Below also see: John Gerald Byrne, 1929,
John Gerald Byrne, 1930,
John Gerald Byrne, 1940,
John Gerald Byrne, 1942
The Catholic Press, Thu 8 Feb 1917 1
QUALIFYING CERTIFICATE.
————
CATHOLIC SUCCESSES
————
…
COUNTRY CENTRES
…
Convent School, Alma.—
…
John Gerald Byrne
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Freeman’s Journal, Thu 15 Feb 1917 2
QUALIFYING CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATIONS.
————
CATHOLIC SCHOOL SUCCESSES.
————
A BRILLIANT RECORD.
————
The pupils of the Catholic schools were remarkably successful in the recent Qualifying Certificate Examinations, and again emphasised the splendid standard of efficiency which is maintained by the devoted Brothers and Sisters in their training of the young. The following are the pupils who were successful from the various schools.—
…
COUNTRY CENTRES.
…
Convent School, Alma.—
…
John Gerald Byrne
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
News, Mon 22 Sep 1924 3
AMONG THE SOLDIERS
———◦———
NOTES FROM BATTALIONS
———◦———
…
PERSONAL.
The following appointments, and promotions have been approved:—
…
FOURTH DIVISION, Infantry.—
…
50th Battalion—To be Lieutenants:
…
John Gerald Byrne.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Sat 16 May 1925 4
YOUNG MAN IS CHARGED
WITH INDECENT EXPOSURE
————
In the Police Court this morning, before Mr GA Stevenson, SM, John Gerald Byrne (21) was charged with indecent exposure in the Central Reserve on May 15.
The defendant applied for a remand until Monday next in order to allow of him getting legal advice.
The magistrate granted the application. Bail was allowed in self of £40 with one surety of £40, or two sureties of £20 each.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Mon 18 May 1925 5
JOHNSON’S NEW PROGRAMME
“The Alaskan” will be the chief attraction at Johnson’s Oxide-street Picture Theatre tomorrow night. The featured player is Thomas Meighan. The story is as follows:—Alan Holt exposes the attempt of John Graham, who is backed by powerful financial interests, to capture the entire salmon fishing industry in Alaska. Returning from Seattle he meets a girl and gives up his cabin to her. Later he sees her in conversation with Rossland, Graham’s lieutenant, and comes to the conclusion that she is in league with his enemies. He rejects her offer to explain, thinking she is trying to make a fool of him. A few minutes after he learns that she has jumped overboard, and believes her drowned because no trace of her is found. He only knew that her name was Mary Standish. She, however, is rescued by Alan’s Indians, and taken to his home. When he finds her there she explains that she had been wronged by Graham and had faked the suicide in order to outwit Graham. Alan decides to stand by her, and in a fight with Graham and his men, Graham is killed. The story closes with Alan and Mary standing together and facing the future with confidence and mutual love for the land of Alaska. The main supporting picture will be “The Enemy Sex,” with Betty Compson in the leading role. To-night at the Oxide-street theatre, “Gold Heels” and “Behind the Curtain” will be shown for the last time.
————————
YOUNG MAN IS CHARGED
WITH INDECENT EXPOSURE
———
In the Police court this morning before Mr GA Stevenson, SM, John Gerald Byrne (21), on remand, was charged with indecent exposure in the Central Reserve on May 15.
Mr AF Edwards appeared for the defendant and asked for a further remand till to-morrow morning to enable him to get witnesses.
The magistrate granted the remand applied for. Bail was allowed of self of £40, or two sureties of £20 each.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Tue 19 May 1925 6
INDECENT EXPOSURE.
———◦———
A CONVICTION IMPOSED
BUT SENTENCE SUSPENDED
———
In the Police Court this morning before Mr GA Stevenson, SM, John Gerald Byrne (21), on remand, was charged with indecent exposure in the Central Reserve on May 15.
Mr AF Edwards appeared for the defendant who pleaded not guilty.
Detective-Constable AL Hill deposed that he was in company with Constable Schneider at 3.30 o’clock on Friday afternoon. They made an examination of a shade house situated in the western part of the reserve. There was no one in the shade house at the time. They kept a watch on the shade house. About 4 o’clock the defendant wheeled a bicycle up to the shade house and put it against the wall. He then walked around the building several times. Four school girls and boys walked past the shade house. As they were passing they looked towards the house and ran away in the direction of North Broken Hill. The defendant then came out of the shade house. He wheeled the bicycle around a duck pond and again entered the shade house. He stood in the doorway of the shade house and committed the offence. Witness and Constable Schneider then walked towards the place. The defendant jumped out the back way and ran towards the baths. Witness followed and caught him. He stopped after running 15 or 20 yards. He dropped his hat and left his bicycle near the shade house. When spoken to the defendant said he could not help committing the offence. He said he knew he would be caught sooner or later. He said he had committed the offence in the shade house on a number of occasions since the beginning of the year. He was taken to the Police Station and when charged with the offence, said “Yes.”
To Mr Edwards: He said he knew two girls who were approaching, and he went for a walk around the duck pond. There is only one entrance to the shade house. I was stationed so as I could look into the doorway. There is nothing known about the defendant. As far as I know he is a man of good character.
Constable [Frank] Schneider corroborated the previous witness’s evidence.
To Mr Edwards: It is not dark inside the shade house.
This closed the case for the prosecution.
John Gerald Byrne, Mullocker, the defendant, deposed that he resides in Chapple-street. On Friday last he was in the shade house abusing himself. He went there as he wanted to get away from public view. The abuse had becom ea [sic] a habit with him. He had resided in Broken Hill all his life.
To Inspector Dimond: I did not get away from the girls for fear they might identify me if I was caught. I was in the reserve on the previous afternoon. I did not stand at the door of the shade house and commit the offence.
This closed the case for the defence.
The magistrate said it was a disgusting case. The defendant was surrendering his will power to his passions. He would either have to be put away or undergo medical treatment. The charge must be very painful to his family. He was quite satisfied that the defendant had committed the offence. In his own interests he should send him to gaol for a period, but it would reflect on his family. He sentenced the defendant to three months’ imprisonment, with hard labor, in the Broken Hill Gaol, the sentence to be suspended un-under [sic] the provisions of the First Offenders’ Act on him entering into a bond of self in £50, with one surety of £50, to be of good behavior for a period of 12 months.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Daily Truth, Wed 20 May 1925 7
YOUNG MAN’S INDECENCY
———:•:———
A SUSPENDED SENTENCE.
———
Repugnant evidence was given in the Police Court yesterday before Mr GA Stevenson, SM, when John Gerald Byrne, aged 21 years, was charged with wilful and obscene exposure.
Detective-constable Hill said at about 3.30 pm on May 15, in company with Constable Schneider he visited the Central Reserve. He made an examination of the shade house, situated near a duck pond at the Central Reserve. There was nobody about at the time. They secreted themselves about 50 yards away from the shade house in a rotunda. About 4 o’clock accused entered the park, pushing a bicycle by his side. He walked up to the shade-house and took the vehicle inside with him. He placed it in a corner, and walked down the building several times. He looked out at intervals. There were some school girls and boys walking along the path near the shade house. They looked towards the shade house, and then ran away in the direction of North Broken Hill. Accused came out and took his bicycle, wheeled it around the duck pond, then re-entered the shade house. He was peering out through the walls, and stood at the doorway in an indecent attitude for several seconds. He repeated it three times. Witness and Constable Schneider walked towards the shade house, and the accused ran away towards the baths. After going about 15 to 20 yards he stopped. He had left his bicycle in the shade house. Witness told Byrne he had had him under observation for 20 minutes, and had seen him commit an indecent offence. Accused admitted the offence. He said he saw some girls coming along. He knew two of them, and didn’t want them to see him. There were school girls and boys about when Byrne committed the offence.
To Mr AF Edwards (for Byrne): There is only one entrance to the shade hour. We were stationed so we could see into the entrance. There was nothing otherwise detrimental to Byrne’s character as far as he knew. There was a “stream” of children passing through the reserve at the time when the offence was committed.
Constable Schneider corroborated.
To Mr AF Edwards he said the shade house was not dark inside.
On oath, [John Gerald] Byrne, a mullocker, aged 21 years, living in Chapple Street, said he did not go to the reserve to wilfully commit an act infringing the public decency. He wanted to hide himself from view. He had never been in trouble before.
To Inspector Dimond: He did not run away from the girls because he was afraid they would identify him. The evidence of the police that he had committed an act of indecency at the entrance of the shade house was not true.
Mr Edwards submitted that Byrne was a mental case—to be pitied, not prosecuted. He was not guilty of the offence laid against him under the Vagrancy Act . It was a great pity there were not mental homes for such cases. He was charged under the same category as a nominal [sic–normal], when he was really abnormal.
Inspector Dimond said the evidence justified the charge preferred against the accused.
Mr Stevenson said it was a very painful and disgusting case. Such cases came before the court more regularly than they should be [sic]. It was a case of will power being subservient to passion. It was a question whether Byrne should be put away as a criminal or in a mental hospital. It was time he reasoned with himself and thought of consequences. “I am satisfied,” he added, “that he is guilty of the offence; and perhaps gaol would pull him up. It is the parents who suffer more than the culprit in such cases.”
Byrne was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, to be suspended on his entering into a recognisance of £50 to be of good behaviour for 12 months. A surety of £50 was accepted from a relative of accused.
…
INSPECTOR AND SOLICITOR
———:•:———
ON A CONSTABLE’S WORK.
———
No unusual thing, the informants in two cases listed for hearing in the Court yesterday, before Mr GA Stevenson, SM, both wanted thir [sic] case to be taken first. After two men had been dealt with for drunkenness, Mr AF Edwards asked that a defended case in the small debts court should be taken before a defended Police Court case, as one of his witnesses was a mechanic, and was missing work because of the large number of squatters in the town at the present time. He did not want him to be idling about the courthouse, he added.
Inspector Dimond applied for the police case to be taken first. The constables were custodians of the law, and he didn’t want them idling about the court either, he said.
Mr Edwards: They are usually idling about the streets!
Mr Stevenson: Well, you know, they must be in the street to carry out their duty.
Inspector Dimond: It doesn’t bring much more grist to the mill, anyhow, Mr Edwards, as a result of their idling.
The upshot was that Mr Stevenson took the debt case first.
Subsequently, the witness referred to was granted 7/6 costs.
John Gerald Byrne, 1929
News, Mon 3 Jun 1929 8
£10 FINE ORDERED
————
John Gerald Byrne (aged 25 years), of Torrensville, was fined £10 with 15/- costs by Messrs PG Angley and F Hilditch in Kilkenny Magistrates’ Court for unlawful possession.
Constable O’Leary, of Kilkenny, prosecuted. Byrne was charged with having had in his possession three motor car handles, one putty knife, 11 brass feeders, four nipples, three brass cocks, nine spray pump connections, one respirator, two hose clips, 11 tins of duco, and 400 grips, valued in all at £7, the property of Holden’s Motor Body Builders, Limited, which was suspected of having been stolen.
He was arrested by Constable Smythe,, of Woodville, and Special Constable Donhardt, of Holden’s.
The magistrates stated that they took a serious view of the offence, and hoped that the fine would be a deterrent. Imprisonment would be seriously considered if any other offenders were brought before the court.
John Gerald Byrne, 1930
Barrier Miner, Thu 12 Jun 1930 9
POLICE COURT.
In the Police Court this afternoon, before Mr EJ Forrest, JP, John Gerald Byrne (27), was charged with receiving the sum of £10, the property of Joseph Henry Blight.
On the application of the police the defendant was remanded until Monday, June 16. Bail was allowed in self and one surety of £15.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Mon 16 Jun 1930 10
EPSOM MEETING
———◦———
ACCEPTANCES FOR WEDNESDAY
————
…
In the Police Court this afternoon following the result of a case, details of which “The Barrier Miner” is prohibited by law from publishing, a charge of receiving stolen money against a man was withdrawn by the police. Later in the Police Court John Gerald Byrne (27), a labourer, who was concerned in the previous case, was charged with having on or about May 3 stolen one handbag valued at £1-5/-, the property of Elizabeth Tierney, from the person of Matthew Corich. The case was remanded till June 18.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Wed 18 Jun 1930 11
DEFENDED REMANDED
ON CHARGE OF STEALING
————
Before Mr GS Goldie, SM, in the Police Court this morning, John Gerald Byrne (27), a labourer, was charged with having on or about May 3 stolen one lady’s handbag to the value of £1 5/, the property of Elizabeth Tierney, from the person of Matthew Corich.
Mr JJ Davoren appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.
On Mr Davoren’s application the magistrate adjourned the case till Monday next, bail being allowed of self in £20, with a surety for a like amount.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Mon 23 Jun 1930 12
POLICE COURT.
———◦———
CASES HEARD TO-DAY
————
In the Police Court this morning before Mr GS Goldie, SM, the following cases were dealt with:—
…
— A CASE ADJOURNED. —
John Gerald Byrne (27), a laborer, on remand, was charged with having on or about May 3, stolen one lady’s handbag, to the value of £1 5/, the property of Elizabeth Tierney, from the person of Matthew Corich. By consent the case was adjourned till tomorrow.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Tue 24 Jun 1930 13
THEFT OF HANDBAG
———◦———
DEFENDANT FINED £5
————
Before Mr GS Goldie, SM, in the Police Court this Morning John Gerald Byrne (27), a laborer, on remand, was charged with having on or about May 3, stolen one lady’s handbag, to the value of £1 5/, the property of Elizabeth Tierney, from the person of Matthew Corich.
Mr JJ Davoren appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.
Detective-Sergeant Duckworth deposed that about3.35 pm on June 10, in the presence of Constable Sutherland, he interviewed the defendant at the Police Station. He told him that it had been reported by Betty Tierney that her handbag had been stolen from Mat Corich’s pocket in Anthony’s fish shop on May 3 when he, Mrs Brooke, and others were there. Witness also told him that on the previous Saturday he had gone to Mrs Brooke’s and found the bag which had been identified as the property of Tierney. The defendant said he knew nothing about it. He also read to the defendant a statement made by Errs Brooke which concerned him. He said he knew nothing about it. Mrs Brooke was brought into the office and said the defendant was the man referred to in her statement. He read the statement over again, and Mrs Brooke said that she also wanted to say that “Bluey” gave the bag to a woman named Hilda that night; she gave it back to him next morning and he then gave it to her. The defendant said he did not give her a bag, but gave her a paper parcel. Mrs Brooke said that the woman named Hilda had put the bag in her blouse while they were looking for it on the night it disappeared. He tendered the statement and bag.
The statement made by Mrs Brooke was then read. In it she stated that the defendant was with her in Anthony’s fish shop. The party of them were in a lady’s room. While they were having dinner Betty Tierney and Corich came into the shop. Byrne was then sitting near the door. She did not see the handbag that night, but the following morning, Byrne came into her house and handed her the bag, which was the one Detective-Sergeant Duckworth had found at her home.
Mat Corich, a miner, residing at 97 Eyre-street, deposed that about six weeks ago he was in the company of Betty Tierney. They went to Anthony’s fish shop for a meal. It was about 6.30 pm. Before going into the shop Tierney handed him her bag which he put in his pocket. He saw the defendant in the shop. He was next to witness. The pocket with the bag in it was closest to the defendant. Later they went into another room. After having tea Tierney asked for her bag. And he then noticed it missing. The bag produced was the one stolen.
To Mr Davoren: I have seen the bag often. I have had it in my hands on other occasions before this. I was not drunk when I was in the shop. We had been for a walk. There was no other woman with us. We were not drunk. I saw the policeman outside the shop, but did not see him talk to Tierney. I did not go to the Wilcannia Club Hotel after coming out of the fish shop. We went to the park for a walk. Tierney was not ill.
Elizabeth Tierney, domestic, of 15 Gossan-street, deposed that she went into Anthony’s fish shop about 6.30 pm on May 3 with Corich. Before going into the shop she handed him her bag containing two handkerchiefs, a mirror, powder puff, Dundee black bag, and a box of tablets. Corich put the bag in his right pocket. While they were looking for a vacant room someone called out to her. She had a look in the room and saw the defendant, Mrs Brooke, and two others in the room. Corich was standing by Byrne. She went out the back and left Corich there for a while. Later with Corich they went into one of the lady’s rooms. She asked for her bag, and Corich missed it. She went back to the defendant’s party and told them that she had lost her bag. A month later she saw the defendant. They were talking in Argent-street. She said to him that she would like to find the one that had her bag, as she would make it hot for him. He said: “So would I.” She last saw the bag at hr home on Saturday morning. That produced was hers. On Saturday week she saw the defendant about 3 pm. He came to her place and asked her what she was going to do about the case. She told him that he had no business to take her bag. He said that if he had been in his right senses he would not have taken it. She valued the bag at 25/-. She had not been drinking on the day of the theft.
To Mr Davoren: I have not taken intoxicating liquor for the last four years. I met Corich in Argent-street. We walked in Argent-street from about 2 o’clock till we went to the fish shop. I was not ill that night. Corich and I went into the fish shop on our own. We were not joined by another woman. I did not accuse the woman of taking it. There was a row outside the shop about the bag being taken. The policeman spoke to the woman named Hilda, asking her what was wrong. She replied “Nothing.” We then drove down to the Wilcannia Club Hotel. Corich and I got out of the car there, but we did not go inside. I went home then. Corich was not drunk.
The magistrate overruled the contention drawing attention to some of the evidence that had been given.
John Gerald Byrne the defendant, of 241 Chapple-street, deposed that he is a laborer. On May 3 he was in Anthony’s fish shop with Mrs Brooke and two others. Corich and Tierney came in. Corich seemed to be under the influence of liquor. They spoke to them and then they left them to have tea. Tierney came back and said that her bag was missing. He later heard Tierney accusing another woman of stealing the bag. Later he and others got in a taxi and went away. Before they went a policeman spoke to Tierney and Corich and another woman. The three of them later got in the car and drove to the Wilcannia Club Hotel, where they got out. He did not take the bag from Corich and had not seen it since. He had no use for the bag. He did not say anything to Tierney to infer that he had taken the bag. Mrs Brooke did not give him the bag. Tierney was very much under the influence of liquor. He knew that she drinks and that her statement that she had not had a drink for four years was incorrect.
To Detective-Sergeant Duckworth: We all had some drink that day. I don’t think it was the waitress who accused the woman of stealing the bag. I was sitting on the seat nearest the doorway. After Corich and Tierney left I did not see a lady’s handbag on the table. I did not see the contents tipped out. I did not hear anyone say give it back as there was no money in it. I had been in Mrs Brooke’s company a good deal. I was associated with her in Adelaide. I went to Tierney about the case as I did not want to be drawn into it. On that occasion Tierney said: “We all seemed to be very merry that night.” He replied: “Yes; things are done then that would not be done if we were sober.” I am not making this story up as I go along.
The magistrate found the defendant guilty.
Detective-Sergeant Duckworth stated that the defendant was before the Police Court on May 17, 1925, when he was sentenced to three month’s imprisonment for wilful exposure, the sentence having been suspended on the finding of a surety of self of £50, with a surety of a like amount. There was also a conviction in South Australia.
The magistrate fined the defendant £ 5, with 6/ costs and 30/ witness’s fees—in default, one month’s hard labor. Fourteen days were allowed in which to pay on the finding of a surety.
John Gerald Byrne, 1940
Barrier Miner, Mon 16 Dec 1940 14
TWO INJURED IN
COLLISION
When a motor cycle on which two men and a girl were riding was concerned in a collision with a cyclist in Williams Street at 10.30 o’clock last night. Frederick Stanley Hoare (21), of 413 Iodide Street, suffered probable concussion and abrasions to the face and arms, and John Gerald Byrne (37), of 241 Chapple Street, suffered shock and contusions to an ankle.
Byrne was walking, wheeling his bicycle, along Williams Street, and when crossing O’Farrell Street the motor cycle ridden by Hoare, Hartley Ritchie, of 401 Wyman Lane, and a girl approached from Byrne’s rear. When the collision occurred all were thrown to the ground.
Byrne and Hoare were taken to the Hospital by Mr SJJ Davey, and both were treated by Dr Dorach. Hoare was admitted to Ward 1.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Barrier Miner, Wed 29 Jan 1941 15
3 PEOPLE ON
MOTOR CYCLE
————
NEGLIGENT DRIVING
CHARGE
Three people were riding on a motor cycle which was concerned in a collision with a cyclist in William Street on December 15. The rider of the motor cycle appeared before Mr AB Collins, SM, in the Police Court today charged with using a motor cycle for carrying more than one person and also with riding in a negligent manner.
Frederick Stanley Hoare pleaded guilty to having used a motor cycle in William Street for carrying more than one person. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of having ridden the motor cycle in a negligent manner in William Street.
Constable Clark said that at about 11 pm on December 15 he saw the defendant at the Hospital, and also another man, John [Gerald] Byrne. He then went to the intersection of William and O’Farrell Streets. Measurements were taken.
A motor cycle owned by the defendant was in a damaged condition. On the right-hand side of the cycle were recent marks which were consistent with the cycle having skidded. The pillion seat and brakes conformed with regulations, but no foot rest was provided for the rider on the left-hand side.
On December 17, with Constable Marshall, he saw the defendant at Ward 1, where he was a patient. Witness told the defendant that it was alleged he was carrying two pillion passengers. Defendant admitted that Hartley Ritchie, of 401 Wyman Lane, and Miss Laurel Oliver were on the cycle with him. Ritchie was partly on the saddle and partly on the seat, the girl on the seat, and defendant on the tank. Defendant said his foot was resting on the brake wire.
HAD FEW DRINKS
Hoare had said he did not see a cyclist until he was right on top of him. Defendant allegedly admitted having had a few drinks, but said they did not affect his driving ability. Hoare had held a licence for only five months, and the law stated that a licence must be held for 12 months before a pillion passenger could be carried. The push bicycle was badly damaged.
John Gerald Byrne, clerk, of 241 Chapple Street, said that on December 15 last he was wheeling his bicycle up William Street. His electric generating light was operating on both the tail and headlight.
He was struck from behind by the cycle. Damage was done to the cycle to the extent of £1/10/-, to his clothing to the extent of £1. He had Hospital expenses of £1/10/-.
On the first charge he was fined £1, with 8/- costs, and the second charge was dismissed.
John Gerald Byrne, 1942
Barrier Miner, Wed 14 Jan 1942 16
THREE MORE FOR AIF.
Three more men have enlisted in the AIF at the Blende Street recruiting depot,
They are:—
John Gerald Byrne. 17
William Joseph Thompson.
Rex William Keith Mercer.
1 The Catholic Press, (Sydney, NSW), Thu 8 Feb 1917, pp. 19, 20.
2 Freeman’s Journal, (Syd, NSW), Thu 15 Feb 1917, pp. 42, 44.
3 News, (Adelaide, SA), Mon 22 Sep 1924, p. 5.
4 Barrier Miner, Sat 16 May 1925, p. 1.
5 Barrier Miner, Mon 18 May 1925, p. 3. Emphasis added.
6 Barrier Miner, Tue 19 May 1925, p. 1. Emphasis added.
7 Barrier Daily Truth, Wed 20 May 1925, pp. 2, 3. Emphasis added.
8 News, (Adelaide, SA), Mon 3 Jun 1929, p. 7.
9 Barrier Miner, Thu 12 Jun 1930, p. 4.
10 Barrier Miner, Mon 16 Jun 1930, p. 4. Emphasis added.
11 Barrier Miner, Wed 18 Jun 1930, p. 2.
12 Barrier Miner, Mon 23 Jun 1930, p. 3.
13 Barrier Miner, Tue 24 Jun 1930, p. 2. Emphasis added.
14 Barrier Miner, Mon 16 Dec 1940, p. 1. Emphasis added.
15 Barrier Miner, Wed 29 Jan 1941, p. 3. Emphasis in original text and added.
16 Barrier Miner, Wed 14 Jan 1942, p. 1. Emphasis added.
17 Toe view the WWII service record (SX17045, Barcode 6408840) of John Gerald Byrne go to: www.naa.gov.au