The Argus at KellyGang 19/3/1881
THE POLICE BOARD
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS
Sir,-The latest addition to the Police
Board puts the finishing touch to the absurdity of the whole affair; and it would appear that only those who have a grudge to gratify, or some purpose to serve, have been found willing to act.
Mr GW Hall, as owner and editor of the Mansfield Guardian, and, later on, of the Benalla Standard, has displayed the most pronounced animus towards the police. He has filled his columns for many months with stupid and unfounded slanders. Mr Hall was his own reporter, compositor, and printer, and the publications were his own work. For proof of what I say, see the Chronicles of Keli, published in the Guardian and Standard during 1879 and 1880. See also his published apology for his slanders on one officer, Inspector Toohey.
Before the other members of the board whitewash him, as they have done Mr Graves, let them first have a look over the files I have referred to.-Yours, &c,
March l8._
DELATITE.
THE POLICE COMMISSION
This commission met yesterday at the Treasury. Present: - Messrs Longmore (in the chair) Graves and Fincham MLA's; and Messrs. FJ Dixon and GC Levey.
After the commission had deliberated with closed doors, the witnesses who had been summoned to give evidence and the representatives of the press were admitted, and the chairman announced that it had been decided that the meetings should be open to the press "except in cases where public policy demanded that their proceedings should be conducted with closed doors."
Mr F MADDEN, solicitor, applied for leave to represent Mr Nicolson, acting chief com- missioner of police.
The CHAIRMAN, - We have discussed that point also, and decided not to allow anyone to be represented by his legal adviser.
Mr MADDEN, - Mr Nicolson is on his defence, charges against him having been made. I shall be content to watch the case on his behalf without addressing the commission.
Mr LONGMORE - We do not admit that any particular individual is charged with anything. This is a very large public inquiry into the state of the police force. During its progress charges may be made against various persons, and if Mr Nicolson is represented by a solicitor they would all have the right to the presence of a legal representative. In this inquiry the presence of legal advisers may well be dispensed with, because police officers are accustomed to conduct cases in courts.
Mr MADDEN. - You know the saying that "a man who is his own lawyer, &c."
THE CHAIRMAN. - I have nothing to add.
Captain Standish , late chief commissioner of police, was first called on to give evidence. He asked leave to make the preliminary statement that he only heard late on the previous night that his evidence was to be taken that day. Before giving evidence he should like to peruse a great many documents, and he would feel obliged if the commission would defer his examination for three or four days. If that request was allowed, he would be in a better position to give readily any information the commission might desire.
Mr Nicolson, in answer to the Chairman, stated that he also would like the same concession.
Superintendent Hare, in reply to the commission, stated he had in July last sent in his report as to his proceedings in connexion with the Glenrowan affair, and he was perfectly prepared to give evidence thereon or to answer any questions. He had no charges to make.
Mr LEVEY said he thought Captain Standish's evidence should be taken first. Mr Hare's report referred chiefly to the capture of the Kelly gang, but Captain Standish would be asked for information as to the prior proceedings of the police in regard to the gang.
Sub-inspector O'Connor, in reply to the commission, said he also would like a few days' delay.
The commission decided to adjourn.
In reply to Superintendent Hare, the commission informed him that if he gave notice that he required the production of any official papers, they would communicate his request to the Chief Secretary.
The commission adjourned until 11 o'clock am on Wednesday next.
The subjoined documents have been laid before the commission and printed -
Police Department, Chief Commissioner's Office,
Melbourne, July 5, 1880.
Sir,- Ever since the publication, in October, 1878, of what is known as the Mansfield murders, remarks have been made in the public papers and elsewhere, in which reflections have been thrown upon the character of the police force and its proceedings generally in connexion with the search for the outlaws, and now that the gang has been destroyed, those remarks have taken a more specific and definite character.
It is asserted and implied that the long-continued efforts of the police force to trace and capture the outlaws have been characterised by supineness and apathy; that the police have been in many cases influenced by a desire to avoid rather than meet the offenders, while in connexion with the recent outbreak, which led to the destruction of the gang, it is asserted that I have been guilty of most culpable procrastination; that the police officers have shown a want of generalship and the conduct of the members of the force has been, according to some, characterised by an inconceivable disregard of human life and according to others, by an absence of that courage and dash which every good constable should possess. I have long felt the injustice of these reflections and I think the time has now arrived when I can properly ask to have it ascertained whether they are deserved or not.
I have therefore the honour to request that an inquiry may be instituted by the Government into the whole proceedings and management of the police force, from the perpetration of the murders to the present date. This inquiry may take any form Government may consider desirable. On that point I am quite indifferent, provided only- (1) that the inquiry may be full and impartial, and open to receive the evidence of all persons whether members of the force or not, who may have information on the subject to communicate, and
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