The Argus at KellyGang 15/6/1881
THE POLICE COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JUNE 14
The Police Commission met again to-day, at the Treasury buildings, the members present being Messrs Longmore (chairman) Graves , Fincham, Hall, Dixon, and Anderson .
Mr O'Connor was recalled for cross examination, and deposed that he entered the service of the Queensland force on the 1st of January, 1873, as a sub-inspector of black trackers Received a fixed salary of £180 per annum, £100 for rations, and £25 for traveling expenses Was also allowed an orderly. In Queensland , an officer, after 15 years' service, could retire on half pay, after 20 years on two thirds pay, after 25 years on three quarters pay, and after 30 years on full pay. There were sub-inspectors, inspectors, travelling inspectors, and a commissioner. Inspectors had control over both white and native police, and held a rank similar to a superintendent in this colony. An officer could not retire without producing a certificate that his health was bad. Had been told by the Queensland authorities recently that he would soon have been promoted to the position of an inspector, and he was at the top of the list for promotion. Came to Victoria with trackers in consequence of an application made by the Victorian Government, and here he got double pay as well as the ordinary allowances.
Wrote to the Queensland commissioner of police that he believed he was being made a catspaw of by Captain Standish, and he was recalled. Mr Ramsay, the then Chief Secretary of Victoria , wrote to the Queensland Government explaining what services he (Mr O'Connor) had rendered here in the pursuit of the Kellys. Had not got copies of certain correspondence he had sent to Queensland . Was told by the Queensland commissioner that Captain Standish had repeatedly tried to get him recalled and the black trackers retained. Got on very well for the first two months with Captain Standish. After that the latter appeared to be jealous of him and his trackers, and prevented him from going out. Captain Standish once asked one of his own officers to take one of the trackers from his command.
He referred to the tracker Moses, whom he (witness) enlisted in this colony. Moses had come from Queensland, and had asked witness to take him home. Captain Standish treated witness officially with persistent discourtesy. On returning to Brisbane after the destruction of the Kelly gang witness was called upon to explain his conduct, and it was pointed out to him that his name was scarcely mentioned in connexion with the affair. He gave an account of the business, and then sent in his resignation, but withdrew it again at the request of his commissioner. Asked for leave to attend the present inquiry, but unlimited leave was refused, so he sent in his resignation again, and this time it was accepted. The statement made by Mr Hare that after he was wounded he saw witness running up a drain was incorrect
The board then adjourned until next day at 11 o'clock
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31-aug-10
