Police Gazette – Southern District, June 18th 1863
From the Office of District Commissioner – Southern District
Wanted / Dangerous Persons
- “The Butler Gang,” reported active beyond Gorge Creek. Sightings confirm they now travel with 6–10 armed men. Reward increased to £40.
- “Red Mary,” believed to be coordinating movements between mining camps. Said to carry a revolver and act as lookout. Reward £5.
New Notice:
- Unknown Māori male, described as young, armed with double-barrel gun, seen observing patrol movements near the Koawa Track. Intent unknown.
Major Incidents & Property Reports
- Supply Pack Missing – Three Government-issued revolvers ammunition and rations lost by a Probationary Constable between Upper Gorge and Te Awa Koawa.
- Claim #12 Abandoned – Signs of struggle. No bodies recovered. Equipment left scattered.
- Horse Theft – Two mounts taken from camp outskirts during night hours. Pickets report no alarm raised.
Criminal Intelligence / Notices
- Reports suggest the Butler Gang are no longer acting as simple raiders, but are establishing semi-permanent positions in the Gorge bush.
- Several miners claim protection has been offered in exchange for gold shares.
- Tensions rising between:
- Lawful claim holders
- Those suspected of cooperating with outlaws
Native Affairs / Local Intelligence
- reports signs of multiple trail systems in use beyond known tracks.
- Some local parties appear to be avoiding contact entirely, while others have been seen moving at night.
- It is unclear whether these movements are:
- Independent
- In cooperation with outlaw elements
Orders to the Armed Police Detachment
- Locate and recover missing government supplies
- Investigate abandoned claim and determine fate of occupants
- Disrupt any organised outlaw presence
- Maintain order within Te Awa Koawa camp
Discretion authorised in the field. Reinforcements remain unavailable.
The Detachment
Senior Constable Thomas R. Calder — The Veteran
Constable Edwin Pike — The Recruit
Constable Samuel “Sly” Mercer — The Thief
Constable William Hargreaves — The Soldier
Constable Joseph “Joe” Rangi — The Tracker
Kuri. Constable Rangi’s Dog
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| Eugene Van Cleef's piano is unpacked. He's a dreadful pianist but a good Durham miner! |
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| And the Butler Gang arrives at the claim |
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| Eugene is beaten up and his "poke" gets pinched. |
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| The Armed Constabulary arrive, but the Butler Gang release "fluffy" a savage rabid poodle. Young Edwin shoots the poodle, and earns the title "dog murderer" |
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| Turns out hiding behind a tent is pretty poor tactics! Two of the gang fall, wounded. |
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| Shotgun Bob flees, but he has the poke. Eugene's claim is safe but his gold is gone. |
🧭 Campaign Tracks After Game 2
Track three pressures:
- Outlaw Strength (Weak / Growing / Entrenched)
- Camp Order (Stable / Uneasy / Lawless)
- Local Relations (Neutral / Wary / Hostile)
These will shape Game 3 Gazette and scenario pool.
- Outlaw Strength (Weakened)
- Camp Order (Uneasy)
- Local Relations (Wary)
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