Lot 1413

Description

Queensland Police Force, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee silver medal, 1897, in silver (36mm), by R. Capner, edge inscribed (engraved) W.E. Parry-Okeden commissioner. Suspender broken otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare, especially to the highest ranking officer.

Parry-Okeden, William Edward (1840-1926), born in the Snowy River district of an English pioneer settler, he gained much experience in Victoria and later Queensland. In 1870, he commenced employment in the Queensland Public Service. He married in Maryborough in 1873. He was president of the Jockey Club at Charleville and Gayndah. The Charleville Times later wrote of the time "when Parry-Okeden was king". In the 1890's he was picked by the Government to restore order after the shearer strikes. He was appointed Commissioner in 1895 and because of his understanding of the aborigines he became Protector of Aborigines. As Police Commissioner he brought about much reform. He was appointed I.S.O in 1903 and retired in 1905. The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria was an appropriate time to recognise the men and officers of the force with this unique medal.