Ndola Police: Early 1950s

From Great North Road

By Don Bruce
Canberra, 2002

Half a century ago on a bright spring morning at Ndola, the Central Police Station members had this photo recorded for prosperity at the behest of Tony Blake (front centre). He had joined us from the Indian Service shortly before. I can distinctly recall the scent of frangipani, mealie porridge on charcoal fires, and pungent stoep polish emanating from the police accommodation lines nearby.

Ndola Police 1950s.

The group is: Bruce, Coates, Sloane, Hughes, Hart, Humpherys, Taylor, Backhouse, Tony, Phiri, and Thompson.

Tony was well known to Northerners, becoming the leading force behind the rebirth of the old railway station hotel as the Coppersmith Arms. He toiled there very successfully for years, developing a favourite drinking spot and popular kitchen. At that time in active competition with the Rhodes, Rutland hotels, and the Top Hat.

Only other member photographed here to leave the job about the same time was Elwyn Hughes, who joined a mining dynasty at Kalalushi, serving as an executive for many years.

Must say the old colonial drill uniform still comes up well, in my eyes. This shot was taken with the Ndola jail in the background at Wilkinson Camp.

Northerners may be unaware that the NRP Association (UK Branch) produces a twice-annual newsletter, and is in touch with all financial members of that organisation. There may be readers with NRP connections who would wish to subscribe. I should like to hear from anyone who would like to be put in touch with the editors.