The Black Police: A Story of Modern Australia

Set against the bustling streets of 1890s Auckland, the story opens with a chorus of newsboys shouting the latest fire report, while a stately Māori chief in a European hat negotiates his people's dwindling fortunes. Through the eyes of a young, idealistic pioneer named Claude Angland, listeners glimpse the collision of ambition, greed, and the lingering colonial legacy that shapes the city’s undercurrents. As a mysterious telegram about a fatal expedition in Queensland surfaces, the narrative pulls us toward a web of intrigue that threatens to expose hidden injustices.

The novel weaves together bustling market scenes, gritty mining camps, and the whispered corridors of power, where a covert force known as the “Black Police” operates beyond the reach of conventional law. Through vivid illustrations and a brisk, journalistic style, the listener meets characters—from sharp‑eyed lawyers exploiting native lands to resilient youths battling poverty—who each reflect a fragment of modern Australia’s darker side. As the first act unfolds, the stage is set for daring escapes, hidden alliances, and a looming quest for justice that will test loyalty and conscience.