A little bit of justice : the story of Charlie Flannigan - the first man to be executed in the Northern Territory of South Australia
Christophersen, Donald James, 1961-2023
Book
Don Christophersen has researched and written this book on a very important part of Northern Territory history in the early 1890's. This is the story of the life and times of Charlie Flanagen and his execution for the murder of Sam Croker, the Manager of Auvergene Cattle Station. It is a horrifying story because of the cruel treatment and injustice inflicted on Charlie Flanagen during 1892-1893. It is also an inspiring story. Charlie Flanagen was a talented artist. Whilst incarcerated in Fannie Bay Gaol he was given sheets of drawing paper. Under the most difficult circumstances he produced sketches that bring us aspects of the Northern Territory at that time. Charlie pleaded NOT GUILTY. There was some evidence which pointed to self defence. This issue was never raised or argued at trial. The author has researched the expressions of outrage from the community. The South Australian Government refused an application to commute his execution to life imprisonment. A substantial delegation approached the South Australian Government arguing that an injustice was occurring. Their submissions were to no avail, and Charlie Flanagen was executed on the 15th July 1893. In writing this history the author has shone the light on redressing the injustice. --Foreword.
Main title:
A little bit of justice : the story of Charlie Flannigan - the first man to be executed in the Northern Territory of South Australia / researched & compiled by Donald J. Christophersen.
Author:
Christophersen, Donald James, 1961-, researcher, compiler
Imprint:
Woodroffe, NT : [Donald J. Christophersen], 2023.©2023
Collation:
x, 100 pages : illustrations (black and white, and colour), facsimiles, colour map, portraits ; 30 cm
Notes:
"From the newspapers and documents of the day, 1883-1893".Caution: Many of the images and names of First Nations people are reproduced as they appeared in the late 19th century newspaper stories. Today many of these words are considered derogatory towards Aboriginal and Chinese people but have been retained to ensure historical accuracy.Cultural warning: This book contains names and images of people who have since passed away.Includes bibliographical references.
Contents:
Foreword / Sally Thomas, ACPrefaceResearching the Wandi Wandi storySome of the people and places in this storySouth Australian and Northern Territory executions 1836-1964The Fannie Bay GaolContemporary newspaper articles and documents"The Dawn of Art" exhibition 1888A day at the racesThe murder of Sam CrokerThree witnesses give evidenceSentenced to deathOfficial lettersA hanging "carnival"The ends of justiceThe colour test in murderThe first Northern Territory executionThe hanging of FlanniganA poem - exit FlanagenA boy called Sam Croker - Katherine Region 1902The 80 drawings of Charlie FlanniganA sense of people, times and placesList of illustrationsBibliography.
ISBN:
9780646873756 (paperback)
Dewey class:
364.66099429364.66092364.66
Language:
English
Added title:
Subject:
Flannigan, Charlie, -1893Fannie Bay GaolDeath row inmates -- Northern Territory -- Fannie Bay -- Biography -- SourcesPrisons -- Northern Territory -- Fannie Bay -- HistoryHanging -- Northern Territory -- HistoryPrisons -- Northern Territory -- Fannie Bay -- History -- 19th century -- SourcesJustice -- History -- 19th century -- SourcesPrimary sources
BRN:
769113
| Location | Collection | Call number | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Library | -Society | SOCIETY 364.66 CHRI | In Stack - available by reservation (Set: 16 May 2024) |