The Argus at KellyGang 30/3/1881
Mr G W Hall, the member for Moira, brought the comments of The Argus upon his appointment to the Police Commission before the Assembly yesterday evening Mr Hall differs in toto from the opinion that he should not sit on the commission, and declares that he is a competent and unprejudiced member.
At the sitting of the Police Commission yesterday, Mr Nicolson, acting chief commissioner, resumed and concluded his evidence. Mr O'Connor began his, and in the course of it cast some serious reflections on the late chief commissioner's official ability and energy. The commission adjourned until 11 o'clock this morning.
THE POLICE COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 29
Present - Messrs Longmore (chairman), Graves, Fincham, Gibb, Hall, and Anderson, MLA's, Mr Dixon and Mr Levey.
Mr Hall referred to a statement in The Argus of that day, to the effect that he ought not to have been appointed a member of the commission, and asked if the commission would like him to make a statement on the subject. If not, he would refer to it in the Assembly.
The CHAIRMAN intimated that the commission need not take any notice of the article.
Mr Nicolson , acting chief commissioner, said he desired to supplement his evidence. He deposed -The interference with me in the North-eastern district by Captain Standish worried me considerably, and crippled the action of the two officers with me, viz. -- Superintendent Sadleir and Sub-inspector O'Connor, but I never allowed it to interfere with my work. Received from time to time several orders to withdraw the cave party, but on my own responsibility, did not do so. When Captain Standish objected to the employment of Aaron Sherritt I remonstrated. At last Captain Standish sent me an order insisting on Sherritt's dismissal. I kept Sherritt on on my own responsibility, paying him out of my own pocket, trusting that the Government would reimburse me, until I left the district finally. Was reimbursed. Being on the spot I was best judge as to who I should and should not employ.
It was impossible for Captain Standish sitting m Melbourne, to dictate successfully as to who I should employ. For months before I was withdrawn I felt mischief was brewing against me in Melbourne. Charged Captain Standish on one occasion with exhibiting my confidential letters to him to Mr Hare. He replied that he considered he had a right to do what he liked in such matters. Consequently I was very guarded in my communications with him. Maintained for a long time courteous relations with Captain Standish. There was no exhibition of ill feeling on my part. When he told me in a very curt manner in April, 1880, that I was to be suspended, I, seeing the public service was being sacrificed, only then expressed indignation to the chief commissioner. Warned him of the disaster that would ensue. Insisted on an interview with the Chief Secretary, Mr Ramsay. Arranged for an interview with Mr Ramsay. Captain Standish stated he would like to be present. I said I had no objection. On arriving at the Chief Secretary's office, was told by Captain Standish that the Chief Secretary would not be there until 2 o'clock, but I saw Mr Ramsay going up to his office before that. Spoke to Mr Ramsay, and told him Captain Standish said I was to have an interview with him at 2 o'clock. Requested to see him then, and he consented. Captain Standish rushed up and looked at me insultingly, as if I had tried to get the interview without his presence. Mr Ramsay heard me most patiently and kindly, and assured me no reflection on me was intended, that the change was merely like a change of bowlers at cricket. Pointed out that the change was under the circumstances, dangerous. Mr Ramsay promised to consider my application not to be re- moved. Called at his private office that day later, and he led me to understand I would receive a favourable reply.
Did not force myself into his room. Did not want to be removed from the North- eastern district because information of an important character had begun to come in.
When I got back I found it was almost useless going on with the prospect that I was to be withdrawn in a month. About the middle of May telegraphed to Captain Standish, saying I would be down next day, and requesting him to arrange another interview with the Chief Secretary. Came to Melbourne next day and presented myself to Captain Standish. He said, "I was dining at the Governor's last night where I saw Mr Ramsay, who thinks there is no occasion for a further interview. Asked him if he was unable to obtain an interview for me, and he said "Yes." I went to Mr Ramsay's private office and had a long interview with him. Told him the state of affairs, that Captain Standish was no authority in any such matters, having had no practical experience, that he would not give his mind to the business, that I could not get him to attend to me for 10 minutes at a time with fixed attention. Said it was a great pity that before Mr Ramsay desired to remove me he had not consulted with me. I was then assistant commissioner of police, and although subordinate to Captain Standish was his comrade.
Mr Ramsay listened to me very attentively, and we parted in a friendly manner, he promising to re-consider the matter. Captain Standish has said Mr Ramsay reprimanded me for speaking about the absent head of my department, but I have no recollection of his doing so. Met Captain Standish at the railway station as I was returning to Benalla. He said he heard I had had an interview with Mr Ramsay and had abused him (Captain Standish) and had been disloyal to him. I smiled at that. He said Mr Ramsay had to check me. I said, "Never." He said in an offensive manner, "I believe Mr Ramsay." Returned to Benalla, and was superseded on June 2 by Mr Hare. While I was down the last time referred to, an important telegram came to me from Mr Sadleir. This telegram Captain Standish handed to me at the station. Mention this to show that while important information was coming in, I had to be in Melbourne, fighting in the department. Showed the letter from an agent about "diseased stock" to Mr Ramsay, but not to Captain Standish. With regard to my seeing Sir James M'Culloch, he was in office when Power, the bushranger, was arrested and had then expressed himself very handsomely about my conduct in that affair. Should like the commission to go over the papers in the Power affair.
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