James Mathew Morey

James Mathew Morey was a Redan policeman, <1924.

History
Morey served in the Boer War in the Bushman's contingent, being promoted to Lance Corporal on 20 May 1900 and as Hon. Sergeant on the 13 May 1901.

He served as the Officer in charge of the Redan Police Station until he was transferred to Melbourne in August 1924. A large reception was held at the Atlantic Hotel to thank him for his services to the Redan community: POPULAR POLICE OFFICER FAREWELLED. SERGEANT MOREY ENTERTAINED. A large and representative gathering of Redan and Ballarat South residents assembled at the Atlantic hotel last night to do honor to Sergeant M. Morey, who for some years has been in charge of the Redan police station, and who has now been promoted and transferred to the charge of the Armadale police station, near Melbourne. In addition to civilians several of Sergeant Morey’s present and former comrades were in attendance. The chair was occupied by Mr D. C. M'Grath, M.H.R., and after the loyal toast had been honored, that of the Federal Parliament was proposed by Mr J. Hughes.

Mr D. C. M'Grath, in responding, said that he had been asked to at tend this gathering, and he did so for several reasons. He had a warm spot in his heart for Redan. Back in 1904 when he held a meeting in that district there were few present, and while they did not know him as a Labor candidate, they did know him as the old ruck man in South—(applause)—and while he had an immense electorate to look after, he could yet find time to come back. One did not want to talk politics at this gathering, though much could be said. He was there as their Federal member, to pay a tribute to Mr Morey. There was going to be a lot or trouble over the police. It was possible that the Government might be defeated on Tuesday next over the police question. The Government would be challenged and anything might happen It was a matter for wonderment with, him why intelligent men stayed in the force when they could have used their brains to more purpose. When the trouble came the Trades and Labor Council urged the police not to come out. But it was also a matter for comment that after the men had gone out on strike the concessions they had so long sought for were granted. The force was the better for men like Sergeant Morey, who did not look for convictions, and the town was honored by the presence of men who sought to prevent crime rather than punish it. (Applause.) It was with keen regret that they were losing his services, for he had won the confidence of the people. He did his duty fearlessly and without favor and recognised putting men in gaol was not the way to put down crime. Detective Charles was another example of this method of handling trouble, and Sergeant Morey was a man of similar calibre, who did not look for cheap glory in the way of convictions. Rather did he lean to the humane side, and in that respect, he was an ornament to the force, and they all hoped that he would long be spared to be so, and that when he retired he would carry with him the good wishes of everybody. (Applause.)

Mr R. Wilkie, in proposing the health of Sergeant Morey, said that it was difficult to say how highly he was appreciated in Redan. Mr Morey was a man who never forgot his official duties, and carried them out in the most conscientious manner. He never at any time lost sight of his duty to the King and the King’s laws, but apart from that he was always a gentleman, and a fellow citizen, and he asked Mr Morey to accept from the residents of the district a wallet of notes as a very small intrinsic token of esteem but accompanied, as it certainly was, with the heartiest good wishes of all his friends.

Ex-Sergeant H. Neil joined in expressing a warm opinion of Sergeant Morey’s many good qualities, and praised the officer’s tact and amiability under all circumstances. They would always look forward to seeing him back again as an officer. Others who joined in paying their tribute to the worth of the guest were Mr C. Isaacs and A. M‘Farlane (who spoke of the days when he and Sergeant Morey went to the Boer war in the Bushman’s contingent). Ex-Constable Gierck, another of the veterans of the force, also paid a testimony to the many good qualities of Sergeant Morey, as did Messrs H. Hollway, and J. Foley, the latter of whom also tendered a cordial welcome to Constable C. Evans, who has recent ly been transferred to Redan and whom they were all pleased to see in the district. (Applause).

Mr Alf. Darling. J.P., for Warracknabeal, also spoke, stating that he had watched Mr Morey’s career for some years and had admired the manner in which he had carried out his duties. He paid a comprehensive compliment to the whole police force of Ballarat for the way in which the laws were administered in Ballarat. Mr Joe O’Halloran also joined in paying a tribute to the worth of Sergt. Morey, as did others in the gathering, and the chairman, in putting the toast, said that they welcomed Constable Evans, who he said, was going to be a good citizen and if they gave him a "fair spin," they would find that he was a fair man, both as a constable and a citizen. To Sergeant Morey he said that the little gift made to him came from the hearts as well as the purses of his fellow citizens. They realised, and understood his worth, and behind the gift stood the good wishes of the men and women who recognised his worth. The atmosphere of goodwill stood for more than money, and he could go to Armadale knowing that he had the kind thoughts of all whom he had left behind.

Sergeant Morey, who was received with an ovation, said that the honor conferred upon him was a very great one. He had not looked for such a send off. He only wished to know that he held the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens, when he left Redan. He was delighted to have there ex-Sergeant M'Farlane, ex-Sergeant Neil and ex-Constable Gierck, for these were three men whose friendship he valued. He had been in Redan for some years and had learned to appreciate the value of the friendships, he had made. He had tried to be a good citizen as well as a good policeman and that he had gained the esteem as demonstrated by the gathering was a big thing. A constable was called upon often on the spur of the moment to interpret a law that puzzled a judge, and jury for days. As the Chief Commissioner had said, at times a policeman had more power than a Supreme Court judge. There were two ways of doing one’s duty-a nice way and a nasty way, and he had always tried to adopt the first mentioned procedure. One could ruin the career of a young man by too hasty action. He had found that moral suasion often acted more efficaciously than harsh methods. He had never sought to brand any youth with the name of "gaol bird", which was often applied to first offenders. He had found it always the best thing to think, not so much of the offender but of the parents and relatives. He thought that the law-makers would agree with him that it were better to overlook a strict duty than to brand any young fellow with the name of a criminal. (Applause). He would never neglect discipline, because that stood for all that law and order stood for, but he had never asked a man to do anything that he would not do himself. He valued the friendship of his comrades, and he hoped the same consideration would be extended to Constable Evans as he himself had always received. (Applause). He thanked them for the handsome gift made to him and was glad indeed to be to go away bearing the goodwill and good wishes of all. (Applause).

Other toasts honored were those of Constable C. Evans, who made a modest response, and the chairman, proposed by the guest of the evening. During the evening harmony was rendered by several of those present, and the landlady of the house, Mrs Trezise, was warmly thanked for the manner in which she had catered for the gathering. A touching little incident was the calling by the chairman on the gathering to stand in silence for a minute, in memory of Constable Ike Hooley, one of the most popular officers who had ever been stationed in Redan.