R.P.A.N.T.

OFFICE Phone Fax

(08) 8922 3374 (08) 8922 3372

All Correspondence and moneys to Secretary at: PO Box 2777

PALMERSTON NT 0831

PRESIDENT REES. Graham

Phone (a/h) (b/h)

Fax

SECRETARY COX. Janell

(08) 8932 8882 (08) 8932 7800 (08) 8932 7801

Phone: (08) 8983 1782 Mobile 0419 800 508 E·mail: janellpaul@bigpond.com

TREASURER McQUAID. Paddy

Phone

PUBLIC OFFICER MEEHAN. Denis

Phone:

COMMITTEE

(08) 8948 1641

(08) 89832119

McDOWELL, Lindsay (08) 8927 3665

WILLlAMS, John (08) 8927 1479 Fax (08) 8945 7721

E-mail: johnw@octa4.net.au

WILSON. John (Pastry) (08) 8932 1522 Fax (08) 8931 1776

The Committee meets at 9.30am on the second Wednesday every month.

Editor :- Harry Cox Desktop Publisher ;- Janell Cox

Microsoft Publisher

Contents of this newsletter are strictly for the information of members of the

Retired Police Association of the NT Inc.

Unauthorised use is prohibited.

Newsletter of the Retired Police Association of the NT Inc.

Patron: Commissioner Brian C Bates AM, APM

changed greatly, except for the work going on in your Associa­tion. A Working Party has been es­tablished to look into the possi­bility of a "Police Museum". This group is being chaired by Bill Wilson with Janell Cox and Lind­say McDowell of this Associa­tion. Other members of the Working Party are from the NT Museum, NT Archives and NT Police.

There is a lot of ground to cover before this comes to fruition. Much support and encourage­ment is being received from the heirarchy of the Department. I am aware that Commissioner Bates is very keen on the con­cept.

My best wishes to all of those in ill health and to those who have lost loved ones. Our thoughts are with you. Please let us know if we can help in any way.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

Be brave enough to accept the help of others.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

What an extremely busy three months I have had. Into the second month already and it is

l\'larch 2000

and computer since just prior to Christmas. It has been a very frustrating time as you didn't know if the phone was going to work until you picked it up.

I will be taking two weeks off from 8 April until 25 April (Inclusive) -this includes Easter & Anzac Day on the calendar. I will be travelling to Toowoomba to visit my brother and hope to catch up with . some of the Queensland members whilst I am over there. Please let me know if you are close enough for me to catch up with you.

j\",~ll.' t'o" SECRETARY

PERSONALITIES

Alien Lake (Umina, NSW)

-------------1 now only 10 months til Christ-mas again ...

I am sorry for not attending the Police Re-union. It was only towards the end that I decided against it. I have had cardio­myopathy - a virus which af­fects the muscle of the heart for the past 15 years - and there is still plenty of life in me at 78 years - going on for 79 years. I have been in hospital for minor periods on a few oc­casions but if I take it steady with a bit of luck I will go well into my 80's. I marched last Anzac Day and will be march­ing again this coming one. It has only been medical advice that stopped me.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Well the double O's are with us and things do not seem to have

We have had a number of out­ages with both the phones, tax

W C Littlejohn, I remember him well. You never forget the old names. Like myself and Bill McKinnon, he was a Ma-

.... ~.

Page

1 2 Ngwslettgr of the Retirgd Police Associaj;ion of the NT In~

son. floor fan. I knew Joe Mutch and all of the EULOGY FOR old police mentioned. The OLIVE JEAN TRAINER Jean's next move came in RPANT is a wonderful organi- around 1963 to "Browns sation. It is sad not to hear the Presented by Commissioner Brian Mart" which had been suita-name of Clive William Graham C Bates. bly converted to an office mentioned. area with - of a/l things -Sid Bowie and Clive Graham Born on 11 June 1925, at Cowan- ceiling fans - such luxury! did a lot for the old force. I gie in North Western Victoria, 01- Mr Bowie being the Acting worked a lot with Jack Coghlan. ive Jean Ruby received convent Commissioner of Police until All the best and a merry Xmas. education at the Sisters of the the appointment of Mr Bill

Good Shepherd at Abbotsford in McLaren. Arnold Wilson (Yerong Creek, Victoria. NSW) On the corner of Bennett and I joined the force back in 1960 Jean moved to Darwin in 1953. Mitchell Streets -the present after serving with the Victoria She had been living in Melbourne site of NT House - a fully Police Force at Richmond. I with Bill & Win Currow (Bill, a pro- dedicated purpose-built and eventually married the Police fessional soldier was transferred air-conditioned modern police Commissioner's daughter, EI- to Darwin). headquarters was erected. eanor Graham, in Darwin in This meant that after almost 1963 and I am happy to say that A vacancy for a typist at Police 20 years service, Jean had we are still a happily married Headquarters was advertised in her very own fully air condi-couple of young lovers. 1953. She applied and was suc- tioned work area. It is great to read about some of cessful. Mr Bill Littlejohn, Chief of myoid mates in the RPANT Police, became her first boss. With the retirement of Mr newsletters and I wanted to ex- Just over one year later, on 6 No- McLaren in 1978, Mr Peter tend an invitation to all mem- vember 1954, Jean was to marry McAulay became Jean's last bers of the Association to drop Cec Trainer. With great appre- boss. Jean made her last by and visit if they are ever in hension, Jean applied for seven move in 1984 to the then our vicinity. Drop by for a beer, days leave. One the eve of their Berrimah Police Complex, a chance to swap lies and wedding Mr Littlejohn handed now known as the Peter maybe stay a day or so as we Jean an envelope which con- McAulay Centre, from which would love to relive some of the tained - in Jean's words '~ most air conditioned edifice she re-old times once again. beautiful card and a five pound tired in 1987 - having with Both Eleanor and myself are note" - a lot of money in those great dedication and loyalty now retired and living out bush days and an indication of the re- she served five chiefs of po-which is about 43k's south of spect she was beginning to culti- lice over a period of 34 years. Wagga. Just ask anyone at the vate. local store and they will point Jean and Cec lived in Wes-you in the right direction to any- At this time Police Headquarters tralia Street, Stuart Park for a one who may come calling. was on the first floor of what was number of years. At one Love to see any of you and we commonly known as the Bennett time, both Jean's and Cec's are home most of the time. Street Police Station. Whilst the mothers also lived with them. If any of the members who were rooms were adequate, the only in the force during my brief stay cooling system was a tired old Jean and Cec then moved would like to get in touch, floor fan which made a lot of noise from there into a duplex unit please do so by mail to 'Bonnie and circulated little air. at Driver, Palmerston. Cec Doon', Yerong Creek NSW tragically passed away two 2642 or phone (02) 6920 3779. In 1957 Mr Utt/ejohn retired and day's before Jean's mother,

Mr Clive Graham took over as in June 1992.

VALE Chief of Police. Also at that time the headquarters was moved into Jean became a social mem-

Olive Jean Trainer what had been the Police Bar- ber of the Retired Police As-racks on the corner of Smith and sociation of the Northern Ter-

11 June 1925-Da/y Streets - the present site of ritory Inc due to her valued Tomaris Court Housing Commis- and dedicated years serving

27 November 1999 sion Units. the members of the Northern

May she rest in peace. Territory Police. She had a

The air in this office was still being wonderful time at the reunion circulated by a tired, noisy, old of Police members in Sep-

1~~~--.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ______ ~1~3ge . Newsletter of the Retired Police Association of the NT Inc

tember/October this year, just around the Sydney suburbs. He was introduced to Con~ prior to her sudden illness. stable Chap man ... and duly

Jean will always be remem­bered for her dedication, loy­alty, kindness andfriendship shown to so many people over the years that she has been in Darwin.

May she now rest in peace.

CLlVE GRAHAM PARK DURACK PALMERSTON

The Minister for Lands Plan­ning and Environment has re­cently approved the naming of Clive Graham Park, off Koo­yonga Parade in the suburb of Durack, Palmerston. The park is named in honour of the late former Police Commissioner Clive Graham (1908 - 1983) who served in the Northern Territory Police Force from 1932 to 1966. Clive William Graham was the first Commissioner of Police of the Northern Territory pro­moted through the ranks. A son of a former New South Wales Police Inspector, he joined the Northern Territory Police on 7 November 1932.

At that time there were only about 40 members in the Northern Territory Police Force, and this included the Superintendent and four Ser­geants.

Clive Graham was bom in Syd­ney in 1908, one of a family of seven. He was educated in various country schools, mainly in the remote areas of New South Wales, and finally at East Maitland High School.

He served his apprenticeship in electrical engineering at BHP Steelworks, Newcastle from 1925 to 1930. In 1931-32 dur­ing the depression, he worked spasmodically for BHP and other electrical firms, and at one stage was self employed hawking household goods

He applied for a vacancy adver- arrested! tised for the Northern Territory PoliCe, as did many others, and was appointed as a Mounted Constable in Darwin, at the age of 24 years, in November 1932.

After serving in Darwin, Groote Eylandt, Alice Springs and T en­nant Creek, he opened the Police Station at Hatches Creek about 300 kilometres north east of Alice Springs. He took his new bride (Jane Hayes from Undoolya Sta­tion) to their new home at Hatches Creek, in July 1938. It was a canvas and bough man­sion!

Mounted Constable Graham went to Groote Eylandt with Mounted Constable's T ed Morey, Jack Mo­honey and Vic Hall and Trackers following the spearing of Mounted Constable Albert McColl in August 1933. This group of dedi­cated police stayed until April 1934, and returned McColJ's re­mains to Darwin. An Aboriginal, Tuckair, was arrested and tried for the murder of McCo11. He was acquitted of the murder.

Later in 1938 the Graham's trans­ferred to Barrow Creek; in 1939 to Finke (near the South Australian border): Rankine River (near the Queensland border) in 1940, and then north to Anthony's Lagoon, two years later.

Whilst he was at Anthony's La­goon, he led a horse patrol of well over a thousand miles in the Nicholson River area, near the Queensland border, investigating cattle stealing offences and other matters. He was accompanied by Constable Syd Bowie of the Northern Territory Police and Constable Chapman from the Queensland Police. They caught one cattle-duffer red handed, and he became quite talkative about his thieving exploits, as he knew he was on the Queensland side of the border and knew that the Ter­ritory Police could not touch him.

After World War 11 and fol­lowing a short stint in Alice Springs, he and his wife and two daughters, remained sta­tioned in Darwin.

Margaret Ann Graham was born while her father was serving at Rankine River, in February 1941, Eleanor Jean whilst he was in Darwin, in October 1944 and Pamela Jane in March 1949.

T en years after joining the Northern Territory Police, Clive Graham was appointed as a Sergeant, in 1949 a Senior Sergeant, 1952 an In­spector, a Superintendent in 1956, Deputy Commissioner in 1960 and then finally in 1964, the top job, Commis­sioner of Police.

Prior to 1964, the rank of Commissioner was held by the Government Resident, or as the position is now known, the Administrator. The high­est rank of the Police during this era, was Superintendent. There was a short respite from this practice when Major GCV Dudley held the position of Commissioner for a three year period 1924 - 1927. On his departure, the old system resumed.

On 1 July 1964, Clive Gra­ham became the first serving member from the ranks in the 94 year history of the Northern Territory Police Force, to become Commis­sioner of Police. He served at this rank until his retire­ment on 7 September 1966.

He was awarded the Police Long Service and Good Con­duct Medal in December 1959 and the Imperial Serv­ice Order Medal in the 1967 New Year's Honours list.

pa4geL __________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-----------JJ Newsletter of the Retired Police Association of the NT)nc

The month of July seemed to be very significant for Clive Gra­ham; most of his promotions were effected in this month, his transfers the same, his wedding ... and then his untimely death in Adelaide on 11 July 1983.

GST & SELF-FUNDED RETIREES

The following letter was re­ceived by Bruce Sandry as a re­sult of a letter that he wrote to the Australian Democrats Leader, Meg Lees. Bruce says, "It is a reply to a query that I raised with her office in respect of my observations, that when all the alleged "benefits" of the GST were sorted out, self funded retirees appears to be the forgotten race!!"

The letter states: "Thank you for your letter about the Government's Goods and Service Tax (GST) and self­funded retirees. I apologise for not replying earlier. My office has been inundated with many thousands of letters, faxes and e-mails during the course of this debate, which means that I am not able to answer all the spe­cific details in your letter. How­ever, I am able to outline the features of the tax changes de­signed to assist self-funded re­tirees.

The Australian Democrats ap­preciate the effort that self­funded retirees make to provide for their retirement and we were determined to ensure that changes to the tax system would improve the current sys­tem economically, socially and environmentally. We were also determined to ensure that people on low incomes were not disadvantaged by any of the changes.

As a result of the negotiations between the Democrats and the Government, changes to the Government's original tax pack-

age include the removal of most food items from the GST. This is a significant change for self­funded retirees as it reduces the inflation effect of the GST from 2.35% to 1.6% .

The Democrats successfully ne­gotiated a reduction in the eligi­bility limit from 60 years to 55 years for the Self-Funded Retir­ees Supplementary Bonus. This non-taxable bonus provides for an amount of up to $2,000 to eligible recipients. In addition to the Self-Funded Retirees Sup­plementary Bonus there will be a one off non-taxable Aged Per­sons Saving Bonus of up to $1,000 for each person aged 60 years or more on 1 July 2000. The bonuses phase out between $20,000 and $30,000 of individ­ual taxable income and eligibility requirements will apply.

Self-funded retirees who receive a part-pension will also gain the benefit of a pension increase. The Democrats ensured that in addition to the up front payment of 4% on 1 July 2000, the in­crease in pensions, benefits and allowances in real terms will now be 2% not the 1.5% as originally proposed by the Government.

The pension withdrawal rate has been reduced from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. As a result a number of self-funded retirees will now become eligible to re­ceive an amount of age pension. Consequently those self-funded retirees will also qualify for a Pensioner Concession Card and the associated benefits it brings.

The Low Income Aged Person Rebate will continue to apply. At present this ensures a num­ber of self-funded reti'rees re­main free of income tax. The re­bate will be increased, under the new tax system, by an additional $250 a year for single self­funded retirees and $175 a year for each of the self-funded re­tiree couple.

Another benefit for self-funded retirees is the $550 million ex­tra concession on dividend in­come that will allow for the full refund of dividend imputation franking credits for low income earners.

Self-funded retirees will also benefit from the abolition of provisional tax and its replace­ment with a 'pay as you go' tax system. The Democrats, who have been campaigning for re­form of provisional tax since 1994, particularly welcome this measure. Tax cuts will also benefit self-funded retirees, with further relief on capital gains and dividend income to flow from the business tax re­forms.

The broader exemptions of health products which will be exempt from the GST (including natural therapies and some over the counter medicines), will also benefit self-funded retirees, as will the zero-rating of aged care ser~­ices.

The combination of these vari­ous measures will be a signifi­cant benefit for self-funded re­tirees. This level of benefits has been confirmed in inde­pendent modelling of the tax package by the National Cen­tre for Social and Economic Modelling and Access Eco­nomics.

I have mentioned a number of different measures that will as­sist self-funded retirees with the GST. In order to establish your eligibility for each of the measures, I suggest you con­tact the Australian Taxation Office (A TO) on the Tax Re­form Infoline 136140. The A TO has prepared Tax Fact Sheets which can be obtained on the number above, by fax on 1328 60, or from the A TO website at taxreform.ato.gov. au.

~----------------------------------------------------------------------l ~ie Newsletter of the Retired Police Association of the NT Inc

Yours sincerely

Senator Meg Lees Leader of the Australian Demo­crats"

(We hope this information is of benefit to our self-funded retir­ees & thank you Bruce for for­warding it to us. Ed.)

VALE

Norman Edmond WALSH

23/12134 - 22112199

Served 1961 - 1966

A note from Bob Henfry in rela­tion to Norm's funeral.

'/\ few words about the funeral of our old workmate Norm Walsh -held in Perth on 30 December 1999.

In excess of 80 people attended the cremation service at the Karra­katta Cemetary.

RPANT was well represented with fellow members Allan Blackwood. Harrie & Deidre Pyle and myself in attendance.

During the service, reference was made to Norm's love for his family, his love of horses and his service with the NT Police. There were several humorous little anecdotes.

After the service we were able to chat with members of Norm's fam­ily and who expressed their appre­ciation for RPANT's representation at the service.

A sad day but also a happy one in a way. with everyone recalling the good times in Norm's fife."

VALE

Shane Robert KAPPLER

15.1.64 -11.1.00

had no lock.

Kappy started police recruit school on the 7th February 1983, he welcomed his interstate squad mates with the traditional Territory welcome - a big drink at the Police Club. This is re-

L... ______ - ____ ...... membered by all that were pres-

EULOGY FOR SHANE by Sen­ior Constable David Cubis

Shane Robert Kappler (Kappy) was born in T ennant Creek on the 15th of January 1964. A Territo­rian,he spent most of his early childhood and formative years in Tennant Creek.

Kappy completed his schooling in Tennant. Whilst inTennant Creek, Kappy excelled at baseball and represented the Northern Territory several times in this sport.

This is where I first met Kappy. I was billeted with the Kappler fam­ily in Tennant Creek and was taken under their wing.

I next came across Kappy when I joined the Northern Territory Po­lice force as a cadet in 1982.

At the time he was a senior cadet.

Again, I was taken under the Kap­pier wing and looked after by Kappy who taught me all the im­portant things such as ironing uni­forms. For that. I've got you to blame old mate.

Kappy joined the Northern Terri­tory Police Force in February 1981, in the second cadet squad 2/81. Kappy was extremely proud of his acceptance into the North­ern Territory Police Force.

These were happy times for us all; we were more like brothers and sisters than workmates however like brothers and sisters we had our differences but none too seri­ous.

We were all extremely grateful to Kappy as the constant supplier of iced coffee and cigarettes. his room was like a 24-hour store - it

ent.

Kappy, like all of the cadets was cheeky and knew all the cheat tricks on the morning runs. These he passed on to the grateful interstate members.

Now a member of the Police Force, Kappy got involved with the Police sporting teams - bas­ketball, golf and cricket, he ex­celled at all of these sports and later he played rugby union.

Kappy served in Darwin general duties and CIB, Katherine gen­eral duties and CIB, Nhulunbuy general duties and Alice Springs.

Shane Robert Kappler took his job very seriously and was al­ways trying to do better, he was a good copper.

Shane met his wife Trish in Dar­win. Their paths crossed at the Darwin courthouse where Trish worked. In true Kappy style, they were married in Las Vegas on the 10th of March 1995.

His wife Trish. mother Bonnie, stepfather Stan and his sisters Sharon and Natalie and their families survive Shane.

EULOGY FOR SHANE by As­sistant Commissioner John

Daulby

It is my honour and privilege to speak about Shane's career on behalf of all members of the Northern Territory Police. Fire and Emergency Services espe­cially his mates and peers, who not only worked and served with Shane but also were very much part of Shane's career and life.

Page r------------------------------------------------------------------------------,J 6 1L-________________ ~N~e~w~s~le~t~te~r~O~f~t~h~e~R~e~t~ir~e~d~p~O~I~ic~e~A~S~S~O~C~ia~t~io~n~of~t:h~e=N~T~ln~C~----------------J

The thoughts and sentiments I express to you today are not only mine but importantly those of his mates and peers and have been said and are now said from the heart.

I first met Shane in the late 70's while serving at Tennant Creek. He was a respected confident teenager well known in the community with considerable sporting prowess and ability. It was through sport where I first met him and over time I got to know him. I was aware back in those early days that he had a desire to join the Northern Terri­tory Police. It would be remiss of me not to relate to you a little incident involving Shane. Whilst on patrol late at night with Graham Kelly, we spotted Kappy sitting on the fence in front of the Tennant Creek Ho­tel. Doing what police do we obviously asked Kappy a num­ber of questions. He promptly gave us a mouthful of cheek and as bold as you like and in the same breath asked me if I would go referee for him to join the Northern Territory Police. That was Shane Kappler, an abundance of confidence and more front than the T ennant Creek Newsagency.

If we had three words to de­scribe Kappy we could use the words energy, enthusiasm and exuberance.

Kappy was a determined young man, his goal was to join the Northern Territory Police, and that goal was achieved when he did join as a Police Cadet in February of 1981. He remained in the cadet system until De­cember 1982 where on comple­tion he joined the formal recruit training squad 38/83.

There can be no doubt that Shane was a dedicated cadet and an even more dedicated re­cruit Constable. I previously mentioned those three words

with which we could describe Shane Kappler, one was exuber­ance. I note with interest that the then Sergeant Wernham in a course report of recruit squad 38, Shane's course, has stated that Constable Kappler achieved sixth place in the squad. Ser­geant Wernham went on to say from day one of this course, this member gave the impression that he had consciously disci­plined himself to perform well and this proved to be the case. He curtailed his naturally ebul­lient nature and put in a very credible effort resulting in a very good overall examination aver­age. Sergeant Wernham went on to say that Shane will develop into a capable member of this force. I was somewhat con­cerned about the use of the word ebullient but found that it simply means 'of exuberance'. However there can be no doubt that Bruce Wernham's assess­ment of Shane was spot on.

Throughout his career in the Northern Territory Police Force Shane has consciously made an effort to ensure that he become a complete Constable in that he, I suggest, chose or elected to work in areas where he would gain a better appreciation of the Force and in those areas which support the operational facets of the Policing. On completion of recruit training Shane travelled to Alice Springs where he worked in general duties which included four months relief out at Papunya Police Station. He re­turned to Darwin in 1986 where he worked in the Communica­tions section.

I note with interest that the late Chief Inspector Peter Young wrote that Shane has the ability and potential to work anywhere in this Force, he has a common sense approach to varying situa­tions and should be encouraged to sit for promotional examina­tions at the first opportunity. I also note with interest and I am sure Commissioner Bates and

other will appreciate this, that whilst in Communications, Shane completed a staff devel­opment self-appraisal in June of 1986. One of the questions in this appraisal was: "what training do you consider would assist you to better perform your present role?"

Shane, ever being the enthusi­astic person has stated, "possibly a computer set up in Communications on the test system for the introduction etc of CAD systems for new mem­bers." Even then Shane had an inkling that technology would not only assist the op­erational side but also assist those people working in Com­munications.

He spent a year in Communi­cations then gained experience in the Traffic Section in Darwin and eventually after a number of relief periods in Darwin CIB was gazetted there in June of 1990. During that period of time in the Darwin CIB he had a relief period of being in Stock Squad. Well Kappy knew as much about stock as the next person, which probably in those days was not much at all. However, it didn't stop Kappy from getting to know what the job was all about. He could sit down and have a yarn with the station owners, share a joke with the ringers or mix it with the meat workers. He didn't know much about the stock, he learned quickly and made no secret in what he was going to do. He made the best of every opportunity and that is clearly seen in a lot of the places where Kappy has worked. I made mention of his ability to mix and converse at all levels. This was a remarkable skill that Shane had and it was rec­ognised. He was a people per­son through and through and took a genuine interest in the people about him.

Shane transferred to the CIB in

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Katherine in 1993 and after a number of years in the Cl there he saw fit to gain further experi­ence and transferred back to­General Duties in Katherine. He left Katherine and returned to the CIB In Darwin in 1996, where he had a natural talent. He was tenacious, a great team man and importantly Shane had a tremendous sense of humour, was fun to work with and looked on the bright side of life. He loved his role in the Cl and his tenacity often drove others to despair, but Kappy was Kappy and one and all respected him. Such tenacity sometimes saw him in the role of a perfectionist, but Shane simply wanted to be seen to be doing things right and importantly doing the right thing.

Shane was a good all round sportsman and importantly, he was dedicated to those sports in which the NT Police partici­pated. I speak of the Police Cricket team and Basketball team where at one time we were involved in competition on a local and a national level.

Shane was a part of those teams and his efforts were ap­preciated both on and off field. To reinforce my comment about him being a social person, we recall that in 1985 I think it was, the Northern Territory was host -to the National Police Basket­ball championship in Darwin. Shane was a member of our A Police side. It was quickly no­ticed that he got to know the majority of the players in the op­posing teams performing during those championships. The re­markable issue here is that the following year our team trav­elled to Brisbane, where Kappy was greeted and accepted by one and all as a long lost buddy. Kappy played hard, but people recognised his genunie personality.

Shane was promoted to Ser-

geant and transferred to Nhulun­buy in 1997 where he served with distinction. He was a friend, colleague and mentor to those members at Nhulunbuy Police Station. He was demanding of members and as Constable Matthew Neesham has said, we may have whinged about it, but Shane was doing the best for everyone ensuring that they did the best in their role as commu­nity police officers. Matthew tells me he was extremely sup­portive of members and was prepared to make the hard deci­sions which is difficult at times in a small station such as Nhulun­buy but they knew it was nothing personal. Kappy made himself available to those members and if they had a problem at any time, day or night, he would get a call, more than often at his in­convenience and certainly at the inconvenience of Trish.

In the Nhulunbuy community he was well respected. Constable Steve Hazel of Nhulunbuy told me that he approached Kappy about raising funds to establish a blue light disco to be based in that township back in Septem­ber. A few days later Kappy had spoken to his fellow Rotarians and organised for him to attend one of their meetings and put forward his aspirations about the blue light disco program. Steve Hazel walked out of that meeting with$2;OOO.-Kappywas-the driving force in Nhulunbuy be­hind fund raising after the death of Glen Huitson. This is not only within the police station, but the community as a whole. I am led to believe people were amazed at how Kappy wrangled and or­ganised prizes that were won on the community golf fund raising day. Matthew Neesham tells me that Kappy could have sold fridges to the Eskimos.

Sergeant Shane Robert Kappler was a dedicated, professional, fair. just. proud and compas­sionate police officer. His char­acter was infectious and deep

and to say he will be missed is a gross understatement. His loss to this organisation, to his mates, colleagues, and friends and to every member of the Northern Territory Police Serv­ice shall be hard felt. To Trish. his wife, his mum Bonnie and sisters Sharon and Natalie there is nothing we can say to ease your pain and sense of loss, but please accept our sin­cere condolences.

May Shane find peace.

VALE

Arthur William DELLAR

26111/43 -14101/00

EULOGY FOR ARTHUR by Superintendent lan Morrison

Arthur William Dellar was born in Potton Beds, Bedford, Eng­land on 26 November 1943.

He joined the Thames Valley Constabulary at the minimum age of 21 years and served as a motorcycle officer from 1964 to 1969. After emigrating to Australia Arthur briefly worked in Western Australia before joining the Northern Territory Police on 23rd September 1974. He, like a few of his re­maining class mates, gradu­ated two days before Cyclone Tracy.

Arthur went straight from train­ing to his beloved traffic section and remained there on the bikes for the next six years.

In May 1982 he transferred to the Police College as an in­structor, delivering lectures to recruits and members under­taking in-service driver training.

r-----------------------------------------------------------------------------, Page I Newsletter of the Retired Police Association of the NT Inc 7

Katherine in 1993 and after a number of years in the Cl there he saw fit to gain further experi­ence and transferred back to­General Duties in Katherine. He left Katherine and returned to the CIB In Darwin in 1996, where he had a natural talent. He was tenacious, a great team man and importantly Shane had a tremendous sense of humour, was fun to work with and looked on the bright side of life. He loved his role in the Cl and his tenacity often drove others to despair, but Kappy was Kappy and one and all respected him. Such tenacity sometimes saw him in the role of a perfectionist, but Shane simply wanted to be seen to be doing things right and importantly doing the right thing.

Shane was a good all round sportsman and importantly, he was dedicated to those sports in which the NT Police partici­pated. I speak of the Police Cricket team and Basketball team where at one time we were involved in competition on a local and a national level.

Shane was a part of those teams and his efforts were ap­preciated both on and off field. To reinforce my comment about him being a social person, we recall that in 1985 I think it was, the Northern Territory was host to the National Police Basket­ball championship in Darwin. Shane was a member of our A Police side. It was quickly no­ticed that he got to know the majority of the players in the op­posing teams performing during those championships. The re­markable issue here is that the following year our team trav­elled to Brisbane, where Kappy was greeted and accepted by one and all as a long lost buddy. Kappy played hard, but people recognised his genunie personality.

Shane was promoted to Ser-

geant and transferred to Nhulun­buy in 1997 where he served with distinction. He was a friend, colleague and mentor to those members at Nhulunbuy Police Station. He was demanding of members and as Constable Matthew Neesham has said, we may have whinged about it, but Shane was doing the best for everyone ensuring that they did the best in their role as commu­nity police officers. Matthew tells me he was extremely sup­portive of members and was prepared to make the hard deci­sions which is difficult at times in a small station such as Nhulun­buy but they knew it was nothing personal. Kappy made himself available to those members and if they had a problem at any time, day or night, he would get a call, more than often at his in­convenience and certainly at the inconvenience of Trish.

In the Nhulunbuy community he was well respected. Constable Steve Hazel of Nhulunbuy told me that he approached Kappy about raising funds to establish a blue light disco to be based in that township back in Septem­ber. A few days later Kappy had spoken to his fellow Rotarians and organised for him to attend one of their meetings and put forward his aspirations about the blue light disco program. Steve Hazel walked out of that meeting with $2,000. Kappy was the driving force in Nhulunbuy be­hind fund raising after the death of Glen Huitson. This is not only within the police station, but the community as a whole. I am led to believe people were amazed at how Kappy wrangled and or­ganised prizes that were won on the community golf fund raising day. Matthew Neesham tells me that Kappy could have sold fridges to the Eskimos.

Sergeant Shane Robert Kappler was a dedicated, professional, fair, just, proud and compas­sionate police officer. His char­acter was infectious and deep

and to say he will be missed is a gross understatement. His loss to this organisation, to his mates, colleagues, and friends and to every member of the Northern Territory Police Serv­ice shall be hard felt. To Trish, his wife, his mum Bonnie and sisters Sharon and Natalie there is nothing we can say to ease your pain and sense of loss, but please accept our sin­cere condolences.

May Shane find peace.

VALE

Arthur William DELLAR

26/11/43 - 14/01/00

EULOGY FOR ARTHUR by Superintendent lan Morrison

Arthur William Dellar was born in Potton Beds, Bedford, Eng­land on 26 November 1943.

He joined the Thames Valley Constabulary at the minimum age of 21 years and served as a motorcycle officer from 1964 to 1969. After emigrating to Australia Arthur briefly worked in Western Australia before joining the Northern Territory Police on 23rd September 1974. He, like a few of his re­maining class mates, gradu­ated two days before Cyclone Tracy.

Arthur went straight from train­ing to his beloved traffic section and remained there on the bikes for the next six years.

In May 1982 he transferred to the Police College as an in­structor, delivering lectures to recruits and members under­taking in-service driver training.

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URGENT! URGENT!

REUNION STORIES

A number of people, like most of you, who attended the reun­ion still haven't managed to pro­vide a short story for our "reunion booklet". It would be appreciated if you could forward them in to the Secretary by the end of April to enable us to pro­duce the booklet for you all to enjoy. I look forward to receiv­ing them.

PAUL FOELSCHE MEMORIAL SERVICE - MONDAY 31

JANUARY 2000 This years event was well at­tended with a Squad of new re­cruits and a number of mem­bers of RPANT also in at­tenance. The Mounted Police also attended with one member dressed in today's current uni­form and the other dressed in a replica troopers uniform. It set the scene nicely. (See further notes later in this Newsletter.)

NEW POLICE CHAPLAIN

Welcome to Chaplain Simon Mor­ris who commenced his tour of duty with the NT Police, Fire &

Emergency Services in January.

The previous Chaplain. Peter Wright has been transferred to Bal­larat in Victoria. Peter has asked that if any of our members are in the Ballarat area, please look him up via the Salvation Army.

NEW MEMBERS

Max Hill, Glenelg SA Robin (Pappy) Bullock. Alice Springs NT Reg Henshaw. Warwick. QLD Hazel Southwell, Hackett, ACT (daughter of the late Roben '<Jock" Reid) Peter Leacy, Childers, QLD

INTERSTATE WELFARE OFFICERS

Thank you to both GarryHolden and John Fox. both of Queensland who have offered to assist as Wel­fare Ofticers of our Association. Garry has experience with the RSL and can be contacted at 07) 3356 6213. John Fox has just moved from Toowoomba to the Gold Coast John is a Welfare Officer with the Queensland Retired Police Associa­tion and has now offered to assist us as well. John can be contacted on: 07) 55205567. We are still looking for people in South Australia, New South Wales, ACT, Tasmania... any takers'?

SEAFOOD A WARD

Congratulations to Vicki knkins. the bett;r half of Gary Burgdorf. Vicki who now owns Cntstacealls all the Wharf here in Darwin won an Award recently for the Best Seafood Restau­rant Vicki has been a supporter of our Association and we hope that our mem­ben; will return that support. I believe that Primo & Daphne Bonato had a wonderful meal there after winning a voucher at the recent reunion ...

FIRST AID - 1944

I was recently handed a small book­let titled "The Bushman's First Aid". It was published by the Red Cross Society, Northern Territory Division, Second Edition January 1944. I thought you might like a snippet from it. ..

"SNAKE BITE - Treatlllellf - There is not a moment to lose. First tie {/ handkerchief or OTher bandage firmly around the /illlb 011 the side nearest the heart. If the wound is un the finger or toe. tie the ligature round the finger or toe above the wound. But if the wound is (}I1 the foot or hcmd, the ligature must be tied above the knee or elbow. as the two bones ill tile leg (lndforearm will not allow the ligawre to com­pletely cut off the blood supply from the foOT or hand. To increase the

tightness of the ligature place a short stick between the handker­chief or OTher bandage Clnd the skin. and twist it IIntil the blood supply TO the limb is stopped. Af­ter ligature of the limb. wipe the skill arollnd the bite to remove any poison lefi Of! the skin sur­face. Then el/large the wound freely by clltting deeply i/lto the it with a knife il/ a criss-cross l11al/­

ner. Then Slick Ollt the wound forcibly. spitting out the blood. Then wash Ollt the wound with (/ lotioll or Perll/allgclllate of Pot­ash. Do not pack or rub the per­fl/anganate crystals into the wOIlIld liS tllis ca/lses a sore which heals very slowly. Give the patient stimulants freely - whisky. brandy etc., hot coffee. Do not allow him to sink in to insensibility. but keep him moving, thollgh lIot roughly. If breathing becomes difficult apply hot and cold water alternately to the stomach. fl breathing is evi­dently failillg. /lse artificial respi­ratioll as for cases of drowning. The ligature /Ill/sf not be left on too long. After half all hour it should be ulltightened, and the circulation aI/owed to return for Cl

few seconds. Then reapply the ligature for tell minutes, alld again loosen for a few seconds and so on."

Many of you would probably be able to remember this type of "assistance" but thank goodness for modern medicine!!

POLICE UNIFORMS

One of our sub-committees is cur­rently assisting Senior Sergeant Alan Mitchcll of the Community Relations Unit to set up a display of police uniforms over the years.

If any member can assist us with information in relation to the changes to the uniform, ie dates. reasons, logic (if any) etc, it would be greatly appreciated.

WE DO NOT W ANT ANY

Page ~----------------------------------------------------------------------~J 10 Newsletter of the Retired Police Association of the NT Inc

ITEMS FORWARDED TO US AT THIS TIME BUT ...

If you do have some items of uni­form that you may like to contrib­ute to this display. or any future displays. we would appreciate be­ing notified what items you have and the condition that they may be II1.

NT POLICE ASSOCIATION "POLICE NEWS" MAGAZINES

We have been given a number of these publications and invite members who would like to re­ceive any of the copies, to ad­vise us. We have approxi­mately 20 of each publication and it will be a case of "the early bird catches the worm".

The publications are dated:

February & June 1978, April & December 1979, March & Sep­tember 1980, March, July & De­cember 1981, March, June & September 1982, March & June 1983, March, June, September & December 1984, March & June 1985, December 1986, March, June & December 1987.

Depending on the number of is­sues required by each member, there may be a cost involved with the postage.

VALE

JAMES BERRY

31/5/30 - 28/1/00 Served 1957 - 1996

May he rest in peace.

EULOGY FOR JIM BERRY

James Berry was born in Syd­ney on 31st May, 1930.

He was one of six brothers and two sisters.

Not much is known about Jim's early life except that he lived for a time in Burnside Children's Home. Jim did not know much about his parents and whenever he asked his elder brother Harry about them, Harry wouldn't tell him.

This time in Jim's life was one of mixed adventures. As we can imagine. The times were hard and Jim mentioned, when he spoke of these times, about al­ways being hungry. One of his jobs was to mop out the pantry at the home and so to get more to eat he would hide a can of condensed milk in his mop bucket.

This sometimes irregular and rich addition to his diet may have something to do with his extraordinary cricket ability.

Jim could play cricket and as an article in one of the papers of 1946 shows he was no slouch with a bat. During seven in­nings of the intermediate schools cricket competition Jim scored: 107 not out; 75 not out; 43 not out; 116, 128 not out; 108 not out; and 143 not out.

A total of 720 runs. A feat that today would probably have got­ten him a spot in the Australian Test side or maybe even captain of one of our lack lustre opposi­tion this year.

Jim's prowess even brought him fame in England with his story being printed in the English Daily Telegraph. An attempt by a reporter to obtain an interview with Jim was thwarted by the Superintendent and Chairman of the Burnside Homes who in their wisdom at the time believed it would be in Jim's best interest

to concentrate on his interme­diate examinations.

Jim left school shortly after this and went to live with one of his older brothers Harry and his wife Betty. Jim undertook a carpentary apprenticeship and at the completion of it went to Mt Isa where he was the fore­man during the building of Boyd's Hotel. He remained at Mt Isa only until the Hotel was finished then returned to Syd­ney.

In the early fifties he drove from Sydney to Darwin in a Model A truck. This is a long and uncomfortable trip today and we can only imagine how rough and ardous the journey must have been and the tenac­ity of travellers in that time. Many here today would be fa­miliar with those conditions that were the norm for travel­lers in those days.

Jim's adventurous life contin­ued and he did not stay long in Darwin but continued on to England to try and take up a cricket career. In the early fif­ties sport was the realm of amateurs and not the high paid professionals that we know to­day. Jim's attempt at a cricket career and holding down a job to support himself was tougher than he thought and so he re­turned to the Northern Terri­tory.

Jim joined the Northern Terri­tory Police Force at a time when Police didn't need regis­tered numbers or cars with signs as everyone knew them and they knew everyone by their name.

Jim served the people of the Territory in Darwin, Pine Creek, Katherine, Tennant Creek, AI­ice Springs and Kulgera.

,

'

Page

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Jim was the Officer in Charge of Pine Creek and 2nd in Charge of Katherine when, as you can imagine, things were a bit dif­ferent and a policeman haci to be even more resilient and re­sourceful than today.

Whilst at Kulgera, Jim was speared in the thigh when at­tacked by five aborigines. He patrolled settlements and homesteads with an Aboriginal tracker on what was known as a census patrol.

Due to his service Jim was mentioned in two books about the Northern Territory - "Patrol Indefinite" and "Green Eyes are the Buffalol/.

In 1966 Jim left the Police Force after 9 years, 1 month and 15 days service, as he would often recall.

Like a lot of ex policemen, Jim went into the Hotel business and he bought the Threeways Hotel.

He successfully built this up from a small place into a big place. The Threeways Hotel did and still does occupy a very strategic position on the high­ways of the Northern Territory and in Jim's pioneering days would have been a compulsory stop for any traveller between Alice and Darwin and Mt Isa and the Territory. Jim modern­ised the Hotel and installed ac­commodation. He brought it up to scratch and then after 13 years, sold it back to Shell in 1979.

Jim retired to the Gold Coast for 15 years where he played a lot of golf. Jim did not forget inci­dents and when the Japanese were playing the Australians in a teams competition at his golf club he, with great ceremony and dignity, lowered the Japa-

nese flag, folded it and placed it on the bar. This was to show that he still remembered that one of his brothers had been killed in the Second World War by the Japanese. This small protest had the effect that Jim was barred from his Golf Club.

During Jim's life he was not the resolute bachelor that I may have· painted him to be. In fact Jim was married twice and had two daughters from his second marriage. Karen who was born in 1967 and Michelle, born in 1969 and who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident some years ago.

About six and a half years ago Jim returned to Alice Springs to be near his daughter Karen and Paul and his grandson, Roy. He remained retired and spent his time in his shed and at the RSL, umpiring cricket and being a fa­ther to Karen, a friend to Paul and grandfather to Roy, and then to the light of his life, Karen and Paul's daughter, EI­ley.

OVERSEAS SERVICE

The initial selection process to rec­ommend three (3) members of the Northern Territory Police to take part in the United Nations Civilian Police (UNCIVPOL) Contingent to East Timor, has been completed. The tirst three members who have been selected are: Sgt Lee Gage Sen Consl Stephen Pfutzncr and Sen Const Andy Holt

A Reserve contingent consists of Scn Const John R White Scn Const Robert Whittington

It is expected that the first contin­gent of members will be deployed to East Timor by March 2000 and spend 90 days within the region. A second and reserve contingent will then be deployed following the re­turn of the tirst.

We wish them all the very best and look forward to each of them returning home safely with some unique experiences to tell.

AUSTRALIA DAY 2000 AWARDS

Congratulations to our Patron, Commissioner Brian Bates on his recent Australia Day Award. Mr Bates is the recipient of an Order of Australia Medal.

Also, to Detective Sergeant Sue Carter who is the recipient of the Australian Police Medal.

Congratulations to both of them for awards well deserved.

SPEECH BY COMMISSIONER BATES AT THE RECENT FOELSCHE

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Prepared by Jane Munday with material provided by Bill Wilson APM (Historian).

People may wonder why we come each year to the grave of a person who has long since faded from the memories of most T erritorians.

Perhaps the answer lies in a comment made by Carl Jung haff a century ago: "Who has fully realised that history is not contained in thick books but lives in our vel)l blood?"·

This is particularly true in the Territol)l, which has a relatively young history. The tribulations and adventures of our pioneer police might seem distant to Year 2000 recruits, but our his­tory is the roots of our unique policing culture.

A reminder of our history is also valuable in appreciating just how advanced policing has become as a profeSSion com­pared with even our recent past.

pa192e I I

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The recruit squad here today will spend six months in train­ing. They will leave our Col­lege for jobs where computers, digital technology and modern air-conditioned buildings are just as central to their work as the old-fashioned policing skills of common sense and commu­nication skills.

Compare this with the world of our first police, a rural con­stabulary established at Es­cape Cliffs in 1864. It was 1870 before a proper police force was established under the command of Sub-Inspector Paul Foelsche, when his de­tachment of South Australian Police disembarked from their ship to serve in the new town of Palmerston.

Historian Bill Wilson has painted a vivid picture of early policing. His research shows that the first police had no training. Their job was to walk the beat at two and a half miles an hour and not converse with other constables or civilians ex­cept when their duty required. While on foot patrol they were expected to undertake surveil­lance of suspicious people and check that doors and windows were secured after household­ers retired for the night.

They had the power to 'apprehend offenders who dis­turbed inhabitants by ringing doorbells, affixed posters to walls, allowed their pig-sty to become a nuisance, damaged fountains, or bathed nude near the public wharf'.

They were expected to appre­hend drunks, prostitutes and those with no visible means of support or who were suspected of breaching various Acts of Parliament - although they were not told what these Acts were and it was 1875 before a manual was prepared and cir-

culated.

Early Constables had to work occasionally as orderly to the Government Resident, an un­popular duty as it meant wear­ing southern serge, complete with helmet and long leather boots, regardless of the weather.

Even in those early days, Foel­sche showed unusual leader­ship qualities. When he faced a mutiny by some of his men in 1870, his troops refUSing to help build the police premises, Foel­sche gave them a week off to consider their situation. He told his superiors that a lack of regu­lations was the reason he had not disciplined his troops.

When control of policing passed to the Commonwealth in 1911, entrance exams were sus­pended until the Second World War. The only prerequisite was literacy which, it seems, was established by whether aspiring police could write a job applica­tion. It was 1949 before an in­duction course for new mem­bers was introduced.

It was only in 1978, when Com­missioner Peter McAulay was appointed, that police no longer needed official permission to marry. Bill Wilson has discov­ered that even Sub-Inspector Foelsche had trouble getting married. On his first applica­tion, he was told by the Com­missioner in South Australia that "applications to marry are too numerous in the Mounted Police. I should be glad if P. T. Foelsche would get the fancy out of his head!"

Even when police could marry, sub-standard conditions in the bush were unfit for most wives.

In 1911, there was a unique chapter in Territory Policing when, during civil unrest, even the loyalty of police to the Resi-

dent was suspect and 30 mem­bers of the Australian Army were appointed to form a body of Constabulary called the Northern Patrol. They swore a different oath to other members of the Northern Territory Police, were armed with Vickers ma­chine guns, rifles and bayo­nets, and were supported by a warship in the harbour.

Many things have changed but, throughout our history, three factors have remained constant in Territory policing.

The first is the distances and remoteness police have to cover in the Territory. In the early days, camel and horse patrols could last weeks and cover hundreds of miles. In 1883 Constable Shirley died, along with five men and 18 horses, while engaged on a search near Brunette Downs. These days, at least, police pa­trol in air-conditioned four­wheel drive vehicles and sat­telite phones which link them to the world.

The second factor is the contri­bution of alcohol to police work. Liquor was always a problem in the new settlements, with cheap bottles of gin being con­sumed at the rate of 12 gallons a year for each European adult at the turn of the century.

The third factor is the impor­tance of the Aboriginal Police. Because early bush police re­lied totally on the knowledge and skills of their trackers, in most cases mutual respect and friendships resulted. This has continued into our modern part­nership approach with Aborigi­nal communities and the impor­tant role played by Aboriginal Community Police.

I think all these factors have contributed to the resilient, down-ta-earth, community based style of policing we see

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today in the Territory. While modern police have to be aca­demics and technicians, they also have to be jacks-of-all trade and communicators.

And our ability to rise to a chal­lenge has never changed. Just in the past year we have re­sponded to a cyclone, an out­break of invasive marine pest, and the sudden arrival of 1800 East Timorese in Darwin. In the coming year we have an APEC meeting, the Olympic torch relay, and who knows what other challenges.

I am sure it is largely the leg­acy of pioneers such as Paul Foelsche which provided the foundations for a culture of ver­satility, courage and commu­nity respect - which means we respond to all these tasks with professionalism.

(Bill Witsoll has been asked (and has accepted) to provide all arti­cle for each of the Newsletters this year to commemorate J 30 years of policing in the NT. Thank you Bill. )

PROPOSED CHANGE OF NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION

At the next AGM of the Asso­ciation (August 2000) there will be a proposal to change the official name of the Associa­tion.

The proposal will be to change the name from:

Retired Police Association of theNTInc

To

Northern Territory Association of Retired Police Inc.

This is being proposed for two reasons.

The more important reason is

that with incorporation comes the capacity to raise funds by way of lotteries or raffles. To include the words "Police Asso­ciation" in our title on all tickets and documentation could lead to some confusion in the minds of the public as to our separate identity. There is already a Po­lice Association in the NT and retired police need a distinctive and unique identifier for their organisation. The name change will achieve this.

The second reason is that the expression "Retired Police Asso­ciation" in its strict interpreta­tion means that it is the Police Association which is retired. This is inaccurate and nonsensi­cal. We need a means of stat­ing clearly and concisely what the organization is. It is a group of retired police and sup­port staff, from the Northern Territory Police Service, who have formed themselves into an association. The proposed name change will state this quite clearly.

If you have any comments you wish to make on this matter, please put them in writing so that they can be dealt with in the proper forum.

2000 DIARIES

For those people who have not managed to obtain their Year 2000 diary yet, we wish to advise that we only have a small number left and have reduced the price to $4 each. Make sure and get in now to avoid disappointment. We await your orders. These dia­ries are a collector's item and should not be missed.

Also, the T-Shirts that were printed for the recent reunion are now available for S5.00 each -limited number left.

CHANGE OF NEWSLETTER

~

As mentioned in the December 1999 Newsletter, we are seek­ing suggestions for a change of name for the Newsletter. Some that we have received to date are:

RPANT Notebook RPANT Brief Waywouldones Contact Friendship Missile Handinhand

Any comments on these or other suggestions would be ap­preciated. You might also like to keep in mind the proposal in relation to the change of name for the Association.

DINNER DANCE 2000

The '000' Ball Committee is hosting a dinner dance to recog­nise t 30 years of policing in the NT. Details are: Saturday 27 May 2000, 7.30pm til late, Aviation Heritage Centre, Dar­win, $65 per person, Dress­Territory Rig.

More information can be ob­tained by contacting Snr Sgt AI­lan Mitchell on 8922 3604.

SECRETARY AWAY

Just a reminder that Janell Cox will be away from the office between 8 and 25 April (inclusive). John (Pastry) Wil­son and John R Williams will be calling in daily to answer phones etc.

JaneU will be in Toowoomba between 8 and 20 April and looks forward to catching up with some of the Queensland members.

Page r I -I 14 L-______ ~.~. __ ~N~e~w~s~le~t~te~r~O~f~t~h~e~R~etgi£re~d~p~OI~ic~e~A~SS~o~c~ia~t~io~n~O~f~th~e~N~Orrt~h~e:rn~T~er~r~it~o~ry~n~c~~;-____ --JI

.JOY COLLINS

Some of our members will remem­ber Joy Coli ins who was a high

profile journalist and social re­

porter for the NT News in Darwin for many years. She was always a tireless worker for the community and sports clubs.

Joy passed away on 9 February 2000 at Mandurah, WA. Joy and her late husband Ron were in the BatchelorlAdelaide River area in the late 1940's - 50's and in the 1960's - 70's Ron was the lis­encee of the Arafura Bowling Club in Ross Smith Avenue, Parap.

This information was provided by Harry Pyle who also adds: Al­though she and her deceased hus­band Ron Collins were never members of the NT Police Force I

believe they were always suppor­tive of us.

Thank you Harry.

May She Rest in Peace.

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

FREE FUNDRAISING DINNER

Our local Darwin members will be able to join in for this fun event. It is being held at the Howard Springs Tavern on (you guessed it), Saturday 1 April 2000. A free bus service is being provided from the Dar­win City, northern suburbs and Palmerston areas. The dinner is FREE. BUT the tickets will cost you $25 per person (pre paid) or $30 at the door. We are hoping to have a small auction and there will also be a number of spins on the "Palmerston Community Wheel" with a great variety of prizes including dinner vouch­ers.

There are only limited tickets O'Rielly bowled Bob for 4.

SO we encourage those who wish to attend to contact either John (Pastry) Wilson or Janell Cox asap with their money. The funds raised will go to­wards a Welfare Project for members.

We will bring you more on the night in the next newsletter.

VALE

Robert Cousins de Champfleur DARKEN

9/7/19 - 17/2/00

Served 1939 - 1949

MAY HE REST IN PEA CE

EULOGY FOR BOB DARKEN BY GARTH MACPHERSON

Robert Cousins de Champt1eur Darken ws born in Parkes, New South Wales on 9th July 1919. His parents were Eugene Darken and Catherine -nee Woodward. He had two sisters, Catherine and Doris and he was the youngest of three brothers, Frederick, Thomas and Raymond. His parents were both English. His mother had been a nurse and his father a soldier, having served in the Boer War and World War I where he was wounded on Gallipoli. His brother Ray was killed whilst Hying Lancaster Bomb­ers over Germany during World War 11. Bob and his other brothers all joined the AIF during this period.

His childhood was spent on a 5000 acre wheat, sheep and cattle property near Parkes, where he attended pri­mary and later High School and it was there that he attained his Intermediate Certificate. His favourite subject was sport and at one stage, he and his brother Ray were both picked to play a"ainst an Australian XI. This would h~ve been a very proud moment for both young men because the Austra­lian team consisted of such names as Bradman, Kippax, Ponsford, Fingle­ton, McCabe, O'Rielly. Richardson, Oldtleld, Woodful and Wall. Bill

Bob had obtained his wool classing diploma and worked in various sheds and wool stores. After his tlrst year of wool classing. Bob moved to Sydney and got a job as manager of a parking station garage. It happened to be next door to Jack Dunlevey's boxing gym­nasium, Bob could tight a bit and learned the art from his older broth-ers. Earlier, at a shearing shed near Quirindi, NSW he had an altercation with a shearer who was much bigger than himself. Bob gave the shearer a lesson in fisticuffs that earned him the respect of others who may have con­sidered their own chances. Jack Dun­levey and Hop Harry Stone trained Bob - both great fighters in their day. He fought as a welterweight under the name ot' Jack Fitzgerald because he didn't want his parents to know he was a professional boxer. During thc time he was with Dunlevey and Stone, he had 27 fights, won 26 and drew one.

Two weeks after his last tight, Bob joined the Eastern Command Coast Artillery at North Head Barracks. His number was 5371. Apart from stan­dard military duties and training, he played rugby union and cricket for the army, on weekends he also played rugby with Five Dock Metropolitan and St. George. In 1938 he won the Australian Interservices welterweight title. In March of that year, the Dar­win Mobile Force was formed and Bob became a member of that unit. He found rugby wasn't played in Dar win so he took up Australian Rules (bless him) playing with the Waratah Team. He represented the army in the boxing ring and continued to win his bouts.

On 12 June 1939 Bob transferred from the army to the Northern Terri­tory Police in Darwin. In those days all training was learned on the street. On that tirst day legendary Inspector John Creed Lovegrove called Bob into his oftice and asked if he could tight. Bob answered that he could a bit and was duly informed, "Well. you'l! get plenty of practice". Those words were to prove correct. In those early days of his career, most of his duties were confined to town. One patrol he went on in 1942 was to in­vestigate reports of Japanese and a wireless mast at Gunn Point. Their investigation subsequently proved

I I~

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these reports to be false.

In 1941 Bob was stationed as reliev­ing OIC in Katherine for several months before returning to Darwin. At 9.50am on 19 February 1942. he had just given evidence in a court case. Hearing aircraft. he spotted three formations of nine Japanese Bombers and remembered his mate, Dave Moftlin who was asleep in the barracks after completing a night shift. He woke Dave and as they were leaving. the barracks received a direct hit. BOIh men were blown under a concrete tank stand. suffering only minor injuries. Fortunately. they also escaped the Japanese strafing and other bomb fragments as they made their way to the pOlice station. Unfor­tunately. the Darwin Post Office also received a direct hit and many occu­pants were not so fortunate.

At the end of May in 1942 and after many air raids, Bob and other police found themselves transferred to Alice Springs. However, the war was still with them and Bob was successful in applying for leave to join the army. On 25 June 1842, he married Vicki Ormond whom he had met soon after joining the Mounted Police. They were married in a church where Woolworths is now situated. The couple was not financially well off and spent their honeymoon at a gap in the Western MacDonnell ranges in a tent. That gap was later named in their honour and is known today as Honeymoon Gap.

Bob returned to the AIF as a Private but was soon promoted to Warrant Officer. Due to his previous army background he was required as an in­structor at various AIF units. Later on, Bob joined up with Captain Snow Elliott to form a transit camp south of Newcastle Waters. The camp was named ElIiott after the Commanding Officer and is now a township. Some­time afterwards, Bob developed ma­laria. was hospitalised in Alice Springs and recalled back to the po­lice force where his duties included that of prosecutor. later transferring to Tennant Creek.

It was in Tennant Creek that Vicki gave binh to their tirst child, Sondra.

Later on. Bob was required to carry out relief duries at Roper River Police Station. casuing him to leave his fam-

ily in Tennant Creek. In 1945. Bob was transferred to Harts Range, a po­lice district of 60,000 square miles or 100.000 square kilometres where he was required to carry out regular pa­trols on horseback. During his ab­sences from the station. the responsi­bility of duties normally performed by him fell upon Vicki. This wa~ and in most cases still is the situation at bush stations. During these patrols. Bob's constant companions were his track­ers. Sid. Sonny or Jacky the Bull. The Hans Range patrol area covered from Alice Springs in the west. east to the Queensland border. north to Barrow Creek and south to Atparpa Station (or Loves Creek).

It was while at Harts Range that Vicki and Bob's second daughter, Joanne was born in Alice Springs.

Bob and the Webb brothers from Mount Riddock started the Harts Range Amateur Race Club. This popular event continues today.

In 1950, Bob left the police force to purchase Simpsons Gap Station.

One day. Bob was mustering cattle when his horse fell on him and in­jured is back to such an extent it was 12 months before he could move freely and certainly unable to ride a horse again. He decided to sell the station to the Federal Government who turned it into a National Park. Bob was offered the position of Cura­tor in Charge and then became a member of the Reserves Board. result­ing in him being one of the tirst Ranger in the Northern Territory.

A brief outline of Bob's achievements and community work are as follows:

• He arrived in the NT with the army in 1938:

• Joined the mounted police in 1939:

• Re-joined the AIF in 19.+2 and atrained the rank of War­rant Officer;

• Returned to the police force and served a total of 10 years in Darwin. Katherine, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek. Roper River and Harts Range. The latter was his favourite posting.

• President of the Police Asso­ciation from 1940 to 1944;

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Founding member of the Harts Range Amateur Race Club;

Chairman of the Alice Springs Hospital Advisory Board for 4 years;

Founding member of Tennant Creek RSL; President of Alice Springs Owners. Trainers and Jockeys Association 1950; Foundation member of the Centmliun Art Society;

. President of the Central Aus­tralian Show Society for 5 years:

Assistant Chairman of the Northern Territory Wildlife Advisory Board; and

In 1961. he became a member or the Alice Springs Lodge.

May he rest in peace.

NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE MUSEUM

A meeting of the Working Party on the museum was held on Friday 18 February with Commissioner Bates and Assistant Commissioner Doug Smith.

A number of issues were resolved and a newsletter from the newly formed "Northern Territory Police Museum" will be forwarded to all members in the near future.

The Management Committee has been formed under the chairman­ship of Bill Wilson with a represen­tative from RPANT. RPANT mem­bers will be sought to volunteer to man the display as and when re­quired. More on this later.

It is antiCipated that our members will be able to contribute to this project by way of monetary dona­tions. This will enable individuals or groups of people to "sponsor" display areas or cabinets. Donors will be recognised by way of a "Sponsor's plaque" on the display.

More on this in the NTPM Newslet­ter soon.

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