The first permanent policeman appointed was stationed at Burren, now known as Old Burren. In 1893, a police station was formed with the lock-up a couple of miles away on a property now known as “Noreen” (belonging to the Brayshaw family), while the horse paddock was opposite Old Burren Hotel. Constable Robert Graham was the first constable appointed to Old Burren and he had joined the Queensland Police before becoming a probationary constable on 14.3.1894. He retired in 1931 with the rank of Inspector. The station at Old Burren was broken up in 1901, but two years later a station was established at Burren Junction which was known as the Pian Creek Railway Works. It is assumed that William Houlahan built the first Court House in Waterloo Street near the C.B.C. Bank building.
In 1904, a weatherboard lock-up was erected on the corner of Alma and Waterloo Streets. This building contained quarters for the police, two cells and a two-stalled stable with feed room. One of the rooms was later turned into a police office. A newspaper report of 1904 stated that the police officer had welcomed his new quarters which had replaced the tent that was previously in use. A courtroom was added later. (28)
It is assumed that the first police constable at Burren Junction was a Constable Thomas Johns because in 1904, a fire occurred at the woolshed at Millie Station owned by Andrew Buchanan, and Constable Johns gave evidence at the inquiry. In his statement he is quoted as having been called out on 20th inst., so it is highly probable that he was stationed at Burren Junction. (29a)
By 1917, Sergeant C. T. Somerville was the Officer in Charge at Burren Junction and by 1930 G. R. Unwin was listed as Police Officer. (29b)
There has been a few instances when the arm of the law has been needed at Burren Junction. The first occasion was in 1888 when William Trindall the son of W. B. Trindall hotel owner at Cuttabri, was killed at Millie. William had been loading wool on one of his father’s wagons at Bugilbone, when he was informed that his horses had strayed onto Millie and had been impounded by Dick Weldon (Burren Dick), a stockman on a property. Furious, Bill was quoted as saying “I’ll go and pull the b——d’s nose” as he galloped off in the direction of Millie. When he arrived at Millie yards he discovered Dick with his horses and with more cursing demanded an explanation. He received one in the form of a stick which Burren Dick cracked him with over the head as he dismounted. A fight ensued and finding himself short of energy, William said, “I give you best”, and rode off. Taking his horses with him, he made off for the Halfway Hotel at Bugilbone, where he died a few hours later. The blow to the head had caused a clot of blood on the brain “eight inches round and weighing six ounces” (29c) as reported by Dr de Lepervanche of Narrabri. Burren Dick was sentenced to two years jail for manslaughter.
During the building of the railway to Burren Junction, which occurred about 1903, a railway construction worker shot his wife at “Rossmore” and about 1932, a really bizarre murder occurred in the Bugilbone area. George Nott, an ex policeman and timber worker was shot and burnt and according to various reports his ashes used with charcoal in an evaporative cooling safe. His car which he had purchased from Josh Carter at “North Lynne” was recovered from the Namoi River. The murder occurred close to the site of Bugilbone woolshed. A local woman was charged with his murder but this was not proven and charges were dropped. (30)
In September of 1942, local police at Burren Junction were alerted that an R.A.A.F plane had crashed at Cryon. The two crewmen were killed instantly. Another sensational happening occurred in March of 1947 at Burren Junction, when John Falbouris died of injuries inflicted during a brawling incident with another man within the town of Burren Junction itself. (31)
In 1910, Burren Junction became a two-man station with one senior Constable and one Constable. The Police Officers at Burren Junction were assigned horses for their use up until 1948, when a motor cycle was issued to the station. Of later years the court house has not been used as all court hearings are conducted in larger centres such as Narrabri. Some police officers who have been appointed to Burren in later years are:—
Constable E. A. Thompson — arrived 1939 — transferred 1947
Kingsley Gordon Parsons — arrived 1948 — transferred 26.4.51
Ross G. Gibson — arrived 26.4.51 — transferred 7.3.57
Robert Walter Frost 1954-1956
Colin Alfred Taylor — transferred 6.1.61
John Peden — arrived 6.1.61
E. J. (Ted) Beaver — arrived 27.66
B. G. N. (Bernie) Spooner — arrived 5.5.72
T. M. (Terry) Kelleher — arrived 28.6.75
R. M. (Ron) Alexander — arrived 25.6.81
C. G. (Chris) Kennedy — arrived 2.6.82
T. W. (Terry) Hall — arrived 29.12.86
Our police officer at present, Senior Constable Nick Ruttley, who is the Lock up Keeper, is currently loving the community, taking pride in his yard and the police station yard. He is also taking the opportunity to utilise the old horse paddock by starting up a mini farm. He has guinea fowl, chooks, sheep, alpacas and even has a donkey for visitors to look at.
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