T. A. Walker to the Commissioner of Police regarding method for landing Deeming in Melbourne

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Cobden Buildings
1 Queen St.
Melbourne,
30th March, 1892

To, The Hon:
The Commissioner of Police,
Sir,
I notice through the medium of the
Press that considerable difficulty is being experienced in
arriving at a decision as to the best method of landing
the prisoner Deeming, now on his way to Melbourne [per
R.M.S. "Ballaarat" in charge of Detective Cawsey.

I can readily understand this
difficulty, as, on revolving several plans in my mind,
I have had to dismiss them as impracticable, inasmuch
as they would all be, more or less, attended with risk.

I have, however, been able
to fix upon the following, the carrying out of which would
I beg to submit, ensure a safe, speedy, and secret [so
far as the Melbourne populace are concerned] way of
conveying the prisoner to the Melbourne Gaol.

1 That The Commissioner of Customs be asked to instruct
the captain of the Government Str. "Lady Loch" to
proceed to the Quarantine Station at the Heads, at
which place the "Ballaarat" will be detained for
clearance by the Health Officer - advantage being
taken of this delay to transfer to the "Lady Loch",
Detective Cawsey with his charge, and attendant
Constables.

2 That the party be landed at the Queenscliff Pier,
where Sergeant Orr [Police] will be in attendance with
Waggonette to drive them to the Railway Station, a few yards distant.

[Annotations: top of page]

C.I.B.

Offr. Deeming @ Williams
Suggestions re debarkation
30.3.92

Reply
30/3

[Annotation: left margin]

Seen
Signature [illegible]

3 That by pre-arrangement with Railway Department,
a special train [van only] will be in readiness to start
from platform immediately on arrival of Waggonette.
- the line to be kept clear so as to ensure a speedy
journey.

4 That a detachment of the Permanent Force at the Queenscliff Batteries be
in readiness within the Fort, in order that they
can be called out, at a moments notice, should
any hostile demonstration take place during the conveyal
of the prisoner from Pier to train.

5 That the Electric Telegraph Department instruct the
operator at the Q'Cliff Office to suspend any
telegrams re "the matter" till 3 hours have elapsed
from the time of departure of train.

6 That the train stops at North Melbourne Station
where the party will be received by a plain clothes
policeman, who, having secured a wagonette, will
proceed with them to the Gaol.

If the above suggestions be followed the party will arrive at the
Gaol before the "Ballaarat" reaches Hobson's Bay, as the run
from the Heads will occupy about 3½ hours; and any individuals
who are anxious to satisfy their curiosity by a glimpse at the prisoner
will naturally wend their way to Port Melbourne or Williamstown
under the impression that the prisoner will be aboard one or other
of the Steamers mentioned.

I have the honor, &tc
T.A.Walker

[Annotation: left-hand margin]

A wire from the Defence
Department to Major
in command of Fort
will effect this.