Royal Commission report day 24 page 3
The Royal Commission evidence for 1/6/1881
(see also introduction to day 24)
Sgt Steele giving evidence
9225 Your only reason for not staying was because there was a party ready to take it up?— Yes.
9226 Were you tied down absolutely by my instructions?— I considered I was as regards going to Rats' Castle.
9227 Was I fully aware of this rumor?— No, you were not, I think. I had just mentioned to you that there was some talk by the station master about some one being seen.
9228 Still, if there had been no party at Wangaratta you would have followed it?— Yes, of course. I had jaded horses; we had ridden all day in the wet, and were wringing wet. I had travelled forty miles that day, and it was better for fresh horses and men to go after them.
9229 Did you know the strength of Mr. Brook Smith's party at Wangaratta then?— I think he had six men; I asked Twomey, and his reply was, “Six,” and I was quite satisfied there were. He was to follow them up, from the enquiries I made; I was very sorry I could not follow the men myself.
9230 By the Commission— How many men had you with you?— I could not tell the exact number. I have been told since there were about thirteen or fourteen men, but there were so many parties I could not tell unless I kept a memorandum. I could have told but for losing my book.
9231 By Mr. Sadleir— On the morning of the Glenrowan affair, will you state the actual hour of Ned Kelly's arrest?— Between six and seven o'clock .
9232 The sun rose that morning at seventeen minutes after seven?— The sun rose, a little after we got him to the station by your direction, as we were carrying him out.
9233 Is it not a place surrounded by hills and high timber–is there not a gap?— Yes.
9234 Is there not enough to make the morning darker by a few minutes than on the plains?— I do not think so. The sun rises on that gap towards Wangaratta. I think we could see the sun the moment it got above the horizon.
9235 You were rolled under Ned Kelly, had you an opportunity of judging if he smelt of liquor?— I had.
9236 Did he?— I think not.
9237 Had you tasted food or drink for many hours?— No, nothing that night.
9238 You were perfectly satisfied he had none?— I am. He did not smell. I bent over him, and he spoke as soberly as possible. He got some liquor afterwards, as you know. I am very quick in detecting the smell of drink.
9239 You mention there are four people who may give trouble in that district still?— Yes.
9240 I will read some names–[reading a list of names]–there are ten of those men I have mentioned to you; do you think any of those might?— I think the two , and–, and–, are four of the most dangerous men in the district.
9241 And that the others are not so dangerous?— No, but they are dangerous men.
9242 You made a report on the 6th of July representing your share in the capture of Ned Kelly– the action you took. I have that report, dated 6th July. In making your application for the reward, do you refer to that report?— That was the second report I sent in. I sent in one which I went down with the other papers from Wangaratta to the secretary for the board.
9243 I speak of the 6th July last–have you any recollection?— I recollect sending a report as to the revolver taken from his side, and disputing certain statements.
9244 Did you not, in making your application re the reward, refer to report on the 6th July?— Yes.
9245 It was sent to me. I want to read my remarks upon your report, and I ask whether it is a fair statement of your services on that day:– “Claim No. 30. Sergeant Arthur Loftus Maule Steele (1179). I have no doubt of the substantial correctness of the statements contained in Sergeant Steele’s report of 6th July, and on which he bases his claim. The sergeant displayed a ready pluck and decision under very exciting circumstances. There appears to be now no question that he was the first man to lay hands on Ned Kelly, and that it was at his fire the outlaw fell.” Is that right; is there anything further you can desire?— No.
9246 You never heard of that before?— No.
9247 So that there is a great deal both for and against a member of the force that he does not.
The Chairman — This is the record sheet:–“ 16/8/80 . Has been engaged in charge of several search parties re Kelly gang since October 1878, and joined in the attack on the gang at Glenrowan soon after five a.m. on 28th June 1880; was the first person to lay hands on Ned Kelly; behaved on that occasion with special bravery.” That is signed by Mr. Sadleir.
Mr. Sadleir — That is new to Sergeant Steele also, I believe.
The Witness — My reason for sending in my report of the 6th was that I did not consider I had been fairly dealt with. I was merely casually mentioned in Mr. Sadleir's report to the Chief Commissioner of Police in reference to the capture of Ned Kelly. My firm belief is that had it not been for the action I took there would have been no Ned Kelly taken alive.....
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