Lot 1654

Description

Reward fob to a Police Constable, in gold (15ct; approx 11.0g; 30x37mm), by W.Kerr, handcrafted cross with central wreath around overlaid initials, 'AR', with fancy scroll suspension, reverse inscribed, 'Presented/By/R.Hickling/"The Rugby" Newtown/To/Constable A.Read/In recognition of Service rendered/In Preventing/Burglary/16th March 1896', the fob cross attached to a fob chain of brass with an attached swivelling citrine paste pendant. The reverse inscription very worn, otherwise fine.

In the New South Wales Police Gazette, 1 April 1896, is recorded, 'Joseph Phillips, alias Bourke, alias Wilson, charged with attempting to burglariously break and enter the dwelling-house of Robert Hickling, "Rugby Hotel", Newtown, on the 14th ultimo, has been arrested by Constable Read, Sydney Police.

A brief account of the incident is that at Newtown in the early hours of the morning Watchman Taylor was patrolling King Street when he heard noises on the balcony of Mr R.Hickling's Rugby Hotel at the corner of King and Watkin Streets. He reported the matter to Constable Head who was on duty in the vicinity. The constable approached the hotel stealthily and on hearing voices on the balcony he proceeded to climb up one of the balcony posts. Just as he reached the top a man sprang from the balustrade and jumped to the ground, a distance of about 14ft. The constable got down and a lively chase ensued until they reached a lane at the rear of Bucknell Street. Several times the constable called on the runaway to stop and threatened to fire at him. The man ignored the warning and Constable Read fired and a ball from his Webley revolver passed through the fleshy part of the man's upper arm. He then staggered to the fence and was arrested. When asked what he was doing on the balcony the man said he was 'prospecting'. He was then taken to the police station and charged with having being found on the premises of the hotel with intent to commit a felony.

With folder of research.