Policing Esperance

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON PHOTOGRAPHY ESPERANCE MUSEUM

Before the establishment of a police station in Esperance, the European pastoralists who had moved into the region frequently took the law into their own hands. They attempted to impose British colonial laws on the Wudjari Nyungar people who had been living in the area for tens of thousands of years. The Dempsters moved into the area in 1864 and to begin, the only European settlement in the area was their pastoral station. The Dempster brothers were known to punish Indigenous people who ‘caused trouble’ by breaking the newly established colonial laws by imprisoning them on the islands off the coast. This earned them a reprimand from the colonial authorities, who cautioned the brothers not to take the law into their own hands.

The first civic building in the area was the Esperance Bay Telegraph Station, which opened in 1876. George Philip Stevens, a 15-year-old who had been working for the telegraph service since he was 13, was appointed the first telegraph stationmaster. Apparently, the Dempsters’ actions brought them into conflict with Stevens, who wanted all incidents of lawbreaking reported to the colonial officials in Albany. Around this time, despite the very low population of colonial settlers across the region, there were some calls for a police station at Esperance Bay.

In 1878, an incident occurred which highlighted the dangers of the new pastoralists taking the law into their own hands. John Moir, of Fanny’s Cove, ‘arrested’ two Indigenous men and chained them up in his shed. The men, known as Tampin and Bower, had burnt down a shepherd’s hut in response to something the shepherd had done. An Indigenous women released Tampin and Bower, and they then attacked and killed John Moir in apparent retaliation for his treatment of them. Colonial police were sent from Albany to apprehend these men, and Bower was killed in the attempt to capture him. Tampin was later arrested and tried for murder in the colonial courts where he was sentenced to death on Rottnest Island.

In response to this event, tenders were called for the building of a police station at Esperance Bay, and Andrew Dempster was awarded this tender. The police station opened in 1879. The first police officer to be appointed to the region was Constable George Truslove. He was accompanied by Lance Corporal Walter Coppin who was to assist Truslove while he established himself in his new post. Also accompanying the Constable was his wife, Margaret Kate. Truslove’s new jurisdiction stretched from Bremer Bay to Eucla, a significant area to cover on horseback. His salary was £110 per year. One incident that the newly appointed policeman had to deal with was two escaped convicts from Albany who were attempting to get across the border to South Australia. The men had travelled around 300 miles before they were apprehended.

In 1882, a warrant was issued for a young man called James Cody. Cody was wanted by police for a string of petty thefts and stealing horses, a serious crime in those days when horses were the primary method of transportation. Constable Truslove was alerted that Cody was on the run after stealing a horse from Albany, and was headed in the direction of Esperance Bay. By the time Truslove caught up to Cody, he was in possession of two stolen horses. Truslove attempted to arrest him, but Cody took off on one of the horses. In a dramatic high-speed chase, Truslove pursued Cody at a full gallop, but Cody’s stolen horse was evidently faster than the police-issue horse. In an attempt to stop him getting away, Truslove fired his rifle, hoping to wound the horse. Instead, he hit Cody in the hip. He was then able to arrest Cody, and take him back to Esperance, where his wife, Margaret, tended to his wounds. With no doctor available in Albany, Andrew Dempster attempted to extract the bullet from Cody’s wound, but his condition was still very serious. Margaret cared for Cody while they waited for a ship that could transport him to Esperance, then while they waited for suitable weather for sailing. Cody did not make it to trial – after 10 days, he died from his wound. In 1885, Constable Truslove was transferred to Albany, and was replaced in Esperance by Lance Corporal McGlade. In 1927, the police sergeant’s quarters were built, and remained in use until 1986. The old quarters are now located in Museum Village. Later, the Mallee railway siding Truslove, which eventually became a tiny townsite with a school, was named in honour of Constable Truslove.

Cancer

JUN 21 - JUL 22

You love a good party, but your social calendar is looking a little sad over the winter months. If this is making you feel flat, you’re probably not alone. Why not plan something for your friends and family to help shake off those winter blues? Grab a keg from the brewery, order a couple of Ricardo’s pizzas, pop on a playlist and you’ve got yourself a party. Bringing people together will reenergise you, so get planning!

Leo JUL 23 - AUG 22

You’ve been procrastinating more than usual lately. Ask yourself why. You might be in a creative rut, or the cold weather might have you feeling lazy. Either way, you need to snap out of it this month. It’s simple – work hard now and enjoy the rewards later. Treat yourself to something small for every box you tick, like a croissant from Bistro Louis or a cocktail at the Quarters, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you get things done.

Virgo

AUG 23 - SEP 22

Things quieten down this month making it the perfect time to get your life in order. Work on a task you’ve been putting off or return to a project you left behind months ago. Winter is great for taking life a little slower, but that doesn’t mean everything should come to a halt. If you find yourself with extra time up your sleeve, make the most of it. Remind yourself daily that there is no time like the present!

Libra SEP 23 - OCT 22

Someone unexpected will challenge your beliefs this month. It will come out of nowhere, but don’t be silenced by your surprise. Speak up as quickly and as directly as you can rather than beating around the bush. With a careful choice of words, you may sway their opinion. On the flipside, you might find you’re the one changing your mind. Be open to new and different points of view – if you’re not, how else will you grow?

Scorpio OCT 23 - NOV 21

You are full of ambition this month and if your current work or home life stifles this, you’re going to become increasingly frustrated. Look for ways to change things up and use this boost of motivation to advance yourself. Life has been a little ho-hum lately, so no doubt you’ll jump at the opportunity to exert some energy. Just be careful not to bite off more than you can chew – you’ll only burn out and find yourself back at square one.

Sagittarius NOV 22 - DEC 21

Spend as much time as you can outdoors this month. It might be the middle of winter, but the time is ripe for disconnecting from the rat race and reconnecting with nature. You probably need it more than you realise. Skip the gym in favour of a run or a hike outside or have a coldie with your friends overlooking the ocean, instead of at the pub. Feel the sand between your toes and the wind in your hair at every opportunity.

Capricorn

DEC 22 - JAN 20

The weather has you wanting to curl up with the Tide and a hot cuppa, but your friends are ready to party. Don’t knock back too many invites this month. It might be cold outside, but avoid going into hibernation. Your zest for life depends on variety. If your uggies are fused to your feet, invite some friends over for a movie night so you can be both a sloth and a social butterfly at the same time.

Aquarius JAN 20 - FEB 17

Generosity abounds this month. Whether you will be the one to give or to receive remains to be seen. It’s better to give than receive, so be on the front foot with your friends and family. Surprise someone with a delivery from Bob & Jim’s or flowers from Luxe. If you’re strapped for cash, homemade brownies or homegrown veggies are just as thoughtful. Then sit back and wait for them to pay it back or pay it forward.

Pisces FEB 18 - MAR 19

You’re not one to make a mountain out of a molehill but recently, it feels like every small inconvenience is the end of the earth. It’s okay to be a drama queen occasionally. You’re particularly sensitive to events around you at the moment and this will pass, but in the meantime practise the art of relaxation in whatever form works for you. Whether that’s sound healing or yelling at the footy on the TV, do more of it this month.

Aries

MAR 20 - APR 19

Life feels chaotic right now and that’s no surprise. You’re being pulled from pillar to post between work, friends, and family. All you want is a bit of routine, but that feels just about impossible. Write yourself a schedule and if someone wants your time or attention, they’ll need to fit in around you. It might feel selfish to begin, but it’s imperative you put yourself first if you want to reintroduce order into your life.

Taurus APR 20 - MAY 20

You’re unusually indecisive this month. There are several exciting prospects coming your way, but you can’t have it all. Who do you trust to help you make important decisions about your life? Think about this now so that when the time comes, you know who to call on. Think outside the square. It mightn’t be your partner or your mum, but a colleague or gym buddy. You’ll make the right decisions if you have the right support.

Gemini MAY 21 - JUN 20

Fake friends are like shadows – they follow you in the sun but leave you in the dark. This will ring true over the next few weeks, when you realise that someone you’ve held dear has another side to them.

Surround yourself with people that you know are genuine; people that have been with you through all your ups and downs. Don’t waste your time with those who only want to be around you when the sun is shining.