Was It Necessary To Tell the Truth?

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 138, 13 June 1936, Page 7

Was It Necessary To Tell the Truth?

CHIEF OF POLICE IN BROPHY , CASE MELBOURNE, Juno 11. At the police inquiry into tho shooting of Superintendent Brophy, Sir Thomas Blarneys, Chief of tho Victorian Police, said ho saw Brophy at the hospital after tho shooting. Brophy told him ho had had an accident with his ow'ii revolver in a car in Royal Park and that tw r o women were with him, also the driver Maher. As a result f later investigations Sir Thomas Barney had a conference with Do,active Mclvcrral when it was agreed Iropliy went to Royal Park in response ':o a message and while there had been furiously wounded by two bandits. He authorised no other statement. On Hie following day (Monday) he gave an interview to four representatives of ‘he Press, tolling them all he know of the shooting up to that stage. He then mid ho would not continue his investi"ations into tho shooting. That was vroug. “We had important clues and I would not divulgo them.” Tho Chief Secretary later called for a report of the whole circumstances which I supplied.” M. Stretton: Do you think it proper that Brophy should take two womon and a man with him. Sir Thomas Blarney: I sec no impropriety in it. It would have been risky to take a policeman in plain clothes. Brophy would in normal circumstances have taken stops to liavo the .assailants arrested, but in this intanco ho had four bullet wounds. Asked why lie did not supply the names of tho women in his report to tho Chief Secretary Sir Thomas Blarney said scandalmongering is not tho business of tho police. Their names were omitted to shield them because these reports go through many hands. Mr. Stretton: When asked by tho newspapermen about tho accident did you say you did not know whero the report came from and that nobody seemed to know anything about it? Sih Thomas Blarney: I said something to that effect. Mr. Stretton: If you said it it would be an obvious untruth. Sir Thomas Blarney: Yes. If I said it. Mr. Ham, K.C., asked whether Sir Thomas Blarney attempted to stifle information regarding the shooting at tho hospital. Sir Thomas Blarney answered: Wo were anxious that no wrong reports should bo disseminatod. We wanted to ensuro accuracy. Mr. Ham: Or to ensure inaccuracy. Sir Thomas Blarney: I replied to the reporters’ questions without intending to be candid. Mr. Ham: Then your intention was to mislead. Sir Thomas Blarney: No. Definitely to parry.