Royal Commission report day 19 page 38
The Royal Commission evidence for 13/5/1881
(see also introduction to day 19)
'Const Thomas Kirkham giving evidence'
6925 Was there any firing after they came out?— I think there was, but I cannot swear.
6926 At what time were you placed in any position to take charge of the black trackers, I mean the O'Connor trackers?— I got charge of them at Heathcote, at the time of the Lancefield robbery.
6927 That would be in the month of August 1879?— Yes.
6928 And you remained in that position till the time that Mr. O'Connor left?— Yes.
6929 You have also been in charge of the black trackers brought from Queensland since?— Yes.
6930 Do you think, from the experience you have gained in connection with the trackers, that you are now competent to take charge of them for a similar purpose to that for which they were first brought here?— I think so.
6931 Would the black trackers of themselves be of any practica1 use in tracking a gang like the Kelly outlaws, if they came upon them for the purpose of attack, would they fight?— Not without white police, that is my opinion.
6932 Then would you, from the knowledge you have gained, take say six of those black trackers for the purpose of tracking a gang similar to the late Kelly gang?— No.
6933 What mode would you adopt under similar circumstances as those during the Kelly business?— I consider two of them quite sufficient for a party.
6934 If you thought you were on the tracks of four desperate men, like the Kelly outlaws, what other force would you take besides the two trackers?— Six or eight whites.
6935 Men that have had experience in bush life—just describe the six or eight men you would like to take, suppose you were after them in real earnest?— Men used to the bush.
6936 And any other requisites?— Men of known courage.
6937 Good horsemen, men of known courage, and good shots?— Yes.
6938 Then you do not believe in the system of taking six blacks, and only one or two Europeans for the purpose of tracking a gang like the Kellys?— I cannot say I do; I say I consider two sufficient for a party.
6939 Do you think, from the information and from the knowledge you have gained of the trackers now, that you could, under circumstances similar to the Kelly business, conduct a band of men with two black trackers for that purpose—you have some opinion of your own pluck and ability?— A little.
6940 Do you think you could pick out another half dozen men and two black trackers, and be efficient for that work?— Yes.
6941 Equally with any other officer who has been in charge of those black trackers?— Yes.
6942 You do?— Yes.
6943 You have had some experience of the ability of those men for tracking purposes under ordinary circumstances?— Yes.
6944 What is the conclusion you have arrived at either as to Mr. O'Connor's or the present lot?— Well, I saw a good deal of both parties, and from what I saw of Mr. O'Connor's “boys” and the present lot, I must say I think the present lot superior to Mr. O'Connor's “boys,” as far as tracking goes.
6945 Are some individuals superior to others in tracking?— Yes.
6946 I suppose you cannot account for that?— No.
6947 Are those men abstemious men?— They are.
6948 Total abstainers?— Almost, they will drink nothing.
6949 In that respect how do they compare with Mr. O'Connor's men?— Mr. O'Connor's “boys” touched nothing, unless he gave it himself.
6950 In that respect they are both about equal?— Yes.
6951 Did you, during the day you were at Glenrowan, hear any one volunteer to rush the hotel?— Yes.
6952 Who?— Constables Dwyer, Montford, and Armstrong.....
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