Royal Commission report day 37 page 33
The Royal Commission evidence for 20/7/1881
(see also introduction to day 37)
SConst Patrick Mullane giving evidence
13643 Is there anything that you would like to inform the Commission upon?— No, I do not know that I am aware of anything else.
13644 Has this district been strengthened at all since the capture?— Yes, since Mr. Montfort came here the stations in the Kelly district have been strengthened.
13645 By about how many?— I believe there are two or three stations in course of erection now, and three or four men are to be sent to those.
13646 Did it ever occur to you that during the time Captain Standish was here the force in the district was nearly doubled?— A number of men had been sent to the district all through, but I do not know it was during the time of Captain Standish. The men were increased from the commencement and they were coming daily.
13647 But they commenced to decrease again the moment he left?— Yes, I think there was a decrease of men afterwards, I think some of the men were sent away. I know when Mr. Hare came up the second time the men were scarce, and we were compelled to keep three men on that duty at Sebastopol, but Mr. Hare said he did not like the idea of having three men there, and that another should be sent.
13648 We have got it in evidence that the police were very materially increased when Captain Standish was up here, and reduced immediately after. What was the strength of Beechworth during the time?— When those cave parties were sent, two bodies of men came up, that was eight; but before that the station was weak, so much so that I had only one or two men for the town duty.
13649 There were then no men here for bush duty?— No, except a mounted man that was here and myself.
13650 Do you think this increase in the force will continue to be permanent if the district remains quiet for some time?— It will be necessary to keep them in the district for a lengthened time.
13651 There are a number of those idle men about, cattle stealers?— Yes, in the neighborhood of Greta , Upper King, Whorouly, Buffalo , Glenrowan, and Wangaratta; it will require men for a long time.
13652 Is there not more settlement going on?— The most of the country around there has been taken up, what was worth taking up, and the portion now open is very doubtful whether it ever will be taken up, because it is very hilly bad country.
13653 But as places get settled there will be all the more chance of any rogues moving about being seen?— Yes, if it is settled upon by honest men, but if it is settled upon by these people or their friends it will only mane the case worse.
13654 You have not had any great settlement in the country since the Kelly business?— No.
13655 Have any left the country to go elsewhere?— I am not aware. Quinn has left Glenmore station, that is Jack Quinn, the uncle of the outlaws, but he has removed a little further on to Black Range, and he has a small selection there with a farmer named Davey, and I think he is there still; and I am not aware of any of their friends going, except some that went away for their own safety and have remained away. There are warrants against them, and they do not seem to care to come back.
13656 How long will those warrants hold good?— For years.
13657 It has been suggested that the police should be communicated with before parties are allowed to take up selections; do you think that would be a wise step to take?— I think it would; it would prevent people of doubtful character settling in remote localities, and it would be a check, because in those localities they are nothing less than simply depots for stolen cattle, and stolen property of every kind.
13658 Would it lead to oppression?— I do not know that, because the colony is wide for them, and if they are prevented taking up land in this district they can go to another district and take up land there, so there would be very little oppression in that; but if they are allowed to take up land and gather in the district, it would lead to another serious outbreak, I think.
13659 Would it be a wise method to refer those applications in the first instance—not to allow men to pay money and refuse their license, but to refer in the first instance to the police officer?— I would not certainly refuse after they had laid out any money, or made improvements, or put up fences, or gone to any expense; but if they were referred in the first instance, before they were put to any expense, I do not think there would be any oppression in it.
13660 Immediately on making application?— Yes.
13661 By Mr. Nicolson — You know the gully at the mouth of which Mrs. Byrne ’s house is situated?— I do.....
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