POLICE SHOOTING

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1936, Page 5

POLICE SHOOTING

' " m; • f \ VICTORIAN INQUIRY CONTINUED. (Australian Press Association.) MELBOURNE, June 11. The inquiry regarding the rocent shooting of Policy Superintendent Brophy and the account of it that was continued to-dav. Sir Thomas Blarney, Chief of the Victorian Police, said that lie saw Superintendent Brophy at the hospital after the shooting. Superintendent Brophy told him that he had had an accident with his own revolver in the car in Royal Park, and stated that two women were with him, also the driver, William Maher. As the result of later investigatoins he (Sir Thomas) had a conference with Detective McKerral, when it was agreed to issue a statement to the press that Superintendent Brophy went to Royal Park in response to a message, and that, while there, he had been seriously wounded by two bandits. He had authorised no other statement. The next day (Monday) he gave an inter-' view' to four representatives; of the press, telling them all he knew of the shooting up. to that stage. The “Age” newspaper had then said that he would not continue investigations into the shooting. That, was wrong.

Sir Thomas Blarney continued: “We had important clue, and 1 would not divulge them. The Chief Secretary, later, called for a report on the whole of tliQ circumstances, which 1 supplied.”

Mr Blarney replying to Mr ,Ham said when the shooting was originally reported to be accidental, he did not ask Inspector Bropliy how he came to be wounded all over the body. Mr Ham: Did you think it strange? Blarney: Yes. The inquiry was adjourned.