The Argus at KellyGang 28/3/1882
THE CHARGES AGAINST SERGEANT STEELE
In the course of the evidence adduced before the Police Commission reference was made by some of the witnesses to alleged reckless firing by Sergeant Steele during the police attack on the Glenrowan Inn. A board, consisting of Messrs E P S Sturt, C Mollison, and T D S Heron, was appointed to investigate this charge and the members met at the Old Treasury building yesterday afternoon.
The Chairman (Mr. Sturt), having read from the report of the Police Commission the evidence dealing with the point at issue, Sergeant Steele applied for permission to engage counsel to assist him in the preparation of his defence. The chairman said that in the opinion of the board neither the prosecution or the defence required counsel, inasmuch as no legal question was involved. They had merely to inquire into the accuracy or otherwise of certain statements made before the Police Commission.
Inspector Montfort was present to watch the proceedings on behalf of the Crown.
James Reardon, examined by the chairman, stated that he was one of the persons imprisoned by the Kelly gang in the Glenrowan Inn. He had a distinct recollection of all that occurred at the time. The first attempt made by the prisoners to escape from the inn took place between half past 2 and 3 on the Monday morning. His wife and children ventured out, but were immediately turned back by the heavy firing from all directions. A second attempt was made at about a quarter to 7 . His wife went out first with the baby in her arms, and his two sons followed – one holding the other by the hand. They had proceeded but a few yards when he heard a voice crying out, "Hold up your hands, or I'll shoot you like a — — dog." They all did as they were commanded, but still the firing continued. One of his boys then said, "Come back to the house, or we'll all get shot." His wife replied, "We might as well get she here as in the house." The firing came principally from the Wangaratta side of the inn. He turned back, but his wife went forward. As he heard the shots whizzing all round him, he threw himself for protection on the ground. On getting back to the inn he saw three of the outlaws in the passage and one of them asked him if he was shot. He replied, "Not yet." He was positive that 12 shots at least were fired by the police whilst his wife and children were crossing the open. Afterwards discovered that his boy Michael had been shot whilst accompanying Mrs. Reardon. Some three weeks afterwards, on the Wangaratta station, Sergeant Steele admitted that he was the man who shot the boy.
Cross examined by Sergeant Steele. – He was the man who ripped up the rails in order to destroy the special train. Was compelled by the Kellys to do so, but he objected at the time. Just before his wife left the house a train from Benalla came up to the station. Never told any person that he was lying in- side the house when his wife went out. His son told him that he was shot by Sergeant Steele. He wrote a letter to the Government claiming compensation for the shooting of his son. Did not say in that letter that 9 o'clock was the hour when Sergeant Steele shot his son.
Sergeant Steele – When I met you on the Wangaratta station will you swear that these are not the words I used:- "I am sorry. Reardon, that I am the man who shot your son?”
Witness – You did not. You said, "I shot your son."
Sergeant Steele – Did you not ask me to come and have a drink with you on the occasion?
Witness – I did.
Sergeant Steele – Did you not shake hands with me?
Witness (excitedly) – I did not shake hands with you, Sergeant Steele.
Mr. HERON. – You say you invited Sergeant Steele to have a drink with you. Was that not rather strange behaviour towards a man who you say boasted of having shot your son?
Witness – Well, I thought it was the best thing to do.
Cross-examination resumed – What he said before the commission was quite true, viz, that Sergeant Steele fired at his wife when she was leaving the house. Had frequently seen Sergeant Steele before the Glenrowan affair. Constable Arthur was the first person who told him that it was Sergeant Steele who shot his son.
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