Lt Col George Braithwaite Phillips JP, Police Commissioner
Pioneer Memorial Service 2017
Royal Western Australian Historical Society's
The 63rd Annual Pioneers Memorial Service
on Sunday 4 June 2017 at St Bartholomew’s Church, East Perth Cemeteries,
Commemorating Lt Col George Braithwaite Phillips JP, Police Commissioner
1836-1900
Citation by Thomas Chapman, AM and Sally Grundy
Revised & Updated Edition (30th June 2017)
My daughter, Sally, and I are delighted to be here to present to you today a synopsis of our forebear, George Braithwaite Phillips (1836-1900). He is my Great Uncle, and Sally’s G G Uncle.
Our research has established the earliest references to the Phillips family shows that they came from the Bristol area of England and settled in Barbados in the seventeenth century.
Thomas (1694-1748) and Margaret Phillips ( -1757) were both born and died in Barbados. Thomas’ son, John Randall Phillips (1724 – 1773) is listed as a Merchant with the ship Britannia in Barbados. We believe that they were originally involved in the commercial shipping trade, as merchants and traded in tobacco and sugar.
John Randall Phillips was a very wealthy man and his Will demonstrates his bequeathal to a vast number of family members, and also assigns slaves of his to his mother-in-law. Having only one son, George Phillips, he also would have been a wealthy gentleman. This is assumed to be the means by which George’s son John Randall Phillips (1789-1852) acquired the wealth to emigrate to the Swan River Colony.
We have established that a number of family members were born, married and had their children in Barbados. When I visited, I found plaques and gravestones to various members of the Phillips family in many parish churches and churchyards.
One difficulty which arose frequently in our research was the recurrent name ‘John Randall Phillips’.
These families were very involved in the sugar industry, and one plantation, “Lamberts” was purchased by the Phillips family for £28,000 in 1800. I have visited the plantation in the northern end of the island, and the original sugar mill still exists, however turned into an entertainment area. We believe the original homestead, which was timber, burnt down and has been replaced with a substantial plantation home. Adjacent to this is a stand of mahogany trees, which are now heritage listed and very slow growing. The original outbuildings, being stables, sheds and storage are there and in good condition. We know that the family also had interests in other plantations on Barbados including “Durants”.
Amongst the British settlers in Barbados, education was paramount. This entailed the children being sent back to Britain for schooling and university studies. We have tracked many of the family members who became successful doctors, lawyers and merchants, plantation managers and of course entered the Holy Orders. The Randall Phillips Polyclinic is prominent in Barbados today and responsible for much of the formal education and training in health matters on the island. It is now run by the Government.
Our John Randall Phillips was born at St Michael, Barbados on 17th December 1789, the son of George and Mary Phillips, nee Lovell, and educated in Bristol. We do not have details of his life prior to boarding the ship Protector in London, bound for The Swan River Colony in 1829.
There were 68 passengers on board the ship with a crew of 20. The ship carried 2 guns and weighed 380 tons. She left St Katherine’s Dock on the River Thames in October 1829 and sailed to Australia via the Cape of Good Hope, arriving on 25th February 1830.
J R Phillips arrived in Western Australia having been described on the passenger list as an agriculturalist, and had £195 worth of plant and equipment and two letters of credit totaling a further £700. He was accompanied by 21-year-old servant Martha Jane Smith on the ship. They later had their children and married at the Canning River and Albany.
George Braithwaite was born in 1836 at Canning River District, third child to John Randall Phillips and Martha Jane Smith.
In 1839 John Randall Phillips was appointed by the Governor as the Governor’s Representative at Williams River, and within a year had been offered a similar position for the District of Plantaganet, centred on Albany. He was later appointed as the Resident Magistrate at Albany, and the Sub-Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages. He was the Chairman of the Court of General Sessions in Albany and the Sub-protector of Natives for the Plantaganet District.
George was initially schooled at the Albany public school, and later tutored by his father and a private tutor, leaving school at the age of 13.
In 1851, at the age of 15, he was employed on probation and without pay as a writer in the Colonial Secretary’s Office in Perth.
The next year on 27th December 1852, John Randall Phillips Snr, George’s father died in Albany of influenza and was buried in the Albany Memorial Park Cemetery, in an unmarked grave, (Lot 58 we believe).
By 1852 George Braithwaite Phillips was employed as 3rd Clerk in the Colonial Secretary's Office.
In October 1854, aged 18 years, Phillips was to lead a party planned to rendezvous at Shark’s Bay with the North-east Expedition led by Robert Austin, Assistant Surveyor. Phillips was in charge of the stores and travelled in a small boat called ‘Perseverance’ to Shark’s Bay to meet Austin, but Austin failed to arrive. Phillips remained there for sixty-one days instead of the expected few weeks. Unbeknown to Phillips, Austin could not penetrate the thick scrub and subsequently abandoned the expedition. Phillips eventually returned to Perth. Letters of instruction for the expedition are held in the Battye library.
The Inquirer, 13th December, 1854: In connection with the above [The North-east Expedition] we may mention that the 'Perseverance,' which went up to Shark's Bay in October last to meet Mr Austin, and was directed to wait there two months for the party, is still absent to the Northward, and, doubtless, in blissful ignorance of the fate of the party which she had conveyed stores for. This small craft may soon be looked for; and the sooner she arrives now the better, as her longer detention will only be adding to the already large expenditure on account of this unlucky expedition.
The Perth Gazette, 9th February, 1855: Shark's Bay - The Perseverance returned on Saturday last from the mouth of the Gascoigne River in Shark's Bay, where she awaited the arrival of the Exploring party under Mr Austin for 61 days. On the first day of arrival there the boat of the vessel entered the river, which was found almost blocked up by a dry sandbar, reaching almost entirely across, leaving a channel available only for the passage of a single boat at high tide, when there was not more than six feet of water, and as the tide rises there to nearly that height, this opening was nearly dry at low water. The boat went up the river about one mile and a half, and it then got so shallow as not to allow of proceeding any farther; large samphire flats extended on both shores, crossed by numerous natives but of the country nothing was seen except a range of elevated land apparently covered with scrub about seven miles distance in the interior. They did not again visit the river during their stay, but according to their instructions buried a bottle on the beach at the south end of Babbage Island, containing information of their arrival for Mr Austin. This spot was visited every morning and their movements were watched by the natives, who dug the bottles up and broke them. On one occasion the natives, as the boat approached the shore, waded into the water to meet it, those in front pretending to throw their spears away, but it was noticed that they were picked up by those in the rear who concealed them behind them, and under those circumstances the crew of the boat declined their offered friendship. After waiting in vain the full time for the appearance of the Expedition party, the Perseverance on the 7th January proceeded to Egg Island, where she took in about twenty tons of guano, and then sailed for Port Gregory and Fremantle.
In 1856 Phillips was appointed 2nd Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Office. Whilst in this position Phillips was also employed as Confidential Clerk to Governor Hampton in the Governor’s Private Office. Phillips was also appointed Assistant District Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for Perth in 1856.
In 1857 his mother, Martha Jane Phillips (nee Smith), died aged 46 while staying with her son John Randall Phillips Jr at Kanyaka in the South Australian Flinders Ranges. She is buried in the historic cemetery at Kanyaka ruins with a slate headstone.
On 14th September 1858 Phillips married Ruth Rachel Perry, widow, in Perth. There is no marriage record of this union and they had no children.
In 1861 Phillips was appointed by the Royal Geographical Society to 2nd in command of their expedition led by surveyor Francis Gregory to explore the north west coast of Western Australia. Phillips accepted the offer, but the Governor requested him to resign and remain at his post in the public service, which he did.
In 1861, in concert with Alfred H Stone, Phillips embarked on photography. It was Albumen silver photography and Phillips took images of Aboriginals dressed in ragged European clothes, together with a coastal shot and buildings.
In 1865 Phillips was appointed Acting Chief Clerk of the Colonial Secretary’s Office and became Chief Clerk a year later.
Phillips was the Honorary Secretary of the Perth Racecourse from 1866 to 1869 [may have been longer].
Phillips was a Steward of the Perth Assemblies in 1868 and 1870 [may have been additional years].
On 22nd July 1869 Phillips married Annie Emma Hare, daughter of Gustavus Edward Cockburn Hare a former Governor’s Resident at Albany.
In 1869 Phillips was elected the Secretary of the WA Turf Club and was Acting Clerk of the Perth Racecourse.
In 1871, their first child, Edith Georgina was born.
From 1872 to July 1873 Phillips was Registrar General, Registrar of Titles and Registrar of Deeds.
Phillips acted as Colonial Secretary from December 1872 to July 1873.
On 20th October, 1873 Phillips was a passenger on the mail steamer Georgette on her journey from King George’s Sound, Albany to Fremantle when she struck a reef and was stranded. Phillips was in his bunk at the time the vessel struck and was on the reef for about 20 minutes before the vessel then lifted into deeper water. Having sounded the pumps and finding six feet of water in the hold, the engines were reversed to bring her round and she steered for the beach. She grounded at about 3.30am and Mr King, the agent, together with George Phillips were landed and proceeded to Fremantle with intelligence of the disaster and for assistance.
The vessel had been swung for the purposes of adjusting her compasses since her arrival in the colony; she had been swung two or three times each trip she had made. The steamer had deviated 15 miles of course. Witnesses on board had seen Captain H Wilson test the compass before departing Bunbury and stated that he was very careful throughout the voyage. The log was frequently heaved and bearings, when possible, were taken. The helmsman was the only person on board on the look-out when the vessel struck the reef, the other members on watch were taking in the staysail. There was a strong sea running and the captain mentioned that the deviation of the ship’s compass ‘sorely puzzled him’. The captain did not have a Master’s certificate from the Board of Trade, but had a Mate’s certificate from the Board. He had a local Master’s certificate which was signed on the day the vessel left Fremantle for Albany.
The Perth Gazette, 24th October 1873: FREMANTLE (From our own Correspondent)
In my last I was, or rather I have been accused of being, too beautifully, classically discursive. This time I am not going to err upon that side of things. I must simply tell a true tale, and tell it as truly and as succinctly as I can. I was not a passenger by the Georgette, and I am truly sorry I was not, on her voyage from Albany hither. It would have been pleasant to have been shipwrecked safely. You have heard, you and others, in Perth all sorts of rumours about the catastrophe. I, being a fountain-head of news, can give you almost as correct a version as if I had been present myself.
On Monday morning we of the port were anxiously expecting the arrival of the mails. We were dissatisfied, most of us, although we were afraid to say so, that we had not received our portion of the English mail before. Some of us with bated breath did whisper to our neighbours that if Chipper had been carrying the mail overland we should have had our letters three or four days ago at least. We did not care about saying so too loud for fear of being indicted for high treason, or of being tarred and feathered by an infuriated mob of Government officials. Still the prevailing feeling, although it did not express itself in high words, was that the colony was badly treated in the matter of its mail service. However, after a few growls, at the steamer not coming in, the population of Fremantle had dispersed to their various occupations of doing nothing. Had the steamer never come at all, and had nothing more ever been heard of her, the Fremantle population would have forgotten all about her. We should have survived alike the loss of the mails, and the male and female passengers.
One of my Bunbury correspondents, in writing to me under date of last Sunday, says: "The steamer scarcely remained here five minutes, not even long enough to take passengers and cargo from here." A fortunate thing for Bunbury passengers and cargo that she did not. They would, if on board, have only helped to swell the general ruin. At three o'clock on Sunday afternoon (which, by the way, was a nice day, if a superfluity of water is nice, in Fremantle) I went to the Telegraph Office to inquire about the steamer. She was not heard of at that time or sighted in Bunbury. Just as the office was closing, however, came a telegram to state that the vessel was in sight. Soon after four she got into Bunbury harbor, soon after four she left en route to Fremantle. The night that followed was a fearful one, and the wind blew strong from the NW and WNW. Hence the Georgette must, in her endeavour to make a straight and the shortest possible course, have lost a great deal of lee-way. She sagged bodily inshore. At about a quarter past two on Monday morning the vessel was driven on to the Horse Shoe Reef. There she remained bumping for about a quarter of an hour, and would in another quarter have gone to pieces, losing the lives of crew and passengers. Fortunately, a heavy sea came boiling and surging over the reef, lifting the steamer like a feather on its crest, and depositing her in deep water inside the reef. Steam was at once made, and in half an hour the vessel was on the beach within a few yards from shore in the sand at Long Point, where she now lies in nearly two fathoms of water.
Mr George Phillips and Mr Stockley King, who were among the passengers, were the first people to bring the news to Fremantle. They had some ten or twelve miles to walk from the scene of the casualty to Rockingham. There they procured horses and came with all speed into Fremantle. By noon on Monday the accident was made known, and occasioned as much gloom as might have been expected. Thinking people felt that a national calamity had been sustained. Verily, it is most disastrous that the two first steamers which have tried this coast should have both been ship-wrecked almost as soon as they arrived here.
The English and Colonial mails were put on a bullock team and carted towards Fremantle. At this town, directly the news was received, Mr Letch's four-wheeled van was put in requisition, and went as far as Rockingham, where the mails were got. The van returned to Fremantle by eleven o'clock on Monday night, and having deposited the port mail, took the remainder to Perth.
I will send you a full report of the investigation into the cause of the loss, when that investigation takes place, which will not be till next week. I must not forget to mention that the crew and passengers, among whom were Misses McKail, King, and Warburton, were all saved.
The Perth Gazette, 7th November, 1873: In consequence of the accident which has happened to the Georgette coasting mail steamer the overland mail service has to be renewed. Mr Chipper's vans are again called into requisition for the conveyance of the passengers and mails between Perth and Albany. The interruption in the service will, we trust, be only temporary. The Georgette will soon be in a sufficiently safe condition to go to Adelaide where she will undergo a complete overhauling, and repair. The calamity can only be looked upon as a misfortune of national importance. It is simply disastrous that the first steamer which has been regularly subsidised by the Government for the conveyance of mails should on her first voyage meet with a terrible accident.
In 1874 their second child Frances Annie was born.
In 1874 Phillips was a Lieutenant in the WA Troop and Volunteer Horse Artillery and held numerous ranks including that of Colonel and retired as a Captain on the Colonial Office list in London.
By 1875 he was Acting Colonial Treasurer and held that position until August 1877 and also from January 1878 to January 1880. In 1875 he was also provisionally appointed to be ‘The Registrar’ under ‘The Lands Title Act, 1874’.
In 1876 he became a member of The Weld Club in Perth.
In 1876 his wife and 2 children visited the UK departing on the 8th of January per the “Charlotte Padbury”. Whilst in the UK, their third child, Julie Marguerite Phillips was born at Dorking.
In May 1876 Captain Phillips lead the Western Australian Horse Artillery in the Queen’s Birthday celebrations in Perth. This body of men came in for very favourable comments.
On 13th September 1877 Annie returned with their 3 children as cabin passengers per the “Helena Mena.”
On 20th August 1878 Phillips was appointed Justice of the Peace for the Colony.
On 6th September 1878 Phillips was appointed Acting Colonial Treasurer also taking a seat on the Executive Council. He took the title of Honourable George Phillips.
Phillips was appointed Staff Officer of the Volunteers from 1879 to 1883.
On 10th January 1879 Phillips was appointed a Steward of Western Australian Turf Club.
On 24th January 1879 Phillips was appointed Secretary of The Weld Club Perth and held that position until 1883.
On 6th December 1879 Phillips’ wife Annie Emma Phillips died aged 32 years.
On 30th December 1879 Phillips was one of twelve JP’s who visited the Perth Prison.
Phillips resumed duties as Assistant Colonial Secretary from January 1880 and was a Member of the Central Roads Commission throughout 1880.
On 24th February 1880 Phillips was appointed Acting Post Master General and Superintendent of Telegraphs.
On 7th September 1880 Phillips was once again appointed Acting Colonial Secretary.
On 17th December 1880 an advertisement in the The Western Australian lists an “Important Sale of Furniture”. Wilkinson, Courthope & Co were instructed by Phillips to sell the “whole of his very valuable Furniture and Effects” by auction at his residence, James Street, Perth on 29th and 30th December 1880. Items that were listed for sale include furniture from his Drawing Room, Dining Room, Hall, Bedrooms, Kitchen, Saddlery and Sundries. We have no idea as to why Phillips sold all his furniture and effects – maybe because he was going on leave of absence. This was a year after his wife, Annie, died.
The Inquirer and Commercial News, 12th January 1881: “I am informed that Mr George Phillips, the Assistant Colonial Secretary, is not to leave us just at present on his intended leave of absence. Considering Mr Phillips's long tenure of office, with scarcely any respite from his labors, there is not the least doubt but that he really deserves a holiday. But can he be spared at the present time? I think not. In Lord Gifford the colony has an officer of real merit, one who will put his shoulder to the wheel whenever he sees it is necessary, but, considering his short experience amongst us, it would be unfair to him if Mr Phillips commenced his holiday tour just yet. The assistance of Mr Phillips is absolutely indispensable, until such time as Lord Gifford can make himself thoroughly acquainted with the duties of his department. However, no one will more readily join in the matter of giving Mr Phillips his holiday, when it is advisable, than your humble servant, Cos.”
Victorian Express (Geraldton WA) 9th February 1881: “Mr George Phillips left Perth, per overland mail, on Saturday last.
21st June, 1881, Phillips was appointed Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of a newly established club called ‘The Perth Chess Club’. “We trust that this endeavor to promote the cultivation of a very interesting and intellectual pastime will meet with every success”.
14th June, 1882, Phillips was elected a Fellow of the Royal Colonial Institute.
The Daily News (Perth WA), 21st January, 1884: We regret to hear that the Assistant Colonial Secretary (Mr G Phillips) is suffering from a severe attack of the measles.
The Daily News (Perth WA), 7th March 1884: His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint the following Committee to advise him as to the best manner of expending the vote of £200 provided in the current Estimates for the Acclimatisation of Plants, viz: - Dr Waylen, MD, President of the Horticultural Society (Chairman); Geo Randell, Esquire, MLC; G B Phillips, Esquire, Assistant Colonial Secretary.
The Inquirer and Commercial News, 30th April 1884: The Committee considered that, owing to the small sum voted, it would not be advisable to open up new ground for the formation of a Botanical Garden, but that the grounds known as the Public Gardens should again be brought under cultivation, with the addition of a glass-house and other improvements; without which it would be futile to introduce or attempt to propagate new or rare plants – this and the re-arrangements of the Gardens would necessitate the constant employment of a fully qualified nursery gardener, who should be engaged at once, and who would, in addition, be able to put up specimens of horticulture for exchange with other parts of the world. This man should be under the immediate control of a Committee appointed from time to time by the Governor, and should be afforded adequate assistance of prison or other labor; he should reside on the spot, in the quarter, originally built for such purpose. For the proper upkeep of the gardens, rules would have to be framed to regulate the admission of the public. The estimated cost of the glass-house is £150, leaving a balance of £50, which the Committee suggest might be at once expended in the introduction of useful plants and trees. The Governor requested the existing Committee to undertake the roll of the Committee to manage the Public Gardens.
Once again Phillips was appointed Acting Colonial Secretary from 19th November to 29th December 1883.
Phillips was Acting Commandant of the Volunteer Force from February 1885 to January 1887.
The Herald (Fremantle), 2nd May 1885: “The Defence of Albany – His Excellency the Administrator, accompanied by Colonel Angelo the Inspecting Field Officer of Volunteers, and Mr George Phillips, assistant Secretary to the Government proceed this day to Albany. The object of His Excellency’s mission is we believe to consult with the Naval authorities on the spot, and mature, if possible, with all dispatch, some practical means for the defence of the port of Albany.”
Phillips was appointed Acting Superintendent of Police from December 1885 to January 1887.
On 16th February 1886 Phillips married Victoria Ellen Jane Burges, daughter of Samuel and Jane Burges at St George’s Cathedral Perth.
In April 1887 Phillips was appointed Commissioner of Police.
A meeting was held in St George’s Hall on 12th October 1897 at which it was unanimously resolved that a children’s hospital should be established in or near Perth. Phillips was appointed to a sub-committee to further the movement.
On 23rd July 1888 Phillips resigned his commission in the volunteer army and was granted the Honorary rank of Major and was able to continue to wear his military uniform.
Coolgardie Miner, 23rd February 1895: The Minister for Mines, accompanied by Colonel Phillips (Commissioner of Police) and Sub-Inspector O’Connell, left on Tuesday morning for Kalgoorlie and other outside centres.
In the late 1890’s, Phillips, at the age of nearly sixty, took part in the gold escort from White Feather to Coolgardie. This was a risky duty and was a demonstration that he was prepared to mix it with his regional police officers.
The Inquirer and Commercial News, 8th March 1895:
THE ABORIGINALS AT COOLGARDIE - THE MINERS WANT PROTECTION
DEPUTATION TO COLONEL PHILLIPS
A deputation from the Coolgardie Gold Diggers' Association waited on the Commissioner of Police while that gentleman was at Coolgardie, to call attention to the various depredations of the blacks throughout the district and the want of further police protection. Mr Vosper, who acted as spokesman, urged that a regular patrolling system of a semi-military character throughout the field should be established, and that further the gold escorts should be an independent force, while better arrangements should be made for the recovery of persons lost in the bush. Colonel Phillips, in reply, said that the matter had occupied his attention, and he had come to the field for the purpose of ascertaining the police requirements of the district. He found, on arrival, that nine members of the force were down with fever, and that temporarily made matters worse than they would otherwise be. He heard complaints on all sides of the want of adequate police protection, and he considered the establishment of a police patrol highly necessary. He also thought that, as suggested, the gold escort should be composed of members of the force told off for that duty alone, and he should, on his return to Perth, endeavour to have the force increased and the suggestions of the deputation carried out. Before leaving Perth he had purchased additional camels for the purpose of searching for lost persons. He thanked the speaker for his valuable hints on the subject, and would do his best to have them carried out. The deputation then thanked the Commissioner and withdrew.
In 1897 Phillips established a Police School to teach theoretical instruction and drill activities.
The West Australian, 7th January 1898: In a letter published in yesterday's issue, complained of the footways of the city being frequently blocked either by groups of people standing in the centre of the path or by parties of men walking abreast on the footpaths, taking up the whole width. The rule of the path, "Keep to the right," he contended, was utterly ignored, being now a tradition of the past, as the police some months ago certainly did endeavour to keep people on the paths continually on the move. Our, correspondent hinted that it would be well for the police to revert to this practice. He also complained of the danger to pedestrians caused by reckless drivers in driving furiously round the street corners, and of the neglect of the authorities to attend to complaints when sent in to them. Yesterday afternoon the attention of the Commissioner of Police (Colonel Phillips) was drawn to this letter by one of our reporters. In reply, the Commissioner said he had been asked to undertake the control of the street traffic. He could not, however, do so as long as the city authorities maintained their staff of traffic inspectors. As a matter of fact, though the Police Act, 1892, gave the Commissioner of Police power to deal with the traffic on public occasions, such as processions, the by-laws of the City Council, framed under the Municipal Institutions Act, 1895, placed the whole of such power in the hands of the Town Clerk, notwithstanding the fact that the city authorities did not possess the means of carrying out those duties. ln reference to the grievance that complaints of furious driving remained apparently unnoticed by the authorities, Col Phillips stated that what was needed in Perth was a metropolitan police force in addition to the ordinary force, and towards the upkeep of which the City Council should pay a moiety of the funds needed, as was the case in Melbourne and other large cities. If the police were required to control the traffic, the Commissioner holds that the licensing of all vehicles should be left in their hands, and then, instead of licensing a lot of men as cab drivers of whom the City Council knew nothing, the police would make full inquiries before granting any application. The Commissioner added that the police had reported to the civic authorities several infringements of the city by-laws, but apparently nothing had resulted. On the subject of the obstruction of the footpaths the Commissioner was equally explicit, remarking that though he had given no definite instructions to his officers and men to cease to enforce the "move on" order, he had no doubt that the policemen got very much discouraged when they found that offending persons, on being proceeded against before the magistrates, were let off with a shilling fine. A section of the press and numbers of the public, added the Commissioner, had also cried out for the discontinuance of the "move on" order.”
The Goldfields Morning Chronicle, 23rd February 1898: Gold Escorts - At the last executive meeting of the Chamber of Mines the difficulty experienced in securing the safe conveyance of gold from mines in remote localities to the nearest branch bank was ventilated. As the outcome of the discussion, a letter was addressed to the Chief Commissioner of Police, by the secretary (Mr B W Hine), which has elicited favorable reply. Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips writes: — "There is no objection to police escorts taking charge of parcels of gold en route from centres where there are no banks, provided that the gold is consigned to a bank, and that the parties remitting same pay the usual escort rate, 2d per oz thereon. It must of course be distinctly understood that the Government accept no risk, and will not be accountable for any shortage in weight. Further, the parcels of gold must be securely made up and sealed, and a consignment note furnished. The district police officer at Coolgardie will be instructed as necessary in the matter."
The West Australian, 9th March 1898: STATEMENT BY COLONEL PHILLIPS
The Commissioner of Police (Lieutenant Colonel Phillips) informed a representative of this journal yesterday that no police had been sent to the goldfields, except those mentioned in yesterday's issue as having escorted a number of prisoners for trial at the local sessions. The sole duty of these police, Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips said, was the escorting of the prisoners, and that duty having been completed they will return to Perth. Their dispatch to Coolgardie had no connection with any possible disturbances on the fields.
The Inquirer and Commercial News, 18th March 1898:
PRISON PHOTOGRAPHY - INAUGURATION AT FREMANTLE
For some considerable time the police in this colony have experienced the greatest difficulty in connection with the re-capture of escaped prisoners owing to the very feeble chance of identification consequent upon the descriptions of the escapees being in the main extremely vague, and known only to a few of the constables. In the case of a prisoner sent down from the goldfields the custom was to pass the man on to the Fremantle gaol in custody of the police officer who escorted him from the place of committal, and the man consequently went into seclusion without any of the constables in Perth or Fremantle having seen him. The result was that when such a prisoner escaped the members of the police force were nearly always unable to recover him, as his identity was to them a sealed book. If the man had any physical peculiarity which distinguished him from all other men in a very marked manner — a by no means common circumstance — the fact might be accurately communicated to the police throughout the colony, and a slight chance given thereby for identification, but in the majority of cases the description given of an escaped convict was such as would apply to hundreds of other men, as well as to the man for whom it was intended. This state of things was fully recognised by the police authorities, and as, with the experience of other countries to guide them, they were satisfied that nothing less than the photograph of a prisoner would suffice for recording a faithful description of his appearance, representations were made, with the result that authority was given for establishing a photographing gallery, at the Fremantle prison. Superintendent George, in charge of the gaol, obtained advice from a local firm of photographers (Messrs Nixon and Merrilees), and, acting on this, he had suitable apartments erected close to the western wall of the prison. The Commissioner for Police (Colonel Phillips), who is an amateur photographer, selected the apparatus, and he succeeded in securing the latest appliances used in photography. The camera is designed for very fast work, and it is capable of taking an impression in the one-ninetieth part of a second. Within the last few days the apparatus was set in position and the apartments completed, and then the whole concern was handed over to Inspector Farley, of the Criminal Investigation Department. Mr Farley succeeded in securing an officer well versed in all branches of photography, and yesterday a start was made in the matter of putting the apparatus to a practical test in connection with the subjects for whom it was procured. Before commencing with the prisoners, Superintendent George took his seat in front of the camera, and he was given the distinction of being the first to test the efficiency of the apparatus and the suitableness, of the studio. An excellent photograph was produced. Afterwards 51 prisoners were subjected to the ordeal, and, although the light was extremely variable, and at times rather bad, perfect photographs of the men were obtained. Each man sat in his convict clothes, with his official prison number in large letters affixed to his shirt front. An ingenious, though simple, device, whereby a profile view of each subject was procured simultaneously with the full-face photograph, was tried, and proved very satisfactory. It consisted of an adjustable mirror, supported on a movable stand. This was placed on the right of the prisoner, and at an angle of about 45 degrees to the stool on which the man was placed. The glass had a circular piece cut out of one corner, and in the rest thus formed the prisoner had to place his shoulder, the glass being, of course, adjusted to suit the height of the person occupying the seat. A start was made with the work at about 1 o'clock in the afternoon, but after a couple of hours the light failed so much that operations had to be suspended. Today, the photographing will be resumed, and it will be carried on until all the prisoners, with the exception of those doing very short sentences for minor offences, have faced the camera. The whole of the work in connection with the developing, printing, and finishing of the photographs is done in a room adjoining the studio. The intention of the Police Department is to photograph all the principal prisoners in batches as soon after they are brought to the gaol as may be found convenient.
Western Mail, 15th July 1898: INCREASE OF CRIME
On this subject Colonel Phillips says: "The proportion of crimes shows a tendency to increase, despite the vigilance of the police. This is probably due in part, so far as the less serious offences are concerned, to the temporary commercial depression. The increase in more serious offences must be attributed to the continued influx from other colonies of old offenders who have acquired a high degree of skill and cunning in planning and perpetrating crimes with a minimum risk of detection. It is to be regretted that such individuals occasionally succeed in covering their tracks so well as to baffle the police for a time; but there is no large city in either the old or the new world which has not occasionally witnessed a temporary triumph on the part of its social beasts of prey.”
On 7th September 1899, Phillips’ daughter, Edith Georgina died. She had always been delicate in health but had devoted herself to charitable works in the city. Edith died at the age of 27 years from ‘failure of the heart’s action’ after a short illness. She is buried in the family enclosure at the East Perth Historical Cemetery. The funeral was a large and representative one, among those present being the Premier Sir John Forrest.
On 26th March 1900 Lieutenant Colonel George Braithwaite Phillips died from pneumonia and hear failure whilst Commissioner of Police.
The Phillips years were difficult ones for the police of the day due to the impact of problems relating to the Gold Rush, a large number of remote communities being established, many disturbing people from the eastern states arriving, labour disputes, the pastoral frontier and budgetary restraints. The population had increased and the police force had to be augmented. Phillips proved to be a master of organization and chose his appointment of new members to the force wisely. The Police Act of 1892 was brought into effect in his time - it is still the governing legislation of the Western Australian Police. The Act made the organization stronger, stable and less subject to political change. Phillips grew the police force to cope with the increasing demands made upon it and cleverly placed his forces so as to secure effective administration.
Phillips had reserves of both moral and physical courage and was active in the Colonial Defence Force. He was Commandant on two occasions and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He was related by marriage to other families of the colonial elite, such as the Burts and Hares. Phillips, like Smith and his successor Frederick Hare, was a member of the influential Weld Club. He was criticized by some for relying upon his contacts in the Weld Club for the recruitment of some of his police personnel.
The Daily News, 26th March 1900: “As Commissioner for Police, Colonel Phillips has occupied a difficult and responsible office since the influx of population a few years ago, and the ability with which he has met the strain upon the resources of his department has reflected the utmost credit upon him.”
Mount Magnet Miner and Lennonville Leader, 31st March 1900: “By the death of Police Commissioner Phillips, the colony has sustained a severe loss. Colonel Phillips took the keenest of interest and spared neither time nor energy to bring the force up to the highest possible state of efficiency.”
The West Australian, 31st March 1900: Anglican Church News: - On Monday afternoon His Lordship [Bishop Riley] received a telegram informing him of the death of Colonel Phillips. He travelled in a buggy all night to Beverley, where he caught the morning train to Perth in order to officiate at the funeral service.
Funeral of Lieutenant Colonel George Braithwaite Phillips JP
The death occurred of Phillips, aged 64, after a very short illness on 26th March, 1900. All classes of the public were represented at the funeral. Several thousand people gathered along the route of the procession and all bared their heads as the gun carriage which bore the coffin passed by. The police and the volunteers with whom he had associated with were prominent in the funeral procession.
He was given a full military funeral, and the coffin arrived from his residence, Yeoville House, 81 Adelaide Terrace. There were eight bearers consisting of 4 sergeants of police and 4 sergeants of the No. 1 Field Battery. The Union Jack covered the jarrah coffin upon which was laid the sword, helmet and belt of the deceased officer together with several wreaths placed there by his widow and two daughters. The coffin bore the simple inscription “George Braithwaite Phillips, died March 26, 1900, aged 64 years”.
The cortege was formed. A company of the Perth Infantry, commanded by Major Strickland and constituting the firing party, being in advance, and carrying their arms reversed. Then came the Headquarters Band and the Fremantle Volunteer Band, which played appropriate slow marches, including the Portuguese Hymn and the Dead March in ‘Saul’. The gun carriage with the remains followed. The official procession was about a quarter of a mile long and included the chief mourners in carriages, over 120 police on foot, inspectors, detectives, plain clothes policemen, members of the criminal investigation branch, Perth Artillery, Fremantle Artillery and Infantry, Guildford Infantry, officers of the Fremantle Gaol, officers of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, a number of Military Officers and numerous civilians. The Late Commissioner’s vehicle and pair were used for the conveyance of wreaths, which were numerous.
Phillips’ charger, led by two officers of police, followed the chief mourners. The animal was saddled, and in the stirrups were a pair of Wellington boots reversed. This represents a fallen leader looking back on his troops for the last time.
The pall-bearers were Sir George Shenton (President of the Legislative Council), Sir James Lee Steere (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly), Sir John Forrest (Premier), Mr J B Roe (sheriff), Mr George Glyde (chief clerk in the Lands Department), and Mr James Morrison.
On arrival at the cemetery the coffin was borne to the church by officers of the police and artillery. The first part of the burial service was said in St Bartholomew’s Church, and the remains were carried to their last resting-place on the eastern side, close to the chapel and at the foot of the grave of the late Bishop Parry.
As the coffin was lowered into the grave, the large congregation sang “It is well with My Soul”, a relatively new hymn written in 1873 by Horatio G Spafford after his four daughters were drowned at sea. The scene at the grave, around which the immediate relatives and friends were congregated, was very pathetic, and many eyes were dimmed with tears as the last rites were read.
Following the burial service, the Perth Infantry fired three volleys over the grave.
It was a much publicised funeral and the media accounts give much detail of those present, and the form of procession and interment. Much of the sentiment was shown by the Premier minute published in the Police Gazette where he stated:
“The long and valued services of Lieutenant Colonel George Braithwaite Phillips in the civil service of Western Australia, extending over nearly half a century, were greatly appreciated by the Government, and his high personal character was recognized and esteemed throughout the colony. The example of the late Commissioner, both as a loyal and zealous servant of the Crown, and a private citizen, may well be followed by members of the civil service of the colony”.
Flags were flown at half-mast across the colony on receipt of the news of Colonel Phillips’ death, including the Signal Station in Albany.
In 1900, probate was granted to Phillips’ widow Vittoria Ellen Jane Phillips of £333.12s which equates to approximately £37,600 today.
The West Australian, 30th November 1900: The Late Colonel Phillips - Yesterday in the Legislative Assembly a message was received from His Excellency the Administrator, recommending that an appropriation of £500 out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund be made, to the widow of the late Colonel Phillips, Commissioner of Police, and who for 40 years had been in the service of the colony. In Committee, Sir John Forrest moved that the recommendation be agreed to and explained that the widow of the deceased officer had been left poorly provided for. Several members spoke to the motion, and as the general opinion seemed to be that a larger vote was justified, the Premier moved to report progress, with the view to the introduction of a fresh message from the Administrator recommending an appropriation of £750 for the widow, which is equal to one year's salary of the late Commissioner of Police. This course, was adopted. Later during the sitting a second message was received from the Administrator recommending the larger appropriation which was agreed to.
Phillips’ widow, Vittoria Phillips (nee Burges) died in 1933.
George Braithwaite Phillips was an extraordinary man for his time. He started on the bottom rung of the ladder in the Colonial Secretary’s Office, on probation and working for no pay, and steadily climbed his way up to the esteemed appointment of Commissioner of Police in Western Australia. The immense pressure he worked under during some very trying times demonstrates his strength of character and determined will. He was not one to rest on his laurels, instead, he was a ‘hands-on’ Commissioner of Police and this led to his great achievements whilst in office.
We are here to honour Lieutenant Colonel George Braithwaite Phillips, JP who rests within the marble monument which we are about to visit. It was erected as a tribute of respect and esteem by the members of the Police Force and the departmental staff.
In closing I wish to thank the Royal Western Australian Historical Society and Lorraine Clarke of the National Trust. We have received considerable help from a number of people who have contributed to facilitating this wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate a truly magnificent man and perpetuate his memory.
Interesting notes:
George Braithwaite Phillips’ daughter, Julie, married Cuthbert Edmund Hudleston MA, an Anglican Minister, and a son, Edmund Cuthbert Hudleston, was born in Kalgoorlie in 1908. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1927 and led a long and distinguished career holding some of the highest British Air Force and NATO positions and retired in 1967 as Air Vice Marshal Sir Edmund Cuthbert Hudleston GCB, CBE, ADC, RAF. Sir Edmund died in 1994.
Australian National Botanic Gardens Australian Plant Name Index: Eremophilia phillipsi
Etymology, “This rare plant is dedicated to the honourable Captain George Phillips, of Perth, West Australia, in recognition of generously advancing the writer’s research”.
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(4th June 2017)
