Royal Commission report day 22 page 23
The Royal Commission evidence for 18/5/1881
(see also introduction to day 22)
SConst Kelly giving evidence
8574 They had enough to do to observe what was before them?— Yes.
8575 Was it necessary to go up and speak to every man the same as you would men in the streets? — I do not think that was necessary, to speak to every one.
8576 When you went round, was it sufficient to see every man at his post without speaking to him? —Yes, I did.
8577 By the Commission— On visiting your posts, did you see that they were properly posted?—Yes; I saw them.
8578 Did you ask them if they hand ammunition?— Yes, I asked Barry.
8579 If a man had no ammunition would he be utterly useless?— He would.
8580 Would it not be your duty to see, not only that he was at his place but that his arms were serviceable, and that he was not wounded?— The men would inform an officer if the arms had anything the matter with them, and if they had not ammunition.
8581 Could they do that without leaving their posts if officers did not go round?— No.
8582 By Mr. Sadleir— Did you see Constable Dwyer going round?— No, I did not see him going round.
8583 Did you see him going from post to post, not quite round, but part of the way?— Yes, I remember now I did see him.
8584 Have you any knowledge of who sent him?— Of my own knowledge I did not know. I heard that you sent him.
8585 If a favorable entry is made upon your record, you are informed of that, are you?— No
8586 Is not that an established rule in the department, and not a role by me or any officer?— I believe by the head of the department.
8587 There is no constable who is aware of what is there. Will Mr. Longmore object to read the last entry, but one.– [ The same was read by the Chairman as follows:–] “16/8/80. Was engaged in the Kelly search since October 1878, and was one of the first party of police who attacked the gang at Glenrowan on the 28th June 1880. Showed great zeal throughout, and special bravery and efficiency in the attack on the gang, and in assisting in the capture of Ned Kelly. Supt. Sadleir.–Recommended for promotion, half-yearly return.” That is 27/8/80.
Mr. Sadleir — That is an addendum?
The Chairman — Yes.
8588 By Mr. Sadleir (to the witness)— Does that satisfy your expectations?— Yes, the entry satisfies me.
8589 Do you think anything in the world could have been stated more fairly?— No; I consider that is very fair.
8590 Did not I select you, and give you to understand so, from the opinion I have of your services– did I not select you for Hedi, thinking you the best man I could find for it?— I believe you did.
8591 By the Commission (to Mr. Sadleir)— Did you tell him that you selected him on that account?
8592 By Mr. Sadleir (to the witness)— Do you remember my putting it that way to you; do you remember my saying, “Kelly, you are the only man I have fit to go”?— Yes, I remember that.
8593 Was not it only as a temporary arrangement to get the first difficulty over; you did not look upon it as my placing you there permanently, only that as long as the anger lasted after that day at Glenrowan did I wish you to be in charge?— Yes; but I told you I would take any station in the district before Greta.
Mr. Sadleir — I know you did.
8594 By the Commission— Did you distinctly understand, from what Mr. Sadleir told you, that it was to be only a temporary remove to Greta?— Yes, temporary.
8595 You knew that?— Yes.
8596 Have you any idea of the meaning of “temporary”?— I expected four or five months.
8597 There are men put temporarily in charge of a station, and left there for six or seven years?— I do not think so. That would not be temporary.
8598 By Mr. Sadleir— Did not I hand out promises of promotion to you as far as I was authorized? — Yes.....
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