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The Royal Commission Appendix 4

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[[../../people/peC/chomleyPsup.html|Sup Chomley’s Report]]

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REPORT OF ACTING C. C. POLICE ON THE NORTH-EASTERN DISTRICT.

81/392 Police Department, Chief Commissioner's Office,

Sir,

Melbourne,

1st May, 1881.

I have the honor to inform you that in consequence of the report received from the North-Eastern District as to the unsettled state of that part of the country, and the probability of another outbreak of bushranging. I proceeded to Benalla on Friday last to make some enquiries into the truth, or otherwise, of these reports, and also as to the best steps to be taken in relation thereto.

After conversation with Messrs. Sadleir and Baber, Sergeants Steele, Whelan, and others, the impression left on my mind was that a very bad and revengeful feeling prevails amongst the relations and friends of the late gang of outlaws, against the police and the persons who assisted the police during the late disturbances, and that this feeling may lead to some cowardly advantage being taken of some constable or police agent, or may be brought to a head, and lead to open acts of violence at any moment, in the event, for instance, of an attempt being made by the police to arrest any of the Kelly sympathisers.

There is no doubt, also, that horse stealing is carried on to a great extent, and that persons who have assisted the police with information, &c., are in terror of being discovered, and assaulted in consequence, so that many of them have thought it advisable to leave the district.

To meet this state of things, I would suggest—

1 That Inspector Montford be placed in charge of the North-Eastern District. Mr. Montford is an active and energetic officer, who will, I think, be equal to the position; and as he was stationed in that district for some years, he will have the advantage of being acquainted with the country.

2 That in consequence of the disclosures made before the Police Enquiry Board, and the references made to persons who assisted the police with information during the Kelly outbreak, it is now utterly impossible to obtain information as to the movements of the sympathisers; our chief dependence must, in case of a fresh outbreak, be in our black trackers, and it is most advisable to make them as efficient as possible. At present, I am led to believe they are not as useful as they might be if they were properly handled by an officer who understood them, and I would therefore suggest that Mr. O'Connor, who came here with the Queensland trackers, and who served here with our force for some sixteen months, be asked to again give his services if he is not otherwise engaged, and to take charge of our trackers, and generally assist in the police duties in the North-Eastern District. Mr. O'Connor must have gained very considerable experience and knowledge of the country while he was stationed at Benalla, which should make his assistance of great value.

3 That two detectives be sent up to move about the district, and to pick up information, where possible, about the actual crime in the district, and any acts of violence which may be in contemplation.

4 That the stations named in the margin be strengthened sufficiently to allow of a well armed and mounted party of at least four or five being kept at each station named, in readiness to move away at a moment's notice if required.

5 That an addition of one foot constable be made to the strength of the Jamieson, Euroa, and Bethanga stations, as at these places there are banks situated, and they would be likely places to be attacked from the fact of their being so isolated.

6 That the Police Commission be asked to refrain from publishing any evidence having reference to the police agents, or at least to use great caution in doing so.

I think, with the addition of two smart officers to the district, the strength of the stations increased as suggested, and the police generally kept in a state of thorough efficiency and preparation, that not only will an actual outbreak be averted, but that confidence will be somewhat restored, and the district brought into proper order.

There are of course many details which will have to be attended to, such for instance as the selection of suitable men to take charge of parties, seeing that the men can make proper use of their firearms, that the men are well mounted, and that they acquire a perfect knowledge of the country; these must of course, however, be left a good deal to the discretion and attention of the officer in charge, who will, of course, receive every possible assistance from this office.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

(Signed)H. M. CHOMLEY,

The Honorable the Chief Secretary. A. C. C. Police.

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