Royal Commission report day 47 page 6
The Royal Commission evidence for 31/8/1881
(see also introduction to day 47)
F. C. Standish giving evidence
16055 But then you damage Mr. Nicolson, and will not give him the slightest opportunity of protecting his character?— I merely tell you I gave my evidence straightforwardly and truthfully, and I adhere to all I said, and I have no occasion to change a word of what I said. That does not make the attack less gross upon Mr. Nicolson .
The room was cleared.
The public were re-admitted
16056 We were speaking about the language of Mr. Nicolson to the constable—would there see any difficulty in finding out who that man was?— I could not tell you. I have not the slightest idea.
16057 How many men were usually in charge of the stables there?— There was only one man there when I went in with Mr. Nicolson.
16058 Was any other officer besides yourself and Mr. Nicolson present at the time?— No, only Mr. Nicolson and myself.
16059 What had Mr. Hare done at this time (question No. 43) different from what Mr. Nicolson had done that you praise him so much?— I think he is the best officer in the police force out and out, without exception.
16060 In what respect does the contrast come between the two officers, because the difference in speaking of them is very marked?— That one is a most popular man in the police force and the other is about the most unpopular man in the force.
16061 Is that the only cause of your speaking with reference to him?— He is popular because he is kind, genial, and active, and never worries the men under him, and the men who have been serving under him would do anything for him.
16062 Do the police perform their duties more efficiently under Mr. Hare than under Mr. Nicolson?— I should think they would.
16063 You ought to know the fact whether there is a marked difference or not?— Of course you all know that a police officer who is an active man, and who has pleasant manners and is kind and genial to all the men, they would do anything in the world for him, and I am quite certain there is not a more popular man in the police service than Mr. Hare.
16064 It is not a question of what you heard or said, but do they act more efficiently under Mr. Hare than under Mr. Nicolson?— I am certain they would.
16065 I ask do they act more efficiently?— They do.
16066 Has Mr. Hare shown any superior knowledge of office work over Mr. Nicolson?— No. Mr. Hare has the office work as superintendent, and that is not very voluminous. It is in work he can get through it in about half an hour in the day.
16067 I think you mentioned that you came down to town and found the office in a muddle under Mr. Nicolson—do you adhere to that?— I go by what I heard from the clerks in my office.
16068 Mr. Moors has been before the Commission, and said there was nothing of the sort?— Well, I should be very sorry to give him the lie. Of course he is a most honorable man. I have a great esteem and regard for him; but there is not the slightest doubt that evidence came from the clerks in my office. That I adhere to most firmly.
16069 Mr. Moors in his evidence explained that by saying that Mr. Nicolson was not so perfect in office work as you were, and did not perhaps deal so rapidly with papers—delayed them a little longer in the office; would that be a reply to that statement?— Well, I suppose it is a quasi explanation.
16070 But then Mr. Moors said that all the papers that could be were cleared up every night, so perfect in that the office was never in any muddle whatever — would that be a correct statement that only a few papers were left for you officially to deal with?— All I know is from hearsay.
16071 You would know if they came under your own notice?— He was performing my duties in the office for about six months, but there were no arrears of any importance left when I arrived there. There were some few papers that had been dealt with.
16072 Do you adhere to your statement that the office was in a muddle?— I am going from what I heard from the clerks in my office.
16073 Is there any clerk in the office that would be able to give the information?— I would rather not give the names of anybody, it might do them harm.....
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