
special photograph no. 1607 - taken at the central police station, sydney, nsw
C. SMITH, JOSEPH BEZZINA, WILLIAM J WILLIAMSON, AIDEN FERUTRILLl, GEORGE HODDER, WILLIAM THORSON, 25 January 1928…

special photograph no. 1608 - taken at the central police station, sydney, nsw
B. SMITH, GERTRUDE THOMPSON & VERA MCDONALD, 25 January 1928…
These two particular group mug shots were (apparently) taken in the aftermath of a raid led by CIB Chief Bill Mackay – later to be Commissioner of Police – on a house at 74 Riley Street, ‘lower Darlinghurst’. Multiple charges were heard against the 15 men and women arrested. Lessee Joe Bezzina was charged with “being the keeper of a house frequented by reputed thieves”, and some of the others were charged with assault, and with “being found in a house frequented by reputed thieves”.
Naturally the prosecution cast the raid in most heroic terms – the Chief of the CIB, overwhelmingly outnumbered, had struggled hand to hand in “a sweltering melee in one of the most notorious thieves’ kitchens in Sydney”… and, of course, the defence, described its clients as attending “a quiet party, a few drinks, some singing … violently interrupted by a squad of hostile, brawling police” (Truth, 29 January 1928). The court gallery was packed with friends of the accused, who loudly jeered both the prosecution and police witnesses.
Unfortunately, dames & gents, I couldn’t turn up any information as to the outcome of the court case, so this story will remain without a confirmed ending… but even more frustrating is the sad reality that no-one today seems to make shoes as wonderful as those donning the feet of Mrs. B. Smith!
and remember, guys & dolls, it’s always advisable to step out in style…. for you never know when your photograph might be taken…
x analiebe
(image & factual information c/ the historic houses trust picture catalogue)

















