Royal Commission report day 47 page 10
The Royal Commission evidence for 31/8/1881
(see also introduction to day 47)
F. C. Standish giving evidence
16142 What was the use of Mr. O'Connor in the country?— As I told you before, I entertained that opinion before and afterwards, and entertain it still, that in the event of their having to follow the outlaws after any outrage, they would have been of no use.
16143 Why not prove that to the public by giving them an opportunity?— They went out tracking several times when they first came, but we had no opportunity of putting them on after that.
16144 We have had evidence that they were put on in several places, and proved very successful in that district—that they succeeded in capturing people guilty of offences since then?— That is very different, following a criminal making his way out of the colony, and following four outlaws galloping about. I quite agree that black trackers may be utilized for certain purposes, but for going out after the outlaws they were not the slightest use. Those men you speak of are special trackers we have got from Queensland .
16145 You have no knowledge that Mr. O'Connor's trackers were different?— No doubt they could track well enough.
16146 They were experienced trackers that Mr. O'Connor brought?— Yes; but those you allude to are those I got from Queensland myself.
16147 Have you any proof that they are better trackers than the others?— I have no connection with the department now, and cannot give you any information about that.
16148 Mr. O'Connor was not assigned a definite rank in the police; he seems to have been sworn in as a constable?— No, he was sworn in as a sub-inspector.
16149 Was be gazetted to any position in the police force?— He was sworn in.
16150 As a constable?— No, I think as an officer. At any rate he came and occupied the rank of sub-inspector.
16151 Was that assigned to him by the Gazette, by regular and proper appointment?— I fancy it; was in the Gazette, but I cannot remember.
16152 It appeared that nobody knew whether to follow his orders or not?— He was merely in charge of the black trackers in search parties, under the officer in charge.
16153 Had he any authority over white constables?— No, none whatever. He was only temporarily appointed as a sub-inspector of police in charge of the trackers.
16154 No authority over any sergeant?— None over any white policeman or officer whatever.
16155 Mr. O’Connor stated that while you were at Benalla you were very unwilling to enter upon the subject of the pursuit of the Kellys with any of the officers in conversation. In questions 1091 and 1092 he says:— “How long was this after you received information about the horse?— A considerable time—months. Captain Standish , I may say, did not believe anything. When we gave information about it, he laughed at it, and took no more trouble about it. Up to about this time, and a little later, Captain Standish was upon the most intimate terms with me (in my statement in my report of 7 th September, it ought to be fourteen months he treated me most discourteously, instead of sixteen), and often expressed a wish that I would join the Victorian force after the Kellys were taken. Captain Standish showed a great want of interest in any work in the Kelly pursuit. This was not only observed by myself, but by both Mr. Sadleir and Mr. Hare?” “Was that verbally or how?— Repeatedly, day after day. Mr. Sadleir be ready to prove it, and I suppose Mr. Hare will repeat what he has often said to me. In fact, Mr. Sadleir often observed to me that he could never get two minutes' conversation with Captain Standish upon Kelly business; that the moment he began to talk upon the subject Captain Standish would take up a novel and commence to read. Mr. Hare also frequently remarked the indifference of the Chief Commissioner to his work.” And so on. Are those statements true?— They are a tissue of lies from beginning to end.
16156 Here is Mr. Sadleir 's evidence at page 424 of the printed evidence. Mr. O'Connor here asks Mr. Sadleir:— “Is my statement in questions Nos. 1091 and 1092 correct:—‘Captain Standish showed a great want of interest in any work in the Kelly pursuit. This was not only observed by myself, but by both Mr. Sadleir and Mr. Hare.’” “Was that verbally, or how?— Repeatedly, day after day. Mr. Sadleir will be ready to prove it, and I suppose Mr. Hare will repeat what he has often said to me. In fact, Mr. Sadleir often observed to me that he never could get two minutes' conversation with Captain Standish upon Kelly business; that the moment he began to talk upon the subject Captain Standish would take up a novel and commence to read”?— Well, Captain Standish is not here, and not in the service.” “No matter; I make this statement, and it is to corroborate or otherwise my statement?— What is the question then?” “Nos. 1091 and 1092. If the Chairman thinks I ought not to put it I will withdraw it.” “The Chairman— I think it may be put, under the circumstances.” “By Mr. O' Connor— Will you answer that?— It is quite true that Captain Standish showed want of interest in the work; we all remarked it—every officer there.” Is that true?— It is not true. I assure you that never at any period of my life had I as much anxiety as in the six months at Benalla.
16157 By the Commission— You have made a very peculiar statement, that is that you begged of him to allow you to speak to him calmly, to sit down and not feel irritated; was there any necessity for anything of that sort?— He had grown very irritable of late. Of course I should be sorry to say anything hurtful to a man's feelings, and make him appear irritable; but he was so constitutionally. His temper had become infirm—no doubt about it.” What do you say to that statement of Mr. Sadleir's?— I do not think I was of an irritable temperament.....
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