Royal Commission report day 27 page 11
The Royal Commission evidence for 8/6/1881
(see also introduction to day 27)
Mr Allen giving evidence
10789 What was the good of that?— To intimidate the outlaws I suppose.
10790 Did you hear the order given?— Yes, by some one in the drain before half past three, to fire high; and I several times heard orders given to cease firing.
10791 You are quite sure it was before five in the morning, the firing high?— Yes.
10792 You do not know who gave that order?— No, I was trying to recollect. I was under the impression that it was Mr. Hare before he left.
10793 Would you know Mr. O’Connor’s voice?— No.
10794 You do not know whether it was he or not?— No.
10795 We have it in evidence that it was after Mr. Sadleir came—half past five?— No. I heard the order given long before that.
10796 Was there any reason assigned for the order to fire high?— No.
10797 You did not hear it was on account of the captives inside?— No, I do not know why the order was given, but the reporters on the platform had emptied the van of all its contents, the luggage and ammunition, and stuff to find ammunition for the men, a lot of the saddles and stuff, and piled those up; and I lay on them watching the proceedings, and it was while I was there in the dark, the order was given fire high, and two or three orders were given to cease firing.
10798 We have it in evidence that Mr. Hare gave the order to cease firing before he left?— Yes, I think he did.
10799 Mr. Sadleir sent to town for a cannon, and we asked him why. He said he thought one of the reporters suggested it. We ask you did you suggest it?— Certainly not, I was never more surprised in my life than when I heard such an absurdity. Mr. Sadleir must have made a mistake.
10800 Were you about the station a good portion of the day?— I stopped there all through the early morning.
10801 Did you see a rope about the station or hear of one for the purpose of pulling the chimney down?— No, I left the station after Kelly was caught and went about the field.
10802 Did the officers at all consult as to the best means of getting the Kellys out or the civilians?— After Mr. Sadleir came out, I think some consultations or meetings were held amongst the officers and the men.
10803 Do you know of your own knowledge?— No.
10804 Did you see Mr. Sadleir when he arrived?— Yes, I was on the platform at the time.
10805 Do you know when he went there?— I saw him go down in the drain where the black trackers were. I next saw him on the Benalla side of the hotel at one of those trees that were opposite the kitchen or the lean to, at the back of the house.
10806 What time would it be?— About half past seven, I think.
10807 What time was Ned Kelly taken to the station?— About half past eight.
10808 Was it before or after he was taken to the station that you saw Mr. Sadleir at the Benalla end?— Long before. It was some time before Mr. Sadleir had been about the front and up on that side. I did not notice him go further; I was not near enough to notice him.
10809 When did you next see him?— At the log where Ned Kelly fell, talking to Ned Kelly the outlaw.
10810 Just refresh your memory, because I may tell you you are the first witness that swore that Mr. Sadleir was at the log where Kelly was. I want to protect you?— I am much obliged to you. I cannot help the other people's opinions. I distinctly remember Mr. Sadleir being at the log where Kelly was lying before he was removed. I heard him ask Kelly to give some sign to make the men surrender, and I beard some conversation between him and Kelly. Some one asked Kelly for Sergeant Kennedy's watch, and Mr. Sadleir interposed and told them to let him alone.
10811 Was that up at the log?— Up at the log.
10812 Not at the station?— At the log.
10813 What others were there that could have heard at the time as you did?— Dowsett.....
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