Robert Stott

Robert Stott (13 July 1858 – 21 April 1928) was a constable and later police commissioner in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Early life Robert Stott was born in the blacksmith's croft at Nigg in Kincardineshire, Scotland, the son of James Stott, a fishery overseer and his wife Catherine. Not much is known of his early life but it is believed that he was well educated and, before migrating to Australia, served in the Lancashire constabulary.

Stott migrated, with three friends, to Australia in 1882.

In the Northern Territory Police Force Stott first became a mounted constable, 3rd class, who often went on long patrols. For a decade he was posted at Burrundie, Roper River, with some time spent at the Victoria River.

From 1908 Stott was a mounted constable, 1st class, at Borroloola, until in 1911 he was transferred to Alice Springs (then called Stuart) as the sergeant in charge.

Significantly, he took on the responsibilities of Sub-Protector of Aborigines; a role previously exercised by the telegraph stationmasters at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The stationmaster of the day, John McKay, was happy to relinquish the role that had caused him a lot of pain. As sub-protector Stott enforced the rule that "half-caste" children be given their fathers', often well-known, surnames. It was said that Stott took a paternal interest in these children.

Stott was reportedly firm, yet humane, in his role, and he was praised for respecting Aboriginal customs and beliefs. He also, in a rare move for the times, learned to speak Arrernte, the local language. According to Dick Kimber, Stott was respected wherever he went and "ruled with only a riding crop and the force of his remarkable character".

Judge David Bevan was sent down from Darwin to conduct the hearing about these allegations and interviewed many of the residents of the district and these witnesses included Ida Standley and Carl Strehlow. It was ultimately found that:

Later life and death The arrival of John Cawood, who was appointed in the new position of Government Resident of Central Australia, in 1926 brought an end to Stott's position in the town and, no longer having the responsibilities he once did, he retired to Adelaide, South Australia, in April 1928.

Many, including Stuart Traynor, believe that, if Stott had not retired, the 1928 Coniston Massacre would not have happened as, with his experience, he would have taken a more cautious and restrained approach than the inexperienced George Murray.

Personal life On 27 November 1899 Stott married English-born Mary Duggan, who died giving birth to their first child on 11 February 1901. Their daughter, Lily Duggan, died a few weeks later on 3 March.

Stott married again on the 21 April 1902 to Agnes Heaslop, and they went on to have six children: Malcolm, Cameron, Robert (known by his second name Cameron), Agnes, Malvern and Mavis.