The Argus at KellyGang 24/3/1881 (3)
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Standish giving evidence
Some day before 10th February 1879, received information that it was likely the outlaws would stick up a bank in New South Wales. Communicated with the New South Wales police, and took steps to assist them. About this time the advisability of getting black trackers was mooted. I was opposed to the idea, being convinced that however useful these trackers might be in a sparsely-peopled country, they would be of very little use in a district where there was much traffic. Moreover, the movements of the outlaws were wonderfully rapid, and they had numerous sympathisers to obliterate their tracks. These reasons led me to think the black trackers would be of little or no use, which was certainly true. However, I had to communicate with the Queensland police, and the result was that Sub-Inspector O'Connor, with six black trackers and a senior constable, came down via Albury, where I met them on the 6th March. On Tuesday, March 11, a party of black trackers under Mr O'Connor, with several mounted constables under Mr Sadleir, started to the ranges. Mr O'Connor was anxious that only a couple of men should go with him; but as we had no knowledge of the black trackers' skill and doubted whether they would be of much use under the circumstances, I would not consent to Mr O'Connor's going alone, and sent Mr Sadleir with him. Mr O'Connor's letter dated September 7, 1880, which is included in the papers submitted to the commission, is full of misrepresentations. He states that during the 16 months he was here I treated him with the greatest discourtesy. To that I give the lie direct. For several months after he first came here we lived together, and always on the best of terms , but when I found out about him things I do not wish to here state, I ceased my intimacy with him. I could state things which would prove what an utterly unreliable man he is. About the end of June, 1879, after I had been upwards of six months in Benalla, and had found that the business of my office was being frightfully muddled, I Nicolson in my place, he being next in seniority; but I had little faith in his energy. Instructed Mr Hare to resume charge of his own district. Shortly after my return to Melbourne had several interviews with the Chief Secretary, who was evidently dissatisfied with the continuous heavy expenditure of the police in the pursuit of the Kellys. Conferred with Mr Nicolson, and made reductions wherever possible. From time to time visited Mr Nicolson at Benalla, and wrote to him. He was always most absurdly reticent. During the 11 months he was there he hardly ever sent out a search party, except just before he was recalled. Left the direction of affairs in his hands. He employed a great many agents, some of whom were in the habit of communicating with the outlaws. He frequently received reliable information as to the whereabouts of the outlaws, but took no steps whatever thereon. Had he done so, they would have led to the capture of the outlaws. Mr Nicolson frequently used to say, "I have the gang surrounded by my spies." "I have my hand upon them, and it is not a case of months or weeks, but days and hours." There is no doubt whatever that nearly the whole time he was in charge the gang were hanging about Greta and Glenrowan, 11 or 12 miles from Benalla. While Mr Nicolson was at Benalla, —, a connexion of the Kellys while riding in the bush, saw the four outlaws with Tom Lloyd, a cousin of the Kellys. Next day — saw Mr Sadleir, and told him what he had seen. Mr Sadleir communicated with Mr Nicolson and went to Benalla. It was arranged that a party, including black trackers, should start from Benalla at 1 o'clock next morning. At the appointed time the men were all ready, but Mr Nicolson turned up, and told them to unsaddle their horses and return to their quarters. Mr Sadleir asked Mr Nicolson if any further news had been obtained to cause the change of plan, and Mr Nicolson replied, "No, but I have been thinking about the matter all night, and have decided not to disturb the outlaws just now." I cannot give the date of this, but it was in the early part of 1880. Have ample proof of still further acts of gross neglect on Mr Nicolson's part. About the 25th of May last, was at Mrs Byrne's house, and saw the four outlaws there. — informed —, who went to Beechworth next morning and told Detective Ward. No notice was taken of it. About a week before Mr Nicolson was re moved from Benalla, — while looking for some cows, saw Joe Byrne. She asked him what he was doing and he replied, "Looking after Aaron Sheritt, to shoot him." She went to Beechworth and told Detective Ward, who telegraphed to Mr Nicolson. On the same night Messrs Nicolson, Sadleir and O'Connor went to Beechworth with the trackers, and saw —, who repeated her story. They decided it was no use to go after Joe Byrne, and returned to Benalla next day. Towards the end of April 1880, I had some conversation with Mr Ramsay, then Chief Secretary. Told him nothing was being done, and that beyond employing unreliable spies, I could not see what good Mr Nicolson would effect. The Chief Secretary consulted with his colleagues, and a few days afterwards told me the Cabinet had unanimously decided that Mr Nicolson should be removed from his position in charge of the Kelly operations, and that Mr Hare should take his place, as they were of opinion that Mr Hare was the most able and efficient man for the position. Mr Nicolson at that time was inspecting superintendent of police, with the honorary title of assistant-commissioner. That latter title was conferred on him at the request of Mr JT Smith, without my being consulted. At once communicated the resolve of the Cabinet to Mr Nicolson, and, with him, I had an interview with Mr Ramsay. Mr Nicolson spoke for three-quarters of an hour – the most incoherent nonsense I ever heard in my life. Mr Ramsay, at his request, and with my concurrence, allowed him to remain at Benalla another month. Mr Nicolson told me he was going back that afternoon. He did not do so, but saw Sir James M'Culloch, and asked him to intercede with Mr Ramsay. Sir James saw Mr Ramsay, but after a few minutes' conversation withdrew his request. Shortly afterwards Mr Nicolson forced his way into Mr Ramsay's private office and abused me, whereupon Mr Ramsay rebuked him. Saw Mr Nicolson at the railway station when he was returning, and told him a bit of my mind. On that occasion, and subsequently when he was relieved, he behaved to me in a most discourteous, insolent, and ungentlemanly manner. If I had a bad temper I should have suspended him. But although I have a great contempt for him, I have no ill feeling against him. On Sunday, 27th June, 1880, a telegram came announcing Aaron Sherritt's murder. Got it about 4pm. At Mr Hare's request, I communicated with Mr O'Connor and asked him to return to Beechworth. Mr O'Connor, who was about to return to Queensland with his trackers, rather reluctantly consented to go. A special train left about 9 or 10 o'clock pm.
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