Criminal & Other Case Files W-Z

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WADDELL, John J. An ‘artist of some repute and possessed of means’ writes a strange letter to Chief Commissioner; suffers delusions. His brother W.H. Waddell, ex president of Heidelberg Council, says he will get him medically examined, 1896.  List 1.

WADDELL, John H.  Artist, brother of Cr. Waddell of Fairfield, apologises to police in 1904 for previous letter he wrote.  Report on his mental state, has been in an asylum, and two letters on file.  9 pages, List 10.

WADDINGHAM, Arthur, Collingwood, attempted suicide in 1912 after being rejected by Isabella, daughter of Harry James SMITH, a builder.  Bertie PARRY, 17 year old, and Mary CHRISTIANSON, married, are mentioned in file.  No prosecution.  11 pages, List 105.

WADDINGTON, Robert, English, cook, c50 years, believed to be the person who wandered away from Burra Station near Swan Hill when drunk and was lost in the bush in 1884.  His wife Amelia, Sandhurst, confirms the description; negative comments about him on file.  List 46.

WADE, Mary Jane, late of Cooper’s Arms Hotel, Melbourne, sought by Mrs. Mary ROACH of Kalgoorlie in 1912.  Found.  8 pages, List 33.

WADE, Patrick, Egerton, woodcarter, had 5 children, Michael, Patrick, William Henry, George Martin and Sarah,  with Sarah Jane MARTIN, who had previously married David DUNN, farmer, at Mooroopna and deserted him c1887; they were divorced.  In 1896 he is charged with false registration of births.  10 pages, List 36.

WADE, Phillip, South Yarra, private enquiry agent for police, claims in 1918 that he was assaulted by a constable because he kept a neighbour’s Persian cat which had strayed. 12 pages, List 69.

WAHLHEIM, E.H., Burnside, South Australia, wrote in 1914 re his son Murray Emil, blacksmith, nicknamed Pat Riley; hasn’t heard from him for ayear.  Found.  3 pages, List 112.

WALCOT, C.B., Brighton, wrote in 1900, seeking information on a Mrs. FRASER, who, as Miss SMITH, a music teacher and daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman, arrived on the same ship as him in 1854.  He was present at her marriage to a Mr. Fraser and hasn’t seen her since.  Asks if she is the woman who once kept a brothel in Lonsdale Street.  Report states that the brothel keeper was Sarah Fraser.  The woman he knew was Laura Smith and she married Hugh Fraser.  6 pages, List 48.

WALDAECK, Dr. C. File re his eccentric behaviour at Bendigo, 1881. 4 pages, List 2.

WALDRON, E.M., Elsternwick, has had care of child Ida CURTIN, but received little maintenance from parents Ernest and Agnes who are in Qld and can’t support her.  In 1909 asks police help to find tehm; found.  7 pages, List 88.

WALKER, Agnes, Charters Towers, Qld, wrote in 1902 re her mother Mrs. Robert GRAY, last heard from in Melbourne in 1899.  Her brother Mathew STARK, grocer, may know details of mother.  Police obtain details from Mrs. Stark.  10 pages, List 63.

WALKER, Mrs. A.H., Thompson Estate, South Brisbane, wrote in 1911, seeking her mother Mrs DORRINGTON; found.  5 pages, List 95.

WALKER, Henry and CLEEVE, George, broke into the boatshed of C/E Grammar School at Albert Park lake in 1892, and did £150 damage to seven boats.  Dr. Ambrose J. WILSON, and A.S. WORKMAN, teachers, give evidence.  Reward offered and child SMITH, of 106 Napier St., South Melbourne receives some of it.  9 pages, List 12.

WALKER, Henry, attempted suicide in Melbourne in 1905.  Mother and sister Ellen Lawson Walker in Perth write and ask if it was Henry Lawson Walker, engineer; no. 10 pages, List 23.

WALKER, Horace, wrote from Omeo in 1896, complaining about local police.  He is Crown lands Bailiff there.  They report he is drinking heavily and his wife has taken out an order to keep him from hotels.  5 pages, List 35.

WALKER, Horace, rescued from Yarra river after jumping in at night, in 1912.  Former surveyor in lands Dept., aged 75 years, claimed the reason was ‘disappointment in love’.  Police find he had been drinking, no charge laid.  4 pages, List 33.

WALKER, Hubert, Constable 5574.  Mother in law Elizabeth HARLE, Kew, alleges he is mistreating his wife and baby, won’t make a home for them in 1912.  Two of his letters to his Clara wife are on file. 12 pages, List 102.

WALKER, John Mitchell, Eganstown, asked for a copy of his police force discharge in 1856; gives details of his service on the goldfields etc.  6 pages, List 61.

WALKER, Jean. Her brother in law Charles Edward Walker left his illegitimate child (born 1902) with her in Prahran, but hasn’t paid any maintenance for two years. She has four children of her own. She applied to the Children’s Court to have it placed into State care. He is now married and living in Paddington, but doesn’t want his wife to know, so pretending the child is his nephew. 1916.  List 1.

WALKER, Mabel Holland, Carlton, attempted suicide in 1911, daughter of Albert James Walker.  Sister is Mrs Grace DEAN and servant is Isabella EVANS.  No prosecution.  7 pages, List 100.

WALKER, Mrs Margaret nee SAUNDERSON, sought in 1909 by brother Thomas William Saunderson, Wondalgo via Adelong NSW; believed that she and her husband Charles were at Clunes.  Relative found.  5 pages, List 90.

WALKER, Margaret nee PARSONS, Geelong, wrote in 1913 re her husband William Edward, 36 years, a Frenchman and a hairdresser, who had deserted her and their three children.  He was previously at Warrnambool.  9 pages, List 105.

WALKER, Roy, 23 years, private, returned soldier suffering from ‘mental instability’ in 1917, discharged from hospital to relatives Mrs. A. SUTHERLAND and her father Thomas B. WAY.  Brother Sydney J. Walker, draper, Hobart, writes that his father wants him to take care of him; is suspicious of other relatives’ motive in doing so.  5 pages, List 74.

WALKER, Stafford William Smith, son of John Austin Walker, died at Hamilton in 1918; child.  He had been treated by herbalist Harry PANG; investigation clears Pang.  13 pages, List 73.

WALKER, Stanley, 14 years, caught stealing a book in Coles Book Arcade in 1912; he had run away from his home in Leichardt Sydney.  His father, Constable T. Walker, informed.  4 pages, List 104.

WALKER, William, sought by niece Mrs E. FLANNERY, nee McKENZIE WYLIE, of Bondi in 1915.  He married a Miss LOWE c32 years ago.  Not found.  5 pages, List 117.

WALL, Thomas, Woolamin, pays H. KUGELMAN for herbal treatment in 1905, but delay in receiving same, so complains to police.  He has died when police respond.  7 pages, List 23.

WALLACE, Annie of Wahring near Nagambie, is found guilty of mistreating 13 yr old Annie PROSSER who had been left in her care by her father.  Her sister had previously been with her and died.  16 pages, List 4.

WALLACE, Harold Staunton, otherwise Heishel S. Wallace, 43 years, lately employed by GAUMONT PICTURE CO., in Melbourne.  Alexander Brooks HELLMZICH, manager, charges him with larceny as a servant in 1912.  He takes off with his wife Nita DART, 23 years, daughter of a Newcastle solicitor, and an American G.H. TWOMBLY, whose real name is LEED.  Photo of Wallace on file.They are believed to be heading to America.  34 pages, List 34.

WALLACE, Robert. Writes from Carlton in 1887. His thirty year old daughter Mary is pregnant to her brother in law Charles THORPE, who tried to induce abortion.  List 1.

WALLEY, Harry Egerton, deserted pregnant daughter of Mrs. G. BAXTER of Wellington in 1899; believed to be working on a ship; not found.  7 pages, List 42.

WALLIS, Mrs. Eliza, admitted to Dr. Harcourt’s Private Retreat in 1875, at instance of three sons; later transferred to Bay View Asylum NSW.  Her sister Miss WOOTTEN, visited Australia in 1896 and arranged to have her released, but she was released early and Miss Wootten missed seeing her.  She asks police to help locate Eliza, as her sons, Alexander Robert and John William, won’t co-operate.  15 pages, List 36.

WALLER, Ethel Neville, daughter of Ethel La Touche Waller.  T.V. ROUND writes from Windsor in 1902 requesting details of her death in 1901; no record.  7 pages, List 19.

WALSH, Mrs. A.  Wentworth Falls, NSW, wrote in 1906.  She was married to Harry BUSCH, who went under the name of CARTER, and was from Sebastopol Victoria.  He has deserted her.  6 pages, List 4.

WALSH, John, sought by daughter Cecilia, George St., Sydney, in 1910.  He left there for Melbourne c7 years ago, a bootmaker, native of Port Lyttleton.  Not found.  6 pages, List 92.

WALSH, Patrick, deserted wife Margaret at Gormanston, West Coast, Tasmania c1904, native of Chiltern Victoria, brother Ned in police force.  In 1909 she asked police to find him; located.  4 pages, List 90.

WALSH, Thomas, J.P., farmer Yinnar. His wife gave birth to a stillborn child there in 1899 and he buried it on his property, near a child who died ten years previously. This was illegal and he was taken to court. 6 pages, List 2.

WALSH, Thomas, ran off with Pauline UBERGANG (UEBERGANG?) in 1899, leaving wife and 5 children destitute at Mirboo.  She sold possessions and deserted children who were placed in care.  11 pages, List 42.

WALSH, Thomas, found dead at Leongatha in 1916.  The cost of burial expenses sought from family in Perth – sons Thomas and James, both in railways, and daughters Annie O’LEARY and Mary, surname unknown.  He and his wife lived apart for many years.  7 pages, List 78.

WALSHE, Eugenie, South Yarra, and husband Edward John, reported disappearance of daughter Gwendoline in 1906.  They believed she was with Albert BUCKLEY (Professor Herman).  She returned home and in 1910 died from an overdose.  She used the name VANDELEUR. In 1913 F.G. VANDELEUR, Balranald NSW, wrote asking details of the case, presumes the name had been assumed, which was the case.  Letter from Buckley and Gwendoline are on the file.  22 pages, List 107.

WALTERS, Alec, sought by Mr KRUCH, of Cobb & Co., Brisbane in 1896; he was also known as VANCE, was from Bendigo.  Police locate his mother, of the Gasworks Hotel Bendigo, she hasn’t seen him for some years.  5 pages, List 29.

WALTERS, Rupert, 19 years, persuaded 15 year old Frances Susan Cherrill ROGERS, daughter of Fanny and George Joseph of Richmond, to run away with him in 1913.  Found in Adelaide and returned to Melbourne, where he is charged.  His request to marry her is denied by her parents.  Several letters on file, including from Arthur and Kate KEIGHRAN.  File includes photos of both.  42 pages, List 109.

WALTERS, Sarah, Port Melbourne.  Wrote to the Pembroke police in 1905, asking that a letter be sent to relatives of Thomas WALTERS from the village of Angle.  Local police report to Victoria police that there is no family of that name, but suggest it may be Thomas JENKINS, son of Capt. Thomas, that is sought.  6 pages, List 65.

WALTERS, Veronica May, born Collingwood 1908, and registered as child of Robina nee THOMMASSEN and Albert Walters, but the parents were not married.  The true story is discovered in 1909 and a detailed file resulted, explaining the position.  33 pages, List 90.

WALTERS, William alias WALLACE.  A prisoner at Geelong gaol in 1909, he wrote seeking the location of his property.  Report sets out true position.  10 pages, List 90.

WALTON, George, died suddenly at Alexandra in 1915 and buried by government.  Nephew – SIMPSON, contractor, Middle Park, contacted re reimbursement of costs; declined and gives background details of Walton family, widow and children William, Hettie and Vera, who also decline.  8 pages, List 81.

WALTON, Maude Alice, ‘domestic servant working at 3 Greenham Place Footscray’.  Gave birth in 1907 to illegitimate child Leslie Walton, who was adopted immediately afterwards by Mrs Daphne JEMMETT.  She had tried previously to adopt Florence GILL, daughter of S. of Casterton.  Child died.  List 116.

WANN, John, Grantham Qld, wrote in 1910.  While in Melbuorne he met Robert GORDON a Qld station owner who offered him a job, but when he got there Gordon was nowhere to be found.  7 pages, List 96.

WARD, Amy Elizabeth. Gave birth to an illegitimate child Frederick Burnard Ward in 1895, father Thomas WILSON, a tent maker. Although he was ordered to pay maintenance, he was reluctant to do so. He had married, and offered to take the child and look after it, to which Amy agreed. His wife Eliza, sister of Susan FREEMAN, was not happy with the arrangement, and the child was found by police wandering in the street. Eliza and Thomas were charged with an offence, and the child was committed to the Neglected Children’s Department in 1898. 34 pages, List 2.

WARD, Bernard C., Carlton, attempted suicide in 1913; no prosecution.  4 pages, List 106.

WARD, Emily, Fitzroy, took poison while at Continental Hotel Melbourne in 1911.  Licensee John BRUCE takes her to hospital and he and his wife make statements.  No prosecution.  7 pages, List 99.

WARD, Frederick John, Caulfield, appointed to police force in 1912, but states he must reside locally as he has bought a house and has a family; police decline, and he is rejected.  2 pages, List 35.

WARD, Julian Pearson, charged with failure to register birth of Ralph Pearson Ward within required time in 1911.  7 pages, List 98.

WARD, Lizzie. Living with Archibald CAMPBELL in Argyle Place Carlton in 1883. Gave birth to a stillborn child. Annie FOYNES and Annie O’CONNOR were present ‘all a drunken lot’.  List 1.

WARD, Pearl, 23 years, sought by brother F. Percival Ward in 1919.  He went to visit her in Richmond, where she was working, but the ROBINSON family of Bowen Street Richmond refused to let him see her.  He asked police to investigate, and their report is on file.  9 pages, List 131.

WARDILL, Richard Wilson.  Commited suicide in Yarra in 1873 after defrauding his employer.  Mrs. GARDINER, wife of Richmond ferryman is rewarded for her information in locating the body.  Letter from Victorian Sugar Co. on file.  33 pages, List 31.

WARDLE, Walter, electrician, previously baker, 56 years, sought by wife M., Leichardt NSW in 1915.  They separated in England in 1911 and she came to Australia; he subsequently asked to join her and she paid his passage, but has found that his lover Ellen FRASER came too. 9 pages, List 117.

WARDLEY, Charles James, 55 years, found dead in bed at home in NSW in 1914; left a widow and 7 children in poor circumstances.  Brother Thomas who’s in the Victorian police force, agrees to pay funeral costs.  10 pages, List 114.

WARE, John William Maitland, deserted wife M.A. in Perth in 1905; she is left destitute.  5 pages, List 65.

WARKE, William Knox, assaulted and robbed by Thomas MASON in Melbourne in 1896.  Warke was formerly a clerk at Bendigo, now unemployed and needing financial assistance to stay in Melbourne for court case.  9 pages, List 30.

WARN, Mary, arrived from Wales c1874, in 1899 would be 42 years of age.  Deserted her husband and children in Port Pirie and went to Melbourne ‘with a coloured man’ in 1897.  Sought by daughter Rebecca in 1899; not found.  24 pages, List 42.

WARNE, Thomas.  Bomb thrown at his house in Brunswick in 1928.  2 pages, List 4.

WARNECKE, Mr.  Fruiterer, St. Kilda.  A naturalised German, scared soldiers might attack him, 1916.  List 6.

WARNER, Mrs. Mary, found dead in her bed by neighbour Mrs. Mary Ann NIXON and daughter Gertrude in 1900.  Her son William reports to police; not suspicious.  2 pages, List 43.

WARNER, Walter Robertson, alias Thompson.  In 1896 seduced Amy Mary BONES, daughter of William Bones of Ballarat, then persuaded her to forge her father’s name on a cheque for over £300, and took the money.  Warner was married, a coachbuilder, 24-30 years old; photo (damaged) on file.   It appears he absconded; charges against her were dropped.  Large file.  List 32.

WARNER, William.  Deserted wife Elizabeth  and two small children at Darlingford c1902.  She has heard in 1905 that he has been sighted in Melbourne.  4 pages, List 11.

WARREN, Alfred.  Sought by mother Mrs. J. Knight of Coolgardie, 1896.  He was 17 yrs old; found.  8 pages, List 3.

WARREN, Ralph, wrote from Surry Hills Sydney NSW in 1902; has heard of the death of a woman in Melbourne called Flora Warren, and asks if it is his wife.  Police reply that she was burnt in a brothel which she owned with Alma STEELE, was never married and was partly kept by bookmaker Frank JONES.  Her only daughter was Amy c18 years.  10 pages, List 61.

WARREN, Richard.  Deserted wife in 1897, sighted in 1899 and search resumed; wife then at Beenac.  9 pages, List 8.

WARRNAMBOOL ODDFELLOWS HALL.  Caught fire in 1900; two families lived on site, Robert LAVERY, wife and daughter  and John RICHARDS and wife.  Lavery explains cause, accident.  25 pages, List 48.

WARRNAMBOOL TOWN HALL. File re a Sunday Grand Sacred Recital held there in 1894 by Messrs Saunders & D’Ensem and company, and for which an entrance fee was charged, contrary to government regulations. Includes a flyer listing performers D’Arcy Irvine, Gunn, Charles Saunders, Syria Lamonte, Carrie Bilton, Dennis Holme and the acts they were performing. Photo of Saunders and D’Ensem on flyer. 17 pages.  List 1.

WARSAW, Vernon, 1938 attempts to get stepdaughter Nancy AMOS, child of wife’s former husband Percy Amos, out of care of welfare department and into their care.  7 pages. List 2.

WASH, Weymouth George, murdered wife in West Melbourne in 1895.  5 pages, List 28.

WASHSMITH, Edgar, sought by Jessie RICHARDSON of Neutral Bay Sydney in 1912; he was formerly of Carlton. Found.  List 33.

WATERS, Daisy Dudley, sought by father G.W.A. MATTHEWS, Jamestown South Australia in 1911.  She is living apart from husband Richard, a civil engineer.  Found.  8 pages, List 95.

WATERS, Thomas, charged with murder in 1898.  File re upkeep of children Lilian and George.  7 pages, List 21.

WATSON, Appleton, found dead in a boarding house in Melbourne in 1905; file re circumstances etc.  12 pages, List 65.

WATSON, Daisy, assaulted by unknown man, who attempted to rape her at Albert Park in 1895.  She is in domestic service, lives in South Melbourne.  Claimed jockey Chris BURNS was the offender, but refused to identify him when he was found by police.  6 pages, List 28.

WATSON, J.G., Brighton, wrote in 1910, asking that his 16 year old son Basil George, be allowed to drive his car, as he was capable, even though under the required age.  The father was crippled with rheumatism.  6 pages, List 54.

WATSON, Lloyd.  Casterton, 1902; applies to join police force, is a returned soldier, 2 pages, List 12.

WATSON, Mrs. Mary Ann, Gore Hill, Sydney, wrote in 1917 re obtaining the effects of her late son Corporal Randolph HAYNES who was killed in action, but had lived in Port Melbourne; landlady Mrs. BOGLE interviewed. 7 pages, List 72.

WATT, James, Woodside South Australia, wrote in 1911 re death of Mrs Elizabeth STONE nee BURCHILL; she was his wife’s stepmother and property was promised to her.  5 pages, List 97.

WATTERS, Mrs. Ellen, Richmond.  Sought in 1898 by G.W. GRAY of Sea Hill, Qld, son in law of her unnamed sister, who has not heard from her for sometime.  Found.  7 pages, List 19.

WATTERS, Mrs. Joseph, wrote from Petersham NSW in 1895 re her husband who is traveling with a magic lantern show; not found.  15 pages, List 25.

WATTS, Mrs.  Gave birth to stillborn twins in 1876 at Campbell Parade Richmond, who were buried in the backyard by her husband. File re removal of them to a cemetery. 7 pages, List 2.

WATTS, Alexander E., sentenced to death in 1901 for attempted murder.  File re background and family.  4 pages, List 51.

WATTS, W.C., 33 years, sought by wife Jessie, Mildura, in 1914.  She was living with her mother Mrs Effie STONE, destitute; he has not paid maintenance. Found.  8 pages, List 110.

WAY, Lavinia, 75 years, shot by burglar in Brunswick in 1917.  Reward offered.  25 pages, List 73.

WAYLAND, Thomas.  Writes from Adelaide in 1899 re his daughter Ellen (Nellie), 20 years, who went with EDWARDS & COOPER’s Variety Troupe.  She has not been heard of for some months, believed to be in Melbourne.  8 pages, List 17.

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WEATE, Mrs. Annie, Albert Park, reported in 1917 that her brother Thomas Daniel BUSE married Florence NICHOLLS in 1912 and that she believed Florence was already married to Bertram Nicholls and had a child to him, now being cared for by Mrs. CHIDLEY of Seymour.  8 pages, List 75.

WEATE, Mrs. Ellen, wife of Robert, reported in 1907 that she had charge of 7 year old Jessie BEANLAND, whose father Thomas had gone to New Zealand to work and hadn’t paid maintenance.  Her stepmother had mistreated the child.  Found, he promises to pay.  6 pages, List 83.

WEATHERALL, Mrs. Lillian, Yarraville, 24 years, mother Mrs. BYE, took poison in 1917 after hearing her soldier husband had been wounded.  4 pages, List 75.

WEBB, Esther Jane.  Died at Turton Creek 1900; request to bury her there as difficult to get her to nearest cemetery at Foster. Attended by Mrs. Adelaide WRAIGHT.   2 pages, List 3.

WEBB FAMILY.  Victorian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ask for police report into the family in 1896.  Formerly of Brunswick, now living in Carlton, one of their children has died in the Children’s hospital.  Father’s name given as Henry and then as James.  Report states there were 5 children, and the father is ‘a sober man’ but in very poor circumstances.  5 pages, List 36.

WEBB, James, signwriter, c45 years, East Brunswick, charged with failure to pay wages of James W. ENGLISH in 1928.  1 page and photo.  List 89.

WEBB, Mary J., Upwey, owner of 400 Weston Street East Brunswick, which was burnt by fire in 1915.  Complains that some of the timber has been removed; photo of house on file.  6pages, List 81.

WEBB, Thomas John, deserted wife Florence May at Alexander.  In 1907 she heard he was at Smithton Tasmania, and asked police to help find him.  They locate his brother George K. Webb there.  In 1914 she filed for divorce.  18 pages, List 44.

WEBSTER, Alice, 24 years, attempted suicide in 1917 and was taken in by the Salvation Army.  She had arrived from England 18 mths prior, found piece work and boarded with Mrs. FISHWICK in Alphington. In debt and pregnant.  No prosecution by police.  6 pages, List 72.

WEBSTER, Blanche, Abbotsford, threw herself into a river in 1911, rescued by John GRIGG.  4 pages, List 98.

WEBSTER, Mrs E., Kogarah, Sydney, wrote in 1915 re husband George who had deserted her and their 4 children.  5 pages, List 115.

WEEDON, Frederick, 19 years, sought by sister C. Weedon, Fitzroy, in 1911; last heard of at Maffra.  4 pages, List 95.

WEEKES, Frederick Joseph, sought by Vickie JULIAN, Frederickton, Macleay River NSW in 1905.  She will take out a warrant if he doesn’t return; sounds like a maintenance case.  His father lived in Fitzroy. Not found.  7 pages, List 69.

WEEKS, Robert.  Information sought by brother Thomas of Brittas Slade, More Co., Dublin Ireland in 1910.  He was in the Victorian police force, believed to have died. Death confirmed and details of beneficiaries, including
daughter Susan G. BRESLIN, given.  6 pages, List 41.

WEEKS, Samuel A., printer, died in Melbourne in 1886. Walter LEITCH, a friend, paid debts and notified mother, unaware he was married.  Emma WHEELER, his mother in law, wrote from Townsville asking details; he left his wife and child with her.  28 pages, List 53.

WEEKS, Wilfred, sought by mother in Burnie Tasmania in 1911; 14 years, had run away from home.  9 pages, List 95.

WEHRSTEDT,  Mrs. O.G., wrote from Perth WA in 1905, asking help to find Mrs. S. ANGUS, an elderly widow.  Her son William, 44 years, had died at Fremantle, and she and her sister have paid his burial costs.  There was a married daughter named Mrs. CHRISTIE at Bendigo.  15 pages, List 63.

WEICHARDT, Miss.  Tea Rooms, St. Kilda, of German extraction, worried soldiers are going to attack, 1916.  List 6.

WEIDENBACH, Lottie/Freda, 15 years, abandoned by father Richard c1908.  In 1910 she was ill in hospital and attempts are made to get her father to support her.  He is found at Mulwala Station and claims she was adopted in Germany and had run away.  She is placed in a Home.  15 pages, List 92.

WEIR, Mrs J.B., St Kilda, has been asked to find Henry/Harry CALDER, whose stepbrother Frederick has died in Manchester England in 1911.  Supposedly in police force, but no record of it.  4 pages, List 100.

WEIR, Johnson.  Writes seeking police help in 1907.  Has lived with (Susan) Beatrice WATERS for 7 years.  She is really the wife of – SPREAFICO.  She has a four year old child to Weir.  He is an actor, and on his return from Sydney, she informed him that ‘she did not wish to live with me’ and has left him.  While he was away she had a miscarriage in hospital, and passed off her new lover as him, which upset him.  Two letters on file.  12 pages, List 15

WEISER, David Ulrich, 75 years, died at Elsternwick in 1900, destitute.  File re burial costs etc.  4 pages, List 47

WELCH, George, writes from Paragon Hotel, Helensburgh, NSW on behalf of his brother Tom Reader Welch.  His wife Mary Ann nee GARDNER has taken their 5 year old child and left.  They suspect she has gone to live with widower Joachim TESTER in Melbourne.  Informed it is not police business.  List 21.

WELLS, Harold John, charged with larceny from Henty WILSON, agent for the State Savings Bank in 1918.  He was a clerk, 22-25 years old and employed by the Church of England Rest Home, Broadmeadows.  Letter from Wells, promising to pay back the money, is on file.  4 pages, List 118.

WELLS, John Calvert sought by wife A. in Sydney in 1918.  Asks if he arrived from New Zealand recently.  7 pages, List 119.

WELLS, John Kean, 25 years, left Sydney for Melbourne c1898 and not heard from.  Sister Margaret BENNETT, Randwick,  wrote in 1902. 8 pages, List 62.

WELLS, Thomas, hawker, Oakleigh, has not registered the births of his three children, Daniel, 5 years, Ivy, 3 years and Lily, 18 months, mother Agnes MILLER, nor had them vaccinated.  4 pages, List 28.

WELMAN, Wesley, married – CLEMENTS at Beechworth, previously had married Ann McLENNAN at Edinburgh c1873 and – WADE in India in 1874.  Incomplete file, 1888.  9 pages, List 56.

WELSFORD, George, seeks remission of sentence of 3 months gaol for assault of Mary CLARKE at Malmsbury in 1866; it is his first conviction.  3 pages, List 35.

WELSH, Mahala Lily.  Gave birth to male child at Northcote in 1910, father was George James CLAUGHTON; she was 15 years old.  Her family previously lived in Corowa NSW.  She was under age, but as the offence was committed in NSW, no charge was laid.  Claim that her father got Claughton’s sister pregnant.  10 pages, List 33.

WELTON, Julia, Bendigo, in 1910 asks what has happened to her “daughter” Mary WILLIAMS, 16 years, left at Echuca when she was sent to Bendigo gaol.  With stepfather Patrick GROGAN.  6 pages, List 93.

WENDELL, Joseph, murdered near Kangaroo Flat in 1907; Charles SANGER sought.  Wanted poster on file.  32 pages, List 83.  Another very large file, with detailed report.  List 84.

WENIGERT, Mr. A.  His Riding Gallery in St. Kilda attacked and forced to close, 1916.  List 6.

WESLEY, Jonah, Burnley, attempted suicide in 1913, room mates Joseph HULETT and Charles ROBINSON, boot makers, called for help and he was taken to hospital.  His wife and two children are due to arrive from England shortly.  No prosecution.  10 pages, List 105.

WESSON, Harry Nun, complains of persecution in 1919; is a returned soldier who had a head wound.  Is committed to an asylum.  8  pages, List 22.

WEST, C., of Melbourne, wrote to Qld police in 1895, asking if Annie BARNES and Fred ST. CLAIR, an acrobat, are wanted there for larcency; no.  Melbourne police report he is a private detective seeking a reward.  List 28.

WEST, George.  Chief Commissioner of Police in Western Australia wrote in 1900, on behalf of John TOUSLOW of London, who was seeking his stepbrother George West, who was now a beneficiary of his father’s will.  He had been in Fremantle, now believed to be in Melbourne.  7 pages, List 48.

WEST, James, suicided in lodging house, 289 Latrobe St., Melbourne in 1900.  At first identity not known, so photo taken of body.  Employment paper found identifies him as formerly working at Ulonga Station near Hay NSW, as a wool roller, and identified by overseer there.  He was a native of South Australia. 14 pages, 1 photo, List 44.

WEST, Kitty. Verbena Cottage Lt. Flinders St. Prostitute. Complaint about her, 1874.  List 1.

WEST, Richard.  Writes from Mornington in 1880, asking police to remove people from a disorderly house at the rear of his property in St. Kilda; police establish it is his daughter Mrs GRAY who is separated from her husband and drinking heavily.  10 pages, List 4.

WEST, Robert, deserted wife Jane at Broadford in 1880.  In 1889 he was found in Qld., and agreed to pay maintenance, but stopped after a few years.  In 1903 she asks police to locate him.  Found under the name of Thomas West; a brewer, 65 years.  Very detailed report on case.  18 pages, List 64.

WEST, Stephen Henry. Lance Corporal No. 2019A, returned invalid soldier, disappears in 1919. Father anxious about him. Photo in uniform on file. 9 pages.  List 1.

WESTBURY, F.A.  Owes maintenance to his wife; found interstate, 1880.  5 pages, List 4.

WESTON, Mrs. Eva of Fremantle Western Australia, wrote in 1900 re her sister Hettie Maud Smith SAWER; in 1898 she was employed by a Mrs. SHARPE of Newmarket.  She often used the surname Smith. Not found. 18 pages, List 3.

WESTON, Thomas, wrote from Yarragon in 1895 to local M.P. re his neighbours the GILL family.  Letter is forwarded on to police who report that Mrs. Isabella and her daughter have been convicted of drunkenness.  9 pages, List 29.

WESTWOOD, William Percy.  AIF asks police help in 1919 in finding his wife Martha who has deserted him.  11 pages, List 111.

WHEELER, Michael, deserted his wife Florence in 1902.  In 1907 she wrote from Coy’s Diggings; his siblings were at Woodend.  Found interstate.  15 pages, List 83.

WHEELER, William, sought by mother T. and sister Gertrude, both of Jarnadup Western Australia, in 1914.  He was working in a sawmill, aged 26 years.  Not found.  7 pages, List 114.

WHELAN, Finlay of Langi Willi.  Applied to join police force in 1905 as rough rider, had worked for 14 years for George Russell.  1 page, List 2.

WHELAN, Leo alias Patrick DUGGAN, born Victoria 1876, painter, enlisted and wounded at Gallipoli.  In 1916 the Chief Secretary’s office tries unsuccessfully to secure a job in the police force for him; he has an interstate criminal record and photos are on file.  He subsequently re-enlists.  9 pages, List 79.

WHIFFEN FAMILY. Poisoned, 1896. Father Edward had an affair with Mrs. BRAUN, who was separated from her husband.  List 1.

WHITBOURN, Mrs. Maggie nee HOUSTON, late of Myrtleford Vic., wrote from West Guildford, W.A. in 1915; had seen a newspaper report of the death of her uncle John HOUSTON of Stanley, asks if he has left a Will.  Mrs M.J. GRANT of Ravensthorpe, W.A., also wrote asking the same question; her first husband was his brother.  Intimate family details provided.  12 pages, List 54.

WHITBREAD, Arthur, accidentally drowned in 1913; an English emigrant, 26 years.  List of property given.  3 pages, List 110

WHITBURN, Arthur, left his home in Paynesville in 1912 and went to stay with his brother in law William T. SHAWCROSS in 1912.  His wife had died 18 months beforehand, leaving him with 4 children.  He attempted suicide and was taken to hospital.  Shawcross asks to be able to take him back to his home, and this is agreed too.  No prosecution for attempted suicide.  7 pages, List 34.

WHITCHURCH, Laurence, absconded from his home in King’s Meadow Tasmania in 1919 and came to Melbourne.  Found sleeping in the streets and picked up by police, he was placed in State care.  Report on his background and activities.  13 pages, List 111.

WHITCOMBE, Sarah, driven from Boomenoomoona sheep station to Yarrawonga in 1903 as she was suicidal.  Examined by doctors and committed to Beechworth Asylum.  Her sister Louise BLOOMFIELD, Elsternwick, asked to reimburse government costs.  14 pages, List 65.

WHITE, Albert, Isaac LIMBERG, Frederick CARMICHAEL, James ARDEN and Daniel CORTWINE, Aborigines at Condah Mission Station, involved in store robbery in 1895.  Report on case, including statements, 20 pages, List 25.

WHITE, Alexander, sought by father G.W. of Fitzroy in 1896; was in Wyalong NSW.  Found.  5 pages, List 36.

WHITE, Mrs. Annie, died at Carlton in 1880.  Dr. Crooks signed death certificate.  Had left her husband, a Wesleyan Sunday School teacher in Wagga Wagga and ran away with Charles HENRY, an itinerant preacher and draper, by whom she had a child, and was pregnant again.  Her real name was BLACKWOOD.  Her husband subsequently went to Bathurst.  In 1881 Robert HUGHES was arrested for a minor charge and was found to have a statement from her daughter Elizabeth B. WHITE that her mother had actually died as a result of an abortion.  This is on the file as is a detailed report.  No charge eventuated.  57 pages, List 58.

WHITE, Bertie Harold, 16 years, sought by mother Mrs Alfred White, Hurstville NSW in 1911; ran away from home, now in country Victoria and wants to return home.  Found and assisted to return.  5 pages, List 100.

WHITE, Charles, Pitt St., Sydney, wrote in 1902 asking details of Supt. HARE and Constable FITZPATRICK who were involved with the Kelly Gang.  He is writing an “historiograph sketch of the bushranging days”.  1 page, List 16.

WHITE, Daniel.  Lake Wangoom via Warrnambool, 1898.  Was called up for inspection with a view to joining force, but was in London as one of the Mounted Rifles at Queen Victoria’s jubilee; asks another change to join.  2 pages, List 7.

WHITE, Elizabeth Poole.  Sister Mary Ann wrote in 1899 asking police to locate her.  She had given birth to an illegitimate child in Melbourne in 1894, then gone into service with Frederick PEIPER in Newmarket, with whom she had another child.  Her family had disowned her, but she would like to find her.  Extensive research done, and much personal detail given, but not located.  30 pages, List 49.

WHITE, George. Charged with stealing pigeons from Cornelius MANNERING of Bendigo in 1899; just under fourteen years old, but already convicted of petty crimes three times. George TONZI also charged. Bench orders a birching, but local police constable John J. KELLY refuses and is charged with disobeying an order. 22 pages, List 2.

WHITE, J., Carlton complains of police treatment of his son in 1900.  Report says father is an anarchist and ’Yarra Banker’ and son is a tote spy.  5 pages, List 47.

WHITE HART HOTEL. Opposite Parliament house. Report on three fires there, 1906. Includes list of employees.  List 1.

WHITE, J.T.W.,  Cambrai Brighton, complains in 1920 about prosecution of his 10 year old son Clive,  Stanley ADDISON, 11 years and Colin Addison, 9 years for stealing timber.  7 pages, List 24.

WHITE, Margaret Mary Teresa, gave birth to female child at Lancefield in 1900, when aged 16 yrs.  She was the daughter of Jessie and Henry; her birth certificate on file. Charged James QUINLAN of Springfield, c30 yrs, single, with carnal knowledge, then withdrew claim; police suggest he bribed her mother to drop the case. Michael Quinlan, publican, Kilmore, seems to be a relative.  He was defended by GAUNSON.  23 pages.  List 1.

WHITE, Richard.  Baker, left his wife and four children – Horace (b.1907), Thomas (b.1908), Nancy (b.1910) and Laurence (b.1912) destitute.  Children were made Wards of the State in 1919.  6 pages, List 3.

WHITE, Ruby, 5 years old, indecently assaulted by John DOYLE at Auburn in 1895, witnesses brother Leonard White, 8 years and Eva EMERY, 8 years.  Mother Mary Ellen reports to police, but insufficient evidence and case is dismissed.  10 pages, List 29.

WHITE, W., Dover Road, Williamstown, wrote in 1896, asking to be placed on the Jurors’ list; his premises too far away.  His business card on file, shows he was formerly in ship and boat building, now shipwright, surveyor and naval architect.  8 pages, List 36.

WHITE, William, wrote from Williamstown in 1900 re the burial of destitute man George SAUNDERS; he had received the funeral account from Mr. WHEAR by mistake.  8 pages, List 47.

WHITE, William, Kensington, bootmaker, attempted suicide in 1913.  His brother was Robert, sister Mrs Ethel WALLACE, and father William.  No prosecution.  4 pages, List 106.

WHITEHOUSE, William. File re his efforts to retrieve his stepson William THOMAS, licensed out to Daniel BARTROP, from the Industrial Schools Department, 1881. 5 pages, List 2.

WHITING, Frederick Samuel. Sought by Charles SLADEN on behalf of his wife. Formerly of Rokewood, and of unsound mind. Files covers 1866-1877.  List 1.

WHITTAKER, Ettie, sought by sister Emily Jane GIBB, Sydney NSW, in 1912; born in New Zealand, not heard from for 19 years.  Found, married Edward DAVEY.  7 pages, List 102

WHITTLE, Sydney Thomas. Found guilty of obscene exposure [masturbated] in the window of Freemasons Hotel Beach St., Port Melbourne, [owned by his aunt] in 1916. He was brought out from England by George CHIRNSIDE as his valet, left there two weeks prior, and was going to a position as valet to Sir Harry BARRON, Governor of Western Australia, who cancelled it.  List 1.

WHYTCROSS, Henry, sought by Miss G. Whytcross, Newtown Sydney in 1914.  Not found.  5 pages, List 114.

WHYTE, Alexander Robert, 29 years, attempted suicide at Yarraville in 1918; husband of Annie.  Report on case.  10 pages, List 120.

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WIBER, Ernest C., Surrey Hills.  Anonymous letter in 1917 states he has given false birthdate and obtained driver’s licence; claims needed it for work.  4 pages, List 74.

WIFFEN, Henry. Bigamist. Married Alice FRITH 1902, deserted her c1914, then married Henrietta CAREY in 1916. Enlisted in AIF, returned wounded and died in hospital, so charge dropped.  List 1.

WIGG, Mrs. E.R. nee Mary Ann TEMPLETON, born Sale 1881,  wrote from Bundaberg in 1915, asking police to find her sister Sarah O’Neil CASEREP. 
7 pages, List 80.  Earlier request from Brisbane in 1909 when sister was given as Sarah Neal CASTRUPP, believed living in Ballarat.  Police establish that the writer was adopted by Mrs BLADIN then by her daughter Mrs TAUNTON as her mother died in childbirth. Not found.  8 pages, List 89.

WIGHTMAN, Mrs C.M., Tarbane, Mudgee Line NSW, wrote in 1910 re her mother Ada TERRY.  Found.  6 pages, List 94.

WIGNELL, William John, wrote from Eldersle, Camden NSW in 1896 re joining Vic. police.  He was 27 years old, married, wife from Victoria.  Had lost money in farming.  3 pages, List 29.

WILES, William Wallace, Leichardt NSW, wrote in 1909, asking if a report of the death of Richard Oscar Wiles is his brother; confirmed.  5 pages, List 87.

WILKIE, Robert, sought by J. HUGHES, Commercial Hotel, Wyalong, on behalf of his brother Thomas  Laidlaw Wilkie, who claims he’s entitled to shares etc., from him.  Thomas is in destitute circumstances; Robert  last heard of at Rheola.  5 pages, List 53.

WILKINSON, Mrs.  Anonymous letter of 1896 claiming that a child born at her house in Brunswick was handed to her daughter Mrs. LYNCH ‘a drunken low woman and not fit to have charge of any child … wife of a spieler’.  4 pages, List 38.

WILKINSON, Mrs. Anne A., wrote from Balaclava in 1897, nearly destitute.  Her husband Thomas Cave Wilkinson had deserted her.  His mother and brother were in Hawthorn.  E. Simpson HILL of Nogee asks his background.  Not found.  41 pages, List 39.

WILKINSON, George St. Clair.  Bishop of Newcastle NSW wrote in 1905, advising that he had been admitted to hospital and asking police to find his mother in Melbourne.  Not found.  12 pages, List 64.

WILKINSON, Richard. Applied to join the police force in 1882, by writing to the Chief Secretary, and enclosing a petition in support from locals. Photo of him in the uniform of the Castlemaine Volunteers is on file. VPRS 3991 Unit 1371 File 82/W11314. [Thanks to Jenny Carter for this reference. Wilkinson was unsuccessful in his application.]

WILKINSON, Miss Rose, of Broken Hill South, sought details of Mrs. Alfred KIRK, nee Elizabeth GIBSON.  Rose married Kirk in 1901 and found he was previously married in 1897 in Bendigo to Gibson.  Found.  9 pages, List 4.

WILKINSON, William, bootmaker/photographer, 49 years, deserted wife Mary Ann at Maldon in 1886.  In 1903 she asked police to see if he was at Broken Hill with his brother Charles.  9 pages, List 67.

WILLIAMS, Mr. A., tobacconist, Wagga Wagga NSW, wrote in 1896 complaining that he paid G. GILLIAM of Chapel St., Prahran to send him a ferret and it has not arrived.  10 pages, List 29.

WILLIAMS, Ada, Elsternwick, in 1896  asks information re son William WAGENBACH, a drover, last heard of in Albury.  Not found.  5 pages, List 50.

WILLIAMS, Alberta, 22 years, attempted suicide in 1913 at Carlton lodging house of Mrs Jean McINTOSH.  Sisters Mrs MAXWELL, Stella WILLIAMS and Mrs TRICKEY will not look after her, so taken to Asylum.  6 pages, List 92.

WILLIAMS, Amy, living in Chinese Camp at Maryborough in 1901, complains of police harassment; has two children to keep.  Claims Bella WATSON who runs a brothel there is protected.  Detailed report states she is a prostitute.  11 pages, List 52.

WILLIAMS, Alice Emily May, child of Frederick John, farmer and Miriam; birth not registered in time; report on, 1912.  4 pages, List 105.

WILLIAMS, Annie, wrote from Port Fairy in 1915, complaining that people were supplying alcohol on a Sunday and her husband Henry Edward got drunk. Statement on file from him.  She is a sister of Constable ROWE.  5 pages, List 117.

WILLIAMS, Annie Florence, 6 years old in 1900, died suddenly; a cripple.  2 pages, List 49.

WILLIAMS, Mrs E.A., North Adelaide, asks police in 1912 to keep an eye on her son in law J.M. EVANS who is in Melbourne.  She feels he will harm her daughter Lottie who is also there.  5 pages, List 103.

WILLIAMS, Mrs. Ellen, Broken Hill, sought sister Mrs. Edward MARRIOTT in 1907, not heard of for 20 years.  Found under name MERRIETT.  4 pages, List 84.

WILLIAMS, Frank, native of Kent, c35 years, formerly in employ of solicitors Darvall & Horsfall, Melbourne, left and went to Perth.  Returned to Melbourne 1896, involved in trading mining shares.  Left wife Rosie and 2 children, heading back to Perth via Adelaide, but never arrived.  Wife asks police help to find him, somewhat faded photo on file; not found.  39 pages, List 38.  

WILLIAMS, George, farmer, Lockington.  While on a visit to Melbourne in 1928 was persuaded by Frederick ANDERSON, a magsman working for Harry VALLENDER, to purchase land in the Glenroy Heights Estate.  15 pages, List 60.

WILLIAMS, Harry Fenton, 14 years, went missing in Sydney in 1918.  Mother L, North Sydney, wrote to Melbourne police after a medium told her to do so. Not found.  6 pages, List 120.

WILLIAMS, James S. Sought by wife K. Williams in Sydney in 1899; his sister Mrs. Sarah CAULFIELD in Lancefield may know where he is. She is going to charge him with desertion. Not found. 6 pages, List 2.

WILLIAMS, Hartley, Supreme Court, writes in 1898 asking police help to stop men coming into his property at Malvern and stealing fruit from his trees.  2 pages, List 21.

WILLIAMS, John.  Anonymous letter of 1908 criticizes his sons William, formerly in postal department, and Ishmael, in railway department, for fleecing their father of his money and leaving him destitute.  Another son Alfred is also in the railway department, and a married sister lives in Perth W.A.  The father is living ‘in a tenament in Chewton’ and hard up.  3 pages, List 4.

WILLIAMS, Kate, 69 years, Brunswick, took grand-daughter Gladys NICOL to a quarry hole and threw her and herself in.  Gladys escaped and ran to alert aunt Charlotte O’BRIEN, who took Kate home and called a doctor who pronounced her as having a ‘weak intellect’. 6 pages, List 100.

WILLIAMS, Lena, sought by mother in Campsie, Sydney in 1911; 22 years.  Found, married to John HARROWER.  4 pages, List 95.

WILLIAMS, Mary, took ill and died at Dunolly in 1911; she was living with Frederick SCHMIDT, a travelling tinsmith, and was a widow, her husband having been killed in the mines at Newcastle NSW.  Mary was born there, 28 years, had two boys who were believed to be with their grandmother.  Payment for burial was sought.  8 pages, List 100.

WILLIAMS, Nicholas, engineer, West Melbourne, in 1912 asked police to find his wife who has left him.  Alleges she knew about an abortion committed on Mrs G. CLARK, who subsequently died in hospital; inquest held.  Detective Report states he has a criminal record and is a wife beater.  5 pages, List 102.

WILLIAMS, P.M., formerly in Tasmania police force, left his 9 year old daughter Beryl with his sister Mrs. PURKISS and has not paid maintenance.  Found.  10 pages, List 83.

WILLIAMS, Reginald, Private 9400 Scottish Rifles Glasgow, wrote in 1915 asking police to find his mother Mrs. Arthur PAGE.  He left Australia 5 years ago as a sailor and enlisted there.  A.M. BLACKWOOD of Woodlands U.F. Church Institute also wrote on his behalf.  Mother found.  9 pages, List 54.

WILLIAMS, Richard, and wife, left Cornwall c1853 for Australia.  He kept hotels in Kadina and Moonta, and is believed to have died in the 1890s.  In 1909 his nephew Thomas Henry RICHARDS wrote from North Ipswich, Qld seeking information.  His cousins Charlotte HOCKING and J. LAURENCE found, but have no information.  24 pages, List 55.

WILLIAMS, Rose, Camperdown, wrote in 1917 re getting her brother’s suitcase as he had been killed in the war.  It was left with a hotelkeeper, PEDDER, who handed it to returned soldier W. PRICE in Adelaide.  Price claims his wife Sophie has it, but she denies.  He absconds from hospital.  14 pages, List 75.

WILLIAMS, Sarah Ann, Patersonia, wrote in 1916 re son Andrew George Williams, 25 years, last heard of working in a sawmill at Healesville.  3 pages, List 79.

WILLIAMS, Thomas H.  Left Wales for Australia c1887, leaving a young wife and two children behind.  Last heard of at Steiglitz c1895.  Information sought by Mrs. D.I. JONES c/- Mrs. MORGAN, Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1902.  ‘It would be a great relief … if he was dead anyway the worthless wretch.’  Not found.  6 pages, List 42.

WILLIAMSON, alias WILLIAMS, Ambrose, lives with his family at Bangerang near Warracknabeal.  File re suspected incest on first wife’s daughter Esther, who gives birth to a child at Geelong in 1900 and then stays with aunt Mrs. LEAHY in Richmond.  Esther maintains father of child is Thomas CLARK who worked for her father.  Child died.  Testimonies recorded, but no action taken.  19 pages, List 44.

WILLIAMSON, Arthur, Richmond, found injured in a laneway in Melbourne and taken to hospital, 1909.  3 pages, List 53.

WILLIAMSON, Mrs H., Queenstown, West Coast Tasmania, in 1909 asked police to find her sister Mrs John GENARD, who had run off with Neil COLLINS, whose mother lived in Creswick.  4 pages, List 87.

WILLIAMSON, W.J.  Writes from Sandon in 1897, re his application to join the force.  1 page, List 6.

WILLIS, -. Ex constable. Correspondence in 1901 re maintenance of his children Marion, Ethel, Susan and Eileen at Convent of Good Shepherd, and Francis John who was with Mrs. WEIGHTMAN of Collingwood. 13 Pages, List 2.

WILLS, Alfred, died suddenly while working for John CREELMAN, farmer, Bald Hills.  His brother Thomas complains about burial costs etc.  15 pages, List 83.

WILMS, Monica Lillian, 14 years, left her home in Port Melbourne in 1916 and believed to have married a soldier – MUNRO.  Several letters from her mother Eleanor asking police help to find her.  Found.  23 pages, List 76.

WILSON, Albert Leo, sought by wife E., Sydney NSW, in 1913. He was believed to be involved with picture shows, and may use name HAGAN.  Small magazine photo on file, where he is called ‘The Pumpkin King’.  Not found.  20 pages, List 94.

WILSON, Alfred, sought by wife Christina at Warrnambool in 1908.  He left for Queensland 2 years ago.  Found.  10 pages, List 59.

WILSON, Angus, wrote from Lithgow NSW in 1912, re his father Allen, born near Inverness Scotland, arrived Melbourne 1883; left NSW railways 5 years prior, going on land in Victoria with brother James and John, and not heard from since.  Not found.  7 pages, List 35.

WILSON, Daisy, wrote in 1896, asking confidential enquiries as to whether her brother in law Henry SOULE was still at Chiltern.  Local police report rumour she is pregnant to him.  4 pages, List 36.

WILSON, Ellen Frances. Maggie O’CONNOR of Clifton Hill writes in 1899 regarding this child. Police find she and her father F.W. Wilson left Garfield 18 months previously and can’t be found. Maggie visits Ellen’s mother ‘in the Asylum’. 11 pages, List 2.

WILSON, Emma Lillian, wrote from St. Margaret’s Hospital Sydney in 1901, re Jim CHAMBERS, who she met in Wagga and got her pregnant.  He left for Melbourne and hasn’t returned; found.  8 pages, List 53.

WILSON, Francis Alexander, 6 years, drowned in a dam at Lima near Benalla in 1900.  Anonymous letter alleges he was murdered.  Report states Mrs. TURNER (prostitute) and Mrs. HOSKINSON made the allegations.  Mother Margaret O’DONNELL lived with George CLARK/CLARKE for some time, and the child was with him at the time of the accident.  No truth in allegations.  9 pages, List 44

WILSON, Leslie William, shot his daughter Dorothy Jean, then himself in 1919.  He was a returned soldier.  Copy of evidence to be tendered at inquest; witnesses Patience Jane BENTLEY, George Harry HUNTER, Hubert Clive BENTLEY, Herbert BENTLEY, Evelyn Maud WILSON, Fanny Lavinia WILSON, Bertha Helen LEES, Leslie Tinsley DANIELS.  19 pages, List 31.

WILSON, Margaret, 17 years, known as Peggy HYLAND, taken to Abbotsford Convent in 1918 after stealing charge. Mother Ruby, Manly NSW wrote re case; father is John Graham Wilson, brother is Bede. 25 pages, List 118.

WILSON, Mrs. Mary Ann, Bushford near Woodford, wrote in 1912 asking what to do regarding a woman who had given a false name on marriage.  Local police report she is referring to Winifred Paul McLAREN, illegitimate daughter of Agnes, who was born at the house of Mrs. Grace DAVEY and raised by her and called her mother.  Winifred had recently married George McDONALD and given her surname as Davey.  Police decide not to charge her with any offence.  Local police also comment on Wilson, ‘a very undesirable character’ who lived apart from her husband and had 3 children to Robert  NICOL of Rose Hill, Grasmere.  When he announced his engagement to Miss TOZER, Wilson took the 3 children to his house.  He subsequently shot himself.  Wilson’s letter is in pencil and very faint.  4 pages, List 35.

WILSON, Nellie, 14 years, went missing in 1917; mother Ethel Mary, North Melbourne asks help to find her and encloses a small, very dark photo of Nellie.  4 pages, List 71.

WILSON, Thomas and SLATER, Henry, put on trial for shooting with intent to murder Constable Archibald COOPER who found them attempting to rob grocer T. MITCHELL’s shop in Fitzroy in 1919.  Various sets of fingerprints on file, c50 pages, some duplicates, List 27.

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WILTSHIRE, Gertrude, North Melbourne, gave birth to female illegitimate child in 1896, father Alfred MURN.  She claims that a Mrs. LAFLUER adopted the child and took it to Kalgoorlie, but police believe she abandoned it in Geelong.  Investigation inconclusive, so no charges laid.  27 pages, List 38.

WIMPOLE, Mrs.  George Hotel St., asks police protection as she has several Germans working for her and has heard soldiers might attack, 1916.  List 6.

WINCH, George, sought by Mrs. Thomas OPSIT of Kingston, Dunedin in 1900, has taken her daughter Ruby away with him.  He’s married with a family.  Not found.  10 pages, List 47.

WINDRAM, Thomas, attempted suicide at North Melbourne in 1910; statements of sister Olive and mother Mary on file. No prosecution.  10 pages, List 93.

WINES, Mrs W., Ringarooma, Tasmania, wrote in 1911 re daughter Emma, married to Jack COFFEY, and living in Purnim; has heard she has been murdered.  False, they have left owing debts.  5 pages, List 99.

WINSTANLEY, Arthur.  An unknown male, c30 years, was found dead in the bush at Kangaroo Flat in 1900, by Edward HESTER, a contractor.  He had shot himself.  At first it was thought to be Winstanley, and his mother was interviewed, but he was found in NSW.  Two photos of deceased are on the file.  He remained unidentified, and his property was subsequently sold to pay for burial costs.  Large file, List 44.

WINTER, Daniel, sought by daughter Ethel Mary, Glebe Sydney in 1910.  She was born c1887, sent to Reformatory School when 16.  Her mother is Nellie nee MUNDLE, and she was one of five children, the others being Alice, Ruby, Charles and Kate.  7 pages, List 92.

WINTERBOTTOM, W.M., Adelaide, wrote in 1915 re uncle W.H. HAMMAT; has heard he is in a private hospital in Melbourne.  Niece Mrs MINNE located. 6 pages, some damaged.  List 116.

WINTERS, Henry Claud and Stanley Laurence. Showmen. Henry and his wife leave their children with Mrs. LEWIS of Collingwood in 1890, agreeing to send money for their keep, but fail to do so. 1891.  List 1.

WINTON, Robert Drysdale, deserted wife Catherine Mary at Drouin in 1913; ship’s officer, Scot, 48 years, believed at Port Darwin.  Letter from him on file.  17 pages, some repetition.  List 92.

WISEMAN, Percy L., sought by sister Mary, Warrnambool, in 1911; he had been drinking heavily, is ill.  Found.  6 pages, List 100.

WITHERIDGE, Vera, illegitimate daughter of Dorothy, 17 years, who came from Mitcham South Australia to give birth in Melbourne.  Dorothy herself was the illegitimate child of Edith who then married Thomas HODGE and has died.  Dorothy claims Vera’s father is cousin Wilfred WALTERS.  No prosecution.  10 pages, List 100.

WITHERINGTON, Howard, miller, 54 years.  Information sought by Worcestershire police in 1902 on behalf of his brother J.T., chemist.  Found.  11 pages, List 42.

WITHERS, B., wrote strange letter from Coreen NSW in 1906, asking police to get his brother John in Footscray to stop hounding him; has had to leave Melbourne because of it.  Police interview John who says he has been acting strangely for years.  4 pages, List 31.

WITHERSPOON, H.W., wrote from Newcastle NSW in 1899.  His nephew H.F. Witherspoon arrived recently from London and was to meet with him, but hasn’t. 8 pages, List 42.

WITTENBERG, Henry.  Reported death of his 14 day old child at Newtown, Geelong, in 1899.  6 pages, List 17.

WITTGENSTEIN, William F., sought by Mrs. MA. MAY, Newtown, Sydney, his mother in law, in 1895.  Her eldest daughter eloped with him from Rockhampton, and since her death c1884 they have looked after her two children; he has never paid anything for their keep.  Found, married with children.  7 pages, List 26.

WOLFE, Kathleen, 24 years, wife of Rudolph, attempted suicide in Melbourne in 1913.  File reveals her real name as Kathleen GRAHAM, and she was living apart from her husband and with Wolfe.  No prosecution.  4 pages, List 105.

WOLLEN, William, chemist, Prahran, died suddenly in 1900. 2 pages, List 51.

WONNACOT, Mrs. Annie, Armadale, deserted by her husband in 1915; he has gone to New Zealand, is a tailor’s cutter.  A very detailed report on the situation; he claimed she abused him.  9 pages, List 80.

WOOD, Mrs Elizabeth Ann, Prahran, attempted suicide in 1913.  No prosecution, mitigating circumstances.  4 pages, List 108.

WOOD, Freeman, draper.  Information on his reported death sought by wife Bertha, Paddington, in 1910; he has a 15 year old daughter.  No record of death.  7 pages, List 93.

WOOD, Helen, wrote from Newcastle NSW in 1896 re her husband Thomas, who left her and their 2 sons.  Not found.  16 pages, List 29

WOOD, James, sought by daughter Eva Margaret MELBOURNE, Neerim South, in 1912.  He went to New Zealand and hasn’t been heard from for some months.  Found.  9 pages, List 104.

WOOD, John Sampson, found dead at Prahran, 73 years, widower, 1900.  2 pages, List 48.

WOOD, John Wallace.  Grocer, 313 Victoria St., West Melbourne.  Report on fire there in 1898.  Employee Robert SOMERVILLE and married woman Catherine MORRISON there.  2 pages, List 18.

WOOD, Priscilla.  Died suddenly at Geelong in 1899; report on.  5 pages, List 8.

WOODGATE, Martha.  Unknown body found on beach at Mentone in 1897 by Henry JOURDIAN, and taken to Mentone Hotel (GERMAINE licensee).  Subsequently clothing identified by aunt Mrs GRUNDY of Richmond as belonging to her niece Martha Woodgate.  She believed she was pregnant to a railway porter named COPELAND.  43 pages, List 40.

WOODHEAD, W., Melbourne, mantlepiece manufacturer, wrote to police in 1914 asking them to find Frederick LE GRAND, a German, 40-50 years, who was in his employ but left suddenly.  6 pages, List 114.

WOODHOUSE, Clarence, Moonee Ponds; wrote in 1914 complaining of police treatment of his son Edgar; he was not informed his son was in custody.  Report states son requested family not be told.  10 pages, List 113.

WOODS, Ellen, widow, gave birth to an illegitimate child at Colac in 1909.  Report on care needed for her; father in law John at Chilwell declines to help.  5 pages, List 88.

WOODS, George, Mia Mia, in 1912 asks details of his father John’s jailing for cattle stealing in the 1850s.  Report shows he died in jail in 1859.  4 pages, List 104.

WOODS, Helena/Elizabeth and Charlotte STATTON/STRATTON arrested in Chinese laundry in Melbourne in 1894; allegation that they were ‘on the brink of destruction’ so arrested on vagrancy charge.  They claimed they had been referred to a Chinese couple for a lodging house by Mr. THUNDERBOLT, Inspector of Nuisances.  Police say the woman is a prostitute.  Woods (called WOOLCOCK in newspaper report) was a Ward of State and had had an illegitimate child; Statton was from New Zealand, her parents had returned there from Melbourne and left her behind.  5 pages, List 38

WOODS POINT COUNCIL CHAMBERS.  Attempt to set fire to them in 1866; RITCHIE suspected.  10 pages, List 118.

WOODWARD, A.M. wrote from Caulfield in 1895 re her uncles George BLOODWORTH who left England in 1847 and Frank BLOODWORTH who left in 1850.  They would be 67 and 58 years old now.  Not traced.  6 pages, List 29.

WOOD BEILBY, John.  Complains in 1894 that Catherine LOWSBY, 15yr old, whom he took in, refuses to work as a servant unless paid, and is unskilled.  He wishes to return her to her father William in Melbourne, but he can’t be found.  12 pages, List 3.  

WOOD BEILBY, John. Living in Beechworth, 1898. Had been there fourteen years. Police report he is eccentric, keeps indecent pictures, has a high turnover of women housekeepers. He is 80 years old.  List 1.

WOOD BEILBY, J., writes from Beechworth in 1899, complaining his property is being robbed; two letters on file.  List 41.

WOOLCOTT, Frances M., requests police assistance to stop fraudulent collectors in 1918; she is an organiser for the Australian Comforts Fund.  File contains a Collector’s Permit and band that went around the collection box.  Her letter is damaged, not easy to decipher. 4 pages, List 119.

WOOLCOTT, Sarah Ann, poisoned herself in 1882; report.  6 pages, List 58.

WOOLLEY, Alfred.  Asks police help regarding Charles WENDT, who, after suffering from typhoid fever for months, has disappeared, leaving his wife and children anxious about him.  Found  12 pages, List 56.

WOOLPERT, Hazel, attempted suicide in 1914, 22 years, married; mother Jennie ECKWORTH.  4 pages, List 76.

WOOLSTON, Ruth Annie, alleges sexual interference by her brother William at Richmond in 1899, then retracts the claim; she is 15 years old and found to be pregnant.  Warning:  there is some graphic material in this file.  15 pages, List 42.

WOOLSTON, Thomas.  Sought by his mother in Richmond, in 1906.  He left there in 1901 with the RULE family, would be c25yrs of age. Police report the family are “all slightly mad”, drink and quarrel among themselves.  9 pages, List 4.

WORSDELL, Horace, wanted for 1883 Brunswick bank robbery.  An attempt to identify him as a criminal named SWEENEY is undertaken, but the photo on file is stated to be that of Alfred EHRENBERG, an employee of A. HARRIS, tobacconist, and not under suspicion for the robbery.  List 58.

WORTHINGTON, Bessie, murdered at her parent’s home at Thornbury by husband Frank Sydney Harold Thomas Worthington, who then killed himself.  Very detailed report of their backgrounds; they had a daughter Valerie before marriage, he had left his first wife Elsie, and two children.  Letter from his sister in law Mary STALLWOOD of Annadale on file, as well as plan of house and 4 photos of him, as a boxer, athlete and a studio portrait.  This is a very large file, with some graphic detail.  List 60.

WORTHINGTON, Edward, c35 years, brush maker, born Preston, Lancashire England, single, left Perth WA for Melbourne.  Alfred MAYOR, Spearwood, Fremantle, sought him in 1911.  7 pages, List 99.

WORTHINGTON, Frank, 26 years, confesses to Salvation Army officer in 1887 that he embezzled money from STEINER & CO., dyers, Manchester c7 years ago, and fled to Australia.  His parents lived at Morton near Runcon, Cheshire.  3 pages, List 56.

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WRAGGE, Arthur Darwin. Wife Elizabeth writes from Rockhampton in 1901, seeking details, but he is not found.  List 1.

WREN, John. Number of files on his illegal Collingwood tote, 1894. Details monies spent getting evidence against the tote, 1897. Re prosecution for running tote, 1898.  List 1.

WREN, John.  Assaulted at election meeting in 1907; William Bell JACKSON, ‘an old man’ is identified as assailant, but no charge laid.  4 pages, List 15.  See also entry for SWINBURNE, George.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Alfred, surveyor, born Stepney London 1847.  Information sought by wife Annie, Fitzroy, in 1910.  She hadn’t seen him for some years, but has heard he was in Melbourne recently.  Not found.  11 pages, List 54.

WRIGHT, Mrs. A.J., wrote from Balmain Sydney in 1899 re her husband George, ‘an elderly gentleman’ supposed to be keeping a hotel.  Not found.  19 pages, List 42.

WRIGHT, Charles, Superintendent of Police, Brighton, Tasmania, wrote two letters regarding his son Richard Andrew joining the Victorian police force.  4 pages, List 31.

WRIGHT, Finlay.  Wrote from Sydney in 1898 seeking his brother James’s possessions.  States that he suicided in Victoria in 1870, was a Clerk of Petty Sessions, former army captain, owned land etc.  Police find that no one of that name was ever a CPS, and that one who suicided was called Walter Gavin Wright.  6 pages, List 7.

WRIGHT, Henry. Born Fitzroy, married Mary Jane MARSH in Melbourne 1898, giving parents as James and Mary nee WILLIAMS; subsequently found to have previously married Caroline FERNE in 1895 using the name Henry Albert JONES, with Emma Wright as his mother. No prosecution as first wife is in New Zealand and minister is overseas, so no witnesses. Second wife returned to her mother after he bashed her.  Copies of two marriage certificates on file.  14 pages.  List 1.

WRIGHT, James, wrote from Katamatite in 1897, complaining of Dookie police interference.  They report he was working at a local vineyard and ‘became infatuated with Miss FOY of the Gladstone Hotel’ and kept sending her letters.  She asked police to get him to stop.  6 pages, List 40.

WRIGHT, Samuel, charged with unlawful assault on 6 year old Mabel STEETH, daughter of Jessie and Arthur, at Fitzroy in 1896.  She is his niece; he’s found insane and committed to asylum.  Witness was Louisa MAURER, 7 years, her cousin.  16 pages, List 39.

WRIGLEY, W.H., deserted from H.M.S. Powerful at Hobart in 1913; mother lived in Brighton.  Photo on file.  4 pages, List 93.  

WROE, John. 1863 report on the activities of the Wroeits, a religious group.  List 1.

WYATT, Mrs. S.A., Redfern NSW, wrote in 1917 re PENWARN, who was a detective in the 1870s.  Arthur Frederick Penwarn, son of George, interviewed, but no connection.  6 pages, List 72.

WYMER, George.  Tenders for various repairs to Tylden police station, 1864, 8 pages, List 14.

WYNDHAM SHIRE.  Shire Secretary forwards complaint from local residents William OUTEN, Thomas GIEVE, G. ROBINS, A. ORR and A. HANSEN regarding the cremation of an Indian (name given as MILA RAM, 16 years old, from the Punjab, died in hospital) on a local Shire road.  Police report that the cremation was organized by Mr. ISSARD of La Trobe St Melbourne, who had arranged similar events at Sandringham.  The van which delivered the body was driven by Frederick A. MIDDLETON.  5 pages, List 30.

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YARRA BEND ASYLUM.  Large file, commences in 1909 with complaints from staff about youths misbehaving in the asylum grounds at weekends (they were used for football/cricket matches) and requests for police protection.  In 1910 nurse Mary COOK was sexually assaulted at night while walking to work there, and the offence is linked to attacks on other women.  Further requests for police protection to 1913.  List 107.

YATES, Charles H., wrote from Darlinghurst in 1912, asking police to collect wages due to him from WHITELAWS in Flinders St.  NSW police report he has been arrested for wife desertion.  Whitelaws state he owes them money for damaging property.  6 pages, List 35.

YATES, James William, deserted wife Emily in Adelaide in 1906; 25 years, believed in Melbourne.  Not found.  10 pages, List 71.

YATES, Margaret, wife of John Noble Yates, evangelist and homeopathic, died in 1887.  In 1888 he named as co-responded in LEIGHTON divorce case.  Some people think her death was suspicious and police take statements from Clara and Thomas George COLLINGS and John Thomas Tully HARDING and conclude no evidence.  9 pages, List 56.

YATES, Philip (or Patrick), died at Kelly’s Basin Tasmania in 1899, c32 years, had been drinking heavily.  His wife May (nee PHILIPS) was to be informed, but couldn’t be found.  17 pages, List 42.

YATES/YEATES, Thomas.  Petition for remission of sentence of 3 months imprisonment, 1865; is 64yrs old, had his hand shot off 10 yrs ago; signs with an X.  4 pages, List 3.

YATES, Thomas Alexander, Norong near Rutherglen, in 1909 explains failure to register birth of daughter Eileen Mary in time.  4 pages, List 88.

YEE HING CHINESE SOCIETY, Bendigo.  Newspaper reports of ‘secret’ Chinese society in 1899 prompt report.  Persons interviewed: Dan YOUNG, Hang YEE, Hang HOY, Park LOON, Lee KIM, William HING.  15 pages, List 42.

YEEND, Percy William, sought by father William, Moree NSW in 1914.  He was 21 years, a cyclist, ‘decoyed away from Sydney 18 months ago by a married woman named ROWE.’  Found.  8 pages, List 110.

YEUNGROON EAST STATE SCHOOL, near Charlton.  Teacher Miss FLOWERS subjected to harassment by unknown person in 1895, who attempted to burn down the school, sent insulting poem, forged a transfer application and forged resident petition.  The school is on the land of EDYVEAN family; she boards with EDWARDS family.  Letter from William HILLIARD on file.  Offender not found. 8 pages, List 28.

YOUNG, Albert.  Sought by Govt. Statist, 1897.  Has left his wife Lily and daughter; was a traveller for Singer sewing machines, c26 years old, family in New Zealand.  4 pages, List 6.

YOUNG, Mrs E., Northcote, wrote in 1913; she has recently been discharged from hospital as incurable, has dropsy etc., their children have been committed to the Department of Neglected Children.  She wants her husband David to support her; is currently staying with a friend Mrs BLOCKLEY, but she can’t afford to keep her there.  6 pages, List 106.

YOUNG, Elizabeth Harriet Hester. Married Charles James RICH at Fitzroy in 1909; he claimed to be a widower, but she has found out his first wife Martha Elizabeth CROUCH is still alive. Both marriage certificates on file. 7 pages.  List 1.

YOUNG, Geoffrey, 15 years, sought by father F.J., Naval Depot, Rushcutters Bay Sydney, in 1913.  He had formerly lived in Coburg.  Not found.  9 pages, List 106.

YOUNG, James, sought by wife G., Charters Towers, in 1909.  He left 7 years ago, was a traveller for an insurance company.  Not found.  7 pages, List 89.

YOUNG, John, wrote from ‘Lawerence’ in 1903, seeking his son John, who was in Dardanup Western Australia and hasn’t been heard from.  He is c22 yeasr old.  6 pages, List 117.

YOUNG, Lindsay, 27 years, reporter, married and living apart from wife, attempted suicide in 1917; his father is employed on the Register newspaper in Adelaide.  10 pages, List 73.

YOUNG, Sarah, gave birth to a male child who died at Dry Creek near Bonnie Doon, in 1895.  Mother Charlotte is the wife of Lee Young, licensee of the Diggers Rest Hotel.  Sarah is 17 years old. Neighbour Elizabeth KRUSE/KHRUSE, wife of Adolph is a witness.  Inquest file and discussion re charging her with infanticide.  15 pages, List 28.

YOUNG or MORGAN, William, found in the bush at Woomelang in 1916, suffering from the DTs, subsequently died.  Father Farmer Young asked to pay burial expenses; brother Frank wrote from Mount Gambier.  7 pages, List 79.

YUCK WAH, died at Morrisons in 1900, aged 78 years.  He had lived there for 30 years.  Police ask if inquest necessary; no.  4 pages, List 44.

YULE, Charles G., Sergeant of Police, Dundee, Scotland, wrote in 1899 re the death of his uncle William Yule at Yapeen near Castlemaine, and the assets he would have left.  Police find insufficient to pay creditors.  6 pages, List 38.

YURACKA, Catherine, Perth, wrote in 1908 re her husband Joseph who had deserted her, believed in Melbourne.  8 pages, List 84.

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ZAGARI, Tony.  Bomb thrown at the house he occupied with Antonio BARBARO and Vincent SASSONI, in 1928.  4 pages, List 4.

ZEHNDER, Charles.  Swiss Consul in Melbourne wrote in 1904 seeking information about him.  Not found.  11 pages, List 10.

ZELIFF, Frederick, formerly a sailor, last heard of at Avoca, sought by nephew Floyd HURLBUT, Princeton University in 1901, of behalf of mother who is nearly 90.  Zeliff is c40 years, an American.  7 pages, List 51.

ZERNA, Rosie Annie.  Gave birth to child Percy at Women’s hospital in 1912l, only 15 years old; suspected father of child named, 1912.  List 15.

ZIGI, Angelo.  Italian Consul in Melbourne sought details about him in 1877.  7 pages, List 5.

ZILLMAN, J.H.L., Redfern, formerly clergyman in Melbourne, wrote in 1916 re his wife’s mother Mrs FULLERTON, widow of the late Captain, R.N., Harbour Master of Port of Melbourne; his wife Rubina is ill.  6 pages, List 80.

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