Judge Stretton, the Royal Commissioner investigating the 1939 bush fires, inspected the Toolangi forest on Monday. Often enveloped in clouds of unpenetrable dust raised by the wheels of three cars and two utility trucks which comprised the party, the Commission travelled 50 miles through the forest seeking the origin of the fires which covered many miles of the district a few weeks ago.

Maps were produced at various points and Judge Stretton discussed aspects of the various fires with officials of the Forests Commission and the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, who accompanied the Commissioner. The Commission opened its first country sittings in Healesville Courthouse in the afternoon.

When proceedings opened in the afternoon, Judge Stretton said that the Commission was not an inquisitorial body; that he was not concerned so much with the name of anyone who might have started fires as with ascertaining broad general causes.

If anyone felt nervous about giving evidence, he would be afforded protection by the Commission, in that the privilege which might be claimed by any witness fearful of incriminating himself would be freely afforded him by the Commission.

[AYS, 10/2/39]