Ovens and Murray Advertiser at KellyGang 24/7/1880 (5)

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Full text of the article

(see previous)

The ironclads placed themselves in the very jaws of death. Their time was come. The reports of Messrs Hare and Sadleir show all these things very plainly; but Mr Hare’s disclosures something more. That gentleman apparently feels called upon to defend himself from an accusation that he had endeavored to supplant Mr Nicolson by some influence, and this Mr Hare certainly does triumphantly. But he brings a most serious counter-charge against Mr Nicolson, who, he asserts, not only withheld all information from him on taking charge, in regard to the situation, but actually threw such difficulties in his way as might have frustrated the whole of the subsequent success. We trust that these gentlemen may be reconciled on further explanation, as both are eminently qualified to assist in the reformation of the whole police system which the state of the district so absolutely requires.

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE KELLY GANG

Reports from Superintendent Hare and Superintendent Sadleir on the operations of the police at Glenrowan have been received by the Chief Secretary, and have been handed to the press for publication.The following are the reports:—

SUPERINTENDENT HARE’S REPORT

see earlier copy

Rupertswood,

“Sunbury, 2nd July, 1880.

“Sir,—I have the honor to inform you that I deem it my duty to give you a full report of all the circumstances from the commencement of the time I was directed to proceed to Benalla up to the period of the Kelly gang being surrounded by the police at Glenrowan on the 27th June.

“You may remember, on the 30th April last, when visiting the depot, you informed me that I was to proceed to Benalla to relieve Mr Nicolson, and to take charge of the whole of the proceedings in connection with the capture of the Kellys.I protested in the strongest manner possible at the injustice of my being sent up there again.I pointed out that there were three officers senior to me—viz., Mr Winch, Mr Chomley, and Mr Chambers—none of whom had been called upon to undertake the hardships that I had to undergo during the seven months that I was with you in that district.I also pointed out that the responsibility should be thrown on the senior officers.I stated that a promise was made to me, when I was sent for previous to the capture of Power, the bushranger, that Mr Nicolson and Mr Montford had reaped the benefit of that capture, and that I, who was directed to organise the whole affair, am still in the same position as I was then, notwithstanding the promise made by the Chief Secretary, Sir James McCulloch.Ten years having elapsed since then, and my position in the police force being still the same, I did not see any advantage to be gained by being told off on this special duty. Your reply to this was, ‘It’s no use saying anything about it; you’ll have to go.’ I then requested that I might be allowed to see the hon. the Chief Secretary on the subject, as I wished to enter my protest to him against being sent up to Benalla. You agreed to make an appointment for me, and at 2 o’clock that day I saw Mr Ramsay in his office.I then pointed out to him the disadvantage to me of sending me up there.Mr Ramsay replied, ‘Mr Hare, this Kelly business has been discussed by the Cabinet; and it is their unanimous decision that you should be sent up to take charge of affairs.I give you carte blanche to do whatever you think proper, and I leave you entirely untrammelled.The Government have such entire confidence in you, that they will hear you out in whatever you deem it advisable to do.’ I replied, ‘Very well, Mr Ramsay; when do you wish me to go?’ He said, ‘As soon as possible.’ I told him that I would leave in two or three days’ time.On Monday, the 3rd May, I received a note from you informing me that the hon. the Chief Secretary, at the earnest request of Mr Nicolson, had consented to allow him to remain at Benalla for one month longer, and that my orders for transfer were cancelled for the present.

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