Ovens and Murray Advertiser at KellyGang 24/7/1880 (13)
Full text of the article
“I have also to acknowledge the readiness with which Dr John Nicholson, of Benalla, accompanied my party to afford any professional assistance that might be necessary, and his services were at once afforded to Ned Kelly when captured.
“Martin Cherry a few minutes after his removal from the building, and a boy Jones since died from his injuries in the Wangaratta Hospital.I also understand that a youth named Readon is in a critical condition in the same institution.A man named George Metcalf has also been forwarded by your instructions to Melbourne for treatment to an injury received in the eye while the firing was going on.
“The conduct of every member of the police force engaged was completely satisfactory.
“From Sub-inspector O’Connor I had throughout the day continual assistance and advice, and with regard to the members of the Victorian force, my only difficulty was in restraining a few too eager spirits.
“I have already alluded to the conduct of Senior-constable Johnston.He did the special work sought by him in the face of special danger, as all then supposed.
“I am assured—for I was not present on the spot—that the men who captured Ned Kelly had a difficult and dangerous business for the short time it lasted.
“I find that Sergeant Steele (1179), Senior-constable Kelly (1925), Constables Bracken (2228), Dwyer (2507), and Montford (2697), were men concerned.I find, also, that Constables Arthur (2971), Phillips (2745), and Healey(2886), were all more or less directly assisting in the arrest of Ned Kelly.
“Ned Kelly, from his appearance in the imperfect light, looked like some unearthly being, on whom bullets had no effect.Mr Dowsett, who was also on the spot, says he thought he was the devil.
“The conduct of the Queensland trackers was excellent, and shows, certainly, that in good company at least they may be thoroughly relied on.
“The circumstances of the day did not call for many acts of conspicuous daring, and excepting the severe wound to Superintendent Hare, none of the attacking party received any.
“After the affair was over, the bodies of Hart and Dan Kelly were given over to their relations, as I reported to you on your arrival at Glenrowan.
“Their friends applied to me next day for the necessary order for burial, which I had procured for them, and expressed their acknowledgement for the consideration shown to them.
“Subsequent reports as to the conduct of those people have, as I have good reason to believe, been greatly exaggerated.
“The body of Martin Cherry was handed to his sister.
“The body of Byrne was buried at 4 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon in the Benalla Cemetery, and was not claimed by anyone.
“Attached you will find a list of all the members of the force concerned in this duty, with the hour of their arrival.
“I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant,
“Superintendent of Police.
“The Chief Commissioner of Police, Melbourne.”
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