Sydney Morning Herald (2)
LEAKAGE OF INFORMATION
A KELLY GANG EPISODE
MELBOURNE, Tuesday
Mr Gaunson figured as a witness for about half an hour at to-day's sitting of the Police Commission. His "evidence" consisted in the main of adverse comments upon the commission's methods and his criticisms were chiefly directed at the manner in which the evidence was procured.
"You are floundering in a sea of speculation," he said, in support of his contention that some person experienced in collecting and marshalling evidence ought to be appointed to gather and sift evidence preparatory to the summoning of witnesses to testify on oath.
Members of the commission smiled, when Mr Gaunson remarked at the conclusion of his critical statements: “I don't think I have thrown much light on the subject," but he looked grave when he declared that people outside held an impression that the information in possession of the commission leaked out through the detective force.
After Mr Gaunson had retired, the commissioners decided that his remarks about the leakage of information should be expunged from the minutes of the proceedings.
One of two witnesses heard at the sitting to-day was Superintendent D C Graves. This police officer, who has a long record of service, related some of his personal experiences with the Kelly gang. The superintendent said that before joining the police force he lived some three years in the north-eastern district and got to know the Kellys well. On one occasion while on a run belonging to a cousin or his (Mr Graves) he discovered Ned Kelly taking away a horse. Mr Graves challenged the man's right to remove the horse, and was not convinced when Kelly spread out a piece of paper, and said that it represented his authority to take the animal. A physical encounter speedily followed. "Ned Kelly was pretty severely hurt?" asked a member of the commission. "Well," replied Superintendent Graves, "he got the worst of it very quickly. He did not ride away."
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