Difference between revisions of "Royal Commission report day 9 page 10"

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The Royal Commission evidence for 6/4/1881

(see also introduction to day 9)

Henry Moors giving evidence

1665 At the time of that particular letter about the cave party were you then under the impression at that time that it was an unfair interference on the part of Captain Standish with Mr. Nicolson in his duties—I mean your own impression at the time you saw that?— No, I should say not. I do not think Captain Standish ordered the discontinuance of that party, but he had a strong opinion that it was a useless party. Mr. Nicolson, who was on the spot, thought it was a necessary party; there was that difference of opinion. Captain Standish, I believe, expressed himself strongly that it was a useless measure, but he said nothing more than anyone holding an opinion as he did would say.

1666 Did any letters come under your notice whereby you could observe that the fact of this secret party in the cave was known at the time?— No, what I am saying now is the result of what came to my knowledge afterwards. I cannot be certain when that was going on that I knew anything about it. The object of having an officer of high standing in the force at Benalla was expressly to enable him to act promptly, and that relieved me of a great deal of correspondence that would have passed through the office otherwise. A great deal done in Benalla we did not know about till afterwards.

1667 Do you know of your own knowledge whether any communication was sent to your department conveying the information that the fact of the cave party under Mr. Nicolson was well known in the barracks in Richmond?— No, I think not. In the absence of papers I would not be absolutely certain, but I feel quite confident in my own mind as to its not being so.

1668 Did Captain Standish at any time complain to you of the reticence of Mr. Nicolson?— Yes; not in the way exactly of complaint, but when Mr. Nicolson was at Benalla Captain Standish would sometimes show a degree of impatience; he would say he could not make out what was going on at Benalla.

1669 Would he state any reason why he could not tell what was going on?— Because he did not hear, he could not get information.

1670 Because Mr. Nicolson had not forwarded information to him?— Yes, he seemed to be dissatisfied at not receiving fuller particulars from Benalla.

1671 Had you any correspondence with the head of the department in reference to a state school teacher in the employ of the police in the North-Eastern district?— I do not know, I might have had, but I am not quite certain; there was correspondence, I think, about the man you refer to. I think I know the matter referred to, but whether it passed through the books or not I am not quite certain.

1672 That correspondence is obtainable?— It is now in the hands of the Secretary of the Commission, if it is the case I refer to—if it is the case of a letter which was furnished to the department, an unsigned letter furnished by Mr. Graves.

1673 We have it in evidence that this teacher had written many letters?— They did not come through the office.

1674 A state school teacher employed by the police?— It did not come through our office. Under he circumstances, it is a kind of correspondence that would not come through.

1675 Which is the other case you refer to?— A letter referring to the information given by a state school teacher.

1676 The statement of the teacher who was there at the time of the finish-up?— Yes, I refer to that, because you say correspondence with the Education Department.

1677 I do not mean Mr. Curnow?— No.

1678 Was it before the capture of the Kellys?— Yes, but my recollection of the whole of that affair is very vague. You could not rely on my mere impression.

1679 You have all the correspondence, if there is any?— Not that. That particular file has been furnished to the Secretary of the Commission.

1680 It is not intended by the Commission to name any names. That is why we are particular in not mentioning the names?— Yes.

1681 Do you know of your own knowledge of the papers of the office whether any sums of money have been paid to any school teacher for information?— I do not of my own knowledge.

The Chairman . —As this is a matter strictly connected with the office, and as Mr. Hare and Mr. Nicolson have both been connected with the office to some extent, the Commission will give them liberty to put any questions if they think fit. Do you desire to do so Mr. Nicolson?

1682 By Mr. Nicolson (to the witness). —You alluded to the clerks being detained in the office during the period that I was in charge in Captain Standish's absence up country. Has any other Acting Commissioner of police detained them late?— There has been no other Acting Commissioner......

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