Royal Commission report day 15 page 5
The Royal Commission evidence for 4/5/1881
(see also introduction to day 15)
Inspector Montfort giving evidence
3565 The question is as to the early part of that—do you think that is the result of information conveyed by the police officials?— It would appear on the face that it was.
3566 Do you consider such a course advantageous to the public service from the character of that?— Do you mean the publication of it?
3567 Yes?— I think it is very injurious. It is likely to precipitate the thing we are anxious to avoid.
3568 Is there a rule in the police service of Victoria that such information as that should not be given to the public by officers amongst the police—not to give information to the Press on matters connected with the department?— Well, there is a good deal of latitude allowed in this country.
3569 Is there any regulation?— There is no regulation; the order is, we are not to give information to the Press that is likely to affect the interests of the service.
3570 Would that information be likely to do so?— I think so.
Mr. Sadleir . —I am the officer in charge of that district, and perhaps Mr. Graves suspected that I inspired that. I can assure the Commission that I never heard of it till this moment.
Mr. Graves . —I have no suspicion of any man; but I ask you now, do not you think if it was inspired by any official that it must have a very injurious effect on the district?
Mr. Sadleir . —Not a bit more because it was inspired.
Mr. Graves . —I speak of the effect.
Mr. Sadleir . —It is not advantageous, and that is the effect. If I had inspired it, I would have given more correct facts. The Age reporter has evidently been there, and it is the general talk of the district..
Mr. Graves . —That, to be of any value, could only be known by the police.
Mr. Sadleir . —No, the only circumstances in that report correctly stated are those that are common property in the district; the other details are not correct.
[~[[see also Appendix 1]|5978]~]
The witness withdrew
[[../../people/peD_G/durossWPc.html|William Duross]] sworn and examined .
3571 By the Commission. —What are yo?— A police constable.
3572 What time did you first go into the North-Eastern district?— On the 29th October 1878 .
3573 Was that before or after the murders of the constables?— Three days after the murders.
3574 Are you a foot constable?— A foot constable.
3575 Where were you stationed after that?— I was sent from Benalla to Violet Town on the 30 th October 1878 , to take charge of the Violet Town station.
3576 How long did you remain there?— Close on twelve months.
3577 Was the Violet Town Station the station where the murdered man Lonigan was?— Yes.
3578 You went to the station after he was murdered?— I went to the station after he was murdered.
3579 Did anything of importance transpire with reference to the Kellys while you were there?— Yes; the Euroa bank was stuck up during the time I was there by myself.
3580 How far is Violet Town from Euroa?— Twelve miles to where the bank was stuck up, and eight miles to Younghusband's station.
3581 Were you at any time out amongst the parties who were scouring the bush after the Kellys?— I went on two occasions out with a message to them, when they were stationed at the Strathbogie.
3582 You did not form one of a party at any time?— No.
3583 Did you go out on horseback?— On a horse.
3584 Then you really know very little of what occurred in the district at that time with reference to the outlaws?— Not a great deal. I remember on one occasion in Violet Town Tom Lloyd and a man named Ryan....
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