A Quiet Achiever: Alphonsus Bede Mayers

Maitland Mercury, Monday 25th January, 2010

During the course of research for this column it has become evident that many of the officers at Maitland Gaol adhered strictly to the “what happens at work stays at work” policy.

Chief Officer, Alphonsus Bede Mayers was no exception. Phonsus’ daughter, Kerry, explains that “dad didn’t talk to us about work. Mum would sometimes find out things weeks later from other officers’ wives. Things like suicides and escape attempts, even the riot”. She understands her father was simply trying to protect his family from the often disturbing events that took place at the site. He took this role very seriously, even refusing to have a telephone at home so as to negate the potential for inmates or their associates to contact the household.

Therefore, it was with much surprise that in April 1974 Kerry opened the door to a journalist wishing to speak to her father about the impending presentation of a bravery award for his intervention in a violent escape attempt by four dangerous inmates. Phonsus explained at the time, “a lifer got me around the neck with one arm” before attacking him with a Braille machine. He then grappled with the inmate until other officers arrived to assist. Phonsus continued, “Smithy ran for the door and tried to lock it. One of the men got a wooden chair leg and kept hitting him with it. Smithy copped the lot”.

Kerry recalls the great sense of pride she felt as her father and fellow officer, Boston Smith, were awarded the Queen’s Commendation For Brave Conduct by then NSW Governor, Sir Roden Cutler, during a ceremony at Government House. Since its inception in 1939, only 405 Australians have received the prestigious award.

Any family members former officers or inmates of Maitland Gaol are encouraged to contact gaol staff with their recollections on (02) 4936 6482 or info@maitlandgaol.com.au

Noel James Wurth - Imperial Service Medal

Maitland Mercury, Monday 13 July, 2009

The featured medal and photographs have been generously loaned to Maitland Gaol by the family of former Chief Warder, Noel James Wurth.Paul Wurth and his three siblings, Bede, Marie and Keith grew up in the shadow of Maitland Gaol. Their father, Noel, joined the NSW Department of Prisons in 1925 and was stationed for a number of years at Bombala Prison Farm. In 1930 he relocated with his wife and young children to take a posting at H. M. Gaol Maitland, eventually retiring as Chief Warder in 1962, at which time he was honoured with the Imperial Service Medal.
Established by King Edward VII in 1902, the medal was awarded to administration and clerical staff of the Civil Service throughout the British Empire “for faithful service”. Eligible recipients must have served 25 years, but this could be shortened to 16 years for those serving in “unsanitary” or unsavoury locations. Along with mementoes of his father’s service, Paul, born in 1937, has vivid recollections of playing in the gaol’s front yard with the Lieutenant Governor’s son, Brian Hood and recalls the wooden toys made for the children by gaol inmates. He has fond memories of golfing in Anzac Park. Lost balls were returned by inmates who would find them while maintaining the grounds and impressive rose garden.
These reminiscences are as important to the fabric of the gaol’s history as the items held in the collection. If you have a gaol story we’d love to hear it. Phone (02) 4936 6482 or email info@maitlandgaol.com.au.