Royal Commission report day 34 page 2
The Royal Commission evidence for 29/6/1881
(see also introduction to day 34)
The Chairman read the following letters :–
PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MR O CONNOR AND HIS GOVERNMENT.
(Copy.)
12565.1 Police Department, Superintendent's Office, 29th March 1879 .
I drop you a line to let you know how matters are here at present. The gang are supposed to be near about here but nothing reliable has been heard about them since the Jerilderie affair. I have been out in the ranges for some ten days on the chance of cutting tracks, and did do so, but after following them for some days found them to he only stockmen, &e.; all the good derived therefrom consisted in my being able to show that my men could do what I stated they could. I believe we were looked upon with a little doubt at first, but now, from the Chief Commissioner down to the lowest man, one and all give us full credit for what we can do.
We are at present idle, as the Chief Commissioner thinks it folly to go from head-quarters into the ranges on a wild goose chase, as, in the event of reliable information coming to hand, I could not be found; whereas by remaining here, ready to proceed in any direction when good information comes, not a moment is lost. I will wire you the very first news, you may be sure. You can have no idea of the sympathy shown to these ruffians, even ladies look upon them as heroes, and all the lower class unite in trying to fool the police. Nothing can be kinder than the Chief Commissioner to myself and men. Anything I want I have only to ask for and I get. My boys are very jolly and happy, but eager to be at work, which I hope will not be far off now.
Hoping to hear from you soon, ****
I remain, truly yours,
( Sd. ) STANHOPE O'CONNOR,
Benalla , Victoria .
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(Copy )
12565.2 MY DEAR MR. SEYMOUR ,
Benalla, 6th June 1879 .
- I will now return to the subject most at heart, viz., the Kellys. They have never been heard of since Jerilderie, I mean never on undoubted authority. Any news we have ever got was three or four weeks old, and always came through three, four, or five people, and, when sifted, turned out to be lies. Standish will not listen a moment to the idea that they are in N.S.Wales, but persists in asserting that the outlaws are in Victoria . I do not think so, for the following reasons:–No four persons could hide so securely for such a length of time without information being received as to their whereabouts, or that some of the parties of police that are out day after day would drop across their tracks (old or new) or their camps. 2ndly. The outlaws are all men who can turn their hand to any kind of bush work, such as fencing, shearing, &c., and being so slightly known, could cagily separate and take a job on a station in N.S.Wales. 3rdly. Twice we have had information that they were in N.S.Wales–first time on the 1 st May, when they were seen near the Murray by a boy; this boy's statement was backed up by a woman, the wife of a well-to-do farmer. But this information did not reach us until it was a month old, and during the interval there had been very heavy rain. The second information came yesterday, which states the Kellys have been seen at a station called Talanrobbin and that they have been there ever since Jerilderie. The information appears good, and will be tested at once.
I think you will admit that what I say is feasible, or else how is it nothing can be heard of the dogs? * *
Yours truly,
( Sd. )STANHOPE O'CONNOR.
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(Copy )
12565.3 Mr DEAR MR. SEYMOUR ,
Benalla, 4th August 1879 .
I drop you only a line to let you know that we expect to hear at any moment that the outlaws are at hand. We are all ready to start in twenty minutes' notice. The boys are in good health and very happy. Hoping you are the same.
Yours truly,
( Sd. )STANHOPE O'CONNOR.
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(Copy )
12565.4 MY DEAR MR. SEYMOUR,
Benalla, 22nd August 1879
I am glad to be able to inform you that we have done good work. On the 17th last, the bank at Lancefield was stuck up by two armed men, who took about £800. Every person thought it was the Kellys, and we were wired to proceed by special train; we were in the train in an hour and twenty minutes after getting word, horses and all. From where the train stopped to Lancefield is a distance of 18 miles; we arrived there in a little over an hour and a half, picked up the tracks' and followed them that day about 17 miles. There had been very heavy rain since the men passed, and so made the tracking difficult, considering the men (robbers) were on foot–we, nevertheless, stuck to them to within 10 miles of Sandhurst, where the robbers hired a spring cart and man to take them in. We then sent an express on to Sandhurst , to the police, that the robbers were in the town, and through this they were enabled to arrest the two men at 12 o’clock at night. From the chief down, we have been praised, and they all know, now our value, and hope that the Kellys will give us a chance. I am greatly pleased of course, and I know you will be so. I have no doubt, or never had, that we can do the work if we can only get on the Kellys' track.
I have nothing to feel but joy, except for the conduct of Senr. –Const. King. I can well do without him, and hope you will wire to me to order him back to Brisbane . * * * *
The Chief Comr. here has been very kind in the matter, and he has given me a capital man in King's place, so I will be as well off as I could wish.
The boys are all jolly, and of course elated with our success.
I hope to hear from you soon. Good bye.
Yours truly,
( Sd. )STANHOPE O'CONNOR
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We have reason to believe that the Kellys will show soon.–Yours, &e. ( Sd. ) STANHOPE O’CONNOR.
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