Royal Commission report day 17 page 4
The Royal Commission evidence for 10/5/1881
(see also introduction to day 17)
Constable Dowling giving evidence
4761 Did you commence firing as soon as you got into position?— A few minutes afterwards we did.
4762 Had you any instructions how to fire at the house?— Yes, we received instructions from Mr. Sadleir that we were to fire about two feet above the level of the floor, as there were civilians inside.
4763 How would that affect your firing at two feet above the level of the floor—how would that save them?— Because they were lying down inside. Mr. Sadleir heard they were lying down inside, and gave us instructions to fire about two feet above the level of the floor.
4764 Did you see anything that occurred—did you hear of the civilians being called out?— Yes; I heard someone calling out on them to come outside.
4765 Was there any firing then?— I saw a handkerchief put out through the east of the building, and there was a shot fired at it by one of the black trackers; they kept inside then.
4766 Did the civilians come out then?— Shortly afterwards they did.
4767 Were you anywhere near where they came out?— Yes, I was just close to where they came.
4768 You did not know by whom this handkerchief was held out?— No.
4769 Did they say anything of what occurred inside?— I could not hear what they said. I was 15 or 20 yards away from them I should think.
4770 Did they say the outlaws were still 1iving—you did not hear that?— I did not, but I heard they did say so.
4771 Were there shots fired at the building after they came out?— I saw one of the outlaws afterwards, I would not be sure there were shots fired. Yes, I believe they were.
4772 Where was he?— He came out into the back yard—that would be at the west of the building —he came outside and was tapping his chest.
4773 How did that sound?— I could not tell I am sure, but constable McHugh fired and struck him, and I fired next; both shots hit him. I heard it strike on the armour—there were several afterwards and he went inside then.
4774 Then the shots had no effect?— No, they had not.
4775 What time was it you fired at him?— Two o'clock I should think, I am not sure, I could not form any idea what time it was; I had no watch on me at the time; it was after the civilians surrendered.
4776 Did you estimate the length of time they were there before they came out?— It was twelve or one o'clock, I should think, when they came out.
4777 Cannot you fix the time when you commenced firing—what time did you get down?— Between eight and nine o'clock.
4778 What did you do then?— We got out of the train and took up our position at once.
4779 Did you see Mr. Sadleir?— Yes.
4780 Where was he when you saw him?— At the railway station.
4781 Did he accompany you and place you in position?— Yes, he pointed to it from the railway station.
4782 You then left the railway and took up your position at the north of the building?— Yes.
4783 In a direct line with the building or facing it?— Partly facing it.
4784 That would be soon after nine o'clock?— Previous to nine.
4785 What did you do after you got to this spot?— A few minutes afterwards we started firing. I saw my other mates firing too.
4786 At the hotel?— Yes.
4787 Did you see anyone in the hotel at that time?— We saw someone come to the windows, I believe it was the outlaws. I removed my post about half-an-hour afterwards.
4788 To where?— That would be the west of the building, there was a window there.
4789 That would be round the back?— Yes.
4790 Was the building in the yard between you and the point you removed to?— Yes.
4791 Right at the back of the yard?— I was at the west.
4792 That was about half-past nine?— Yes.
4793 What did you see after that?— I believe I saw some of the outlaws come to the window at the west of the building.
4794 What did you do?— I fired on them.
4795 Do you think the shot had any effect?— They went away from the window.
4796 Did you continue firing from that out?— I fired about three shots as quick as I could after that.
4797 What did you do after that?— I went closer to the building.
4798 In the same direction?— No, more to the north, lower down again from where I moved back.
4799 What did you see then?— It was after that one of the outlaws came outside.
4800 That would be about ten o'clock?— I could not say very well what time it was.
4801 Can you say within a trifle by reckoning what you did?— I think it was after the civilians came out.
4802 Did you see them come out?— Yes.
4803 Describe under what circumstances they came out?— They came running out, holding up their hands, saying, “I will surrender.”
4804 Did you see Mr. Sadleir then?— Yes.
4805 Where was he?— He walked towards the civilians.
4806 Where was he standing before he commenced to walk?— Twenty or thirty yards on the north, lower down that we were, between us and the railway platform.
4807 Where did the civilians come out at?— At the east, I think it was.
4808 Facing the railway line?— Yes. ....
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