Royal Commission Appendix 20 for 2 June 1881
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Minutes of Proceedings
The Royal Commission
APPENDIX 20
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS HELD BY THE ROYAL COMMISSION
THURSDAY, 2nd JUNE 1881.
Present:
Mr. LONGMORE in the Chair;
Mr Anderson, Mr Hall
Mr Fincham, Mr Gibb
Mr Graves, Mr Dixon
Minutes of previous meetings read and confirmed.
Constable Gascoigne called and examined. Examination closed.
Mr. H. M. Chomley, Acting Chief Commissioner of Police, examined. Examination closed.
The following letter was received from Superintendent Sadleir:— Police Department, Melbourne, 2nd June 1881.
Memo
Will you kindly inform me, at your earliest convenience, whether the resolution arrived at by the Royal Commission on Police, on yesterday, is intended to exclude the officers of police from the hearing of evidence before the Commission, and from cross-examination the various witnesses on such points as may affect the character, reputation, or conduct of the officers concerned
(Sd.) J. SADLEIR, Superintendent Police
J. Williams, Esq., Secretary Police Commission.
The Commission having deliberated, the Secretary was directed to forward the follow reply:—
Melbourne 2nd June 1881.
Sir, — In reply to your communication of this date, respecting the non – attendance of the officers of police at the meetings of the Commission whilst witnesses are being examined, I have been instructed to inform you that the Commissioners are of the opinion that the presence of the officers and the system of cross examination pursued by them have been found to greatly impede the progress of the enquiry and, in some instances, to have had the effect of apparently intimidating witnesses. At present the Commission are engaged in dealing with the case of Mr O’Connor, and as the line of examination to be adopted will have reference immediately to the circumstances attending that gentleman’s connection with the Victorian police. The further attendance of the officers has been deemed unnecessary and inexpedient. The evidence taken, as heretofore, will be forwarded to you in due course, and when your attendance is required you be communicated with.
Meeting adjourned till following day 7th June 1881.
FRANCIS LONGMORE, Chairman.
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Introduction to Minutes of Proceedings
see first page of the evidence reffered to in these minutes
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