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1951-52
VICTORIA
Annual Report
of the
Chief Commissioner of Police, Victoria,
Australia
Alexander M. Dun can, C.M.G., J .P.
FOR THE YEAR 1950
PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY ffiS EXCELLENCY'S Cm.1MAND
[Cost of Report :-Preparation-Nob given. Printing (800 copies), £180.]
MELBOURNE,
24TH j ULY, 1951.
~JJ ,9-uttr.oritl! :
J, J. GOURLEY, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MElWJUR~~E
No. 1L-[2s.]-ll484/51.
Introduction
CHAPTER 1.-AmnNISTRATIONAppointments
Awards and Commendations
Conferences
Correspondence
Discipline
Distribution
Finance
Headquarters Administration
Health ..
In Memoriam
Promotions
Retirements, Discharges, &c.
StrengthActual
Authorized
Per head of population
Vacancies
CHAPTER 2.-RECRUITINO AND TRAININGRecruiting, Training
CHAPTER 3.-BnLDINGS AND PROPERTYBuildings, Property, Accommodation
CHAPTER 4.-SPECIAL BRANCHESCommunications, D. 24 ..
Criminal Investigation Branch
Finger Print Section
Information Bureau
Policewomen
Records Section
Scientific Section
Technical Section
Transport Branch
Wharf Patrol
Wireless Patrol ..
CHAPTER 5.--CRDIECrime Statistics ..
Juvenile Delinquency
CHAPTER 6.-TRAFFICAccidents
Motor Registration
TraHic Control District
Traffic Offences ..
CHAPTER 7 .-OTHER PoLICE Dcn:msExtraneous Positions
Firearms
Gaming
Licensing
Lost and Unclaimed Property
Vice
CHAPTER 8.-GENERAL--
Amenities
Appreciation
Charitable Appeals
Work at Police Stations
Youth Welfare ..
INDEX
PAGE
5
8
8
11
11
11
7
10
10
9
9
8
8
6
6
6
6
12
13
15
14
14
14
16
14
15
Hi
17
18
17
19
23
26
28
25
26
29
29
29
30
31
31
32
34
32
33
32
Hon. K. Dodgshun, M.L.A.,
Chief Secretary,
SIR,
Old Treasury Buildings,
Spring-street, Melbourne, C.L
Chief Commissioner's Office,
Police Headquarters,
Melbourne, 24th July, 1951.
ln presenting the Annual Report of the Victoria Police Department for the year
ended 31st December, 1950, I am pleased to say that, on the whole, the year's work was
verv satisfactorY. ~ J
We are considerably handicapped in our activities by shortage of man-power, the
Force being 323 members under strength at the end of the year under review, but when
this figure is compared with 4 77 men short in 194B it will be seen that some progress has
been made in our endeavours to reach authorized strength.
The ever-increasing toll of the road is one of the major problems with which we
are confronted, and the 539 deaths and 10,965 persons injured in 1950 as the result of
traffic accidents constitutes, unfortunately, a record. Excessive speed was the cause of
nearly half these fatalities, and, as stated in previous reports, I am firmly of the opinion
that the effective policing of the roads by uniformed police is the only solution to this
problem. Until the Force is up to strength, however, it is impossible to further increase
the strength of the Traffic Branch.
The total of 61,724 criminal and other offences reported during the year, and
enumerated in Chapter 5 of this Report, also created a record, the greatest increase being
in "offences against good order", in respect of which 21,964 were for being "drunk and
d orderly ".
Juvenile delinquency showed a slight increase on the previous year, but against
this there has been a consistent and substantial decrease in delinquency figures since 1942.
It is an indisputable fact that if we are to build toward a crime-free nation it is imperative
that the character of our youth be properly moulded to inculcate a perspective of
citizenship value. Toward this end much g.ood work is being accomplished by a large
number of members of the Force who have mterested themselves in youth welfare.
An innovation so far as the Victoria Police Force is concerned was the introduction
laRt October of a training course for police instructors. This three weeks' course was
conducted in collaboration with the Education Department and was held at the Teachers'
Training College where 21 members of the Force studied the psychology of teaching,
voice training and how to use visual aids such as diagrams, maps, charts, and film slides,
to illustrate their subjects. I am indebted to the Director of Education for his co-operation
in making the facilities of his Department available for this purpose, and feel confident
that the course will prove of inestimable value personally to the members selected to
attend and to the Force generally.
Last September, the Government was pleased to approve of the purchase of a
property at Mornington, known as " Sutton Grange ", to establish a Police College on the
lines of that already in operation at Ry"'ton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, England. It has
long been appreciated by authorities in Great Britain and other parts of the Empire that
men who are to fill the higher ranks in the Police Service need an opportunity for studv
and experience wider than their daily work provides. The object of such a College, therefor~,
is to provide a training which will broaden the outlook, improve the professional knowledge
and stimulate the energies of men who have reached or are reaching the middle and higher
ranks of the Force, and I feel that our College here, which should be operating in 1951,
will materially help officers and potential officers to acquire a new appreciation of the hiah
responsibilities of their positions. e-
(a) Actual StrengthChief Commissioner ..
Inspecting Superintendent
Superintendents
Chief Inspector
Inspectors ..
Inspectors (brevit rank)
Sergeants ..
Senior Constables
Senior Constables (brevit rank)
l<'irst Constables (foot)
Constables (foot)
First Constables (mounted)
Constables (mounted)
Policewomen
Total
(b) VacanciesSuperintendents
Inspectors ..
Sergeants ..
Senior Constables
Constables ..
Total
(c) Authorized Strength
6
CHAPTER 1.
ADMINISTRATION.
STRENGTH OF THE FoRCE.
Auxiliary Policewomen performing regular duty
As at 31st December.
1949. 1950.
1 1
1 1
18 17
1 1
61 61
1 1
170 173
442 461
2 1
870 830
940 1,110
48 47
24 26
18 21
2,597 2,751
1
1 2
4 1
1 2
471 317
477 323
3,074 3,074
39 47
The following table discloses the relative authorized strength of the Victoria Police
Force to the population of the State for the years 1945 to 1950 inclusive1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
Year (at 30th June). Population.
2,007,029
2,036,000
2,055,252
2,090,668
2,139,124
2,202,869
Authorized StrHJJgth of Force (at 31st December).
2,373
2,753
2,753
2,775
3,074
3,074
Strenqth per Hea<l of Population.
1-850
1-737
1-746
1-753
1-696
1-716
7
Detailed Distribution of the Force as at 31st December, 1950.
Foot. Mounted. 1_ Policewomen.
~ i I
I !
"" :;;. '" "' ] " " " g;
~ District. ] :ri 1 ~ > ;a ;a .., :;; I I l:! 1!! 1!! ~ 1!! ;a <.> "' '" e. "' I!J .5 !l ~
~ s . ~ " ~ ej " I!J .;
" ~ I ... .'S 0 0 :1l " 0 " 0-" " .£ £ 0 o:;;- 0 0 0 i 0 o;@ "" " 0 0 .0 0 j '5 8 " ii ... ""'" s ~ .Q .._o 'W " .9 .9~ ~ ~
·§:~' ~.~ ~ ! "" I.
!!! ~ :!l "' " """ ~ " " .~ s ,;s § £1 ~ '" '-';I:: 0 O'o 8 "" "' m m~ 0 '"' en .. 0
- - - 1- -~-
Barwon .. 1 . . 2 . . 3 I . . . . .. 14 . . 26 23 I .. . . I 1
Bourke .. .. . . .. 1 . . 4 .. I9 41 .. 74 77 I .. .. 1 1
Central Highlands .. .. .. 1 . . 3 .. 6 16 . . 58 20 5 2 .. 1 1
Corangamite .. . . .. . . 1 . . I . . 3 12 . . 28 8 1 . . .. .. ..
Depot .. .. . . .. . . .. 1 .. 3 8 .. 26 50 5 20 .. . . . .
East Glppsland .. .. . . .. . . 2 .. 3 7 .. I4 I4 I2 .. .. . . ..
Flinders .. . . .. . . I . . 3 . . I4 32 . . 60 57 . . . . .. .. . .
Gippsland .. .. .. .. 1 .. 2 .. 6 14 .. 27 26 7 1 .. . . ..
Glenelg .. .. .. . . 1 . . 2 .. 2 5 .. 24 9 I .. .. .. . .
Goulburn .. .. . . . . 1 .. 1 .. 2 14 .. 24 20 1 . . .. . . . .
Loddon . . . . .. .. 1 . . 2 .. 2 15 .. 31 18 1 . . . . . . ..
:Mallee . . .. .. .. 1 .. 2 .. 4 14 .. 28 25 .. .. .. . . . .
Melbourne .. .. . . . . 1 1 17 .. 55 132 .. 148 452 . . . . I 2 9
lipper Goulburn . . .. . . I . . 1 . . 3 11 .. 17 11 3 I .. . . ..
lipper Murray .. .. .. 1 . . 1 .. 3 10 .. 29 ll 2 .. . . ..
Wimmera . . . . . . .. 1 . . 1 .. 2 8 .. 20 9 4 .. .. .. . .
Yarra .. . . .. . . 1 . . 3 .. 10 32 . . 43 54 4 1 . . 2 ..
C.I. Branch .. . . . . 1 .. 8 .. 24 43 .. 31 81 .. . . . . 1 ..
Information Bureau .. .. .. . . .. 3 1 4 17 I 1 27 18 .. .. . . .. ..
Traffic Control . . .. .. 1 . . 2 .. 5 16 . . 95 127 . . .. .. .. . .
Chief Commissioner's i
Office I .. .. 1 1 I . . .. . . . . .. .. . . .. . . .. .. .. .. . . !
Total .. 1 1 17 1 61 1 173 461 1 830 1,110 47 26
I
1 8112
Salary per annum of members of the Force as at 31st December, 1950-
0jjicersInspecting Superintendent
Superintendent
Chief Inspector
Inspector
Sub-QjficersSergeant
Senior Constable
First Constables and ConstablesFirst Constable
Constable
£
1,041
786
686
641
516
471
417-456
368-412
i':'
~ :::1
<
"" '" j.
8~
0 ~0 ~
E-< :::: .. -
72 1
219 1
113 1
54 . .
113 1
52 ..
167 1
84 . .
44 . .
63 1
70 ..
74 1
8I8 2I
48 1
57 1
45 ..
150 l
189 3
71 11
246 2
2 ..
2,751 47
In addition to the above rates a cost of living allowance of £181 a year was payable
at 31st December, 1950, and also various other allowances in accordance with the
Determinations of the Police Classification Board.
8
Appointments- 1950.
276
1949.
Number appointed to the Force 357
Retirements, d-ischarges, &c.-
During the year 1950, 122 members left the Force-a decrease of 24 compared with
1949. The reasons for leaving were as follows :--
i
I
Inspecting I Snperin~ Inspectors. tendcnt~.
-----------------l-----;------l------:--·--·--·--------1----l------
Rea."ons. I SU)JCTI!l·
tendcnts. Sergeants. Tot<>!.
D ied . . . . .. . ' '. . . . . 3 4 7
s uperannuatedRetiring age .. . . 2 1 3
I
5 10 38 59
Ill-health . . .. . . . . 1 . . . . 3 4
R esigned .. .. . . . . . .
I
. .
I
6 43 49
D ischarged or dismissed . ' . . .. . . . . .. 3 3
Totals 2 1 4
I .. . . 5 19 91 122
I
Promotions.
The number of promotions during the year were :-
Superintendent to Inspecting Superintendent
Chief Inspector to Superintendent
Inspector to Chief J nspector
Sergeant to Inspector
Senior Constable to Sergeant
First Constable to Senior Constable
Constable to First Constable
Total ..
AWARDS.
Commendations.
1
2
2
7
14
54
62
142
During 1950, the Chief Commissioner made commendations on the service record
sheets of 269 members of the Force in regard to outstanding prrformancc of duty.
ValouT Badge.
Two members of the ]'orce were awarded the Police Valour Badge during the yearFirst Constable John Malcolm Hodgson, No. 7021, Cowes, for outstanding
courage and devotion to duty in effecting the arrest of three desperate
criminals for office breaking and stealing ;
Constable Frederick Gordon Jones, No. 9955, Mentone, for bravery in
assisting to rescue a fisherman at Mentone from drowning.
Bronze Medal.
The Royal Humane Society awarded their Bronze Medal to each of the following
members of the Police Force~
First Constable Thomas Andrew O'Halloran, No. 9022, vValwa, for his part
in rescuing the body of Edmond Ernest Murphy from a mine shaft at
]'luorspar Mine on 16th September, 1949;
Senior Constable George Henry \Vilson, No. 8218, Shepparton, and First
Constable Stanley Robert Durston, No. 8694, Shepparton, in rescuing
Thomas Robert rraig from a burning truck at Shepparton on 31st January,
1950.
Rank.
Senior Constable
Senior Constable
Constable
Senior Constable
First Constable
Constable
First Constable
First Constable
First Constable
Senior Constable
Sergeant
Inspector
Sub-Inspector
Sub-Inspector
First Constable
Senior Constable
First Constable
Sergeant First Class
Sergeant First Class
Sergeant First Class
Inspector
First Constable
Constable
First Constable
Senior Constable
Inspector
First Constable
Sub-Inspector
Senior Constable
Constable
Sergeant Second Class ..
Superintendent
Sub-Inspector
Superintendent
Superintendent
Sub-Inspector
Inspector
Inspector
First Constable
Sergeant First Class
Sergeant Second Class ..
First Constable
Sergeant First Class
Year.
1949 . . . . ..
1950 . . . . .. I
IN .M:EMORIAJ\L
Name.
Members of the Force.
Howard, W alter Thomas
Loveridge, John
Horner, Henry Ralph
Gunn, John Alexander
Howell, Hector Keith
Naylor, Alan William
McKibhin, Clyde Bell
Pensioners.
Usher, \Villiam Irvine
Dunn, J ames
Disney, Arthnr Ja.mes ..
Portingale, George
Dwyer, Patrick
Curtin, Thomas
Morey, Jamcs ~Ia,tthew
Elliget, Waiter Francis
Donnan, Georgc V.B.
Koop, William Spehr ..
Besant, Frank
Vincent, Leslic :Jloore
Tully, Michael
JY!cl\1illen, Hugh
Alien, Alexander
Dungey, Albert Collins
Smith, Patrick
Carnell, Alexander
l\icMillan, Andrew William Edward
Millar, Alfred John
Donovan, ~Iiehael
Piggott, John James
Barry, Edward lVIichael
Strain, J ame;;
Mackenzie, John Donald
Crawford, William
Gorey, James Herbert
Anderson, Robert Dunbar
Lam perd, J ames Henry
Dallv, Perciml John Beru1ett
Roddv, John
Dela1;ey, J ames
Gleeson, John Stephen
Harri~, Fmncis Wiliiam
Miller, William J olm
Dunn, Thomas
Register ::-!utnbcr.
7794
6995
10763
7473
8273
10620
8338
6511
4955
5632
5571
5311
3230
4643
5670
5675
8300
5233
5080
·1793
5303
6138
4008
4707
3417
5573
8382
3705
6383
4574
4549
4486
4603
4811
5243
4969
5417
4391
6272
7243
5245
6617
3754
Injuries and Sickness Incurred and Sickness ::-! ot "On Duty." On Dnty."
Number Total Average Number Tot"'l Average ::-lumber
of Men. Days. lJays oi Men. Days. Days Abs<•nt. of Men. Absent.
154 2,058 I 1:3 1,359 1:3,604 10 1,513 I
I
210 3,371 ! 16 1,519 15,409 10 1,729
I
:
I
Date.
12.1.50
2.3.50
22.5.50
3.10.50
4.12.50
23.12.50
28.12.50
11.1.50
22.1.50
28.1.50
26.2.50
7.3.50
16.3.50
29.3.50
31.3.50
12.4.50
14.4.50
17.5.50
4.6.50
13.6.50
20.6.50
7.7.50
13.7.50
15.7.50
28.7.50
26.7.50
6.8.50
9.8.50
14.8.50
4.9.50
27.9.50
30.9.50
Hl.l0.50
:30.10.50
30.10.50
27.10.50
2.11.50
15.11.50
16.11.50
17.11.50
6.12.50
9.12.50
30.12.50
Total.
Average
llays
Absent.
15,662 10
18,780 11
10
AssAULTS oN PoLICE.
During the year 229 members of the Force were assaulted in the execution of their
duty, 23 more than in 1949. It is apparent that many citizens are still content to stand
by and see police attacked and in danger of serious injury while carrying out their duty
of preserving law and order.
HEADQUARTERS AmnNISTRATION.
The staff in the Chief Commissioner's Office and at the Motor Registration Branch
are Public Servants. Personnel employed in the Department as at 31st December, 1950,
numbered 355, distributed as under :-
Headquarters, clerical
Headquarters, maintenance
Police Hospital
Police Depot and Store
City W atchhouse ..
Motor Registration Branch
:Yiiscellaneous
84
28
11
8
4
212
8
355
The shortage of clerical staff is being gradually overtaken but the efficiency of a
large number of recent temporary appointees leaves a lot to be desired. Also, the
appointment of a considerable number of part-time female employees, mostly married
women, is indicative of the state of the labor market, and their replacement by those who
can give full time service is most desirable.
An all-round increase in the work of the Department occasioned by the steady flow
of recruits to the Police Force, amendments to the Police Regulation (Pensions) Act 1950,
three adjustments in the cost of living allowance and the ever-increasing number of
motor car registrations, necessitated overtime being worked by most sections of the
administrative staff for an appreciable part of the year.
Hem.
ReceiptsPolice services ..
Motor Registration Branch
Other revenue
ExpenditureSalaries, &c.-
Police
Public Service staff
Motor cars-purchase, maintenance, &c.
Miscellaneous
FINANCE.
Financial Year.
19491950.
£
241,394
3,232,116
2,751
1,556,265
139,882
46,907
327,643
~ 1948··1040.
£
+ 44,712
+ 804,274
+ 1,376
+ 366,471
+ 25,869
+ 17,840
+ 52,345
Total.
1950. + 1949.
£ £
3,476,261 + 850,362
2,070,697 1 + 462,525
The noticeable increase in receipts for 1949-1950 was mainly due to increased
revenue at the Motor Registration Branch caused by the cancellation of the 25 per cent.
reduction in registration fees consequent on the abolition of petrol rationing early in the
year, and the large increase in the number of vehicles registered in 1950.
The introduction in July, 1949, of the payment of compensatory allowances for
shift work performed by members of the Force on Saturdays, Sundays, and public
holidays accounted, to a large extent, for the increase in police salaries. Two cost of
living adjustments, each of £12, were also responsible for part of the increase in both
Police and Public Service staff salaries.
11
DISCIPLINE.
How Disposed ofNumber of Xumhcr of
Decision I Hednced
I Charges Dealt With by- !\I embers Char£.:es I I J;'ined. but I Di~missed Charge<l. l'referre.d. Cha.rrte Repri· J;'ined Decision from t.he Dismis~ed. manded. · Deferre<l Defen-ed. in Rank. Service. by C.C.P.
I
Chief Commissioner,
summarily . . 17 20 . . 4 1 6 8 1 . . ..
Police Discipline
Board .. . . 38 63 10 22 . . 26 . . .. 2 3
Totals .. 55 83 10 26 1 32 8 1 2 3
CENTRAL CoRRESPONDENCE BuREAU.
The number of files of correspondence which pass through this Bureau continues
to expand, a total of 266,396 being handled during the year under review. This represents
an increase of 34,788 files or 15 · 02 per cent. over the previous year. There was no
outstanding variation in any particular classification or type of correspondence and the
increase can be regarded as of a general nature, reflecting the grmvth of the Department
as a whole.
CoKFERE~OES.
Commissioners.
Sydney was the venue, and November the time, for the Annual Conference of
Commissioners of Police of all States and New Zealand.
The Conference was honoured by the presence ofSir Richard Aluwihare, Inspector-General of Police, Ceylon, who was accompanied
by Superintendent S. A. Dissanayaka;
Colonel J. S. Grimshaw, Commissioner of Police, New Guinea; and
Mr. W. J. G. Holland, Deputy Commissioner of Police, :Fiji.
The view-points of these representatives from other parts of the British J1Jmpire
were most interesting to the Australian Commissioners, and '"ere a valuable contribution
to the discussions.
Mr. \V. F. Johns, ex-Commissio…13488 tokens truncated…iding bicycle on footpath ..
Wrong side of road (bicycle)
I Number
Reported.
!
5
8
6
43
16
16
1
6
1
2
1,624
46
22
6
H
6
85
8
Offence.
Police O.ffi;nces Act-continued.
PedestriansObstruction
Melbourne City Council Re_gulations~
Motor Vehicles~
i
.. ,
Number
Reported.
4
Against one-way traffic 2
Parked on taxi stand 6
Prohibited turn 15
Parked on carriers stand . . 1
Private vehicle on commercial track. . 2
Unattended in prohibited area 646
PedestriansAngle walking 1
Sheep Owners' Protection ActCarry sheep without permit 8
Ju.stices ActAiding and abetting 13
Total 137,857
i
MoTOR REGISTRATION BRANCH.
The total revenue at the Motor Registration Branch during 1950 reached the
record figure of £4,257,876 which is indicative of the enormous amount of work performed
at that Branch, some idea of which may be assessed from the figures quoted hereunder.
The amount of work associated with the registration or re-registration of over
400,000 motor vehicles, was beyond the capacity of the clerical staff to cope with during
ordinary office hours, and it was necessary for overtime to be worked practically all the
year in an endeavour to keep abreast with the work.
1n an attempt to alleviate the position, the Public Service Board authorized the
employment of volunteers from other State Public Departments for over-time work at the
Branch, and up to a maximum of 86 clerks and typists assisted for varying periods during
the year. Despite every effort by the staff, however, the work could not be kept up-to-date
and some special effort will have to be made during 1951 with a view to overtaking the
arrears.
Motor carsPrivate
Commercial ..
Primary producer
Hire
Motor cycles
Trailers ..
Traction engines
Omnibuses
Total
Drivers' licenses current
Statistics.
Item.
Motor Vehicles Re,qistered.
Other Details.
New motor cars registered in 1950
New motor cycles registered in 1950
Revenue for the year ended 31st December, 1950
.. !
As at 31.12.50.
240,816
71,563
69,610
4,342
33,277
10,998
48
794
431,448
•• i 533,372
54,826
5;812
£3,232,116
(Inclusive of
Third Party
Insurance,
£4,257 ,876)
+ 1949.
+ 39,579
+ 4,314
+ 2,796
+ 256
+ 278
+ 548
13
153
+ 21,429
+ 18,827
245
+ £631,451
+ £913,436
29
CHAPTER 7.
O'l'HER POLICE DUTIES.
ExTRANEous PosiTIONS.
A considerable amount of extraneous duties on behalf of other Government
Departments and Municipalities is still being performed by the Police, as will be seen
from the following figures
Position. Number of Posit.ions Held at 31st December, 1950 . ... ______ .. _____ _ ···--.. ·------1-~-~ .. -------
Bailiff, County Court ..
Bailiff, Court of Mines ..
Bailiff, Crown Lands
Bailiff, Sheriff's
Clerk of Petty Sessions
Coast Guard • ..
Commissioner of Supreme Court
Electoral Agent
Forest Officer ..
Inspector of Border Stock
Inspector of Factories ..
Inspector of Fisheries and Game
Inspector of Nuisances
Issuer of :Miner's Rights
Issuer of Trout Licences
Meteorological Observer
Mining Registrar
Prosecuting Officer
Registrar of Pensions ..
River Gauge Reader
Summoning Ofiicer
Supervisor of Rocket Crew Practices
Warden's Clerk
Wharf Manager
Miscellaneous ..
Total
Number of men holding such positions ..
FIREARMS.
141
14
4
60
1
4
16
22
8
5
263
18
70
9
10
2
. 14
180
1
7
20·!
4
5
~36
28
1,126
505
The fact that 126 more pistols \vere confiscated or surrendered in 1950 than in
1949 .further emphasizes the necessity for the introduction of the amending legislation
referred to in several previous reports. It is hoped that early action ,,;rill be taken to
provide this legislation which is so urgently needed to ensure adequate control of firearms
in this State.
Item. Number.
Pistols registered in names of institutions, private individuals, &c. 5,522
Pistols confiscated and surrendered 283
Prosecutions for possession of and carrying unregistered pistols, &c. 125
GAMING.
The statistics quoted hereunder reveal an appreciable increase in the number of
gaming offences detected in 1950 compared with the previous year. The greatest
proportion of offences detected was for illegal betting, while other forms of gambling, such
as raffles and "housey-housey" appear to be increasing again now that they can be
legally conducted under permit.
The detection and conviction of offenders for illegal betting has, in most cases
very little effect in the suppression of this form of gambling, largely due to the fact that
the principal is seldom detected and that the minimum fine (£20) is inflicted in the
majority of instances.
30
This fine is the same now as it was in 1915 when the pound was worth considerably
more than it is to-day. Consequently, the penalty imposed is not such a deterrent as it
was in years gone by.
Special attention has been paid to "baccarat" schools which, in the city area,
are now practically non-existent, but consta,nt supervision will be necessary to prevent
this game from flourishing again.
Statisti,cs.
Item. 1950 . ~ 1949.
. ·~·--~·· --------~··-··----1---·-~~---- :----~---~-
Gaming offences detected
Oases before the Court
Oases pending
Convictions--
Street betting
Keeping common gaming house
Persons found in common gaming house
Betting house
Other gaming offences
Oases withdrawn ..
Oases dismissed ..
Total fines
I •• I
I
LICENSING.
2,351
2,159
192
868
25
714
148
275
21
108
£28,088
+ 390
+ 217
+ 140
+ 13
11
+ 56
+ £1,011
In addition to the ordinary supervision of the premises tiRted below and making
regular reports to the Licensing Courts, Police detected a total of 3,522 licensing offences
during the year, 297 more than in 1949.
The general condition of hotels can be said to be reasonably satisfactory although
much room for llllprovement still exists. The retention of the restrictions on building
materials and expenditure has prevented many owners and licensees from effecting
further additions, alterations, and improvements. The public generally has been well
catered for as regards meals and accommodation and very few complaints in this respect
have been received.
Figures relevant to licensing are as under :~-
Licences in forceHotel
Club
\Vine
Billiard rooms
Miscellaneous (spirit merchants, grocers, railway refreshment rooms,
&c.)
Reports submitted for the information of the Licensing Court
Applications for transfers ·
Applications objected to ..
Applications refused by the Court
Licensing offences detected
Result of Court actionConvictions recorded
Cases dismissed
Cases withdrawn
Total Cases before the Court
Total amount of Fines
1,666
122
122
166
637
2,713
13,397
620
30
13
3,522
2,850
250
196
3,296
£6,437
31
LosT AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY.
The Lost Property Office at Police Headquarters, Russell-street, again had a busy
year, as evidenced by the following summary of its activities:-
Item.
Number of lost and unclaimed articles received
Number of articles returned to owners
Number of articles returned to finders
Amount of cash received ..
Amount of cash returned to owners
Amount of cash returned to finders
Proceeds from Auction Sales
1950. :!: 1949.
··~~~---····---·1-----·---·····-i-----······------
VICE.
5,564
2,684
669
£4,461
£3,553
£551
£661
+ 1,151
+ 242
+ 348
+ £1,763
+ £1,628
+ £384
+ £57
There was a considerable increase over 1949 m the number of charges (409)
preferred by members of the Vice Squad during 1950. These related mainly to prostitution,
houses of habitual prostitution, and insufficient means of support.
Six charges, all against Chinese, for opium smoking were laid during the year.
'rhe Police are hampered in bringing these offences to notice by the time required to
obtain the necessary warrant, the time lag in some instances being as long as three weeks.
This allows the opium to be distributed or used in the meantime.
The city area was practically free of street prostitution, the main trouble centres
being in the inner metropolitan suburbs. Of a total of 63 offenders charged by the Vice
Squad, 24 women were charged only once during the year, while one woman was charged
35 times and fined a total of £324. It will thus be seen that monetary penalties, in
some cases, have very little deterrent effect.
The follo\'Ving is a summary of the main offences detected by the Vice Squad :-
!
I DismiB>ed or i Persons Involved.
Offence. Cases. Convicted. Amount of
Withdrawn. Fine.
l\faleo. Females.
£
Street prostitution . . . . .. 223 220 3 1,709 . . 63
Indecent behaviour . . .. . . 17 17 . . 60 8 9
Brothel keepers .. . . . . 1 . . 1 . . . . 1
Males living on prostitution . . . . 2 2 .. . . 2 . . Houses of habitual prostitution .. 21 19 2 170 . . 21
Female vagrants . . .. . . 28 11 17 . . . . 28
Drugs . . . . . . .. 6 5
!
1
I
120 6 . . I -~--·-------·~----
CHAPTER 8.
GENERAL.
AMENITIES.
The Recreation Hall at Police Headquarters was again well patronized during the
year, it being engaged for 104 dances, 22 meetings, several hearings by the Police
Classification Board, and other functions.
During the year 495 books were added to the Police Library which, at 31st
December, had a membership of 380 and was in a sound financial position.
The billiards and games rooms maintained their popularity and are a decided
asset to the welfare of members of the Force who are able to avail themselves of these
recreational facilities.
Members of the Force appreciated the service provided for them by the Mobile
Canteens at such places as football and cricket matches, race meetings, agricultural shows,
marches, and other functions where large numbers of police were in attendance. During
the year 13,858 serves of refreshments were made on 120 occasions at a cost of £88.
YouTH WELFARE.
An appreciable number of members of the Force actively interest themselves in
various youth movements throughout the State and the assistance rendered by them has
greatly improved the moral and physical standards of many youths who now look to the
Police for guidance in all aspects of their lives. The good fellowship which exists between
the Police and these lads must, without doubt, help them to become good citizens in the
community.
During the year approximately 1,500 members of youth organizations and church bodies
were shown over Police Headquarters at Russell-street, and many applications had to be
refused owing to staff difficulties and pressure of work in the Control Room (D.24) which is the
focal point of interest to most visitors.
CHARITABLE APPEALS.
Support by members of the Force for the Police Food for Britain appeal still
continues to be satisfactory, and during the year 787 parcels were despatched to the
United Kingdom.
The Police Boxing and 'Vrestling Club visited Tasmania in November and raised
the sum of £150 which was donated to the Hobart Youth Club.
Reports from the various police districts reveal that members of the Force were
largely instrumental in raising considerable sums of money for local hospitals and other
charities, and assistance was also given to State Relief Committee officers in obtaining
donations of money and goods for the relief of the needy.
The Victoria Police Brass and Pipe Bands assisted and gave displays at numerous
functions throughout the State as a result of which various charitable institutions
benefited financially, and the services of these Bands continue to be in much demand.
BusH J1.,rRE AND FLooD RELIEF.
Fortunately, very few bush fires or floods of any serious proportions occurred in
the State during 1950. On a number of occasions rivers in East Gippsland flooded and
large areas of low-lying country in the Goulburn district were inundated in March owing
to unusually heavy rains.
~!embers of the Force in the affected areas rendered very efficient and sympathetic
service to the unfortunate people who were in distress as the result of these floods; and
with the aid of the Police the State Relief Committee distributed food, bedding and clothing
to the necessitous.
Bush fires which did occur were of a minor nature and did not call for major police
action.
33
WORK AT POLICE STATIONS.
The follmving figures illustrate to some extent the miscellaneous police duties
performed at all Stations m the State during the year under review :-
Number of summonses-
(a) Originated at Stntion
(b) Served ..
Number of warrants executedApprehension
Commitment ..
DistresH
Ejectment
Item.
Number of sudden deaths reported
Number of Inquests dealt with
Number of motor vehicles registered
Nua1ber of labels afiixed ..
Number of drivers tested ..
Number of road accidents attended to
Number of files through Minute Book
Number of money, &c., escorts provided (excluding escorts of prisoners)
Total time involved--hours . . . .
Number of sporting fixtures, shows, &c., at which one or more Police
wen: detailed for dutv ..
Total time involved-hours
Number of Agricultural statistics collected ..
Number of Factory statistics forms delivered
1950.
44,432
134,867
570
14,028
56,887
1,318
2,928
2,183
101,315
:145,505
71,287
22,435
878,781
9,611
32,714
8,994
70,084
74,440
20,040
+ 1949.
+ 12,383
9,372
+ 98
+ 5,864
+ 10,309
283
+ 202
+ 231
32,627
+ 34,571
+ 14,811
+ 3,653
+ 80,149
1,616
3,104
+ 758
3,994
+ 38
1,984
An important factor in the increase in nearly all phases of work performed at
Police Stations throughout the State is the influx of population consequent on various large
industrial undertakings, such as the Latrobe Valley scheme and the enlargement of the
Eildon Dam, &c., and the decentralization of industry by the establishment of many new
factories at country centres, all of which means extra police attention.
The establishment of numerous migrant hostels and reception centres m variOus
districts has also had a direct bearing on police work.
ITEMS OF NoTE OccuRRING DuRING 1950.
His Excellency the Governor-General, }ir. W. J. McKell, and the Prime Minister,
the Rt. Hon. R. G. )fenzies, visited Victoria on several occasions ; His Excellency the
Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, accompanied by Lady Brooks, and their
daughter, Miss Jeanette Brooks, attended several civic and other functions throughout
the State; the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Edmund Herring and the Premier, the Honorable
J. G. B. :YicDonald, also paid several visits to country centres during the year.
These visits called for special police attention and traffic arrangements, all of
which were carried out in a most efficient and satisfactory manner.
At the beginning of the year tramway employees in Melbourne were on strike for
approximately two months and during the latter part of 1950 railway services throughout
the State were at a standstill for the same period. These strikes entailed a great strain
on police personnel particularly in the metropolitan area, and the consistent and effective
efforts made by them to assist the community through the troublesome times earned the
thanks of the Government of the State.
November 11th marked the commencement of the Jubilee Celebrations of the
Commonwealth and some of the various festivities that have been planned for the follu·wing
twelve months \Vill, no doubt, call for special police action.
34
A.MENDIKG LEGISLATIOK.
rrhe following summarizes new andjor amended legislation which was introduced
m 1950 and which was of direct concern to this Department.
(a) Motor Car Act 5423.
This Act provided for the continued reduction in the registration fees of certain
motor cars during the period of Liquid Fuel Rationing, and was to be in force until rationing
was abandoned. As rationing was abolished later in the year the Act is of no value and full
registration fees are now charged in accordance with the schedules to the Motor Car Act
3741.
(b) Justices (Ser·vice of Process) Act 5433.
This Act provided that civil summonses (other than those which by law can be
served only by Police) are not to be served by Police in specified areas. Prior to this Act
coming into force many thousands of these summonses were served by members of the
Force who are now able to devote a considerable amount of additional time to general
police duties.
(c) Police Offences Act 5434.
This Act amends Section 37 of the principal Act and provides for a penalty of not
more than two years imprisonment for assaults by kicking or the use of any weapon or
instrument. Should advantage of the Act be taken by Courts of Petty Sessions crimes
of this type should be greatly reduced.
Another important amendment is to Section 69 (5) where, in connection with the
offence of carrying offensive weapons, e.g., "knives", the words "Between the hours of
nine o'clock in the evening and six o'clock in the morning" have been deleted.
(d) Police Regulatiorn Act 5448.
This Act provides for an increase in pensions to ex-members of the :Force who
joined the service prior to 1902, and also to their widows.
The Act also provides that certain " \Var Service " shall count as " approved
service" for the purpose of superannuation, and in many cases will greatly increase the
amount of pension that would otherwise have been paid.
(e) Motor Car Act 5450.
This Act contains much new and amending legislation and is generally of advantage
to the Police in their task of dealing with offenders and with the prevention of road
accidents.
(f) Police Regulation Act 5460.
This Act is of particular value to junior members of the Force in that it cancels
prev"ious provisions which restricted the maximum pension payable on retirement to members
who joined subsequent to 1939 to £312 a year.
This Act also provides for an increase in pensions to ex-members and their widows.
APPHECIATION.
The general tenor of this Report indicates that the year 1950 was a busy one for
all branches of the Force. Nevertheless, Police steadily continued their work of maintaining
peace and good order and meeting special emergencies as the public interest demanded.
Members of the Public Service staff have also given good service, and I desire to express
my appreciation to all the personnel of the Police Department, who have worked under
a great strain due to staff shortages.
I am indebted to the Press and Broadcasting Stations for the assistance which is
so readily given when required, and also to the public generally for their ever-increasing
co-operation and active help in our battle against the wrong-doer. Such co-operation
is not only gratifying but inspiring.
Yours faithfully,
ALEX. J1. DUNCAN,
Chief Commissioner of }Jolice.
By Authority: J. J. GouRLEY, Government Printer, Melbourne.