Royal Commission Appendix 20 for 15 March 1881

From KellyGang
Jump to: navigation, search

Story of the KellyGang - the Royal Commission

Minutes of Proceedings

The Royal Commission

(full text transcription)

APPENDIX 20 MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS HELD BY THE ROYAL COMMISSION

TUESDAY, 15TH MARCH 1881

Present:

Mr. LONGMORE in the Chair;

Mr Graves, Mr Fincham

Commission read.

Mr; Graves, prior to the commencement of the proceedings, called attention to remarks made by the Argus newspaper in reference to his appointment on the Commission. While contending that those remarks were, in his opinion, wholly unjustifiable he at the same time expressed his willingness to resign his position, if his brother members considered his presence amongst them calculated in the least to act prejudicially to the public interests or impair the value of their report. He would withdraw from the room while the meeting considered the matter.

The Chairman requested Mr. Graves to remain, as such a proceeding as he proposed was quite unnecessary. He felt assured that Mr. Graves's long and intimate acquaintance with the North-Eastern district would prove of the greatest value to his fellow members. They had each an important duty to discharge, and should not be deterred from doing it by anything that appeared in the press.

Moved by Mr. Fincham, seconded by Mr. Graves—

Resolved—That the evidence of witnesses called before the Commission be taken on oath.

Mr. Fincham gave notice of his intention to move, at the next meeting, that the proceedings of this Royal Commission be open to the press.

Some discussion arose as to whether witnesses should be allowed to obtain professional assistance. No definite decision was arrived at, but the general opinion expressed was adverse to that course being adopted.

Mr. Graves moved, Mr. Fincham seconded—

Resolved —That the Government be requested to place the services of Mr. Bell, shorthand writer, at the disposal of the Commission.

The Secretary submitted the following documents, which had been obtained from the Chief Secretary's Department, viz. —

Communication addressed by Captain Standish to the Chief Secretary, dated 5th July 1880, asking for the appointment of a Board of Enquiry into the state of the police force, having special reference to the Kelly outrages. From Mr. Nicolson, Assistant Commissioner of Police, asking for a Board to investigate the circumstances of his removal from the North-Eastern district.

From the same, reiterating the request. From Sub-Inspector O'Connor, of the Queensland police, requesting a Board. From the same, repeating the request. Also Superintendent Hare's official report upon the Glenrowan affray.

Moved by Mr. Fincham, seconded by Mr. Graves—

Resolved —That the foregoing documents be printed, and copies sent to the various police officers concerned therewith, and also to the members of the Commission.

Ordered —That Captain Standish, Mr. Nicolson, Superintendent Hare, and Sub-Inspector O'Connor be summoned to attend the meeting of the Commission to be held on Friday the 18th March, at Eleven o'clock.

The Commissioners then adjourned.

18th March 1881.

F. LONGMORE, Chairman.

______________

Introduction the Minutes and Proceedings

report of the next day


 ! The text has been retyped from a microfiche copy of the original.

We have taken care to reproduce this document but areas of the original text may been damaged.

We also apologise for any typographical errors.

The Royal Commission Report index RC_index.html