40,360 bytes added,
04:13, 15 November 2015
{{Authority Side}}
== ==
.
== Importance of Superintendent Francis Augustus Hare ==
With Nicolson, I was the commander of the police chasing the '''KellyGang;''' the first time was with Standish after the Euroa robbery for about 6 months and the second started about a month before the Glenrowan siege. I was shot by the '''KellyGang''' at Glenrowan. I was described by the Commissioner as being active and energetic. I also believe that I was popular with the men because I treated the them like friends, not like dogs. Despite this all of this the Royal Commission decided that I should be retired because of my problems with Nicolson.
== Links to the KellyGang below ==
[[#2|Early Years]] , [[#hp|Harry Power]] , Fitzpatrick Incident , Murders at Stringy Bark Creek , Sebastopol Cavalcade , Euroa Robbery , [[#command|in command]] , Jerilderie Robbery , [[#2/12/1879|First Cave Party]] , [[#6/7/1879|Hare replaced by Nicolson]] , Hare , [[#2/6/1880|Nicolson replaced by Hare]] , Death of Aaron Sherritt , [[#28/6/1880|Glenrowan Siege]] , [[#krb|Reward Board]] , Ned Kelly's Trial , Royal Commission , [[#10|Early service]] , Later service , Family ,
'''Photograph'''
== Links to the KellyGang ==
'''Early Years''' I set out my early life in my book ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 1 page 1|FH1]])
I was born in South Africa on 4/10/1830
I was junior officer at the Talbot [[Gold mining (2)|goldfield]] near Maryborough in about [[1854-1863 Events|1858]].
I was offered a position at Williamstown near Melbourne in [[1854-1863 Events|1860]].
In about February [[1854-1863 Events|1863]] I was offered the position of superintendent of Maitland in NSW. In the end I did not take the position ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 4|RC1602]])
I was finally promoted Superintendent on 1/11/[[1864-1873 Events|1865]] and promoted to 2nd class Superintendent in [[1864-1873 Events|1870]].
== Arrest of Harry Power ==
I was instrumental in the arrest of Harry [[Harry Power|Power]] but never really had that acknowledged by my superior officers like Assistant Commissioner [[Nicolson|Nicolson]]. (See my description of the arrest of Harry [[Harry Power|Power]]) see also ([[Royal Commission report day 46 page 7|RC15906]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 17|RC16270]]) See also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/2/1882 (4)|Argus22/2/82]])
. '''Fitzpatrick Incident 15/04/1878''' I was not involved in this incident.
At this time I ranked 4th amongst the Superintendents behind Messrs [[Winch|Winch]], [[Chomley (2)|Chomley]] and Chambers. ([[Royal Commission report day 2 page 21|RC628]]) '''Murders at String Bark Creek in the Wombat Ranges 26/10/1878''' The morning after the intelligence reached Melbourne that Sergeant Kennedy's party had been shot, Captain Standish came to me to the depot, and ordered me to get ready as many mounted men as possible from the depot and Bourke district men, and to pick out the best men I had.([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 1|RC1238]])
I was ordered to pick out the best men in the district; also to get ready all the available arms out of the store, and select as many horses as I could get out of the paddocks that were fit for work. I sent several mounted men that day to Benalla. From the time Kennedy was shot up to the time of the Euroa bank robbery my time was fully taken up sending supplies of horses to the North-Eastern District. (RC1241)
. '''Sebastopol Cavalcade''' '''7/11/1878''' I was in Melbourne at the time of the Sebastopol [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|cavalcade]].
On the 26/11/1878 Captain Standish sent for me, and told me that Mr. Nicolson had informed him that he had obtained reliable information that the '''KellyGang''' intended sticking up a bank in some part of the district, and that Mr. Nicolson had requested Captain Standish to tell me to take the necessary precautions at the stations in my district. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 1|RC1242]])
On the 30/11/1878 I informed Sergeant Purcell, at [[Seymour|Seymour]], that the Kellys contemplated sticking up one of the Seymour [[Banks- local branch|banks]], and that three men would be sent up there for duty, and that I wished their duty to be kept quiet. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 1|RC1243]])
'''Euroa Robbery [[ev78-12--2Euroa Robbery|10/12/1878]]''' '''Before'''
I was in charge of the Bourke District which covered the area from Melbourne to the start of the North Eastern Victoria region at the time of the robbery. I tried to protect the banks in the area. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 2|RC1246]])
'''In Command of the hunt for the KellyGang'''
I, [[Standish|Standish]], took over [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] as the officer incharge of the hunt for the '''KellyGang''' within a few days of the Euroa robbery-on 13/12/1878. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 13/12/1878 (5)|Argus13/12/78]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 13/11/1878 (5)|Argus13/11/78]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 14/12/1878 (3)|Argus14/12/78]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 1 page 5|RC 26]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 3|CHC]])
About twelve noon on [[ev78-12--2Euroa Robbery|12/12/1878]] I received a telegram from Captain Standish directing me to report myself with horse and accoutrements at [[Euroa|Euroa]] that night. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 2|RC1253]])
I left Melbourne by the train between two and three o'clock. I met Captain Standish and Mr. Nicolson at Euroa. and there was a number of police there.
Captain Standish wanted me to go out that night with a party of police in search of the '''KellyGang'''.
I told him I knew nothing of the circumstances of the bank robbery, except what I had seen in the papers, and I thought it unfair, without making some enquiries myself, to be thrust into such a position; and as two days had elapsed since the robbery, in all probability the outlaws would be 100 miles away by that time.
The party of police started off next morning into the Strathbogie ranges under SConst [[Johnston|Johnson]]; he was a fine plucky fellow. I did not know what their orders were, but I think Mr. Nicolson started them. I did not get up and see them start. I did not see anything of them again, but they remained away for six or seven days, and then reported themselves at Benalla without finding any trace of anything. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 2|RC1254]])
I met up with Insp [[Sup Henry Baber|Baber]] at Avenel ([[The Argus at KellyGang 17/12/1878 (2)|Argus17/12/78]]) ([[The Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express at KellyGang 21/12/1878|Alexandra21/12/1878]])
I went to [[Euroa|Euroa]] and met Sup Sadleir. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/1/1879|Argus22/1/79]])
During this time Com [[Standish|Standish]] was apathetic. He would change the subject to something else; and Mr. [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] has remarked the same. He does not take a great interest when you speak to him; but when I have spoken to him he has always shown the utmost interest in the whole affair.([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 11|RC1327]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 11|RC16162]])
I prosecuted the sympathisers in Beechworth on occasions. The defence challenged my right to appear ([[The Argus at KellyGang 27/1/1879|Argus27/1/79]]) See also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 3/2/1879|Argus3/2/79]])
I was seeing Mr [[Scott|Scott]] in [[Euroa|Euroa]] ([[The Argus at KellyGang 1/2/1879|Argus1/2/79]])
. '''Jerilderie Robbery 10/2/1879''' On about 1/2/[[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]] I was watching for the '''KellyGang''' on the banks of the [[Ovens River|Ovens River]] with Sup [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] and Const [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]].([[Royal Commission report day 21 page 12|RC7774.7569]] )
A few days before the Jerilderie robbery, about 4/2/[[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]], Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] came down to [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]] to see Mr [[Standish|Standish]]. He was not about the place and I saw him. Sherritt said to me 'I have some important information to give him, and I wish to speak to him privately.' This was my first meeting with Aaron and Mr Standish had not seen him since the Sebastopol [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|Cavalcade]] in November [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|1878]]. He told me about a recent visit he had from Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] and Dan [[Dan Kelly|Kelly]]. They were going on a trip over the River [[Murray River at Kellygang|Murray]] to [[Goulburn NSW|Goulbourn]] in New South Wales and they wanted Sherritt to scout for them. He said Joe Byrne was riding a magnificent grey horse and Dan had a bay. I gave him £2 for coming down to give this information. After I got this information I issued telegrams to all officers including Const [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] at [[Chiltern|Chiltern]] and started off police search parties to [[Gravel Plains|Gravel]] Plains on the River Murray. I gave Aaron £2 for his trouble and sent him on his way. We established a relationship immediately. If he walked down Collins street, everybody would have stared at him-his walk, his appearance, and everything else were remarkable. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 3|RC1270]])
After the Jerilderie robbery on about 15/2/[[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]] I went to [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] and Det [[Ward|Ward]] arranged for me to meet Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]]. We found out that Dan [[Dan Kelly|Kelly]] came to [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]]'s place to see what had happened to the other members of the '''KellyGang''' on Wednesday 12/2/1879. It seems that they had split up after Jerilderie and some of them had missed a meeting. Det [[Ward|Ward]] arranged for Arron Sherritt to meet me in Beechworth at about 7pm on the night of 15/2/1879. I was keen to follow up on this information. A search party fom near [[EI Dorado|El Dorado]] was to go out under Const [[Strahan|Strahan]] but they never came. I followed up personally with Det Ward and Aaron and we spent the night around Mrs Byrne's home. On the way we saw a fire that had been lit by the '''KellyGang''' on a far ridge. I gave a full account of this evening in my [[Last of the Bushrangers|book]].([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 4|RC1276]])
early on 15/2/1879 I was involved in a remand hearing for the sympathisers in Beechworth.([[The Argus at KellyGang 17/2/1879|Argus17/2/79]])
. '''First Standing Search Party 20/2/1879-16/3/1879''' I met the [[Diseased Stock Agent|Deceased]] Stock Agent a couple of times after the sympathizers had been held on remand in [[Beechworth Court|Beechworth]]. Later I found him out myself. I received a letter informing me about the '''KellyGang''' from the [[Diseased Stock Agent|Deceased]] Stock Agent on 20/5/[[events 1879-05/ 1879-07at KellyGang|1879]].([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 13|RC1404]])
I set up our first standing [[Police Search Parties|search party]] to watch Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s home for about 25 days. Our camp was about a mile from her home. Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] used to spend evenings at Mrs Byrne's courting her daughter and the he would come and spend time with us. ([[Last of the Bushrangers|Hare]]). SConst [[SConst Mays|Mays]] was my 2IC and he sets out how we conducted ourselves at the camp. It was very irksome work.([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 4|RC1279]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 14 page 2|CHC]])
It would take me a week to tell the half Aaron Sherritt said. All this time Aaron was faithful and true to me. I say he was a man of most wonderful endurance. He would go night after night without sleep in the coldest nights in winter. He would be under a tree without a particle of blanket of any sort in his shirt sleeves whilst my men were all lying wrapt up in furs in the middle of winter. This is an instance that occurred actually: I saw the man one night when the water was frozen on the creeks and I was frozen to death nearly. I came down and said, "Where is Aaron Sherritt?" and I saw a white thing lying under a tree, and there was Aaron without his coat. The men were covered up with all kinds of coats and furs, and waterproof coatings, and everything else, and this man was lying on the ground uncovered. I said, " You are mad, Aaron, lying there"; and he said, "I do not care about coats." ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 5|RC1281]])
Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]] tells the story of how she found the police party. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 5|RC1284]])
I stayed at that place five days after the camp was discovered, at the earnest request of Sherritt, who said to me, "It is no use going away; she has no means of communicating with the outlaws. I am the only one that can do that, and when they come I will get the news." I said, "I did not believe it." He said, "Believe it or not, but do not go, because she has discovered you." I stayed five days longer, and then I thought I was wasting my time there.
I went back to Benalla, leaving my parties for, I think, a fortnight longer. By that time, I think, [[O'Connor|Mr. O'Connor]] had arrived with his Queensland men. They arrived on the [[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|6/3/1879]]. After this I was nearly all my time out with search parties. I went out on information that the '''KellyGang''' had been seen in a certain part of the country, or that they were likely to frequent a certain locality, and upon that information I went to search the locality. I described how we moved about. The party watching [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Mrs Byrne]]'s was broken up on [[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|16/3/1879]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 6|RC1285]])
'''[[Whorouly (2)|Whorouly]] Race meeting 3/1879'''
By this time I had good information from Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] that the '''KellyGang''' were likely to put in an appearance at the Whorouly races. This was confirmed by information from Det [[Ward|Ward]]. We went in disguise intent upon catching them. See also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 8 page 5|FH]])
Hear what I told the Royal Commission about my plan. " We arranged that I should take three of my best riders and pluckiest men, and go to the races myself. I selected three men unknown to the public in that part of the country, viz., Senior-Constable [[Johnston|Johnson]], Constable [[Const Lawless|Lawless]], and Constable [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]]. I told them what duty they would have to perform and the information that I had received, and directed them to ride singly, as if unknown to each other, on to the racecourse. Lawless I set up with an under-and-over table and dice, Johnson was got up as a bookmaker, and Falkner was to act the yokel and patronize the other two, the under-and-over place, and to make bets on the races. I myself drove down on to the course in a buggy and mixed among the people, and the ordinary police in uniform attended the races. I took all those precautions for the purpose of preventing anyone knowing." ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 13|RC1362]])
This was Insp O'[[O'Connor|Connor]]'s view of this matter "The man, Aaron Sherritt, was employed by Mr Hare, and Mr Hare firmly believed in him. On one occasion a letter was written and sent to Aaron Sherritt from Joe Byrne, asking him to, meet the writer at Whorouly races to ride his (Joe Byrne's) horse. It told Aaron where to meet the writer. Mr Hare and several men went to the races, but Captain Standish would not allow myself and party to go. Mr Hare returned, stating that Aaron Sherritt said he could not meet the outlaws." ([[Royal Commission report day 4 page 13|RC1096]] )
"As to the constables you took to [[Whorouly (2)|Whorouly]] races, do you think that those men, taken in disguise, were able to throw dust in the eyes of sharp men like the splitters in that district?- I do, most decidedly; the way they came, the way they kept out of the crowd. I am as confident as I am sitting here they were not known to the public. The policemen on duty did not know it.' ([[Royal Commission report day 48 page 20|RC16512]])
In about the 2nd week in April I got some good information from Aaron Sherritt that the '''KellyGang''' were in the Warby Ranges. I took a search party with SConst Mays and Consts Canny, Lawless and Bellis and l believe that we came very close to them. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 8|RC1290]])
I went to my old [[Dandenong|Dandenong]] region. There was some thought that the '''KellyGang''' were there. ([[Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express at KellyGang 17/5/1879|Alexandra17/5/1879]])
On [[events 1879-05/ 1879-07at KellyGang|24/5/1879]] we got good information that the '''KellyGang''' had been at [[Cleary|Cleary]]'s house. Captain [[Standish|Standish]] ordered me not to tell [[O'Connor|O'Connor]] about this and on the next day I took out a search party. We stated off in the direction of Wangaratta, leaving the place we were going to search entirely to our right. One of Insp O'Connor's tracker, [[Moses|Moses]], came with me. When we got out of Benalla, about five miles, and got into a quiet spot, I told all the men to dismount. I never told them in the town what information I was going upon. I got them round me and said, "I will tell you now what information I am going on," and I read them the letter that had been received by Captain Standish, and gave them all the news that I had. They were all in great spirits, and thought it was capital information.
I did not know the country well there, nor did any of my men, so I telegraphed to Sergeant [[Steele|Steele]] at [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]], on the Sunday, to send Const [[Const J Dixon|Dixon]] out who knew the country there, and tell him to meet me at a certain spot. Dixon met me at that spot. We went over the [[Warby Ranges|Warby Ranges]] to a camping place that I knew there, and when we got on the Wangaratta side of the Warby Ranges we turned up to the right to a camp that I had used before. see also ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 8|RC1290]])
We stayed at the camping place that night, and fastened up the horses, and gave orders to the men to turn in after they had had something to eat. We made no fire or anything of the kind, and I said that I wanted to be called at one o'clock in the morning. At one o'clock we all saddled our horses, and away we went. [[Cleary|Cleary]] has all the details of the search.([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 6|RC1285]])
My last search party was with Const [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] to near the [[Tom Lloyd Jnr|Lloyd]]'s home. ([[Royal Commission report day 17 page 17|RC5237]])
. '''Hare replaced by Nicolson 6/7/1879''' I was very down hearted and in very bad health when I came in from my last search party. Com [[Standish|Standish]] left about the same time as I did.
I left the North Eastern District and the hunt for the '''KellyGang''' on 26/6/[[events 1879-05/ 1879-07at KellyGang|1879]]. but see 7/7/1879([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 10|RC1302]])
I was off at a [[Coursing|coursing]] match and on leave when Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] arrived at Benalla to take charge ([[Royal Commission report 1/9/1881|RC16460]])
On the way down to Melbourne on the train I became quite ill and Dr [[Nicholson|Nicholson]] came to see me at [[Violet Town|Violet Town]].
I was at Lancefield at the time of the robbery ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/8/1879|Argus16/8/79]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 18/8/1879|Argus18/8/79]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/8/1879 (2)|Argus20/8/79]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 17 page 18|RC5243]])
'''Cave Party'''
I heard about Nicolson's cave party from a trooper while I was at the Richmond Depot ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 6|RC1615]])
. '''Hare''' I did not want to go back to take charge of the hunt for the '''KellyGang'''. ([[Royal Commission second Report Part XIII ( page 19)|RC2nd reportXIII]]) see also ([[Royal Commission report day 13 page 12|RC2922]])
Com [[Standish|Standish]] thought that I was the best officer in the police force out and out, without exception, in addition he thought that I was a capital horseman, a good shot and bushman. ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 6|RC16059]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 9|RC16121]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 18|RC16291]]). ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 10 page 2|FH]])
'''Nicolson replaced by Hare 2/6/1880''' I had a very brief hand over from Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 12 page 13|RC2513]])
Nicolson gave me no information whatever concerning the Kelly [[Kelly's Armour|armour]], and it was only in conversation with different people-Mr. Sadleir especially-that I picked up that, and found that it was supposed that when the Kellys next appeared it would be in armour. ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 2|RC1596]]) (See also [[Royal Commission report day 4 page 3|RC950]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 12 page 15|RC2558]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 30/12/1881|Argus30/12/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 5/1/1882|Argus5/1/82]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 17 page 2|CHC]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (57)|JJK]])
Nicolson had dismissed all the agents. I discussed the matter with Sup Sadleir.([[Royal Commission report day 13 page 11|RC2913]])
The Royal Commission made some conclusions about what actually happened at that meeting ([[Royal Commission second Report Part XIII ( page 19)|RC2nd reportXIII]])
I telegraphed Det [[Ward|Ward]] in Beechworth, on the night of the 2/6/1880 and asked him to come down to Benalla on the following morning. see also ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 23|RC15724]])
I met Ward on 3/6/1880 and we walked along the road in the direction of Violet Town. He told me about the telegram that he had recieved from Ass Com Nicolson just before he left Benalla. I told him that I intend having a party of police in Benalla, and to give him two black [[Police Trackers|trackers]] in Benalla, Beechworth and Wangaratta. These were the trackers recruited by Mr. [[Chomley (2)|Chomley]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 4|RC3076]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 7|RC13860]])
I also gave new orders to say that police were able to start after the '''KellyGang''' whenever they got information. They had to telegraph where they would likely be found and what direction they were going. ([[Royal Commission report day 1 page 16|RC163]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 3|RC3056]])
On 10/6/1880 Jacob [[Jacob Wilson|Wilson]] came to see me about watching [[Tom Lloyd Jnr|Tom Lloyd]]'s place ([[Royal Commission report day 16 page 11|RC4516]])
On the [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|11/6/1880]] I sent for Consts [[Const William Canny|Canny]] and [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]], and directed them to take a tour round the country, and see if they could not get some information of the outlaws. I said they could go where they pleased, that when they found it convenient to send me a few lines, they could do so, and that they could go where they thought best. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 8|RC5479]])([[Royal Commission report Appendix 15|RCApp15]])
'''19June 1880'''
[[Ward|Ward]] and I went out to see the police at [[Aaron Sherritt|Aaron Sherritt]]'s place. Consts [[Const T Dowling|Dowling]], and [[Const W Duross|Duross]] gave a different account as to what happened. Ward he queried my evidence to the Royal Commission. See also ([[Royal Commission report day 16 page 1|RC4170]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 8|RC13861]])
On [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|26/6/1880]] Consts [[Const William Canny|Canny]] and [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] came to see me with very good information about a Chinese store keeper at the [[Buckland River|Buckland Flat]] who had been supplying the '''KellyGang'''. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 9|RC5483]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 19|RC5774]]) ([[Royal Commission report Appendix 15|RCApp15]])
'''Death of Aaron Sherritt 26/6/1880''' I was in Benalla at the time . '''Glenrowan Siege [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|28/6/1880]]'''
'''27/6/1880'''
I sent a message to Com Standish telling him of Aaron's murder about 2pm on the afternoon of [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|27/6/1880]] ([[Royal Commission report day 1 page 11|RC77]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 17|RC16250]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (63)|JJK]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 12/12/1931|Argus12/12/1931]])
Soon after that I saw SConst [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]]. I told me to go over and see Mr. Stevens, the railway station master, and see if we could get a special train. I did so, and Mr. Stevens said, "Yes," he would get one ready. I got instructions to get some provisions and get ready. I had everything ready, and gave instructions to the men that were to come. Mr. Hare gave me a list. There were Constable [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]], [[Const William Canny|Canny]], [[Gascoigne|Gascoigne]], [[Kirkham|Kirkham]], [[Const Arthur|Arthur]], and [[Const W Phillips|Phillips]]. ([[The Argus (4)|Argus29/6/1880]]) ([[The Age (2)|Age]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 4|RC8030]])
'''Special train leaves Benalla to go to Beechworth - follow up on death of Aaron Sherritt'''
I was accused of organising the press to come with us on our trip from Melbourne to Beechworth ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 5|RC1608]]) see also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 10 page 6|FH]])
'''Arrive at Glenrowan'''
As we were coming down towards Glenrowan I ordered my men, 'Do not fire, boys, unless you are fired on, and if anybody falls do not mind him, do not wait to pick him up.' ([[Royal Commission report day 28 page 16|RC11341]])
I arrived at Glenrowan with the 1st police party at about [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|2.35]] am. We were on our way to investigate the death of Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]]. The first we knew that the '''KellyGang''' was at Glenrowan was when Mr [[Thomas Curnow|Curnow]] stopped the train. ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (2)|MDTel29/6/80]]) ([[The Argus (37)|Argus5/7/80]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 6/7/1880 (2)|Argus6/7/80]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (64)|JJK]])
I with Mr [[Rawlins|Rawlins]] went to Stainistreet, the station master's house and met his wife. [[Stanistreet|She]] told me that the '''KellyGang''' were in Jones Inn. See also ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 5|RC8047]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 13|RC10301]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 30 page 1|RC11550]])
When we got back to the railway platform we met Const [[Const Hugh Bracken|Bracken]] who confirmed that the '''KellyGang''' were at [[Jones' Glenrowan Inn|Jones Inn]]. I took the lead, and charged right up to the hotel with some of my police. Mr. Carrington described me as a very tall figure. He said that he I could see me leave the platform, but the other police were muffled up. It was bitter cold night, and our coats were turned up with hats down over our faces, so the only way to distinguish was by height. ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 2|RC10033]])
'''Begining of the siege'''
The '''KellyGang''' were on the verandah and we both opened fire at each other. Bullets were whizzing about the place. The first brush was exceedingly hot. I was shot by the first volley.
I was through the wicket gate at the time, about 16 paces from [[Jones' Glenrowan Inn|Jones's Inn]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 30 page 2|RC11570]])([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 11 page 1|FH]])
Const [[Gascoigne|Gascoigne]] described what happened to me, 'When about 60 yards from the hotel, Const [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]] asked Sup Hare what was the matter; he then said, "Come along, boys." When we got within about 20 yards of the hotel, one of the police said, "Look out." I then saw the flash of a rifle. The man who fired the first shot was standing about 10 yards" from the corner of the hotel. The report of his rifle had not died away when I saw a row of flashes come from under the verandah of the hotel; the police quickly returned the fire. A man then came out from under the verandah, when Sup Hare called to him and advised him not to be foolhardy' and told him that he wished to speak a few words to him. In reply, the man said, "I don't want to speak to you," and at the same time fired at Sup Hare, and then returned to the verandah.' ([[Royal Commission report day 25 page 6|RC9674]]) See also ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (2)|MDTel29/6/80]]) ([[Ovens and Murray Advertiser (2)|OMA1/7/80]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 21 page 5|RC7774.7380]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 30 page 2|RC11581]]) ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 11 page 1|FH]])
I stuck my double barrelled shot gun between my legs and re-loading it and fired it one handed ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 6|RC8088]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 17|RC8392]])
The police and the '''KellyGang''' blazed away at each other in the darkness furiously. It lasted for about a quarter of an hour.
I gave the order to surround the Inn. "Kelly, surround the house, for God's sake, do not let them escape" ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 6|RC8093]]) See also ([[Royal Commission report day 21 page 5|RC7774.7372]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 19|RC10411]])
Immediately after the first shot was fired I took up a position between that and the hotel a little to the Benalla side, a little to the right, almost straight to the front door. Near wicket-gate nearest to the hotel. ([[Royal Commission report day 25 page 8|RC9689]])
In a few minutes I returned to the railway station with a shattered wrist. The first shot fired by [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] had passed through my left wrist. I bled profusely from the wound, but, Mr [[Carrington|Carrington]], artist of The Sketcher, tied up the wound with his handkerchief, and checked the haemorrhage. I then set out again for the fray, and cheered my men on as well as I could, but I gradually became so weak from loss of blood and had to retire back to the platform again.([[#|Argus 29/6/80]]) See also ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 6|RC8097]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 28 page 16|RC11342]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 14|RC10314]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (68)|JJK]])
SConst [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]] described what happened. He took charge when I left the scene.
'''Return to Benalla'''
I was taken to Benalla by the second special engine. ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 14|RC10314]])
I was looked after by [[Nicholson|Dr Nicholson]]. He described my injuries in his interview([[The Argus (33)|Argus3/6/1880]])
After the siege Com Standish came and saw me at my room in Benalla. He arrived about [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|2.30pm]] and was on his way north to Glenrowan ([[Royal Commission report day 1 page 11|RC77]])
I was interviewed by the press ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (4)|MDTel29/6/80]]) See Rawlins statement ([[The Argus at KellyGang 21/7/80 (2)|Argus21/7/80]])
'''Back in Melbourne'''
I was taken from Benalla to Richmond by train on 29/6/1880. Dr [[Ryan|Ryan]] also reported on my health and the bullet that caused the wound. ([[The Argus (14)|Argus30/6/80]]) ([[The Argus (19)|Argus30/6/80]])
On 30/6/80 I left the Spencer street station for Sunbury at twenty five minutes to four. My wife's family, Mr W J Clarke of [[Rupertswood|Rupertswood]] has kindly agreed to look after me. The Victorian police have arranged that I will be visited each day by Dr Charles [[Ryan|Ryan]]. ([[The Age (14)|Age]] 1/7/80) ([[The Argus (35)|Argus5/7/80]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 21 page 2|CHC]])
On behalf of the [[Governor of Victoria|Governor]] Captain Le Patourel wrote to me to congratulate me on the capture of the '''KellyGang''' soon after the siege at Glenrowan. See text of the letter I also recieved a letter from Mr [[Hare|Carrington]] and from many others. I did not issue any comment to the press or influence the versions of events that were reported in the press.([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 4|RC1602]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 4|RC10078]]) See also ([[The Argus (30)|Argus1/7/80]]) My statement ([[The Argus (40)|Argus20/7/1880]]) ([[Ovens and Murray Advertiser at KellyGang 24/7/1880 (5)|OMA24/7/1880]])
One the press started to criticize me ([[Herald (18)|Herald3/7/1880]])
It took was over £600 in medical fees to fix my hand from being shot by Ned Kelly. ([[Royal Commission report day 30 page 15|RC11865]])
My health problems ([[The Argus at KellyGang 18/10/1880|Argus18/10/80]])
'''Kelly Reward Board''' Following the meetings of the [[Reward|Reward Board]] in December 1880 I recieved a reward of £800
What did they think about this? ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/4/1881|Argus22/4/81]])
I gave one of the suits of the [[Kelly's Armour|armour]] and Ned Kelly's rifle to the Clarke family ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (52)|JJK]])
. '''Royal Commission''' I gave evidence to the Royal Commission on 31/3/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 1|RC1238]]), 1/4/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 7 page 1|RC1358]]), 5/4/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 8 page 1|RC1465]]), 6/4/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 1|RC1593]]), 28/6/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 33 page 1|RC12285]]), 21/7/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 10|RC13890]]), 1/9/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 48 page 1|RC16315]])
See the press reports of my evidence. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/4/1881|Argus2/4/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 6/4/1881|Argus6/4/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 30/6/1881|Argus30/6/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/9/1881|Argus2/9/81]])
The [[Royal Commission|Royal Commission]] found that my allegation concerning the events of [[#2/6/1880|2/7/880]] -Viz., that "Mr. Nicolson, Assistant Commissioner, gave me no verbal information whatever when at Benalla" - has been disproved by the evidence ([[Royal Commission second Report (page 2)|RC2ndReport]]) and
"That Superintendent Hare's services in the police force have been praiseworthy and creditable, but nothing special has been shown in his actions that would warrant the Commission in recommending his retention in the force, more especially when the fact is so patent that the "strained relations" between himself and Mr. [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] have had such a damaging influence on the effectiveness of the service. This feeling is not likely to be mitigated after what has transpired in the evidence taken before the Commission; and we would therefore recommend that Superintendent Hare be allowed to retire from the force, as though he had attained the age of 55 years, and that, owing to the wound he sustained at Glenrowan, he receive an additional allowance of £100 per annum, under clause 29 of the Police Statute (No. 476)" ([[Royal Commission second Report (page 2)|RC2ndReport]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (89)|JJK]])
Mr Dixon came to my defence and had a most spirited exchange with the majority members of the Royal Commission. ([[Royal Commission Second Report Part XV ( page 24)|2ndReport]]) (App20)
My initial response to the report ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/2/1882|Argus22/2/82]])
There was support for me in the press ([[The Argus at KellyGang 28/10/1881|Argus28/10/81]])
I gave the Chief Secretary my response to the Royal Commission. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 7/11/1881|Argus7/11/81]])
See summary of my views. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 17/12/1881|Argus17/12/81]])
A few of my friends came to my aid ([[The Argus at KellyGang 17/2/1882|Argus17/2/82]])
Others continued the attack. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/2/1882|Argus20/2/82]])
I gave evidence to the second phase of the Royal Commission ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/8/1882|Argus2/8/82]]) See also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/10/1882|Argus16/10/82]])
.
== Early Service ==
My parents were Captain Hare and Sallie Bird
I was born at Wynberg, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa and came to make my fortune on the gold fields in 1852. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 1 page 1|FH]])
I joined the Victoria Police 1 January [[1854-1863 Events|1854]] as a lieutenant of an annual salary of £300 a year.([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 1|RC1238]])
I was stationed at [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] [[1854-1863 Events|1854]], at [[Buckland|Buckland]] in [[1854-1863 Events|1855]], [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] in [[1854-1863 Events|1856]]. I was junior officer at Talbot goldfield near Maryborough in 9/[[1854-1863 Events|1858]]. I formed the police camp at Babylon and in 1860 was offered command at Williamstown
I got the following wonderful letter but nothing came of it
<blockquote>" Sir, Colonial Secretary's Office, Melbourne, 13th July 1855.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, transmitting one addressed to you by the inspector of police for the Ovens district, enclosing a communication from Dr. Mackay relative to the conduct of Lieutenant Hare, on the occasion of Dr. Mackay's house having been attempted to be broken into on the night of the 23rd ultimo. The letters referred to having been submitted to the Governor, I am commanded by His Excellency to convey to you his direction that Lieutenant Hare be promoted on the first vacancy occurring. You will also inform him that His Excellency has great pleasure in testifying the high sense he entertains of the gallant conduct evinced by him on the occasion alluded to; and I am to add that it will ever be His Excellency's desire to mark his appreciation of the services of such officers in the force as may render themselves conspicuous by their gallantry. I have the honor to be,
Sir, Your most obedient servant J. MOORE Acting Chief Secretary." There are a number of similar letters([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 3|RC1601]])
</blockquote>
In [[1854-1863 Events|1863]] I was offered the job of superintendent of police at [[Maitland|Maitland]]. If I had taken it it might have changed history([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 4|RC1602]])
See the details of my career. ([[Royal Commission report Appendix 6 page 1|RCApp6]])
== Later Service ==
After the Royal Commission I was reinstated as Superintendent by Cabinet pending my appointment as a stipendiary police magistrate ([[The Argus at KellyGang 3/3/1882|Argus3/3/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 4/3/1882|Argus4/3/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 21/3/1882|Argus21/3/82]])
I was given a great farwell by my police friends ([[The Argus at KellyGang 24/1/1883|Argus24/1/83]])
I wrote a book about my life called ' '''[[Last of the Bushrangers|The Last of The Bushrangers an account of the capture of the Kelly Gang]]''' ' ([[The Argus at KellyGang 5/12/1891|Argus5/12/91]])
After I left the police I was a police magistrate for a short time and then went to work for Sir William Clarke
I died at [[Rupertswood|Rupertswood]] on [[ev82-00---Story Continues|9/7/1892]]. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 11/7/1892|Argus11/7/92]])
== Family ==
<blockquote><blockquote>'''My family'''
My large family grew up in South Africa.
One of my uncles, Colonel Butterworth was Governor of Singapore in the 1850s ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 2 page 4|FH]])
'''wife''' - '''Janet Snodgrass'''
My father was Kenneth Snodgrass (was acting Governor of New South Wales at one stage)
My brother Peter Snodgrass fought a duel with Redmond [[Redmond Barry|Barry]].
My niece was Janet Lady [[Rupertswood|Clarke]].
My first husband was George Harper - police magistrate at Wangaratta. He died in 1856
I married Francis Hare in Sydney in 1867 ''''''
I died in 1896''',''' we had no children
'''home''' We lived in East Melbourne
</blockquote></blockquote>
== ==
KellyGang
[[Category:People]] [[Category:People starting with H-J]] [[Category:Hare]] [[Category:Superintendant Francis Hare]] [[Category:Police]] [[Category:Kelly Gang]] [[Category:history]]
MediaWiki:Sidebar
{{^|Original page location \people\peH_J\harePsup.html}}