Royal Commission report day 37 page 25
The Royal Commission evidence for 20/7/1881
(see also introduction to day 37)
Mr Patrick Allen giving evidence
13479 Then it was pretty well known that they were not out of the country?— That was the general opinion—that they were in the country.
13480 I suppose you are about a good deal among the people now?— Yes.
13481 Meeting everybody and speaking generally over these matters. Is there any apparent fear at all of another outbreak?— I do not think so—not the slightest here.
13482 You think the place is just as quiet as ever it was?— I think so.
13483 And likely to remain so?— I think so.
13484 Do you think a reasonable terror would be in people's minds on account of the punishment those men got?— Oh, yes, I think that would have a good deal to do with it. Here about Beechworth we were never very much frightened; it was more down the other way, towards Greta .
13485 But you would hear if there was anything moving?— Yes.
13486 There seems to be another idea—that they have not a leader they would have confidence in to bring them through as Ned Kelly did?— Yes, that is the general opinion, unless his brother did it. I think they have had quite enough of it.
13487 Have you anything you wish to add?— I just might simply state as to what appeared in the public press. A constable, giving evidence before you in Melbourne , stated that Detective Ward, or that some one said that Detective Ward, kept the officers running about simply to give me custom. That was a very false statement to make, and I wish to say I have bean living in Beechworth for eleven years, and could call in all the officers. Though Mr. Nicolson Mr. Hare did not know me personally, they have placed a great deal of confidence in me, as I was getting information and giving it to Ward, and keeping it quiet all along, and I think it is very bad for a fellow like that to make such a statement. Of course, if the police did not come to me, whom would they come to to keep it quiet after I had served them for ten years, and no one could keep it quieter than I did? That statement is a thing that annoyed me; there is no foundation for it in the world. This very man that made the remark was one of the men who were there at Sherritt’s hut the night he was shot. I can prove beyond a doubt, if there is any doubt in your minds, that my transactions with the police force were legitimate from beginning to end.
13488 There is not the slightest doubt about that?— That is all right then.
13489 By Mr. Nicolson— So far as you have had opportunities of knowing, are you aware of the time that the fact of the police being concealed in the cave became known to any of the public?— Not till it was all over, to the best of my knowledge. I never heard anything to show it was known they were there, and I do not believe it was known till after they had left.
The witness withdrew. ....
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