Memories of an Old Police Officer

Index

15 August 1925 Early Experiences at Sea

18 August 1925 Arrival in South Australia

22 August 1925 Early Days in the Force

26 August 1925 My First Outstation and Other Things

29 August 1925 Experience in the North

11 Sept 1925 Incidents at Port Pirie

17 Sept 1925 A New Station at Port Germein

22 Sept 1925 More Incidents at Redhill

26 Sept 1925 Busy Times at Nairne

30 Sept 1925 More about Nairne Days

6 October 1925 Exciting Times at Nairne

7 October 1925 In Charge at Henley Beach

15 October 1925 Service Changes and Other Things

16 October 1925 Far Northern Incidents

31 October 1925 A Trip to England

14 Nov 1925 End of Service Days

Charles Le Lievre had an interesting life, but perhaps his (sometimes questionable) policing skills were better than his literary skills.

Where else can you shamelessly blow your own trumpet (he proudly cites several glowing testimonials), if not in your own memoirs! Describing himself as fearless (but always armed with his revolver) there seems no doubt that he was very conscious of his responsibilities, and zealous in performing his duties. Yet he comes across as overly self-confident, to the point of arrogance - especially towards non-whites and people of a lower class to that of his own.

He had admiration for the hard-working pioneers and bush-men, but was contemptuous of the man who couldn't hold his drink and who used blasphemous language. He was obsequious to those who had a university education, and the ruling class. He "knew his place". Surprisingly (as he was posted to Port Augusta and Quorn), his writings gave scant attention to his relationship with indigenous people.

He fancied himself as being the young English hero with tales of derring-do; although frankly, much of his writing is pedestrian, and most of the stories mundane. (Occasionally it seems he is quoting from his police note-book: "I proceeded immediately to the complainant's premises and ascertained that a break-in had occurred...."). Allowance also has to be made for the flowery language used in the early 20th century.

Nevertheless, there are some interesting snippets, painting a picture of the times and examining police methods, and the social attitudes in rural South Australia prevalent in the late 19th century. - Ed.