Royal Commission report day 1 page 2 at KellyGang

The Royal Commission evidence for 23/3/1881

full text

(see also introduction to day 1 )

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE TAKEN BEFORE ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE POLICE FORCE OF VICTORIA.

See report of 15 March [See report of Proceedings 18/3/81]

Present:
Hon. F. LONGMORE, M.L.A., in the Chair;
J. H. Graves, Esq., M.L.A., W Anderson, Esq.,
M.L.A., G. R. Fincham, Esq., M.L.A., James Gibb, Esq., M.L.A.,
G. W. Hall, Esq., M.L.A., E. J. Dixon, Esq., J.P. Captain F. C.

Commissioner Standish sworn and examined.
The Witness -I think it would shorten proceedings if I read an exhaustive statement, and was afterwards examined on that.
The Chairman -The Commission specially adjourned from its last sitting in order to proceed to-day, and it will be necessary to go on with your examination now.
The Witness -I am perfectly prepared to give any evidence I may be required, at once.

1 By The Commission-How long have you been in charge of the force?- I was appointed Chief Commissioner of Police on the 1st September 1858.

2 Coming directly to the business that this Commission was appointed for, have you formed any idea in your own mind of what led up to the Kelly outrages?- For several years before the Kelly outbreak there is no doubt that the South Eastern district was a receptacle for horse stealers and cattle stealers, and that they gave the police force a great deal of trouble. No outrages were committed in those days, but a wholesale system of cattle duffing was carried on extensively. This appears to have culminated in the disturbance at Greta, when Constable Fitzpatrick went out to serve a warrant on Dan Kelly for horse stealing. He arrived there, found Dan Kelly, and, in my opinion, foolishly allowed him to stay and have his dinner. In the meantime Ned Kelly, Williamson, commonly called "Bricky," and his brother in law Skillion arrived, with two or three others of their confederates and friends. A disturbance immediately took place between these men and Constable Fitzpatrick, which resulted in Ned Kelly firing at him, and shooting him through the wrist.

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