVATION OF LAND. — Referring to Gazette notice, dated 7th November, 1871, reserves from conditional purchase on account of population of towns : It is notified for general information, the village of Cathcart not containing by the final census of 1871, as laid before Parliament, 100 inhabitants, the said reservation of land on account of population of Cathcart has been withdrawn from said notice, and is hereby cancelled.
1889 - TUMUT, Saturday
A man named Malcolm Gillios was found dead in an out building at the Commercial Hotel yesterday morning by the landlord. Deceased is as a dealer and drover, and resided in Junee. At the inquest a verdict was returned that death was due to natural Causes. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Monday 15 May 1899).
1899 - POLLING ARRANGEMENTS. - In a supplement to the " Government Gazette " published on Fruity his Excellency the Governor was pleased to approve of the appointment of the following places as polling places foi the several electoral districts set against their respective names, viz -Albury Electorate, Mullengandra , Annandale, St Aldan's Hall, Johnston street, Annandale , Ashburnham, Cookamidgera, The Barwon, Ballaree , Bathurst. Bathurst railway station, Bourke, Acton Hill, Gumbalie, Warraweena station, Old Brindingabba Cobar, Coronga Peak station, TV inbar station, Condobalin, the Anaconda copper mine, Deniliquin Goolgumbla Glen Innes, Fladbury, Greufell, Nag's Head , Hay, Toogimbie station, Illalawa station, Inverell, Bukkula, Cherry Tree Hill, The Lachlan, Conoble homestead, Corrong, Bunda, Yandembah Willandra station , Macquarie, Norway, Maitland (West), Allandale Monaro, Rosedale, Rock Flat, Moree, Yagobie Moruya, Tilba Tilba, The Murray, Barooga, Momalong, Willow Bank, Spring Plains, Nangunia, Argoon, The Murrumbidgee, Dovhn's Siding, North Yanco, Parramatta, Harris Park East Queanbeyan, Brindabella, Gudgenby, Majura, The Richmond, Mummulgum Tumut, Blowering, Wagga Wagga, Central Ganmain, Wentworth, Till lill, Ulen Dee, Wilcannia, Bunker Creek opal Field, Willoughby, Berowra, Yass, at or near Douglas Palk, Crookwell River, Young, Trungley The Governor-in-Couiicil has also been pleased to approve of the cancellation of the appointment of the under mentioned placea as polling places for the several electorates specified in connection therewith, viz -Annandale Electorite, Annandale Council chambers, Bourke, Goonery Station, The Murray, Summer Glen, The Richmond, Mulmulgun. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Tuesday 6 June 1899).
We briefly reported in last issue the death, of Constable Gordon Kenneth Vickery, of Tumbarumba, which took place at the Tumut Hospital on Thursday morning last. Deceased was the fourth son of the late Edward and of Mrs. H. B. Vickery, of Tumut Plains, and was 31 years of age.
Ten years ago he joined the N.S.W. police force and was stationed at Broken Hill, Wentworth and, Tumbarumba, at the latter for the last two years and three months.
In 1918 he underwent an operation at the hands of Sir Alexander McCormack in the Coast Hospital for an internal complaint and again in 1921 for a recurrence of the trouble (gastric ulcers). After the last operation he could not regain his lost strength, and towards the end of last month his condition became so serious that he was admitted to the local hospital. Internal hemorrhage had then set in and from the time of his admission on Boxing Day he never rallied, dying from perforation of the stomach, which caused the hemorrhage, and exhaustion.
In 1916 he married Miss Betty Jarvis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Jarvis, of Cootamundra and formerly, of Tumut, and to them was born a daughter, Daphne, five years of age. Deceased was a highly respected officer, and made many friends where ever he went, having the goodwill of his fellow officers as well as the public, born of his conception of his duty to do justice to all men and act with discretion. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved widow and daughter, mother and brothers (Ted, Lyle, Roy, Bob and Jack) and step sister (Mrs. Harry McAllster, Goulburn), all of whom were present at the funeral.
The coffined remains were borne to the hearse and thence to the grave in the Church of England portion of the new cemetery, on Friday afternoon, by his "comrades in blue," viz: Sergt. Vallins (Tumut), Sergt. O'Connor (his superior officer at Tumbarumba), Constables McAndrew (Batlow), O'Neil (Tumut) and Irwin (Tumut), who sent a beautiful wreath tied with white ribbon conveying in gold lettering their sympathy for the bereaved. Rev. K. L. McKeown officiated at the graveside. - (Ref- The Tumut Advocate and Farmers & Settlers' Adviser (NSW : 1903 - 1925)(about) Previous issue Tuesday 8 January 1924 Page 3).
HISTORICAL TUMUT.[BY "WOMBAT."](Continued)
Mr Timothy O'MARA was the owner of and conducted the first public house,
Mr Feed Body had a chemist's shop,
Mr Thomas Eggloton a blacksmith's shop and
Mr Frank Foord was the only wheelwright and undertaker.
1'ne tlion cemetery was west of Mr T Mulvihiil's river furin, on the lease now hold by Mr J E Madigan.
More than a mile from this tiny townstship was a small slab structure which represented the local lockup. It stood on the site of the present Police Barrucks, and was in charge of Constable Murphy.
Mr Caswell, C.P.S, records an uiieC'lote illu;tra!iiig the state of affaits when he first took office : " Where is the lockup?" I said a stranger to a woman he saw in the bush (near Tumut). "I don't know," was the answer. " There's a place building that I believe is to be the lookup." The stranger (chief constable of Albury) went to the place as directed, entered a new unroofed const construction and in one room found a man asleep. " Where is the LOCK UP ?" he asked, after waking the man with a kick. " This is the lockup." "Where, is the lockup keeper?" " I am lockup-keeper," was answered in a drunken tone. " Where is your chief?" " There!" pointing to another room.
The Albury chief searched and found another man too drunk to awaken. He returned and asked the lookup-keeper "Where are your books?" The answer flashes my Story, .' No bloody booking here I"
In 1846 Mr John Kix used to ply a boat for hire on the Tumut river, near the tiny township,charging Is per head to crossover.
In 1847, Messis F Foord (wheelwright) and Anderson (blacksmith) erected the first bridge (a private one) over the Tumut river, in front of Mr [Abraham Anderson's]) present residence. They imposed a toll of £I each for teams and Is per head for pedestrians or horsemen. There was a separate charge for wheel and other vehicles. In those days an old identity named Bynh oame with a wheelbarrow to oross, and, finding an extra charge for the barrow, shouldered it over. The bridge was a rude structure and was constantly getting out of repair
I remember the time when tbe late Mr l'ater Kelly broke through the decking, horse, cart and all
In 1S58 the late Mr W Bridle sr brought the first dray over Talbingo mountain, down the spur where the telegraph line runs, from his station on Monara known as "Black Range"
At that lime the present Mr W Bridle (Bosc Vale) secured, for his father, Talbingo Station, obtaining a lieonse therefor from Commissioner Bingham. Five miles square of country could that he leased for £10.
It was the custom of the Government then to encourage good deserving settlors, by giving them giants of land. As we stated before, Mr Hamilton Rose was given 1280 acres on Tumut Plains,
Mr Timothy O'Mara 1090 acres in Mondongo,
Mr Thomas AlcAlister was granted 640 acres in Wereboldera on the river,
Mr J C Whitty 304 acres (Blowering) now Mr Frank Bourke's; and many others through out this extensive district.
From 1848 to 1851 matters were very quiet, cattle were down to starvation price, and there were 30,000 boiling-crown establishments in the colony. But on Juno 10, 1851, William Campbell found gold in quartz on the station of Mr Donald Cameron at Clunes, and on June 11,1851, Hargreaves discovered gold at Xuena. At the same time Mr W Bridle, when living at Talbingo, washed out half an inch of the shining metal and brought it down to Mr F Body, chemist, to test it, and he pronounced it to be gold. Previous to this everything was down, work buno wngtfs, stock and crops but no price; but lo and behold the transformation which followed. It was not long before the news spread everywhere, and new finds were almost simultaneously reported from other quarters. Victoria was tbe scene of the earliest exploit?, and in an amazingly short time was peopled by a motley crowd-lawyers, doctors, professional men of all descriptions; sailors deserted the vessels, station hands the stations, and in a very short time prices of everything went up prodigiously; wages, if accepted at all, for the most menial service rose to £1 per diem, and a season of prosperity unknown of before obtained.
Tumut, though outside the pale of civilization, was urged along by the puise o£ progress and was called upon to supply, at highest rates, the necessaries of life to the many thousands of additional population; and well did it respond to the call, so much so that in a little wnileit was dubbed, and worthily too, the " Garden of New South VVales." On February G, 18al, a grievous drought of a general character was obtaining througtout New South Wales.
This was the famed "Black Thursday," a day that brought trouble and desolation to many a home, even Tumut feeling its ill effects. Mr W Bridle, of Boae Vale, then of Yellowin, with Mess"s Wilkinson Bros, and the employer and employed on Whitty's run had a narrow escape from death when fighting the raging fire, and the former was only enabled to recover himself by jumping into the Tumut river at Yellowin. Thousends of broad acres were swept by the merciless fire, but at last a fall of rain came to the lescuo, and the blackest pastures ere long assumed a verdant hue.
The end of 1851 was wet, and Gundagai,then built on lhe Murrumbidgee flat in the neighberhood of Morley's mill (still standing) was partially submerged; but in 1852 the flood waters rose so high that Old Gundagai was swept away, and about 80 persons were drowned. This caused the remaining population to settle on the classic heights of Mt Parnassus.
The Tumut river at the same time was very high, and several residents had to be carried out of our own tiny township on the flat to higher land. This urged them to petition the Government to allot the existing town site. It was granted.
Many blocks were applied for; but it was some years before buildings of any pretensions were erected. Commissioner Bingham continued control of the land, and built a portion of what is now known as "Fitzroy Cottage", in Fitzroy St. - (Ref- http://trove.nla.gov.au/list?id=68247)