Royal Commission report day 2 page 15
The Royal Commission evidence for 24/3/1881
(see also introduction to day 2 )
Assistant Commissioner Nicholson giving evidence
527 What hour would that be?- Just before I started.
528 Was it before ten o'clock?- Yes, long before; it was early in the morning-I came down express.
529 And the trackers were to go to Euroa?- I believe that is it; but the telegram can be produced. I also indicated to the police up there which way I thought they should move-what direction the search party should take.
530 In this special telegram?- In this telegram, it has been said that I telegraphed (something monstrous was conveyed about me) that I sent to the Mansfield police- "You have got your orders, go on." I sent no such telegram.
531 What direction did you give to the police?- I believe, as far as I can recollect, it was to move down the back road from that direction.
532 A copy of it will be available?- I believe so, and the original in my handwriting in the office, but I do not like to touch it or interfere with it.
533 How can the copies of those telegrams be obtained?- In the Benalla telegraph office. I warned the telegraph master to take great care of all telegrams. From the road between Mansfield and Longwood, I think that was it, searching the country towards Strathbogie; I do not recollect exactly, but I indicated the possibility of their making into the Strathbogie ranges. It has been said that I sent orders to the Euroa police to wait until I arrived-as a fact, there was a party at Euroa.
534 Who was in charge of that party?- Senior Constable Johnson and Detective Ward.
535 How many were in Euroa at that time?- Six or seven, that was Johnson's party. I am not aware and I do not believe that I ever said anything of this kind, as expressed. As I was coming down in the train-Mr. Wyatt was with me. I expressed the fear that I would be too late, that the police would be gone; and Mr. Wyatt told me that he did not think so, something to the effect that the men did not wish to go, they were shore to wait till I came.
536 And that was his opinion?- That he had heard so.
537 That was next morning?- Yes; I reached Faithfull's Creek, pulled up the train when we came opposite the creek, and left Mr. Wyatt there, and did not see him again; and I went and joined the party at Faithfull's Creek.
538 At Euroa?- No; I never went near Euroa; I went direct to Faithfull's Creek on the Benalla side, and joined the party that were waiting there, and started from there as soon as I possibly could.
539 At what hour?- I could not say.
540 Mid day?- No; in the morning.
541 Between eleven and twelve would it be?- Oh, earlier than that.
542 What distance had you travelled then?- I merely had come down by train; I was in sight of it from the train-the Faithfull's Creek station is in sight of it from the train. I had come right through from Albury.
543 From Benalla you came down by train, after sending the telegram, and arrived at Faithfull's Creek-what time did the journey occupy?- About 30 miles.
544 About one hour and a quarter?- Yes.
545 Did you arrive before the ordinary train at Euroa or afterwards?- I arrived at Faithfull's Creek before every train.
546 The ordinary is ten minutes past ten, therefore you must have been before that?- I was some time before that. ..
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