Person:Edward Meekins (1)

Edward Aubrey Meekins was born on 18th June 1888 at Woolwich in Kent, son of a field hand called Alice Keating and Henry (known as Harry) Meekins, a dock labourer and general dealer. Edward was baptised on 1st July 1888 at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Woolwich under the name ‘Aubrey’, but he later generally became known as Edward. His parents were not married at the time of his birth, but they went on to marry the day before his first birthday. Edward was the eldest of nine children that his parents had together, although he had two surviving older half-brothers, Harry and John (known as Jack), from his father’s first marriage.

The year after Edward was born, Woolwich became part of the county of London, having already effectively been absorbed into urban area of the growing city. The 1891 census finds Edward (listed as ‘Edwin’) living with his parents and half-brother at 4 Cannon Row in Woolwich, where they occupied just one room of the house. In February 1894, aged 5, Edward was enrolled at the Union Street School in Woolwich. His address was given as 6 Warren Street at that time.

In May 1896, seven-year-old Edward was admitted to the Woolwich Union Workhouse at Plumstead with his younger brother George and their mother, who was heavily pregnant with twins. Their father had deserted the family, as he apparently did on a number of occasions. Edward and George stayed in the workhouse whilst their mother went to the neighbouring infirmary to give birth. After six weeks in the workhouse the boys were discharged to their mother.

Over the next few years, Edward would be admitted to the workhouse many times, often after his father had deserted the family again. In February 1900 Edward and his brother George were sent from the workhouse to a children’s home at Orpington for three months, before returning to the Woolwich workhouse to be discharged.

In November 1901 Edward was admitted to the workhouse with his mother and siblings after his father had deserted them again. Shortly after admission Edward was transferred to the infirmary for four days, before returning to the workhouse, where he stayed until 1st January 1902. He was then sent, aged thirteen, from the workhouse to the HMS Exmouth, an old Royal Navy ship which was by then being used by the Metropolitan Asylums Board for teaching poor boys from the London area how to be sailors.

Back in Woolwich, Edward’s four younger sisters were taken into care by the authorities in November 1904 after being found destitute wandering in the streets.

On 24th February 1905, Edward joined the Royal Navy. He claimed that it was his eighteenth birthday on the day he joined, although he was in fact still only sixteen. Perhaps being eighteen would have entitled him to more pay. He was clearly still growing – when he joined the Navy he was 5’ 6” tall, whereas later records show that he grew to be 5’ 11” tall.

Edward served in the Royal Navy for seven years. In July 1909, whilst serving on the HMS Bulwark, he deserted. After a couple of weeks at large, he was caught in London and brought before the Tower Bridge Police Court. When asked how he had come to be away from his ship, he replied “I got adrift at Southend”, to laughter from the courtroom. He was sent back to the Bulwark where his desertion was not seen as a laughing matter; he was sentenced to 42 days’ hard labour. Edward left the Navy in March 1912.

Shortly afterwards, Edward travelled to the other side of the world to Adelaide in South Australia. Precisely when and how he got there is unclear. However, he appears to have been in Adelaide by the autumn of 1912, where he met a woman called Maudina Jane La Vanda. Maudina had a baby, Joyce, in June 1913, who was later acknowledged to be Edward’s daughter, being described as his “ex-nuptial” child in Edward’s army service records.

On 14th February 1914, aged 25, Edward and Maudina married at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide. Maudina was thirteen days Edward’s senior, and she had another two older children from previous relationships to whom Edward became stepfather. Edward found work as a conductor on the trams in Adelaide. Edward and Maudina had another daughter in November 1914.

By then, the First World War was underway. In July 1915 Edward enlisted in the army, only to be discharged in November 1915 as “not likely to become an efficient soldier”. Undeterred, he re-joined the following month. He was said to be 5’ 11” tall with light brown hair and blue eyes. He was posted to the Mitcham Army Camp just outside Adelaide for training, before embarking on a ship bound for Europe on 23rd June 1916.

Just under nine months later, in March 1917, Maudina had another daughter, Alice Mary, in Adelaide.

After only a couple of months in Europe he had been transferred England, needing hospital treatment. He spent time in a couple of hospitals in Wiltshire, spending much of the rest of his time in service there. Edward’s father died in Kent in May 1917, whilst Edward was still in hospital. Whether Edward had been able to see his parents or siblings is unknown.

Edward returned to Adelaide in September 1917. He was discharged from the army as medically unfit. A pension was awarded to Maudina and the children from December 1917. In June 1918 Edward and Maudina’s daughter Alice died, when just one year old.

Edward and Maudina went on to have another daughter in April 1919 in Adelaide, then twins (a boy and a girl) in January 1922.

In 1924, Edward and Maudina separated. It appears that Edward had been unemployed for some time, having lost his job on the trams, seemingly after threatening a colleague. He had been in trouble with the authorities for illegally selling liquor, and he had not been paying for the upkeep of an illegitimate child he was supposed to support – whether this child was Joyce or some other child he had fathered with another woman is unclear.

In September 1924 matters came to a head. Edward was charged at the Adelaide Police Court with having been cruel to Maudina and with having wilfully neglected her and the children since the beginning of April that year. She gave evidence saying that one morning in September he had dragged her out of bed, accusing her of reporting him to a policeman called Stephens. She reported that he had told her “I’ll get an axe and cut your head off. You went to Stephens about me last night, and I feel fit to do for you.” Maudina said that he had then crushed her between a door and a wall, and that he had been drinking.

Edward told the court he did not remember threatening her and did not think he would do such a thing. The court granted Maudina a separation, gave her custody of the children, ordered Edward to pay £1 10 shillings a week in maintenance and told him to keep away from Maudina.

Edward did keep away from Maudina – and the authorities. He left South Australia and moved to Queensland, where he took on a new identity as ‘David Meakin’. A warrant was issued for his arrest in March 1925 for failing to pay the maintenance due to Maudina and the children. It would appear that he was never caught, and he probably never saw Maudina or their children again.

As ‘David’, Edward married again on 16th March 1927 at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane to a widow called Irene Helen Vellette Tait, formerly Goodchap. Her first husband had died in 1923 and she had four children to whom David became stepfather. On their marriage certificate David claimed to be a bachelor from Wellington in New Zealand, and he gave false names for his parents.

How much Irene knew about his origins when they married is unknown. He continued using the name David for the rest of his life, but by the time he died at least some of his past was known to Irene and the family, as both his names are given on his death certificate, along with his correct place of birth, albeit still with the fictitious parents’ names that he had given on his marriage certificate to Irene.

David and Irene went on to have another three children together, although their first daughter died young in 1928.

David and Irene moved around within the suburbs of Brisbane for the first few years of their marriage, but by 1936 they had settled at a house called Viola on Francis Street in the Eagle Junction area of the city. Francis Street was renamed Milman Street in 1938. David worked variously as a fireman, rigger, linesman and seaman.

Despite having largely abandoned his former identity, in one respect he did admit to being Edward. In the process of running away from Adelaide to Brisbane, he had lost his war service medals and discharge papers. These were clearly important to him, and he wrote to the army authorities trying to get duplicates issued, using his real name and giving his address as Milman Street in Brisbane.

Back in England, David’s mother died in 1945.

David died on 6th July 1965, aged 77 at 15 Union Street in the Clayfield area of Brisbane, a few streets away from Milman Street. He and Irene had been married for 38 years. His death certificate describes him as “Edward Aubrey Meekins known as David Edward Meakin”.

Irene survived him by ten years. Over in Adelaide, Maudina also outlived him. Apparently he had stayed in contact with his brother George in England, who then contacted Maudina and her family to inform them of his death.

1. ↑ Baptisms register, in Woolwich, London. Catholic Parish Registers of St Peter the Apostle (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, London).

   Meechan / Die 18 Junii 1888 natus et die 1 Julii 1888 baptizatus est Aubrey Meechan filius Jacobi et Alice Meechan (olim Keating) conjugum:
   a me J. Duggan
   Patrinus fuit [blank] Matrina fuit Catharina Clarke
   
   Approximate translation:
   Meechan / Born 18th June 1888 and baptised 1st July 1888 Aubrey Meechan son of James and Alice Meechan (formerly Keating) his wife:
   By me J. Duggan
   Godfather [blank], Godmother Catherine Clarke

   Although several of the details of this baptism do not match his known details, it is nevertheless considered that this baptism does indeed relate to Edward Meekins. In particular, his mother was called Alice Keating, and his date of birth was given as 18th June 1888 on his school admissions register.

2. ↑ England. 1891 Census Schedules for England and Wales, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. (
   Kew, Richmond, Greater London TW9 4DU, United Kingdom:
   The National Archives (abbreviated TNA), formerly the UK General Register Office.)
   Class RG12; Piece 532; Folio 11; Page 15, 5 Apr 1891.

   Address: 4 Cannon Row, Woolwich, London
   1 room occupied
   Henry Meekin, head, married, male, 29 [1861/2], General Dealer Shop, neither employer nor employed, b. London
   Alice Meekin, wife, married, female, 23 [1867/8], b. London
   John Meekin, son, male, 10 [1880/1], Scholar, b. London
   Edwin Meekin, son, 2 [1888/9], b. Woolwich, Kent

3.   London School Admissions and Discharges, 1840-1911 (London Metropolitan Archives, London).

   Union Street School, Woolwich
   Date of admission: 26 Feb 1894
   Name: Meakins, Edward
   Parent: Henry
   Residence: 6 Warren Street
   Date of birth: 18 Jun 1888

4.   London: Workhouse Admission and Discharge Records (London Metropolitan Archives, London).
   Summary table of information drawn from Admission, Discharge and Creed registers.
   

   Admitted	Discharged	Workhouse	Notes
   23 May 1896	4 Jul 1896	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with mother, "Husband Henry deserted", and brother George. Mother transferred to Infirmary 25 May. Discharged with brother to mother.
   11 Mar 1897	24 Mar 1897	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with mother, "Husband Henry left her Friday 5 March 97", and siblings George, and Catherine. Discharged with mother and siblings.
   30 Apr 1898	25 Jun 1898	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with mother, "Husband Henry deserted her 25th", and siblings George, Mary, and Catherine. Discharged to infirmary.
   23 Nov 1898	28 Nov 1898	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with mother and siblings George, Mary Ann, and Catherine. Discharged with mother and siblings.
   29 Nov 1898	17 Jan 1899	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with mother and siblings George and Mary Ann. Discharged with mother and siblings.
   19 Oct 1899	22 Feb 1900	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with mother and siblings George, Mary, Catherine, and Ann [Hannah]. Discharged to Orpington with brother George.
   24 May 1900	26 May 1900	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted from Orpington with brother George. Discharged to mother.
   7 Nov 1901	11 Nov 1901	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with mother, "Husband Henry deserted", and siblings George, Mary Ann, Kate [Catherine], and Hannah. Discharged to infirmary.
   15 Nov 1901	1 Jan 1902	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted from infirmary. Discharged to "Exmouth".

5.   Metropolitan Asylums Board. Training Ship “Exmouth” Record Book (London Metropolitan Archives, London).

   Name: Edward Meekins
   Age: 13
   Date of Entry: 1 Jan 1902
   Date of Discharge: 1 Jun 1902
   Union or Parish: Woolwich
   Particulars of Discharge: H.M.S. Pembroke as a Bluejacket

6.   Naval Service Records
   ADM/188/388; Image 147.

   No. 220665
   Name in full: Edward Meekins
   Date of Birth: 24 February 1887
   Place of Birth: Woolwich, Kent
   Occupation: SS[?] Exmouth
   Date and Period of C.S. Engagements: 24 February 1905 - 12 yrs
   Age: 18
   Height: 5’6”
   Hair: Lt Brn
   Eyes: Blue
   Complexion: Fair
   Wounds, Scars, Marks, &c: Scar L side of f’head and upper lip... [illegible]... Clasped hands and heart L wrist
   Deserted whilst serving on HMS Bulwark on 19 Jul 1909. Recovered 1 Aug 1909 and sentenced to 42 days hard labour. Resumed service 10 Sep 1909. Final discharge on 7 Mar 1912 notes “Invalid”.

   Edward gave his date of birth as 24th February 1887, but that was presumably so as to declare himself to be eighteen on the day he joined the Navy, which perhaps would have made him eligible for higher pay. He was actually sixteen years old.

7.   Australia World War I Service Records, 1914-1920 (National Archives of Australia, Canberra).

   Summary of information:
   Australian Imperial Force
   Joined Engineers 28 Jul 1915 at Keswick, South Australia
   Name: Edward Meekins
   Born: Woolwich, Kent, England
   Age: 27 years 1 month
   Trade: Tram Conductor
   Married: yes, 2 children
   Wife: Mrs Maudina Jane Meekins, 185 Flinders Street, Adelaide
   Previously did 8 years naval training
   Discharged 30 Nov 1915 “not likely to become an efficient soldier”.
   
   Joined: 10 Dec 1915 at Adelaide
   Born: Woolwich, Kent, England
   Age: 27 years 6 months
   Trade: Labourer
   Married: yes, 2 children
   Wife: Mrs Maudina Jane Meekins, 185 Flinders Street, Adelaide, South Australia
   Previously served 8 years in 3rd Royal Warwickshire Regiment in England – time expired
   27 Battalion, No. 4979
   Height: 5 feet 11 inches
   Weight: 170lbs
   Complexion: Fair
   Eyes: Blue
   Hair: Light Brown
   Religious Denomination: R.C.
   Tattoo both forearms
   Served as Private initially
   “To Mitcham” 16 Feb 1916
   Promoted to “Prov/Cpl” 1 Apr 1916
   Embarked 23 Jun 1916
   Promoted to “Sergeant (prov)” 24 Jun 1916
   Admitted 1st A.D. Hospital Bulford (Wiltshire, England) 15 Nov 1916
   Returned to Australia, leaving England 21 Jul 1917, disembarked Adelaide 20 Sep 1917.
   Discharged 30 Nov 1917 as medically unfit
   
   Pension claimed from 1 Dec 1917 for:
   Joyce Adelaide La Vanda, Child (ex-nuptial), trustee Mandina Jane Meekins, 185 Flinders Street, Adelaide
   Kathleen Maude Meekins, Child
   Alice May Meekins, Child
   Edward Meekins, “Identical” [meaning Child?]
   Mandina Jane Meekins, wife
   
   Letter dated 16 Apr 1931 from Edward Meekins of Brisbane, Queensland requesting a new copy of his Military Discharge having lost the original.
   Letter dated 21 Mar 1941 from Edward Meekins of Milman Street, Eagle Junction, Brisbane, Queensland requesting replacement medal and badge.

8.   Australia City Directories.

   South Australian Directory (Sands) 1922, Adelaide
   Meekins, Edw, lbr, 13 Ranelagh st, off Waymouth st

9.   Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980.

   1928
   Division of Brisbane / Subdivision of Fortitude Valley
   Meakin, David, Evelyn st., Newstead, fireman, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Velett, Evelyn st., Newstead, home duties, F
   
   1931
   Division of Brisbane / Subdivision of Paddington
   Meakin, David, 29 Jessie st., rigger, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Velette, 29 Jessie st., Petrie terrace, home duties, F
   
   1936
   Division of Lilley / Subdivision of Nundah
   Meakin, David, Viola, Francis st., Eagle Junction, seaman, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Valette, Viola, Francis st., Eagle Junction, home duties, F
   
   1937
   Division of Lilley / Subdivision of Nundah
   Meakin, David, Viola, Francis st., Eagle Junction, seaman, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Valette, Viola, Francis st., Eagle Junction, home duties, F
   [Francis Street was renamed Milman Street in 1938 when Brisbane City Council reviewed duplicate street names across the city. (Courier-Mail, Brisbane, 13 Dec 1938, news report)]
   
   1943
   Division Lilley / Subdivision Nundah
   Meakin, David Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, seaman, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Valette, Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, home duties, F
   
   1949
   Division Lilley / Subdivision Nundah
   Meakin, David Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, seaman, M
   Meakin, Edward David John, 14 Milman st., Eagle Junction, labourer, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Valette, Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, home duties, F
   
   1954
   Division Lilley / Subdivision Nundah
   Meakin, David Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, seaman, M
   Meakin, Edward David John, 14 Milman st., Eagle Junction, labourer, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Valette, Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, home duties, F
   
   1958
   Division Lilley / Subdivision Nundah
   Meakin, David Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, seaman, M
   Meakin, Edward David John, 14 Milman st., Eagle Junction, labourer, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Valette, Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, home duties, F
   
   1963
   Division Lilley / Subdivision Nundah
   Meakin, David Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, seaman, M
   Meakin, Edward David John, 14 Milman st., Eagle Junction, labourer, M
   Meakin, Irene Helen Valette, Viola, Milman st., Eagle Junction, home duties, F

10. ↑ Death certificate, in Queensland Civil Registration (Queensland Government, Brisbane).

    1965 DEATH in the District of BRISBANE, in the State of Queensland, Registered by Timothy Francis de Sales Scott, Registrar-General.
    Number: 74084
    When died and where: 6 July 1965 / 15 Union Street, Clayfield
    Name and surname, profession, trade or occupation: EDWARD AUBREY MEEKINS known as DAVID EDWARD MEAKIN
    Sex and age: Male / 77 years
    Cause of death: (a) Coronary atherosclerosis
    Medical attendant by whom certified: J. O’Reilly / Post Mortem 7 July 1965
    Name and surname of father: James Meekins
    Name and maiden surname of mother: Mary Williams
    Signature, description and residence of informant: Certified in writing by V. McCloy, Step Daughter, 14 Fitzroy Street, Eagle Junction
    Registered: 7 July 1965, Brisbane
    Burial or Cremation: Cremated at Albany Creek Crematorium, 8 July 1965
    Where born and how long in the Australian States: Woolwich, Kent, England / 45 years
    Married: Brisbane Queensland, age 38 years to Irene Helen Velette then Tait formerly Goodchap
    Issue:
    Living: Edward David John, 36 / Lorna June, 34
    Deceased: 1 Female

11.   Reynolds's Newspaper (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 5, Sunday 1 Aug 1909.

    IN THE COURTS YESTERDAY…
    TOWER BRIDGE.
    SAILOR VISITOR TO SOUTHEND ADRIFT.
    Edward Meekins, able seaman, admitted at Tower Bridge being a deserter from H.M.S. Bulwark. Mr. Rose: How has it come about? Prisoner: I got adrift at Southend. (Laughter.) He was ordered to be sent back to his ship.

12.   Critic (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 15, Wednesday 27 Dec 1916.

    Adelaide Municipal Tramway Trust Employees on Active Service.
    Photographs of 159 people, including “E. Meekins”

13.   The Register (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 4, Thursday 19 Dec 1918.

    TRAMWAY PROSECUTION.
    CONDUCTOR CHARGED WITH ASSAULT.
    INFORMATION DISMISSED.
    Even standing space was hard to obtain at the Adelaide Police Court on Wednesday, when a further prosecution by the Tramways Trust against one of its employes was heard. The building was crowded with tramway officials and workers. Mr. E.M. Sabine, S.M., who was accompanied on the Bench by Messrs. F.W. Birrell (secretary of the Labour Party), F. McIntyre (Secretary of the Drivers’ Union), L. Le Cornu, and J.E. Silver, elected to take the case by himself. The action was the aftermath of the prosecution and conviction at the Police Court on December 10 of Motorman J.G. Manders, who was dismissed from the tramway service on Tuesday. The defendant was Edward Meekins, a conductor. It was alleged that he assaulted Philip Patrick Egan, a tramway motorman, on December 10. The information was laid by the claims officer of the Trust (Mr. H.G. Farrell). Mr. T.S. O’Halloran prosecuted, and Mr. J.J. Daly appeared for Meekins, who pleaded not guilty.
    Mr. O’Halloran, in opening, said after the Manders case the witnesses were followed by various other tramway employes almost from the precincts of the Court to North terrace.
    Mr. Daly raised frequent objections to Mr. O’Halloran’s statements on the ground that he was opening facts with which defendant was not concerned, and on which evidence could not be led.
    The S.M., when pressed by Mr. Daly for a ruling on the question, directed Mr. O’Halloran to abandon his opening and call evidence. Soon after the case began there was an outburst of laughter by the onlookers, and Mr. Sabine reminded the crowd that further hilarity would result in the clearing of the Court.
    Phillip Patrick Egan, motorman, said on December 10, he gave evidence in a case in which a tramway employe, Manders, was fined for having used insulting words. When he left the Court, he walked on the eastern side of Victoria square. Motorman Lewis and Greenhill, who had also given evidence, accompanied him. A number of tramway employes followed them. Witness and his companions crossed over to the Post Office, and Lewis and himself boarded the rear platform of a tramcar bound for Prospect. Between Franklin and Waymouth streets, Meekins jumped on the car near to where witness stood. Defendant struck him twice on the shoulder and said, “I want you, you --- scab. Get down on the --- road.” Just before the car pulled up at Waymouth street, defendant said, “You --- mongrel.” He repeatedly asked witness to “get on to the road,” but he did not leave the tram. The car did not move until Inspector Barnes ordered it to proceed. Meekins said at that time, “I want that man on the car.” Between Waymouth and Currie streets, several tramway employes jumped on to the footboard. At Grenfell street defendant said to Witness – “You are a scab.” He left the car there. Lewis was pulled off the opposite side by tramwaymen. Witness was delayed there for a while, but caught a car for Winchester street. The tram left the Bank of Adelaide, and several tramway employes got on. Defendant again boarded the car before they reached the Botanic Park. Accused took a war-service badge from the lapel of his coat, and attempted to fasten it on witness’s jacket. Meekins said, “You might as well disgrace the two --- badges.” The tramcar stopped near to the Botanic Park Hotel, and Mr. Ford, of the Municipal Tramways Trust, drove up in a motor car. Defendant said to Mr. Ford, “So help me God, I will go down to the depot in the morning, and you can give me the sack.” Mr. Ford told him that such conduct would not do him any good.
    Mr. Daly – You are a returned solider? – Yes.
    And Mr. Meekins is likewise a returned man? – Yes.
    A Voice at the back – Yes, and a hero at that.
    Mr. Daly questioned witness regarding remarks that the S.M. had made concerning his evidence in the Manders case.
    Egan declined to answer. Witness was asked to leave the Court to allow Mr. Daly to explain the purpose of his question.
    Mr. Daly said Egan and Meekins had previously been firm and fast friends, and the real cause of the dispute was the evidence which Egan gave in the Court. The defence would be a denial of the assault. It was admitted that Meekins had told Egan that he had disgraced his colours. Witness said he was not concerned whether the case proceeded or not.
    Joseph H. Lewis, motorman, said between Waymouth and Currie streets, Egan told a policeman that a man had assaulted him.
    Inspector Barnes (M.T.T.), Albert E. Ford (traffic superintendent), P.C. A. Halden, and Constable Curtis also gave evidence.
    The S.M. said the evidence was contradictory concerning the alleged assault, and he would dismiss the information.

14.   The Express & Telegraph (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 2, Friday 14 Feb 1919.

    LAW COURTS.
    Police Court – Adelaide.
    Friday, February 14…
    Edward Meekins pleaded guilty to a charge of having failed to comply with an order made on September 25 in respect of the maintenance of his child. Mr. F.G. Byrne, of the State Children’s Department, prosecute. Mr. J.J. Daly, who appeared for the defendant, secured an adjournment for a month, during which period arrangements would be made to pay the arrears.

15.   Daily Herald (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 3, Saturday 15 Feb 1919.

    POLICE COURT…
    Edward Meekins was charged with having failed to comply with a maintenance order. He was represented by Mr. J.J. Daly, who, with the consent of an officer from the State Children’s Department, asked for an adjournment for a month.

16.   The Register (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 9, Wednesday 12 May 1920.

    POLICE.
    ADELAIDE: Tuesday, May 11.
    [Before Messrs. E.M. Sabine, S.M., A. Kelly, H.F.B. Christie, and G. Williams.]
    Edward Meekins admitted having failed to comply with a maintenance order in respect to his child. Mr. T.B. Kearny, of the State Children’s Department, said the order was made in September, 1918, and the arrears were £23 14/ to April 21. The case was adjourned for three weeks.

17.   The Express & Telegraph (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 1, Thursday 29 Sep 1921.

    LAW COURTS.
    Police Court – Adelaide.
    Thursday, September 29…
    Edward Meekins was charged with having failed to comply with an order respecting the maintenance of a child. There was £4 12/6 due to July 20. Mr. C.J. Philcox, of the State Children’s Department, said the case was adjourned several weeks ago to allow the defendant to make payments. Meekins informed the court that he was still out of employment. The matter was further adjourned for a month.

18.   Daily Herald (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 5, Friday 12 May 1922.

    MAINTENANCE CASES…
    Edward Meekins, who pleaded inability to pay, was charged with having failed to comply with an order for the maintenance of his child. The S.M. adjourned the case for 14 days to allow defendant to find employment.

19.   Daily Herald (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 1, Monday 19 Jun 1922.

    A DEFAULTING FATHER
    SIX MONTHS’ GAOL ORDERED.
    When the case of Edward Meekins was called on at the Police Court on Saturday morning the defendant failed to appear. Mr. C.J. Philcox, explained to Mr. Sabine, S.M., that the case was adjourned from May 25 last on the defendant promising to pay 16/ a week off the amount owing on an order for the support of his child, for which Meekins had been sued. Defendant had only paid 10/ since May 25, and now owed over £12 on the order. The defendant had previously had to take action against the defendant. The S.M. – Six months’ imprisonment, the warrant to be issued at once.

20.   The Register (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 15, Wednesday 16 May 1923.

    ALLEGED UNLAWFUL SUPPLY.
    Thomas Haire and Edward Meekins were charged before Mr. L.H. Haslam, S.M., in the Adelaide Police Court on Tuesday, with having, on Sunday, April 22, unlawfully sold liquor at Light square.
    Plainclothes Constable Homes prosecuted, and Mr. J.W. Nelligan appeared for defendants.
    Plainclothes Constable Regan said, at about 8.45 a.m. he saw defendants in Light square. They went up to several men who were sitting on a seat. Three men each handed something to Meekins, which he passed to Haire. Defendants then went towards Currie street, and returned shortly afterwards. Meekins produced three bottles of beer from his pockets, and handed one to each of the three men, who drank the contents. This was repeated subsequently with three other men, and later defendants sat down with several other men and began to drink from bottles. Haire was in possession of two bottles of beer when arrested.
    After an adjournment had been made to enable the S.M. to visit the square, Haire gave evidence, and denied that he had sold beer that morning. He said he went to meet a friend who said he was “not too well.” Witness then went home and brought two bottles of beer. He was then arrested.
    Cross-examined by Constable Homes, witness said when he got to the Watch-house, Plainclothes Constable Sleep said to him, “If one of you pleads guilty, and one not guilty we will pull the charge off one man, and I suppose they would take up a collection and pay your fine.” He was not with Meekins that morning, and did not see him hand bottles to me. He observed the police take some empty bottles from a child. There were plenty of bottles and capsules to be found in the square. Children gathered the bottles.
    The case was adjourned until Wednesday afternoon.

21.   The Register (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 5, Thursday 17 May 1923.

    CONVICTED FOR SLY GROG SELLING
    The case was continued before Mr. L.H. Haslam, S.M., in the Adelaide Police Court on Wednesday, in which Edward Meekins and Thomas Haire were charged with having sold liquor at Light Square on April 22 without being licensed. Plainclothes Constable Homes prosecuted, and Mr. J.W. Nelligan defended. Defendants pleaded not guilty. After the completion of the evidence for the prosecution the Court viewed the premises. Defendants, on oath, gave a complete denial of the allegations, but the Court found them guilty, and fined each £10 and 15/ costs.

22.   The Register (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 11, Thursday 31 May 1923.

    POLICE.
    (Before Mr. E.M. Sabine, P.M.)
    Edward Meekins was ordered six months’ imprisonment for having neglected to comply with an order for the maintenance of his child. Mr. C.J. Philcox (of the State Children’s Department) prosecuted.

23.   The News (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 7, Thursday 18 Sep 1924.

    “GONE TOO FAR”
    CHARGE AGAINST HUSBAND
    Wife Secures Separation
    Before Mr. L.H. Haslam, S.M., Mr. T. Freeman, and Mrs. M. Wallington in No. 2 Adelaide Police Court today, Edward Meekins was charged with having been cruel to his wife on September 16, and having wilfully neglected to provide reasonable maintenance for her and her five children since April 1. The wife was granted a separation, the custody of the children, and £1 10/ a week maintenance.
    Maudina J. Meekins, of Adelaide, said that she married Meekins on February 14, 1914. At 6.15 in the morning while she was in bed her husband came into the room and pulled the blankets off her and told her daughter, who was in the bed, to get out. Witness told him to leave her there, and he then said, “I’ll get an axe and cut your head off. You went to Stephens about me last night, and I feel fit to do for you.” Witness got up and got the children’s breakfast, and was leaving the house to go to work when her husband chased her and crushed her between the door and the wall. He was under the influence of drink. He was in gaol until September 8. He served two months’ imprisonment. He had been in twice, once for sly grogselling and the other for not supporting an illegitimate child. On April 14 she received £6 from her husband and £1 10/ on June 9. That was all she had received.
    TOLD TO GET WORK.
    He asked her to get work and give him a chance to go to England to see his mother. He was always threatening to leave her. Witness had to get destitute rations. The Education Department had exempted one of her daughters for a month in order to look after the other children while witness went to work.
    The S.M. - Who is Stephens? – Constable Stephens. I thought he would be here today, but I haven’t seen him.
    Meekins said that he had no recollection of crushing his wife between the door and wall. He had carried his swag to No. 9 Lock and had worked there. He had supported his wife. He was arrested by Constable Stephens for having insufficient lawful means of support, and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment yesterday, when the warrant was ordered to be withheld until Saturday. He was not a heavy drinker. He was fond of the children.
    Mrs. Wallington – Well, why don’t you support them? – I will when I get work.
    Mrs. Wallington – A big, strong man like you should be able to get work? – I have tried.
    The S.M. – Do you remember anything about threatening your wife with the axe? – No; I don’t think I would do such a thing.
    CANNOT TRUST HIM.
    Mrs. Meekins – He admitted it in the Court yesterday and was bound over to keep the peace.
    Meekins – I was so worried that I pleaded guilty.
    The S.M. – If we adjourn this for three months, the time mentioned in court yesterday, will you be satisfied to see how he behaves?
    Mrs. Meekins – You can’t trust him. He is not a man of his word. I wouldn’t live with him again. I have had enough of him, and if the court doesn’t grant me a separation I will leave him.
    The S.M. – Do you think there is any possibility of your husband improving? – No; I do not. He is always going to turn over a new leaf. Each time he has come out of gaol he has said that he was going to give up drink and start afresh. I will leave home for good if I can’t get a separation.
    The S.M. – We could make an order that he was not to go near year? – It is no use. He has gone too far. He doesn’t intend to do any good.
    The S.M. (to Meekins) – The court is satisfied that your wife has stood your conduct for some time. If your habits improve and you satisfy your wife that you are worthy to come back, she make take you back. However, you must keep away from her and not make a nuisance of yourself.

24.   The Advertiser (Adelaide), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 18, Friday 19 Sep 1924.

    HUSBAND AND WIFE.
    Edward Meekins, a tall, well-built man, pleaded not guilty before Mr. E.M. Sabine, P.M., in the Adelaide Police Court on Wednesday, to a charge of having had insufficient lawful means of support. Plainclothes-Constable Stephens gave evidence that the defendant for the past week had been in hotels, usual in a half-drunken condition, and was a constant associate of convicted persons. Last Monday week the defendant said, “Mr. Stephens, you won’t go against me. Give me a chance to get work, as I have just come out from doing three months.” The defendant had done no work since then, and when brought to the Watchhouse had no money. The defendant gave evidence that he had registered himself as unemployed with the Builders’ Laborers’ Federation, but had as yet had no offer of work.
    The S.M. (to Mrs. Meekins) – Is there any trouble in the home?
    Mrs. Meekins (from the body of the court) – Only that he won’t work, your Worship.
    Three months’ imprisonment was ordered, the warrant being withheld till Saturday.
    Meekins later admitted having threatened his wife, Maude E.J. Meekins, in the words “I ought to get an axe and chop your head off, you black-hearted ---. You went to Constable Stephens about me last night.” This was alleged to have occurred on September 16. The defendant was ordered to enter into a bond of £20 to keep the peace towards his wife for six months.
    A further charge was laid against him by his wife, under the Married Women’s Protection Act, accused him of having been cruel to her on September 16, and having wilfully neglected to provide her and her five children with reasonable maintenance. This was adjourned till this morning.

25.   The South Australian Police Gazette
    Page 66, 4 Mar 1925.

    WARRANTS ISSUED…
    A warrant has been issued at Adelaide for the arrest of EDWARD MEEKINS, described as 36 years of age, 5ft. 10in. to 6ft. high, strong build, pale complexion, light brown hair, may grow a fair moustache, bluish-grey eyes, rather long nose, heart and clasp tattooed on left wrist, JACK MEEKINS and snake on right forearm, a native of England, laborer (see also Police Gazette, 1925, page 58, “Warrants Issued”); charged with failing to comply with an order made against him in respect of his wife and children. He is therefore to be arrested and brought before the Police Court, Adelaide, to be further dealt with according to law. Warrants (two) filed at Criminal Investigation Department, Adelaide. – (C.1335.)

26.   The Brisbane Courier, in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 12, Tuesday 22 Nov 1927.

    FUNERAL NOTICES…
    Meakin. – The Funeral of Irene Kathleen, the infant daughter of David Meakin, will move from Main-street, Deagon at 2 o’clock This Day (Tuesday), for the Bald Hills Cemetery.
    ALEX. GOW, Undertaker.

27.   The Telegraph (Brisbane), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 2, Thursday 10 Jul 1930.

    KITBAG STOLEN
    Charged with having stolen a kitbag valued at £1 5s., the property of Edward Albert Thrower, on July 5, David Meakin, 41 years, pleaded guilty before Mr. A.P.W. Tregear, Police Magistrate, in the Police Court on Wednesday.
    Senior-sergeant McGrath, who prosecuted, said that the defendant stole the bag from the residence of the complainant, with whom he was staying. The bag was pawned for 5s., and had been recovered in good order.
    On the defendant’s undertaking to make restitution of 5s. to the pawn-broker, he was discharged on his own recognisance of £10 to appear for sentence if called upon during the ensuing six months.

28.   The Courier-Mail (Brisbane), in Trove (National Library of Australia)
    Page 6, Saturday 10 Aug 1940.

    LINESMAN’S ESCAPE
    By rolling down a falling ladder at Windsor yesterday, David Meakin, a Postal Department linesman, avoided death or serious injury, falling only half the distance. Meakin, who lives in Milman Street, Eagle Junction, was working on a telegraph pole and the ladder slipped before he had time to adjust his safety belt. His back was injured, and ambulance bearers took him to the General Hospital.