The True Story of the KellyGang of Bushrangers Chapter 21 page 4
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Upon the best means of copying with lawlessness in the North Eastern District, and the anticipated outbreak of Kelly sympathisers, the Commission took evidence with closed doors, from witnesses familiar with the country and its inhabitants. Under the new head of the police force, Mr H M Chomley, who was appointed Acting Chief Commissioner during the progress of the enquiry and afterwards confirmed in the position, measures in accordance with the recommendations from various sources, and approved by the Commission, were taken to secure the tranquillity of the district. The Lands Department allied itself with the Police Department in promoting order by refusing to grant land in the district to any applicant who received a bad character from the police, and the knowledge that the mounted constables, by an adverse report, could prevent them from obtaining coveted selections, had a most salutary effect upon a number of the inhabitants. At the same time efforts were made to get new blood into the district by inducing a good class of men to take up land, and these efforts were largely successful.
Finally, new police stations were established at commanding points where mischief might be apprehended; the troopers were armed with regulation weapons and better horsed than formerly, and special endeavours were made to secure an active, intelligent class of men who would constantly ride about the country, keeping in touch with one another and with the inhabitants of every type. These endeavours have been eminently successful; and at the present day - though horses and cattle may occasionally strangely change brands and ownership in the hills - life and property are on the whole as safe in the once notorious Kelly district as in any other part of Victoria.
The end.
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