The Argus at KellyGang 25/3/1881 (3)
Nicolson giving evidence
We reached the railway station, and were just getting into the carriage when we saw Mr Wyatt in the crowd. Mr Sadleir remarked that Mr Wyatt was carrying something like a bouquet of flowers in his hand, and went up and spoke to him. Mr Wyatt and Mr Sadleir then joined me two or three minutes before the train left. Mr Wyatt told us that opposite Faithfull's Creek station the telegraph wire had been broken down. This, he said, had been observed from the train. He carried in his hand the insulators from a broken post. Sent Mr Sadleir to question the guard and engine driver of the train, and they said they had noticed nothing peculiar at Euroa.
Mr Wyatt merely said he was of opinion that there was something wrong at Euroa - something in connexion with the outlaws. I never received any information that a bank was going to be stuck up in the north-eastern district, and do not know the grounds on which Captain Standish made that statement. Remember saying to Mr Wyatt that even supposing they had pulled down the wires, it is most likely they had only done so to facilitate their escape. Believed all the time they were making for the Murray, and Mr Wyatt's information did not therefore affect my plans. Considered the information received from Hedi more important than that of Mr Wyatt. The breaking down of the telegraph wire was no unusual circumstance. Moreover, Mr Wyatt's information was given m the dark, when no immediate action could be taken, and the conclusion I came to was that the gang would ride on through the night towards the Murray, and therefore deemed it best to intercept them there. It was not absolutely necessary for both Sadleir and I to go to Albury. It might have been wiser had I remained at Benalla. Took no steps to ascertain whether Mr Wyatt's impression was correct or not. Arrived at Albury, warned the police, and there received Captain Standish's telegram. Returned by train next morning to Benalla, but left Mr Sadleir with a body of police at Wangaratta. Found that a black tracker in the Wangaratta hospital was too sick for duty. Therefore, on arriving at Benalla I telegraphed to the Mansfield police that I was going on to Euroa, and wished them to send me two black trackers. Also indicated to the police there which way I thought they should move.
It has been said that I telegraphed to the Mansfield police "You have got your orders - go on." I did no such thing. As far as I remember, I requested them to go down the back road. It has been said I sent orders to the Euroa police to wait until I arrived. This is also untrue. There were six or seven men there, including Senior-constable Johnson and Detective Ward When going down in the tram I said to Mr Wyatt "I am afraid I will be too late - the police will be gone before I arrive." Mr Wyatt replied that he did not think so, and that the men desired to wait for me. I got out of the train at Faithfull's Creek, joined the police party there, and started in pursuit of the gang as early as I possibly could. It must have been about half past 8 when I arrived at Faithfull's Creek station. There was a little time wasted at the station, owing to a person who was not connected with the police. Selected a groom named Stevens as a guide, and followed the tracks of the gang. They went for some distance in the direction of Violet Town, then turned back towards Euroa and were lost in the centre of a paddock. Were then in sight of Euroa, and went to that place. The men were so exhausted by the heat of the weather and their own exertions that they fell asleep at the dinner-table, and they had not touched a drop of drink.
Had therefore to give the men a rest. Started again at 6 o'clock down the Murchison-road to search suspected places, but there was no result. I absolutely deny that there was any procrastination. Captain Standish arrived next day, and another party was organised. I was exhausted, and suffering great pain from my eyes. Mr Hare therefore relieved me. Had no faith in anything done by the police unless it was done in the most secret way possible. In a private letter I wrote about that time I said, "This galloping about the country is useless." The spies of the gang carried them information as to the movements of the police. To have confined the operations to secret movements would at that time, however, have roused public indignation. I was responsible for all the police movements until Captain Standish arrived. Arrived at the conclusion that the galloping about system was useless about the time of the Euroa outrage. That feeling was gradually growing on me. Had then been in the Benalla district about six weeks.
Did not express an opinion to Captain Standish that the mode of operation should he altered. I was at this time quite prostrate, and received no encouragement from Captain Standish to give him any advice. After I returned to Melbourne Captain Standish came down several times, but never spoke to me about Kelly matters. Was then in charge of his office in Melbourne. He called there, but was remarkably reticent on the Kelly subject. Asked him repeatedly if he wished me to return to the North-eastern district, and he simply shook his head. I knew nothing of what was going on in that country until I returned. When I did return I initiated a new system of operations. The relations between Captain Standish and myself were strained, and any expression of opinion from me was treated by him with something like contempt. This feeling has existed between us for years. Have been nearly 30 years in the service. Mr Hare is a junior superintendent. There are Superintendents Winch, Chomley, and Chambers, and then Mr Hare. Mr Hare and I have been friendly as acquaintances. When in charge in Melbourne was continually sending Captain Standish information about the Kellys which had been received there. Some of this information was returned in a contemptuous manner.
Did not communicate with the Government as to what I considered the best method of capturing the outlaws. At the time I was first relieved I was too prostrate to do so, and Captain Standish's manner towards me drove anything of the kind out of my head. Felt that if I did so I would simply be subjecting myself to insults. I am on friendly terms with all the officers in the force with one exception. Believe the feeling between the officers generally is extremely good, but officers come very little in contact with each other now.
The CHAIRMAN. - How did this feeling between you and Captain Standish arise?
Witness - It is very mysterious to me. I was promoted from the mounted police to be officer in charge of the detective department when it was organised. My health breaking down through over work, I left the detective office for duty at Kyneton. Captain Standish was not pleased with me for doing so. Was 14 years in charge of the detective force, and received leas pay than any superintendent, and was subjected to a great deal of unpleasantness. Captain Standish did not support me as he should have done. My promotions were all made on the ground of seniority. Never made use of political influence until my position became almost unbearable. Then it was that I was appointed assistant commissioner of police. I desired the higher position so that I might be able to protect myself.
The CHAIRMAN - Have you had any personal quarrel with Captain Standish?
Witness - Never, until I was superseded by Mr Hare, just before the outlaws were destroyed. Then, however, my indignation broke out Captain Standish said the change was made by direction of the Government. I replied that I did not believe it had originated with the Government at all, but with himself.
The Board then adjourned until next day at 11 o'clock.
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