Royal Commission report day 19 page 27
The Royal Commission evidence for 13/5/1881
(see also introduction to day 19)
Sgt Whelan giving evidence
6570 By Mr. Nicolson. —Did not the men improve very much?— Yes, they got more practice.
6571 Was there a necessity for doing so at that time?— Yes, to make them good marksmen.
6572 In coming into contact with that gang, was not that of importance?— Yes. I think all the men were efficient in arms.
6573 By the Commission. —Were they capable of going through all necessary manoeuvres with the firearms?— They were
6574 It was simply a question of steadiness of nerve whether they shot steadily?— Yes, and a good deal of practice.
6575 And they practised sufficiently to be good shots?— Yes.
6576 Would I be correct if I formed the opinion that there was evidence sufficient before me to satisfy my mind that the police of the colony of Victoria were inefficiently trained in the use of arms?— I cannot answer for the whole colony, but the men that were here under my command I found were all well able to use their arms; and it is very little difficulty in instructing a man to load a double-barrelled gun loaded at the breech; and being loaded with pellets it is easy to hit with it; but the Martini and Spencer rifles are quite different and need more practice.
6577 And those were new arms?— Yes.
6578 By Mr. Nicolson. —Had not I and you to teach the men how to dismount with those Martini Henrys?— Yes, you instructed me to do so. The horses were paddocked, and the men were drilled to see how soon the men could be got out properly.
6579 Were they not taught how to sling the rifle behind them, and so on?— After they were issued they had to be instructed in all those things.
6580 By Mr. Hare. —Do you mean that the men did not know how to do that before Mr. Nicolson came up, to mount with those long rifles?— Some of the men had not been there before at Beechworth.
6581 My party that went out, did they not?— Your party could do it, but there were some strange men that came.
6582 That was not the first instruction the men got?—(No answer).
Mr. Sadleir . —I understand that I shall have an opportunity of cross-examining this witness at a future time.
The witness withdrew
Const Thomas Reilly sworn and examined
6583 By the Commission. —What are you?— A foot constable.
6584 Were you at Glenrowan?— Yes.
6585 What time did you arrive at Glenrowan?— After five o'clock in the morning.
6586 You came on from Benalla?— Yes.
6587 Where were you stationed?— At the Benalla end of the house, about 150 yards from the house.
6588 You are stationed here?— Yes.
6589 Had you any opportunity of seeing what was going on towards the front of the house?— Yes, I could see the front of the house from my position.
6590 You could not see into it?— No, along the front of the house and back.
6591 Did you see the position occupied by Mr. O'Connor on that occasion?— No, I did not see him during that day until about a quarter of an hour before the house was fired, when he came round with Mr. Sadleir.
6592 You have heard the evidence given by Sergeant Whelan with reference to the fighting at that house; is there anything particular that you can add?— I do not think it.
6593 Did you hear any instructions by any officer that day?— No, I cannot say I did.
6594 No officer came to you to give you any instructions?— No, no officer came to me to give me any instructions from the time Mr. Sadleir gave us general instructions when we were on the platform to go down, keep single file, and surround the house as soon as possible.
6595 Did you understand from Mr. Sadleir or anyone speaking to you that there was a portion of the house unguarded?— Yes, we were sent to that part, and I took up my position there.
6596 How far from Sergeant Whelan?— About 10 or 15 yards from him.
6597 What weapon were you using?— A double-barrelled breech-loader.....
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