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Royal Commission report day 6 page 13

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The Royal Commission evidence for 31/3/1881

(full text transcription)

(see also introduction to day 6 )

Francis Augustus Hare giving evidence

1351 I want to draw your attention to this in your printed statement:— “I had long talks with them and their men on state of affairs, and informed them that I intended stationing black-trackers, whom I expected from Queensland , at Benalla, Wangaratta, and Beechworth.” Was that in confirmation of the opinion that you had us to having black-trackers in pursuit of the Kellys?— That is on my second occasion.

1352 You say you told them ym1 were going to recommend that black-trackers should be stationed at Benalla, Wangaratta, and Beechworth—did you continue to have confidence in black-trackers in pursuit of the Kellys, so much so that you continued to use them on your second occasion?— Yes, but in a different way.

1353 Were those the black-trackers that were sent for by Mr. Chomley?— Yes.

1354 Are they in the district now?— Yes.

1355 Therefore you considered them useful?— Yes, to go with parties. “I also told them that at each of these towns I would have a full party of men stationed, so that, if any information was received about the Kellys, they would be in a position to go in pursuit at once.”

1356 Did that position of affairs exist upon your visit between the 12th December and the time when you were relieved by Mr. Nicolson?— It did, with the exception of the black-trackers.

1357 Were there parties at those towns who could go in pursuit at once?— There were undoubtedly; but you are touching upon matter I will go into further on more fully.

The witness withdrew.

Adjourned to Eleven o'clock to-morrow.

[~[[See report of Proceedi ngs 31/3/81]|5799]~]

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1/ 4/ 1881. ' ....

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