The Argus at KellyGang 1/9/1881 (2)

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(full text transcription)

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Standish giving evidence

Mr FINCHAM – And when you inquired you found there was just cause for bringing you back to town?

Witness – Yes.

Mr FINCHAM – Now from whom did you receive that letter?

Witness – I shan't say.

The CHAIRMAN –I think yon are bound to reply to that question.

Witness -I have not got the letter, and I could not positively say who the writer was now.

Mr FINCHAM – How many officers were there who would have presumed to write such a letter to you?

Witness – Well, I am not sure now if it was a letter, or only a verbal communication.

Mr FINCHAM – But you have already said that it was a letter.

Witness – Well, I did receive one, regret- ting that I was not in the office, and complaining of Mr Nicolson's late hours. I still adhere to my original statement.

Mr LEVEY – But you have said you would withdraw that part of your evidence.

Witness – What I meant to say was that the office work was not got through quickly enough. I had no official document from anybody on the subject.

Mr FINCHAM – Then the whole thing falls to the ground.

Mr LEVEY – Yes, he virtually abandons the charge.

The CHAIRMAN – What has led you to push Mr Hare to the front?

Witness – Purely conscientious motives. He was the fittest man in the force for the Kelly work.

A letter was here read by the chairman bearing on the efficiency of the steps taken by Mr Nicolson in pursuit of the Kellys. 

The writer was one of the police agents employed, but with whose conduct Mr Nicolson was dissatisfied, in consequence of something suspicious in his communications. He admits that under promises to his own informants, he felt obliged to conceal many small matters from Mr Nicolson, but it was not through any desire of misleading him. The writer adds a very important statement, to the effect that he believed that the letter signed "Connor," which was produced before the commission by Mr Graves, and on which he relied for his reflections on the efficiency of Mr Nicolson, was written by John Sherritt and another resident near Woolshed, and the outlaw Byrne, with the view of injuring Mr Nicolson whose toils were closing round the outlaws, and placing the latter in daily increasing danger.

The commission then adjourned for lunch. On reassembling, Captain Standish's examination was resumed.

Witness said – The statements or Mr O'Connor, that he (witness) took no interest in the pursuit of the Kellys, and that when spoken to on the subject he generally took up a novel to read, was a tissue of lies.

The CHAIRMAN – Mr Sadleir also stated that you showed a want of interest in the Kelly business, and that this was observed by all other officers.

Witness – Still it was untrue. Never had such a period of worry and anxiety in his life before.

The CHAIRMAN – And Mr Sadleir stated that they could hardly got you to speak on the Kelly business.

Witness – I can only say it is untrue.

The CHAIRMAN – It is remarkable that every officer under you gives evidence that you were indifferent and apathetic.

Mr Hare pointed out that he had stated that Captain Standish might have been in- different when spoken to by Mr O'Connor, but that he showed the utmost interest when consulted on the Kelly affair by him (Mr Hare).

Witness – The reason why he was reticent to Mr Nicolson was that he had nothing to tell him.

Mr Sadleir here explained that it was only at times that he could not get Captain Standish to speak with him. On other occasions he found him quite ready and willing.  

Witness -Never found that any of the officers divulged information. Still considered that important information should be withheld even from them as a matter of policy. He had perfect confidence in Mr Hare and Mr Sadleir, and he never withheld anything from them.  

To Mr FINCHAM – Never called a meeting of officers to consider the best method for capturing the outlaws. There were some officers whose opinions he did not value.

This remark did not apply to any officer in charge of the Kelly district.

To the CHAIRMAN – Could not remember the circumstances under which the police force in the North-Eastern district was weakened and several stations closed. Did not think the outbreak of the Kelly gang was affected by that at all. He once endeavoured to organise the force as a semi-military body, but was prevented by a public outcry and the interference of the Chief Secretary of the day. O'Connor and his black trackers were only volunteers at Glenrowan. Was sure he could not have objected to the black trackers being present with the police on parade when he complimented them on the capture of the Kelly gang. With regard to the capture of Power, both Mr Nicolson and Mr Montfort were promoted, but Mr Hare never received any promotion. Mr Nicolson was made inspecting superintendent.

To Mr Nicolson – I fancy that your promotion was given on account of your seniority. Mr Montfort's promotion was given for his assistance at the capture.  

To Mr LEVEY – Was appointed chief commissioner in September, 1858. Mr Hare was then a junior officer at Maryborough, and Mr Nicolson was in charge of the detectives. Would not say he had ever unbounded confidence in Mr Nicolson; he was always so reticent and mysterious. First lost confidence in him after he had been a few months in Benalla. Had always a very high opinion of Mr Hare as an officer. The reason why he told Mr Berry that it would take 12 months to catch the Kellys was that they would receive assistance from their numerous friends. The reduction of the police force in the North-Eastern district was made on the recommendation of the officer in charge, and against the remonstrances of Mr Nicolson.

This concluded Captain Standish's evidence, and he withdrew.

Superintendent Winch said he had no objection to Mr Sadleir seeing the portion of his evidence which had been kept from publication. With respect to Captain Standish's statement that he (Mr Winch) followed him to his bedroom in the club crying, he had only to say that it was quite untrue. There was no crying in the matter, and he went to the room at Captain Standish's invitation  

The commission then adjourned until next (this) day at half past 11 .

end

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