The Argus at KellyGang 11/5/1881
THE POLICE COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 10
Present - Messrs Longmore (chairman) Fincham, Anderson , Hall, Gibb and Graves , MLA's and Mr Dixon.
Superintendent Sadleir complained of a letter as to the Glenrowan affair from Mr T Carrington put in as evidence by Superintendent Hare, stating it was an exparte production, likely to damage his reputation, and that it had been admitted contrary to all rules of evidence.
Mr DIXON stated that Mr Carrington might be examined as a witness, and then Mr Sadleir could question him.
After some discussion the matter dropped. Constable Dowling, one of the four constables in Aaron Sherritt's hut when he was murdered, was further examined. He stated that Sherritt was not armed when Byrne shot him. The police in the house usually got into the bedroom when strangers approached the house, so as to avoid observation. Witness was present at the Glenrowan affair, when he believed he fired 100 shots at the hotel. Heard that Constables Dwyer and Monteford had volunteered to rush the house. He saw an outlaw in the hotel at 2 o'clock pm .
To Detective Ward - Went to Sherritt's house on the 17th June. Recollected seeing Mr Ward there on June 19. Mr Ward did not tell him to tell a lie to Mr Hare; but Mr Ward did tell him that he had instructed Duross to tell Mr Hare a lie to the effect that he and Armstrong were at Mrs Byrne's house.
To Mr Nicolson - Did not recollect that the constables at Sherritt's house were specially ordered to guard against surprise.
Mr Nicolson produced a letter from John Sherritt warning Mr Hare to be careful that this party was not surprised, as the children of Mrs Barry, mother of Mrs Sherritt, went to school with Mrs Byrne's children, and stating that Joe Byrne was frequently at his mother's house, and that it was surprising that he had not been arrested.
Mounted-constable AJ Faulkner -Was employed in connexion with the Kelly operations. Was one of a cave party which watched Mrs Byrne's house. Their instructions were to catch Joe Byrne alive, stuff a handkerchief into his mouth, and take him to Beechworth without making a noise.
Mr Nicolson read the instructions to the cave party, which were to the effect that Byrne was to be captured, if possible, and conveyed quietly to Beechworth, but contained no mention of a handkerchief. Witness had reported that the existence of the cave party was well known to the outlaws.(One report produced dated April 2, 1880).
The Commission here adjourned until 11 o'clock next morning.
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31-aug-10
