Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1957), Wednesday 30 November 1881, page 5
THE JONES INQUIRY BOARD.
The report of the board appointed to consider Mrs. Anne Jones a claim for compensation for the destruction of her hotel was yesterday sent in to the Chief Secretary. In undertaking to investigate the case, the members of the board decided to restrict the scope of the inquiry to assessing the value of the actual damage sustained and the consideration of the question whether Mrs. Jones could be regarded aa a contributing agent to her own loss in inviting the Kellys to her hotel as alleged. The board held four meetings, and examined ten witnesses, and, in addition, visited Glenrowan, where they inspected the site of the hotel and gleaned some valuable information on matters connected with the inquiry. Mr. Chomley, on behalf of the Crown, put forward a number of witnesses with a view to showing that Mrs. Jones was responsible for the Kellys occupying her hotel, and that while they were there she conducted herself not as though she were acting under the influences of fear or compulsion, but rather from sympathy with the gang. No evidence, however, was adduced to show that prior to the 27th of June, 1880, Mrs. Jones had committed any overt act that could associate her with the doings of the Kellys. On the contrary, it was stated that she was personally unacquainted with any of them, except young Hart, whom she had not seen for years before the visit of the outlaws. At the time the hotel was burned, it was insured for £100, and this amount had been paid to one of Mrs. Jones’s creditors. The board unanimoualy recommends the payment of £305, including costs, to Mrs. Jones for the destruction of her hotel, the amount being thus calculated :— Building, £100, furniture, £50 stock in trade, £50, clothing, £50, loss of business, £50, and £25 costs of counsel and witnesses. In conclusion, the board recommends that before payment of the award, the Government obtain from Mr. and Mrs. Jones a full acquittance of further claims relative to the subject matter of the inquiry.
Glenrowan 