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

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(full text transcription)

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Hare giving evidence

Interview with Ned Kelly

In reply to a question as to why Byrne and his other mates did not come out of the hotel and join him, he said (In words similar to the following) 'Ah! It they could have, there would have been a different tale to tell," meaning that Byrne and the others, or one, or some of them, were wounded. Kelly told me when he returned to the hotel, and signalled to his mates, by rapping on his armour, that Byrne crawled on his hands and knees as far as the kitchen at the back of the hotel, with the object of joining him, but that he (Byrne) must have fainted from loss of blood, or the weight of his armour. When I told Kelly that his mates had died a horrible death by burning, he replied (in words similar to the following) 'No fear, if they were alive I am sure they "finished" one another when they found that the game was up, as we had all sworn to shoot each other if surrounded at any time, sooner than surrender to the police.’ And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of an Act of Parliament of Victoria, rendering persons making a false declaration punishable for willful and corrupt perjury (Signed) By Geo Weston. And declared before Mr A Shields, JP, in the Melbourne gaol on the 20th August last."

The commission would see by the above that Byrne, or some of the other outlaws, were also wounded in the first engagement. All his (Mr Hare's) party had stated in evidence that they received no orders, except what he gave in the early morning and that they carried out his instructions throughout the day. (Here Mr Hare handed in the evidence given by the Hon R Ramsay before the Police Reward Board.) With reference to the capture of Power, Mr Nicolson and himself were directed to go after that bushranger. They took Mr Montfort with them, and Power was captured. The Government thanked them in Parliament, sent them complimentary letters, and said that they would be promoted. Mr Montfort was promoted at once from a sergeant to a sub-inspector, and since then had been made an inspector. Mr Nicolson was removed immediately from Kineton to Melbourne , and was placed in charge of the city, and of the detectives, for which he received an extra £100 a year. His predecessor did not receive that sum, neither did his successor. He was subsequently promoted to be inspecting Superintendent. His predecessor received £ 425 a year, but he got £500 and had received that ever since. Afterwards he was made assistant commissioner of police. Now, at the time of Power's capture, he (Mr Hare) was receiving £350 a year as Superintendent at the depot. He received no promotion and only got an increase of salary of £25, along with three or four other officers beneath him. When he was first ordered up to the Kelly district he stayed until he was knocked up, and had to he carried from the bush to the nearest police station. Eleven months afterwards he was ordered up to the North- eastern district again against his wish and protests. The matter was then brought to a termination and he was injured for life. Directly he was well enough he went back to duty. Never asked for any compensation, but was subsequently suspended for five months. In 1871 a vacancy occurred amongst the first class superintendents. He applied for it, and Captain Standish declined to recommend him on the ground that there were senior officers to him who had prior claims. Another vacancy occurred, and he applied for it and was again refused. And yet he was told that he had been favoured. He had been made to do all the hard work, but received no recompense. Ho got complimentary letters from the Governor and from the Government on various occasions for gallantry in the discharge of his duties, but he never was promoted.

To the Chairman -Mr Sadleir gave me all the information I could expect from him, and a loyal assistance. It was I who first introduced the diseased stock agent to Mr Nicolson. Mr Nicolson never told me that Jack Sherritt supplied important information about the gang. Did not report Mr Nicolson's neglect to furnish me with information at the time, lest it should raise ill-blood and increase the difficulties in the way of capturing the Kellys. I was aware that other officers thought I was favoured, but I did not see where the favour came in. I always remonstrated with Captain Standish when he ordered me to supersede a superior officer.

The CHAIRMAN -Do you think you adopted proper military tactics at Glenrowan?

Witness -My first object was to prove whether the gang were in the hotel or not. I saw that a number of my men were about me, and then led the way to the hotel. Instead of us firing first, we were attacked by the gang, and I was wounded. There is no such nonsense as military tactics in the bush. I did not regard Mr O'Connor as a volunteer, but as officer in charge when I left.

To the Chairman - In my first report I said I would not accept any of the reward. Subsequently Mr Ramsay, the Chief Secretary, prevailed on me to withdraw that portion of my report.

To Mr Nicolson. - I got 12 months' leave of absence on full pay in 1877. I may have mentioned in my application the part I took in the capture of Power. I did receive an increase of £100 a year from Mr Ramsay, but only for a year and a half. It was given to Mr Winch and myself because of our important metropolitan positions. Mr Berry came subsequently into power, and knocked off my extra £100, but continued Mr Winch's. When you relieved me after my first period in the North-eastern district, I gave you all the information in my possession. We passed a night together, and I told you of my cave party, of Aaron Sherritt, of the diseased stock agent, and of the movements of the gang. I received a friendly letter from you after I superseded you at Benalla.  

The board adjourned until Tuesday next.  

end

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