Royal Commission report day 47 page 17
The Royal Commission evidence for 31/8/1881
(see also introduction to day 47)
F. C. Standish giving evidence
16262 Consequently he and his men were only volunteers at Glenrowan?— Yes.
16263 You do not acknowledge he had any command at Glenrowan, or any right to undertake the command of the police there?— No.
16264 You remember my referring you to the black trackers being ordered off parade. I have got the question here:— “By Mr. O’Connor — There is still another conversation I must ask you to state, that is perhaps very objectionable to you, that is in reference to the general parade that was ordered after Glenrowan of all the men that were at Benalla who had been in the fight; will you give the Commission the facts in reference to that?” Mr. Sadleir replies:—“I will take the Commission's word for going on. The police, I think at my suggestion, were put on parade, the whole of the men in barracks. I asked Captain Standish to say a kind word to them after all their work was over, and he consented at once. Then we came out into the yard, and he objected to including some four or five of the trackers that were there on the parade.” Does that recall it to your memory?— No, I do not believe that is true.
16265 You think it is not true?— I think it is not true.
16266 Non would not swear it is not?— I am quite certain I would not have given orders to that effect.
16267 “By the Commission— Mr. O'Connor's Queensland men?— Yes. I know there were four or five, and he refused to say anything as long as they were in the ranks, so I fell them back out of the ranks. It was done publicly before the whole parade. I do not think his voice was heard. I do not think he spoke so as to be heard. But everybody saw them retire?— Yes. You heard his voice?— Yes; he used some strong words, and I had to go and order the men back. The trackers did not understand it, and possibly the white police did not know.” If that were so, would it correspond with your general dealings with the black trackers? — Certainly not. They were all very decent fellows—the black trackers. I always had a kind word for them.
16268 You might have had a reason, considering they did not belong to the police force?— I will not say positively, but I do not think I did.
16269 You cannot charge your memory with it?— I cannot. I think it is very unlikely I would have ordered them off parade, and I am almost certain I did not do so.
16270 What position was Mr. Hare in after the capture of Power—was he promoted?— No; he was promised promotion, and never got the slightest advantage; but the other two got promotion—Mr. Nicolson and Mr. Montfort—and nothing was done for Mr. Hare.
16271 How do you account for that?— It was not my fault.
16272 You recommended him for promotion?— Certainly.
16273 And it was never acted upon?— Never.
16274 What promotion did Mr. Nicolson get?— He was made Inspecting Superintendent.
16275 By Mr. Nicolson— Was I promoted to that office by seniority?— I fancy it was so.
16276 Then I do not understand your saying I was promoted for the capture of Power?— Both you and Mr. Montfort got the promotion shortly after.
16277 Was I promoted to the rank of Superintending Officer for that or through being senior officer?— I believe you were senior officer.
16278 By the Commission— Which was it; was it in consequence of the capture of Power, or because he was entitled to it by seniority?— I fancy it was on account of his seniority; Montfort was promoted also immediately in consequence of the assistance he rendered in the capture.
16279 I asked you whether it was natural for the other officers in the department to feel jealous at their being overlooked when Mr. Hare was being, as they considered, pushed forward before him, you considering as you say, that he was the best man for it. I have got a question that was put by Mr. O'Connor to Mr. Sadleir on page 426—[reading the questions, 11963—11969].—Then he goes on to say that no doubt Captain Standish's temper was infirm at times. Was it upon your recommendation that Mr. Hare alone was to be commended?— No, I got a telegram from the Governor after I returned to Benalla.
16280 Did you inform him of all the circumstances of the case?— I had not time. I came up in the morning by special train, and, unfortunately, after reaching Benalla, I was detained there about three hours, and when I got to Glenrowan the whole thing was over.....
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