The Argus at KellyGang 4/5/1881
THE POLICE AWARDS
In Parliament
Mr BERRY . in reply to Mr DEAKIN, said that he was not satisfied with the report of the board appointed to distribute the Kelly awards and that until he received a progress report from the police commission now sitting, he did not intend to take any action in the matter. He also wished to ascertain whether the New South Wales Government were as dissatisfied with the awards as we were in this colony (Hear, hear)
THE POLICE COMMISSION
TUESDAY, MAY 3
Present - Messrs Longmore (chairman), Graves , Fincham, Hall, Gibb, and Anderson MLA's, and Mr Dixon.
Superintendent Hare corrected a statement he made when giving evidence relative to the late Aaron Sherritt's hut to the effect that it was built of bark. He had since learned that it was a weatherboard cottage with a shingled roof.
Michael E Ward, the next witness, stated - I am a detective-constable stationed in Melbourne . I joined the force in 1869, and was soon after sent to the North-eastern district, remaining there until 1875. Was engaged in the search after Power, and acquired knowledge of the Kellys and their relations. In 1874 I knew Ned Kelly well. Got to know the Kellys and their relations through some of them being frequently before the courts for offences. Was appointed a detective in 1876. On April 25, 1878 , in consequence of the shooting of Constable Fitzpatrick, I was directed to return to Benalla to assist in the capture of Ned and Dan Kelly. (The witness related various unsuccessful attempts to capture the Kelly gang). I was under instructions to communicate information I received to my superior officer. But if I got information likely to lead to the capture of the gang, I could act on it on my own responsibility. My actions were not trammelled by my superior officers. I could take action without first communicating with my superior officers, but of course, if I was near a superior officer when I received information, I should consult him. Had full power to employ agents. Was always well treated by my superior officers.
When I was in the country, I was under the officer in charge of the Kelly operations. Am not aware of any chance of capturing the Kellys on information I received having been lost. Went again to the north-eastern district in September, 1878. Before the police murders Ned Kelly used to go about armed. I used to go about disguised as a butcher, splitter, and in various other characters. ln October, 1878, I suggested to Mr Secretan that two police parties should be sent out to search for the Kelly gang. At that time I was secretly employed in the district, and that was why I communicated with Mr Secretan in Melbourne . I knew Ned Kelly would fight, but it never struck me they would shoot. About October 20 I was informed that search parties of police would be sent out. I went to the head of the King River , as I believed the Kellys would make for that place and "Power's Look-out." There I met Strachan's search party, who had arranged to meet the other search party, viz., Kennedy's, at the head of the river. That was on Saturday, October 26, 1878 . On October 29 I heard of the murder of Kennedy's party (The witness gave evidence as to various reported appearances of the outlaws.)
At this stage it was decided to postpone the further examination of Mr Ward.
Inspector Montfort - I have been ordered to proceed to the North-eastern district tomorrow. Went there first in 1858 as sergeant of police, and remained for some years there. With retard to the Kelly outbreak, I think a reduction of the police force in the district tended to produce it. The Glenmore police station - a most important one - was abolished. I advised against that. At that time I was stationed in Melbourne . That was in 1872. The Kellys and some of their friends assisted Morgan and Power when they were at large. Other stations were reduced. Some inefficient men, also were stationed in the district. There is no political patronage in the police force. Promotions are made by the chief commissioner on the recommendations of the superintendents. Do not think police should be employed as inspectors of nuisances or in other capacities outside of their ordinary duties.
I was promoted because of my connexion with the capture of Power. Was not engaged in the Kelly operations. Did not hear of a party of police having turned back near Wangaratta when they saw or heard of the outlaws. Cannot understand the conduct of the four constables who were in Sherritt's house when he was shot.
They ought to have made a rush. The patrol system is useless in the Kelly country. Prefer the secret-service system. Do not approve of the basis on which the force stands as regards the general and detective police. There is an antagonistic feeling between the two branches of the service. A large number of the detective force are not suited for their position. There ought to be two classes of detectives, one under the charge of the superintendent of the district, and the other - the higher class - under the chief commissioner. Members of the latter class ought not to be generally known. The force would be better satisfied if the management of it was vested in a commission of, say, three persons, instead of in one man. That would be a better system than the present.
The commission adjourned until next day.
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