[Pg 10] [Pg 10] To make an example, the Inspector-General ordered a constable to arrest one of the girl strikers. The policeman, who was a timid man where a woman was concerned, walked up to the girl, who was very pretty and well-dressed, and half raising his helmet stammered something about being very sorry, but would she mind coming with him? “Certainly I do, you impertinent fellow,” replied the girl, “I have a good mind to give you in charge; anyway I will tell my ma.” The constable blushed, as only a policeman can blush, and, muttering an apology, returned to Inspector Gooseberry, and told him he was unable in this case to obey orders. Gooseberry at once saw what a difficulty he was placed in, and retired to his office in a most dejected state of mind. Next morning an advertisement appeared in the Morning Terror, requesting any persons having had experience in quelling girl strikers to call on the Inspector-General. About eleven o’clock a carriage dashed up to the office, and a fashionably-dressed lady alighted from it, giving her card, on which was engraved Mrs. Pitcher, Potts’ Point, to a constable; she requested to see Inspector-Gooseberry. [Pg 11] [Pg 11] She was immediately ushered into his sanctum, and when the Inspector recognised her, a smile of satisfaction lit up his face. “I have come to offer a suggestion to you in the present crisis.” “Mr. Gooseberry,” said she, “you find that you are unable to control these respectable young women with your present force! What you must do is to raise a force of special girl constables.” Gooseberry at once saw the wisdom of this idea, and thanked Mrs. Pitcher warmly. He immediately advertised, inviting 1500 of the Sydney young ladies to come to the assistance of the Government, and act as special constables. Next day the whole of Phillip-street was blocked with the carriages of the elite of Sydney society. The Miss Canarykins were the first to join, and their example was quickly followed by all the other young ladies. It was decided that the force should be dressed in uniform, the choice of which was left to Mrs. Pitcher, who was also aided by Busybee who kindly offered her assistance. These ladies decided upon the following uniform:—It was to be full dress, as no undress was thought necessary, and to consist of white silk blouses, blue serge[Pg 12] skirts, and sailor hats, with Oxford blue ribbons; the badge for the constables was a
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