The Argus at KellyGang 6/3/1882
The members of the Police Commission feel that they have been virtually superseded by the instruction issued to Mr Chomley, that he is to immediately advise, the Government on the subject of reorganising the police force. Their commission directed them to deal with the Kelly pursuit, and subsequently with the general question of organisation, and the necessity for their entering upon this latter branch of the inquiry, it is urged, has been disposed of by the decision of the Cabinet The Government, in a measure accept this view, but urge that the time has passed when any advantage could be expected from the deliberations of the commission on this subject. They are most anxious that the discipline and usefulness of the force should be improved without further needless delay, and Mr Chomley has therefore been entrusted with the duty of suggesting means whereby that may best be attained. His knowledge of its general working will enable him to furnish those recommendations speedily, and the Government hope to be m a position to reorganise the force within a few months. It rests with the commission to decide wether-or not they shall continue their investigations
In dealing with the police question, the Government will probably decide to increase the number of constables in order that some stations- recently abandoned may be re established, and that additional protection maybe afforded to the large centres of population The withdrawal of some of the police from the North eastern districts for economical reasons, it is asserted, induced the organisation of that criminal compact which resulted 'n the formation of the Kelly gang, and it is intended that the comparative quietude which now prevails in that quarter shall be maintained by there to enforcement of the constables and an increase in tho number of stations. In no cities or towns is there any effective strength, and to place each settlement in a position of being adequately protected, the force will be augmented. The officers, also, will be added to. At present there are but l8 superintendents, inspectors, and sub inspectors on duty, and a provision was made in the last estimates directing that the number should be reduced to 16, as the present holders retire. This will be a very inadequate command, and the Government will increase them either to 21 as formerly, or to some smaller number, as may be considered necessary.
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