The Argus at KellyGang 30/3/1881 (2)
Nicolson giving evidence
Had an interview - as Captain Standish alleged - with Sir James M'Culloch. This was on May 21. Sir James knew about the Power case, and that was why I went to him. Thought he might influence Mr Ramsay. Wished to get definite information as to whether I was to be recalled. [Looks at pocket book] My first interview with Mr Ramsay was on Monday, May 3. On the following day I was informed my removal was to be deferred for a month. Came to Melbourne again on May 24, because I found it utterly impossible to do anything, knowing I was to be superseded immediately. Saw Captain Standish then, and asked him to obtain an interview for me with Mr Ramsay next day. It was on May 25 that I saw Sir James M'Culloch. Joined the police force in 1852. Got my first promotion at the time of the capture of Connor and Bradley, bushrangers. Was for a long time in charge of the detective police. Was then in constant correspondence with the New South Wales police [Witness undertook to get a return of the duration of the career of several New South Wales and Victorian bushrangers ] I have read Superintendent Hare's report, dated 2nd July, 1880. It is there stated that I gave him no verbal information when he relieved me. That statement I deny, but before speaking further would rather hear his evidence. Had no difference with Mr Hare up to the date of his report of July 2,1880. When he arrived at Benalla on June 2, I and the other officers, Messrs. Sadleir and O'Connor, received him kindly. But for years previously had been frequently annoyed by his being brought into opposition with me, sometimes through his own accord and sometimes through Captain Standish.
When I relieved Captain Standish and Mr Hare in July, 1879, 1 found some of the police very ignorant of how to use their rifles, and short of ramrods. Some of them told me they had never fired a gun in their lives. Retained these men. This statement applies to the police in the district as a body. One constable accidentally shot a comrade with a rifle. He presented it at his comrade and fired, not thinking it was loaded. That was on June 26. Formed a class under Senior-constable Irving for instruction in the use of the rifles. Rifle practice was pursued, and the men gradually attained proficiency. Received a communication from the chief commissioner of police that Superintendent Hare stated we were wasting ammunition, and was ordered to stop. Allowed all the men in the district ammunition for practice. Also taught them how to dismount and fire. It is now generally admitted that a man cannot fire with precision on a horse's back. Instructed them in various tactics. Inspected the Beechworth district in 1877, and the Greta station. That was before the police murders. [Witness read his report, in which he stated he had visited " the notorious Mrs Kelly's," described her house, stated that they appeared to be in poverty, and that she said her sons were at work, and that the Quinns never came near her, and he added the following - "Until the gang referred to is rooted out of this neighbourhood, one of the most experienced and successful mounted constables in the district will be required to keep charge at Greta. I do not think the present arrangements are sufficient.”] That report was sent to the chief commissioner. Considered these people were dangerous characters.
In August, 1877, I sent in another report, stating that cases of horse-stealing in the district were very common, and that the animals were driven over into New South Wales and sold. I added that the Beechworth police ought to make arrangements with the Now South Wales police [Witness read a letter from Mr Singleton, of Albury, an officer in the New South Wales police, to Mr Brook Smith, in charge of the Victorian police at Beechworth, in which it was stated that a regular system of horse-stealing was carried on by Victorian thieves, the horses being sold in New South Wales, and vice versa.] In 1876 I inspected the Bourke district, and pointed out irregularities in money matters on the part of a constable. Am not aware that the system was altered in consequence of my report. [Witness read a memo from Mr Hare disagreeing with his report] That is an instance of Mr Hare's placing himself in opposition to me. Mr Hare was then in immediate charge of the Bourke district. That is the most serious instance of Mr Hare's interference with me.
Mr Dixon - I think it is a small matter.
Witness said a return of the secret service money paid by Captain Standish to himself could be prepared.
Mr Hare said Mr Nicolson had picked out portions of papers and read them. The whole of the papers ought to be handed in to the Commission.
The Chairman intimated that the papers quoted from by Mr Nicolson would be placed with the papers of the Commission. If Mr Hare wished to go through them, an opportunity would be afforded to him to do so.
| ! | The text has been retyped from a microfiche copy of the original. We have taken care to reproduce this document but areas of the original text may been damaged. |
' '
