Royal Commission report day 19 page 17

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The Royal Commission evidence for 13/5/1881

(full text transcription)

(see also introduction to day 19)

Sgt Whelan giving evidence

6326 “And your men?— No; only myself and my senior-constable. The black trackers did not take the oath ever; they are enlisted.” Then Captain Standish says, “Although you are Superintendent of Police, do not think you are over Mr. O'Connor.” Mr. O'Connor swears that Captain Standish said to Mr. Sadleir, that although he (Mr. Sadleir) was “Superintendent of Police, do not think you are over Mr. O'Connor”?— That might mean as far as the trackers are concerned.

6327 “Prior to leaving” (on his first duty) “I told Captain Standish that I only required two of his men,” but this, I was told was not sufficient, and I must take not less than six Victorian constables with me, Captain Standish informed me, in the presence of Mr. Sadleir, that I was to be in charge of the party.” What would be your interpretation of that if that evidence is correct?— My interpretation would be that Mr. Sadleir would be in charge of the white men, and Mr. O'Connor of the trackers.

6328 Would you consider those other white Victorian police that were attached to the trackers under him— “Captain Standish informed me, in the presence of Mr. Sadleir, that I was to be in charge of the party,” and then he says what the party were—His own black police and six Victorian constables?— I think Mr. Sadleir would be in charge. Mr. O'Connor never assumed any authority or interfered with us at the station at all.

6329 Were there six Victorian police attached to his party?— Yes, the time they went up Ryan's Creek, towards the King River .

6330 If that evidence is correct, of Mr. O'Connor's, as to what Captain Standish said, he actually would be in charge of the black trackers and certain members of the Victorian police?— He would be in charge of the black trackers who came from Queensland, and Mr. Sadleir in charge of the six white troopers from here.

6331 Irrespective of what Captain Standish told him?— Yes, Mr. Sadleir would be able to answer

6332 I am asking your opinion?— From the discipline and everything of the force Mr. Sadleir is, Superintendent, and would retain charge of the white party.

6333 How long was Mr. O'Connor here in charge of the party?— He came some time in March. I think the 10th or 12th, and remained here until the 25th of June. I mean in 1879 he came here, and remained till the 25th June 1880 —sometime about that.

6334 You were here all that time, and your superior officer was Mr. Nicolson or Mr. Hare, when they were here in charge?— Yes.

6335 The next in the district would be Mr. Sadleir?— Sadleir, yes.

6336 Who would come next to you?— Senior-Constable Maud.

6337 First, there is Mr. Nicolson—then Mr. Sadleir; who comes next?— I do.

6338 Were you ever told that Mr. O'Connor was your superior officer, and you were to obey his commands any time he was here?— I never received any orders from him.

6339 Would you have considered him your superior officer without that instruction?— No, I would not.

6340 Then as a matter of fact you never received any intimation from Mr. Sadleir, Mr. Nicolson, Captain Standish, or Mr. Hare, that Mr. O'Connor was your superior officer, in virtue of being an inspector of Victorian Police?— I never did.

6341 And he never gave you any orders in that position?— He never did.

6342 How many black trackers did he bring?— Six. One died, and then he enlisted one that came up from Corranderrk.

6343 How many went away belonging to the Queensland Police?— Five. We retained the Corranderrk man that was attached to Mr. O'Connor's troop when the parties left here, and he is here still.

6344 How many black trackers are there here now?— Six.

6345 How long have they been here?— They have been here since July, 1880.

6346 That is nine months or ten?— Yes.

6347 Had you the opportunity of daily seeing the conduct, discipline, and general efficiency of the trackers that Mr. O'Connor brought here?— Yes.

6348 Have you had daily knowledge of the character, and discipline, and general efficiency for the service of the present ones?— I have.

6349 How do you compare the two?— The later ones are more obedient. They were not as well disciplined at first, but I think they are as well, or better, now than the others, in my opinion. I cannot say as to their efficiency when out tracking except from hearsay.....

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