Aboriginal Troopers
As more and more people rushed to the Victorian gold fields, it very quickly became clear that the colony’s police force was not well-equipped to deal with the growing numbers of diggers. In July 1851, matters were made worse when all but two of Melbourne’s policemen quit and fled to the gold fields in search of riches.
Most people who came to the gold fields wanted to live a peaceful life, however crime and the fear of crime was a growing problem. There were incidents of assault and of violent theft of gold and general possessions and this led to more and more calls from the diggers for law enforcement and protection.
The first police presence at the gold fields consisted of a small contingent of Aboriginal troopers, chosen mainly because the government believed that gold was of little interest to the native population. As the population of the gold fields rapidly expanded, the need for an increased police presence became more and more obvious.
A man called John Chandler recorded his reaction when he first saw the Native Police Corps in Melbourne:
"They looked enough to frighten any one; their black faces, big white eyes, long moustaches, long swords, carbines, and a pair of pistols in their holsters, was a caution to timid people".
A reporter for the Argus called them a "Satanic Battalion of Black Guards".
Most people who came to the gold fields wanted to live a peaceful life, however crime and the fear of crime was a growing problem. There were incidents of assault and of violent theft of gold and general possessions and this led to more and more calls from the diggers for law enforcement and protection.
The first police presence at the gold fields consisted of a small contingent of Aboriginal troopers, chosen mainly because the government believed that gold was of little interest to the native population. As the population of the gold fields rapidly expanded, the need for an increased police presence became more and more obvious.
A man called John Chandler recorded his reaction when he first saw the Native Police Corps in Melbourne:
"They looked enough to frighten any one; their black faces, big white eyes, long moustaches, long swords, carbines, and a pair of pistols in their holsters, was a caution to timid people".
A reporter for the Argus called them a "Satanic Battalion of Black Guards".
The Native Police Corps became well-known for its ability to restore order using what some people claim were heavy-handed tactics.
On 21 September 1851, Commissioner Doveton explained to the miners the government’s decision to introduce licensing fees. This attracted an angry response and a public meeting was held immediately.
When the first men came forward to pay the fee, they were struck and pelted by an angry mob. Had it not been for the presence of the Native Police those miners would have been seriously injured. Some historians believe the overbearing methods of the Native Police "so antagonised the diggers that a flame of rebellion was lit, culminating in the Eureka Stockade three years later".
On 21 September 1851, Commissioner Doveton explained to the miners the government’s decision to introduce licensing fees. This attracted an angry response and a public meeting was held immediately.
When the first men came forward to pay the fee, they were struck and pelted by an angry mob. Had it not been for the presence of the Native Police those miners would have been seriously injured. Some historians believe the overbearing methods of the Native Police "so antagonised the diggers that a flame of rebellion was lit, culminating in the Eureka Stockade three years later".
Aboriginal Troopers Escorting the Gold
Diggers also needed a secure method of delivering their gold to the cities.
They asked the commander of the Native Police Corps for an escort party to protect their gold on the journey from the gold fields to Geelong but their request was refused. So the Ballarat diggers asked Governor La Trobe for help and in September 1851 the first government gold escort escorted a delivery of gold from Ballarat to Geelong.
The British 40th Regiment was given the responsibility of escorting the escort cart, which held 1500 ounces of gold. Members of the Native Police Corps also guarded the gold.
There was some contention between the police and the Aboriginal troopers. Many of the white policemen objected to Aboriginal people being given the same authority as the police force. Often diggers felt the same way. It was a difficult life for the Native Police, and there is much historical evidence of physical and verbal abuse towards the Aboriginal troopers by their commanding officers.
They asked the commander of the Native Police Corps for an escort party to protect their gold on the journey from the gold fields to Geelong but their request was refused. So the Ballarat diggers asked Governor La Trobe for help and in September 1851 the first government gold escort escorted a delivery of gold from Ballarat to Geelong.
The British 40th Regiment was given the responsibility of escorting the escort cart, which held 1500 ounces of gold. Members of the Native Police Corps also guarded the gold.
There was some contention between the police and the Aboriginal troopers. Many of the white policemen objected to Aboriginal people being given the same authority as the police force. Often diggers felt the same way. It was a difficult life for the Native Police, and there is much historical evidence of physical and verbal abuse towards the Aboriginal troopers by their commanding officers.