Sunday Times, Sun 3 Jun 1928 1
POLICE ARREST BLACK
TRACKER
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Orange, Saturday.
Monte [aka Monty] Tickle, a pure-blood aboriginal employed for several years as a blacktracker at the Orange Police Station, and highly intelligent, was arrested by Sergt Smith on Friday night and charged at the Court this morning with an offence against decency. Tickle, who was remanded for eight days, is a young, and an expert tracker.
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The Forbes Advocate, Wed 6 Jun 1928 2
(Baradine), expert trackers. Image: The Sun, (Sydney, NSW),
Fri 8 Jun 1923, p. 14. Reproduction: Peter de Waal
“MONTY” TICKLE IN
TROUBLE
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Charge Against the Black
Tracker.
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On Friday morning last, Sergt Smith arrested Monte Tickle, the well-known black tracker, who is attached to the Orange police, and who recently was in Trundle seeking for Diana Johnson, and lodged him in the lock-up on an alleged serious offence in connection with his movements in the presence of nurses at the Orange District Hospital.
On Saturday morning Tickle came before the [Orange] Police Court on a charge of committing an act of gross indecency.
On the application of the police, Tickle was formally remanded for eight days.
Bail was allowed, and fixed at the sum of self £80, with a similar surety of two of £40 each.
On Sunday two bondsman came forward, and the accused was liberated.
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Molong Express and Western District Advertiser, Sat 9 Jun 1928 3
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.
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Mr C Worner, from Dulwich Hill, has taken up duties as postmaster at Eugowra, vice Mr EE McCarthy, transferred.
…
the Rev John Smith, of Trangie, and formerly of Molong, will act as supply for the Wellington Presbyterian Church during the month of June.
…
Dame Nellie Melba is now our leading mezzo-soprano. Time has transposed her voice a minor third down. In the middle and lower registers, the voice is, in some sort, more beautiful than ever. And Melba is in her 70th year!
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Shortly before Noonan Friday, Sergeant Smith arrested Monte Tickle, the well-known black tracker, who is attached to the Orange police force, and lodged him in the Orange lock-up. On Saturday morning, Tickle came before the Orange Police Court, when a charge of committing an act of gross indecency was preferred against him. On the application of the police, Tickle was formally remanded for eight days. Bail was allowed, and fixed at the sum of (self) £80, with a similar surety, or two of £40 each. It is understood that two bondsmen came forward the following day, and the accused was liberated. The offence with which he is charged is alleged to have been committed in the vicinity of the Orange Hospital.
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Truth, Sun 17 Jun 1928 4
BLACK BEAU BRUMMELL
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Tracker Who Hunted Night Prowler
Finds Himself in Court Dock
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SERGEANT’S SHOCKING STORY
(From “Truth’s” Orange Representative.)
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NURSES at Orange District Hospital have lately been terrified in their sleeping quarters by prowlers and Peeping Toms. The climax was reached a few nights ago when a nurse was awakened by the pressure of a hand. She opened her eyes and screamed at the sight of a man standing alongside her couch.
SHE wakened another nurse who was sleeping close by, but who had not heard the intruder. As soon as he noticed other nurses awake and commotion beginning, the prowler jumped from the verandah on to the lawn, and clambered over the six-foot paling fence.
The nurses’ screams brought to the scene, in about five minutes, Monte Tickle, the local black tracker, who was living directly opposite at the police barracks. Monte averred that he would very soon have the disturber, and set off in pursuit, but athlete as he is, he returned empty-handed.
And now Monte is himself under lock and key awaiting trial at the next Orange Quarter Sessions.
Monte is no ordinary binghi. He is a young Hercules of 28 summers. Black as a Matabele ju-ju man, educated, and Beau Brummell.
His clothes are always cut in the most approved style, and as a model for a tailor, Monte Tickle is “it” and then some.
He is also a strict teetotaller. He took his meals at the local hotel at the common dining table waited on by white waitresses, and was looked upon as a paragon of decorum.
On one occasion last year, a white man, who happened to be over-loaded with hop-juice, was making himself rather objectionable to the other diners, Monte was one of them.
Asked by the Orange black-tracker to desist, the offender resented being spoken to “by a binghi.” Thereupon Monte dropped knife and fork, collared his man and made an arrest in proper form.
But lately, women patients in hospital made complaints to the matron.. The police were informed and Sergeant Smith, deputed to make inquiries, arrested Monte, who, last week, faced Mr Arnold, PM, on a charge of wilful indecency.
In his evidence, Sergeant Smith stated that he was on the hospital balcony with three women patients, and on the opposite side of the street he saw Monte standing in front of the police barracks behaving in a disgusting way.
Monte, he said, went behind the barracks and returning a few minutes later, repeated the offence. Leaving the hospital, the sergeant went up behind Monte, and said “I have been watching you. What have you got to say about it?”
The black allegedly replied: “I didn’t mean anyone to see me.”
A married woman, who reside in Orange, gave evidence that she was on the balcony at the hospital. She saw the black offence against decency, she said, on two different days.
Tickle was committed on bail for trial at Orange on July 3.
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The Leader and Orange Stock and Station News, Wed 4 Jul 1928 5
MONTE TICKLE CONVICTED.
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SENTENCE SUSPENDED.
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Monte Tickle, until recently employed by the Police Department as a blacktracker, stationed in Orange Police Patrol District, was charge, [sic] at yesterday’s sittings of the Quarter Sessions, [before Judge Thompson], with having, on June 1, committed an indecent offence in view of a woman, who was a patient at the Orange Hospital. Tickle pleaded not guilty.
Mr WR Campbell appeared for the defence, on instruction from the Crown.
The following jurors were empanelled:—Joseph Watts, Wm Matthew Patterson, Michael Hiney, John Commins, Sidney Neale, Alfred William Earl, Edgar Harrison, William J Baker, William Thomas Spurway, Christopher Beplate, Owen Raymond Kemmis, Hubert Robert Orbost.
No jurors were challenged, either by the Crown or accused.
The Crown Prosecutor (Col Stacy) said that the case was a very simple one. The principal witness for the Crown would not appear, having left Orange, but the depositions from the lower Court would be submitted, in which it would be shown that she had sworn to having seen accused emerge from the side of the police barracks, and stand within plain view of the witness and other patients who were seated on the balcony of the Public Hospital opposite, and deliberately commit the offence, with which he was charged. Tickle, when approached by Sergeant Smith and questioned, had said that he “did not do it for them to see.” He then said, “I suppose I have a kink. If you will give me a chance this time, I will promise not to do it any more.”
Image: NSW State Library collection. Reproduction: Peter de Waal
Accused consented to the admitting of the deposition as evidence.
This was read by the Clerk of Courts, Mr Davies. It was deposed that the witness saw accused come out from the side of the police barracks, opposite the Hospital, where witness was a patient, commit the offence, go back, and return to do it again. This was not the first occasion.
Sergeant Alexander Smith said that on June 1 he was on the balcony of the Orange Hospital, in the company of three women patients. He saw accused come out in front of the police barracks, and stand facing the Hospital, committing an act of indecency. He remained there for about five minutes, and then he went away, and returned and did the same. Witness left the hospital and went to the back of the police barracks, when he met Tickle and questioned him. He said, “I did not do it for them to see.” He then said, “I suppose I have a kink, but if you give me a chance, I’ll promise not to do it any more.” He then took accused to the station, and charged him.
Mr Campbell: Was there no fence there to obscure the view?
Witness: It was not high enough.
Did he not say, “I could not help it”?—Yes, he did.
Then why did you not say that in your evidence in the Police Court?—I did say it.
Did you read your deposition?—It was read over to me.
Will you swear he said that?—Yes, I am swearing it.
What kind of fence was in front of Tickle?—An ordinary paling fence.
Were there any opening in it?—Yes.
I suppose about as wide as a pencil?—Well some might have been an inch or an inch and a half wide.
Monte Tickle said that he had meant no offence.
Mr Campbell: Do you know what is meant by “kink?”
Accused: Well, I don’t know altogether.
What did you mean by saying that you had a bit of a “kink”?—I suppose I had a kink to go there for the purpose, although it was a natural one.
Crown Prosecutor: Were you not standing in view of the street?—Perhaps I was.
And the balcony of the Hospital?—I don’t know. I suppose I was.
Didn’t you look up there?—No.
You did not know there was anyone there?—No.
You came there for a natural purpose?—Yes.
Then why did you return a second time?—Well, I though I heard someone passing or coming in, so I went back to see.
Were you in the habit of going there for a certain purpose?—Yes.
Mr Campbell, addressing the jury, said that the same principles could not be applied to an aboriginal as to a white man. The evidence of Sergeant Smith, he admitted, was very strong against accused, but it was possible that he was unconsciously biassed by his detestation of the actual happening taking place within view of outsiders. There was no reason, however, why they should not place just the same credence on Tickle’s evidence. Was not the fact that he was an aboriginal sufficient to explain why he had not realised the folly and indecency of performing a natural function in such a place?
The Crown Prosecutor contended that it would not be right to accept Tickle as a white man as regards evidence and a blackman as regards behavior. He would not commence a long discourse on the matter, as he regarded that as an insult to the intelligence of the jury. Accused had frequently offended, and a blanket was hung at the front of the balcony at the request of the female witness, but had proved useless.
His Honor, in summing up, and explaining the application of the law in such cases, remarked that Tickle’s admission that he was in the habit of going to that spot, at the front of the barracks, for the purpose outlined, would explain his having been observed doing the same thing before.
The jury retired at 1.12 pm, when the Court was adjourned for an hour.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to mercy, on account of the defendant’s past good behaviour and his color.
Mr Campbell asked that in view of the jury’s recommendation, the provisions of the First Offenders’ Act be extended to Tickle.
His Honor remarked that in view of the verdict of guilty, he must impose a penalty, which would serve as a warning to others. He accordingly sentenced Tickle to nine months’ imprisonment, sentence to be suspended on Tickle entering into a bond of £20 to be of good behaviour for twelve months.
…
DEFAULTING JURYMAN FINED.
For failing to obey a summons to appear at the Orange Courthouse, as a juryman for the sittings of the Quarter Sessions yesterday, Robert Otto Fenwick was fined £2 by Judge Thompson. William James Penhall , Robert McDonald and Sidney John Gleeson were excused from attending.
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POLICE COURT CHANGES.
Cudal Court will in future be visited by the police magistrate from Bathurst, as it has been found that Mr CA Arnold, PM, has been overburdened with the responsibility and work of such a large territory. Cumnock has also been removed from his jurisdiction, and will be attached to the Dubbo district. The establishment of a Court of Petty Sessions at Tullamore, and the operations of the Warden’s Court having been instrumental in bringing about the change.
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MASONIC BALL.
Amid the whirl of gaiety in Orange during the winter months, one event always stands out above others, as the leading social function of the year. This is the annual Masonic ball, which takes place again on Wednesday next, July 11. No effort has been spared to make this year’s event a greater success than its predecessors, and there is sure to be a big attendance. An orchestra of seven players has been specially engaged for the occasion, and a refined but joyous night of frivolity should be in store for all who attend.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 5 Jul 1928 6
COUNTRY NEWS.
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NEW JUDGE CONGRATULATED.
Orange, Wednesday.
Immediately Judge Alec Thomson took his seat on the Bench of the General Sessions at Orange Court yesterday, Colonel Stacy offered the congratulations of the Bar on his appointment to the Judgeship. This circuit, he said, hoped he would be long spared, and looked forward to his learned impartial decisions. Mr HH Lee, on behalf of the solicitors, also congratulated Judge Thomson, who, in reply, said he appreciated the sentiments, and felt that a mutual feeling would exist between them of courtesy, respect, and confidence in the proper administration of justice.
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BLACK TRACKER IN TROUBLE.
Orange, Wednesday.
Monty Tickle, an aboriginal, who has taken a prominent part in tracking criminals in the western district, appeared before the Orange Sessions in a new role to-day, when he was arraigned on the serious charge of wilful and obscene exposure in a public place. Judge Thomson occupied the Bench, and Tickle was defended by Mr WR Campbell, and pleaded not guilty. Mr Stacy, prosecutor, outlined the case, detailing the offence, which occurred in front of the Orange District Hospital, in the pretence of patients and nurses.
Tickle, giving evidence, stated that he had been employed at Orange by the Police Department as tracker for seven years.
Mr Campbell said they could not expect the same standard of morality in a full-blooded black as in a white person, and after a brief retirement the jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to mercy on account of the previous good character and colour of Tickle. Judge Thomson imposed a sentence of nine months’ imprisonment, which was suspended on Tickle’s recognisance of £20 to be of good behaviour for 12 months.
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The Forbes Advocate, Fri 6 Jul 1928 7
“MONTY” ON PROBATION
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At Orange Quarter Sessions, “Monty” Tickle, convicted of indecent exposure, and sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, was released on probation to be of good behaviour for 12 months.
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The National Advocate, Sat 7 Jul 1928 8
IN A NUTSHELL
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NEWS AND NOTES
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The well-known tracker, Monty Tickle, who has taken a prominent part in tracking many criminals appeared in a new role at the Orange Sessions, when he was found guilty of having wilfully and obscenely exposed himself. Sergeant Smith of Orange gave evidence to the effect that as a result of complaints received from the Matron of the Orange Hospital he went by the back way to the Barracks, and went up behind the defendant, and said to him “I have been watching you exposing yourself to the women of the hospital; have you anthing [sic] to say” Tickle replied, “I did not do it for them to see me.” The Sergeant then said, “Well, if you did not, why did you come to the front of the building?” The defendant answered, “Well, I suppose I have got a bit of a kink; if you give me a chance this time I will promise not to do it any more.”
Judge Thomson imposed a sentence of nine months’ imprisonment, which he hoped would act as a deterrent to others. He would take into consideration the jury’s recommendation and suspend the sentence on Tickle’s own recognisance of £20 to be of good behaviour for twelve months.
1 Sunday Times, (Sydney, NSW), Sun 3 Jun 1928, p. 5.
2 The Forbes Advocate, (NSW), Wed 6 Jun 1928, p. 4.
3 Molong Express and Western District Advertiser, (NSW), Sat 9 Jun 1928, p. 4. Emphasis added.
4 Truth, (Syd, NSW), Sun 17 Jun 1928, p. 17. Emphasis in original and added.
5 The Leader and Orange Stock and Station News, Wed 4 Jul 1928, pp. 5, 6. Emphasis added.
6 The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 5 Jul 1928, p. 12. Emphasis added.
7 The Forbes Advocate, (NSW), Fri 6 Jul 1928, p. 7.
8 The National Advocate, Sat 7 Jul 1928, p. 1. Emphasis added.