GREYMOUTH HERO

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1930, Page 3

GREYMOUTH HERO

CONSTABLE AND SYDNEY GANGSTERS.

SHOOTING AT CLOSE: QUARTERS.

WELLINGTON, February 5

Although only 24 years of age, a New Zealander, Constable Joseph Henry Jackson, of No. 3 Police Zone Sydney, has distinguished himself by his bravery while on duty.

Constable Jackson, who arrived by the Uiimaroa yesterady from Sydney, en route to Greymouth, where he will spend his leave with his people, was actively concerned in the “doaningiii'” of tlve biggest of the Dnrlinghurst shooting affrays. One night while on duty he had occasion to apprehend three notorious gunmen, Gaffney f,since murdered), \ Francis. Green, and Archer. Gaffney held him up at the point of a revolver while Jackson, who was wearing a heavy coat, prepared for action with his own revolver which was in his pocket. He kept Gaffney talking, when suddenly the latter fired, but the shot went wide. Jackson returned the fire, hut his shot also missed ; but a second shot hit the crook’s shoulder. However, Gaffney managed to escape. Archer anrl Green then fired at Jackson, but their shots too, went wide. Jackson took another shot at Archer and although the latter was grazed on the temple, he managed to make his escape. Jackson’s action, which was warmly commended by the Commissioner and other officers of the Police Force, was the means of linking up important clues which, after Gaffney’s murder, led to the clean-up of the gangsters in Surrey Hills and Woolloomooloo, who had hitherto baffled the police. Jackson is also regarded as one of the best police witnesses in the State.

He will return lo Australia on March 44.