The Argus (44)
The Argus continued with its report of the KellyGang
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[[#_Toc43994061|]] [[../../people/peH_J/harePsup.html|Superintendent Hare's Report]] continued
“ On the way we called at Dr Nicholson’s—this was about 4 a.m. I told the doctor I was shot by the Kellys, and I wished him to dress my arm, as the blood was still flowing freely. I told him I could not wait to have it done then, but to follow me to the telegraph office, as I wished him to return to Glenrowan with me, and to lose no time about it. I then started off with Mr Lewis, leaving Dr Nicholson to dress. On reaching the telegraph office I could barely stagger in. I found the office open, and dictated telegram to the stationmaster to send to you. I also sent a telegram to the police at Beechworth and Violet Town, directing them to proceed with all available force to Glenrowan, as the Kellys were surrounded in a house, and as I did not know how much assistance might be required to secure them. I then laid down on a mattress, and Mr Sadleir came into the office. I told him what had occurred, and to hasten back as quickly as possible, and I would follow him. His reply was—‘Don't be such a fool. You are a regular glutton. You have one bullet through you now, and I suppose you want more.’ He then left the office, and hastened away. Just then Dr Nicholson entered. He examined my wound, and told me I had sustained a very bad fracture of the wrist, and that it would be madness for me to return. He procured an impromptu splint and lint, and, with the assistance of Mr Lewis and Mr Saxe (telegraph-master), dressed the wound. During the dressing I fainted. How long I remained in that state I do not know, but when I came to myself both the doctor and Mr Lewis had gone, and Mr Saxe gave me some strong spirits, and with his assistance, and that of one of his clerks, I walked to my lodgings, about a quarter of a mile away. I was unable to proceed, and was confined to bed all day, suffering great pain.
“At about 3 o'clock, Dr Charles Ryan arrived from Melbourne, and dressed my hand, and DrNicholson, returning just then, assisted in the operation.
“In conclusion, I wish to place on record the very great assistance rendered to me by MrSadleir, from the time I arrived at Benalla up to the eventful day. He spared neither time nor trouble, and I would desire strongly to urge upon you the necessity of suitably acknowledging his services.
“Whilst mentioning the assistance rendered to me by Mr Sadleir, I would also desire to place on record my high appreciation of the conduct and services of the police force, both of Queensland and Victoria, who by their steadiness and courage seconded my efforts and contributed to the successful termination of the duties they were especially called upon to perform.
“I would also bring under your notice the great services rendered by Mr Saxe, telegraph-master at Benalla. The police in the district found him always ready to assist them at any moment, day or night (Sundays inclusive), and he complied with everything he was asked to do most readily and cheerfully. I would therefore urge upon you the desirability of bringing his conduct under the notice of the Hon. The Postmaster-General, with a view to his promotion in the service, as you are well aware, from your own personal knowledge, of the many services rendered to us by him.
“With regard to the reward offered for the apprehension of the offenders, both by this Government and that of New South Wales, I trust that a board will be appointed to decide to whom it is to be paid, and that the constables and trackers who were engaged at the destruction of the gang will be allowed to partake of a portion, especially those who accompanied me from Benalla. I need hardly say that I decline to participate in any of the rewards already offered for the capture of these outlaws. “I cannot bring my report to a close without strongly drawing the attention of the Government to the praiseworthy and plucky conduct of Mr Curnow, who in my opinion was mainly instrumental in saving the lives of the whole party in giving the information of the lines being destroyed, and of the Kellys being at Glenrowan.
“Bracken showed great presence of mind, and deserves much credit for his conduct on the occasion, and I think he has a claim to a good share of the reward.
“I think, also, that the thanks of the Government are due to Mr Rawlins, who ably assisted me throughout the firing. He had previously offered me the benefit of his knowledge and experience of that part of the country. He ran considerable risk in serving out the ammunition to the police, and I feel very grateful to him for his personal service to me.
“Since writing the above I have seen a statement made by O'Connor to the press, and after reading it I can have no doubt his statement is perfectly correct, but in my report I have merely stated facts that are within my remembrance and no doubt in the darkness of the morning, and the excitement of the time, I may have omitted many incidents that occurred.
“When I took charge of the district from the 2nd of June last, as far as I was able to ascertain, no more was known of the outlaws or their movements than when I left Benalla twelve months ago. The statements that have appeared in the public press for some weeks past, to the effect that the outlaws were surrounded by a cordon of the police and their agents, had not the slightest foundation. I do not take any special credit to myself and men in being able to surround them in Jones's Hotel on 28th June. The chance occurred; we took advantage of it, and success attended us. You may recollect that at my interview with the Chief Secretary I objected to having a large party of trackers kept at Benalla, and as Mr O'Connor objected to divide his men, I suggested that some native trackers should be provided from Queensland for our own force. I said also it was a general belief that the outlaws were afraid to show out because of the trackers, and in my opinion, if such was the case, the sooner Mr O'Connor and men were removed the better, because, should the gang make a raid, there would be a probability of capturing them, but as long as they remained in the mountains we had little chance of finding them. Mr Ramsay agreed with me in this opinion. I frequently expressed the same opinion to you in the last few months. The trackers were removed on the 25th June; the outlaws believing they had left for Queensland, showed out on the 26th. On the 28th the gang was destroyed, and its leader captured.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
FRANCIS HARE,
The Chief Commissioner of Police. Superintendent of Police.
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