Obituaries Australia

The death of Mr. John Field, formerly sub-inspector of police, occurred at his late residence, Adelaide, last Saturday afternoon. The deceased had suffered a lengthy illness from disease of the kidneys. He was 78 years of age.

Mr. Field served in the police force for nearly half a century. He entered the service on April 1, 1854 was made a. sub-inspector on June 1, 1894, and retired in December, 1903. During his connection with the force he was stationed in many parts of South Australia, and was regarded as a most courteous and efficient officer, who gained the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends. While stationed at Mount Barker, when the railway was in course of construction, 20 years ago, he was extremely active in the suppression of sly grog selling in the district, and underwent many hardships and great personal risk in the discharge of his duty. He was successful in bringing a number of offenders to justice. The late Sub-Inspector Field gained the respect and confidence of his superior officers, as well as the general public, and on his retirement he was the recipient of many compliments from the department and from his comrades. At one time he held the position of Sub-Collector of Customs in the Far North. He married Alice Besley, a sister of the late Inspector Besley, well known in the Far North. She predeceased him by many years. Mr. Field was decorated with the Imperial Service medal in recognition of his long and valuable connection with the police force.

The deceased gentleman has left nine sons and daughters, namely — Messrs. J. F. Field, of Tennant's Creek; C. H. Field, of Coolgardie; E. J. Field, of the Crown Lands Office, Adelaide; F. E. Field, of Queensland; Mrs. H. Pick, Mount Gambier; Mrs. W. Jacobs, of Adelaide, and three unmarried daughters.