Royal Commission report day 48 page 15
The Royal Commission evidence for 1/9/1881
(see also introduction to day 48)
'Sup Francis Augustus Hare giving evidence'
16531 When did you see or hear of that man, just previously to July?— I called at his house. Another bit of information was, that the Kellys , in my opinion, were camped at Wilson 's paddock, in the Wangaratta sub-district.
16532 By the Commission— What was the size of that paddock?— About 600 or 700 acres, and this is the paddock I am told they lived in during the greater part of the time Mr. Nicolson was there. They had the Greta Swamp on the one side, the Warby Ranges on the other, and one of the sympathisers, McAuliffe , hired the paddock, and I told Mr. Nicolson all about that. I directed Sergeant Steele to make inquiries about this paddock, and he said he had done so, and could get no information.
16533 By Mr. Nicolson— I am not insinuating that you did not give full information, but I ask as to its value?— I have given you that.
16534 Do you still persist that you told me that “Diseased Stock” was an agent?— Beyond a doubt.
16535 When we were going up the hill Power's hut, did I ask you to lead the way?— No, previously you told me you intended leading the way.
16536 Have you stated to any one outside that that was the case?— No.
16537 You stated that the reason you had for writing to me was, because you had been told that I had used the expression, on being informed by Captain Standish that I was to return, that I had said to him, “What ! be relieved by that underling”?— Yes; Captain Standish told me that.
16538 Did you ever hear me use that expression?— No.
16539 With reference to that telegram about which Ward brought you, that erroneous account about the agents—you were three weeks up after that?— Yes.
16540 You were in Beechworth after that?— Yes.
16541 You say you did not report that to Captain Standish?— Not officially. I wrote to him privately, and told him I had received no information from you, and I gave the Commission this morning my reason.
16542 Am I not your superior officer in rank?— Yes.
16543 Do you consider you were justified in making such a report about that telegram about your superior officer on such a serious thing as that without first seeing the telegram?— I have made my statement on that. I still stick to it.
16544 You are aware that Mullane has proved the sending of that telegram was needless, that the action had already been taken?— Only on one point, that the men were to be removed from the hut.
16545 Do you not recollect, when I was handing over charge, Aaron Sherritt's name being mentioned between us?— I do not think so. It may have been on my asking about him, but you could not have given it in the ten minutes or twenty minutes.
16546 Do you not recollect my mentioning Aaron Sherritt at all?— I do not.
16547 Do you recollect my mentioning the Chief Commissioner's name once?— No; in what way?
16548 I had determined not to allude to the Chief Commissioner in this interview, as I was on bad terms with him, but I made this exception, by handing over the account about Aaron Sherritt, telling the position he was in, and made use of the expression, “But the Chief Commissioner thinks fit—thinks he is a better judge of who is fit to be employed than I am”?— You may have done so.
16549 Was I not explaining about Aaron Sherritt?— What necessity was there then to telegraph six hours after to discharge the agents.
16550 We subsequently walked to the hotel together?— Yes, but we did not mention the subject of the Kellys.
16551 Had you not an opportunity of asking me anything?— I had; but you had received your orders, and I had received mine.
16552 In your report relating to the trackers, did you not detain them as long as you could till orders to send them to Melbourne were received?— I carried out my orders directly I received them. When directed that Mr. O'Connor was to go to Melbourne , I said he could go at once.
16553 In your last paragraph, you said you thought it advisable to send the trackers away as a ruse?— Yes.
16554 Did you send them away?— No; I had no power to do so.....
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