The Argus at KellyGang 11/11/1882
THE CASE OF SUPERINTENDENT WINCH
The subjoined correspondence has passed between the Chief Secretary and Mr Gaunson, solicitor for Superintendent Winch, in reference to the latter's application for the appointment of a board to deal with his case -
November 8, 1882 . To the Hon the Chief Secretary
Sir,-I have the honour to state, with reference to Mr Winch's case, that he particularly desires the appointment of a board to deal with the charges referred to in the ad interxm report of the Royal Commission on Police.
I have further to state that Mr Winch is under the impression that the decision of the Cabinet expressed in your minute of yesterday was founded on an erroneous construction of his application for sick leave.
He is most anxious to correct any impression that he desired to withdraw his application for a board. It is doubtless in your recollection that your minute of Monday intimated the charges should be dealt with, and further, that I forwarded a letter to you yesterday on Mr Winch's behalf, urging the speedy appointment of a board.
1 am therefore led to conclude that your minute of yesterday simply conveyed a decision of Monday's Cabinet, and consequently before my letter reached your hands. Under these circumstances I beg to ask that the minute of yesterday may be withdrawn and a board accordingly gazetted.
At the same time I desire to draw your particular attention to the following points:-
1 If the Government hold that Mr Winch's admission of small friendly transactions between himself and Mr Edwards constitute a breach of the regulations sufficient to bar him the promotion already promised or (2) if, not holding such an opinion, the Government intend to rigidly adhere to the view that when acquitted, still having arrived at the regulation age viz. 55 years, he should retire; then if either of these views be entertained, Mr Winch, whilst thinking such treatment very hard, would look upon the sitting of a board to inquire into the other charges as futile, and accept the decision conveyed in your minute of yesterday - I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
DAVID GAUNSON,
Solicitor for Mr Winch
Chief Secretary's Office,
Melbourne , Nov 10, 1882
Sir,-In reply to jour letter of the 8th inst, I am directed to inform you that the Government have no desire to intervene between Mr Winch and an inquiry before a board. If, therefore, Mr Winch still claims a board, it shall be forthwith appointed.
The Government do not feel called upon to answer the questions asked upon his behalf.
It is clear, however, that the evidence given before such a board, if appointed, and the finding of the board thereon, must necessarily affect essentially the judgment of the Government on either the promotion or retirement of Mr Winch -I have the honour to be, sir, your moat obedient servant,
T R Wiison
David Gaunson, Esq, solicitor, &c.,
Eldon chambers
In reply to the Chief Secretary's communication, Mr Gaunson wrote last evening, stating that as the Government declines to assure Mr Winch that he will be retained in the service after reaching the age of 55 years, he has advised him to accept his retiring pension.
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