The Argus at KellyGang 7/9/1881 (3)
Sadleir giving evidence
Witness made a somewhat unfavourable entry in Senior-constable Kelly's record-sheet on account of that officer objecting to do duty at Greta after the Glenrowan affair. On reconsidering the matter, he now thought he had treated Kelly rather harshly through not taking into account his state of physical exhaustion. Thought that every member of the force should be allowed, on application, to see his record sheet. With regard, now, to the circumstances under which witness applied to be removed from the North-eastern district. Immediately after the Glenrowan business, he set about arranging for preventing any further outbreak, and advised the establishment of police stations at the Wombat, Fern-Hills, Greta, Black hills, and other places.
His recommendation was submitted to the then Government, who however, would not adopt it, on the ground of expense. He then turned his attention to utilising the agents formerly employed by Mr Nicolson, to keeping the banks safe, and to having a nucleus of a police party ready at all times to turn out, at Benalla. The Government, however, would not allow the expense of paid agents, or of the guards necessary to keep the banks safe. He still tried to work on by relying on the agents, but they were frightened by the evidence given before the commission. At last only two of them were left, and one day one of them came rushing into Benalla, and although there was £20 due to him and on the way by post, he would not wait, but fled from the district. The other came to Benalla next day in a similar state of fright.
Eventually the Government, or the acting chief commissioner, actually ordered the camping-out equipments to be collected, with the view of sending them to the Richmond depot. Witness did then what he thought every independent officer ought to have done in the same circumstances – applied for a change of district, and so threw the responsibility on the Government or on the head of the department. The immediate result of his action was that the officer who relieved him received 12 additional constables, and Mr O'Connor was appointed to manage the black trackers. Witness then called attention to the fact that the evidence given as to the symptoms of a fresh outbreak was adduced after and not before be sent in his application. When he found the Government ready to allow sufficient means to carry out the work, he told Mr Berry, in the presence of Mr Chomley, that he was most anxious to return to the district. Had the officers who proceeded him acted as firmly with the Government as he did there would have been no Kelly outbreak, for the district would then have been placed under proper control.
Having passed so many years in the force without having a single slur cast on his character, be thought he could afford to feel unconcerned about certain private evidence given by Mr Winch, which the chairman, after kindly showing to him (Mr Sadleir), had torn up. If Mr Winch could find one respectable person outside the police force to corroborate what he said, he (Mr Sadleir) would resign forthwith.
To Mr Nicolson. – Would not have taken any of the Sherritts into the police force, nor on finding them in it would he have kept them there. To have such a type of men in it was a dishonour to the force. When Mr Hare came to Benalla to relieve you, you gave him full information about the Kellys. At first you were rather diffuse, and he interrupted with a request that you should come to the latest information about them. Mr Hare left my office first. Remember you subsequently asking him to dinner. Mr Hare seemed quite satisfied with what you told him. You appealed to me if you had omitted anything in your statement to him, and I replied, " No."
To Mr Gibb – It was arranged that the agents should be kept on. I was to see those who did not know Mr Hare, and ask them to continue working. Mr Hare never complained to me of Mr Nicolson not giving him information. He asked me for an explanation of the telegram sent by Mr Nicolson to Detective Ward intimating that there were no further supplies for "Tommy and his friends," but I could give none.
To Mr HARE. –Had not access to Mr Nicolson's private memorandum book.
To the CHAIRMAN – Knew of no jealousy between the police officers until this inquiry. Had heard it said that Mr Hare had a comfortable district, but that did not amount to jealousy.
To Mr DIXON. – Mr Hare's conduct was never that of a favourite. He was never overbearing in any way, and never assumed special authority.
To Mr ANDERSON. – Nothing could be worse for the force than political influence. They could not, however, do without a political head of the department.
The commission adjourned until next (this) day.
end
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