KELLY GANG INCIDENTS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 956, 13 August 1880, Page 3

KELLY GANG INCIDENTS.

Nod Kelly has &>• far recovered as to be able l : o hVib'We abofrt. Ho docs not appear to seriously realise the gravity of his position, and even thinks there is a chance of an acquittal.

: A Correspondent;' writes to tho Geelong Times the following'story, giving one 0 ( the incidents of the long siege of the Kellys:—“Although the fact of the desperadoes being the whole time in the vicinity of the scenes of their exploits was known to the police, the robbers were never actually seen to be recognised, save by sympathisers, for a period of about 13 months. The occasion on which they were unconsciously under cover of one at least of the police rides, is toll as follows: Shortly after the'Jerilderie bank robbery it appears that Sherritt proffered on several occasions to lead tho police to where the Kellys were, but fearing treachery on,the part of one who was supposed to be ‘ hand and glove ’ with them, tho offers were declined. U length, it having reached the ears of Superintendent Hare that the outlaws were not very far away in the ranges, and that Sherritt was prepared to point them out, he accepted the offer. Inking with him a single trooper (Phillips, I think), the three sailed forth at nightfall, and traversed a mile of rugged country, till at about the hour of 2 in the morning, ‘ Hist 1’ from the lips of Sherritt brought the little party to a halt. Pointing to a small flickering tire some 200 yards away, he whispered, ‘There they are,’but to make assurance doubly sure, he crept forward near enough to recognise each of the four -outlaws beyond doubt. Returning to Hare and the trooper, he said—* Sure enough it’s them. Go forward and satisfy yourself. But the only favour I ask is—don’t shoot Joe Byrne, Give him a chance to get away. And" now I must go. If it was known that I was here, my life would not be worth one hour to me,’ and he disappeared. We can we’l imagine that, for a moment, Mr Haro looked at the trooper, and tho trooper at Hare. ‘ Are you ready for them?’ asked the latter. ‘l’ll do whatever you ask me sir,’ answered the trooper. Then remain here, and hold the horses in readiness to assist me at any instant. The conversation, of course, went on in whispers, and as it ended the officer glided stealthily forward in the darkness, till within an easy range of prey. Now camo the risk. To ensure anything like safety, he must for certain, pick off two of the outlaws. Once, twice, a dozen times, he raised his rifle and took aim, but tho unsteady flickering of the small lire, and tho uneasy movements of the bushrangevs, marred the certainty of the shot. Upon that shot hung life with some thousands of pounds on the one hand ;. death on the other. It was a time of unimaginable anxiety,; but ho determined to wait for the dawn, and slowly enough the hours crept on. At last the day broke, while hs watched the spot with increasing eagerness, till tho light was sufficient to show him that the birds had flown. Doubtless the snorting of the Horses, or some sound, had fallen n son the practised cars of the band,

a.ill scared them. Oo examining the spot, it was found that a meal was in course of

preparation, for the billy was still boiling on the fire. And thus passed the greatest and only chance, until the grand finale, of settling the Kellys.” The report of Superintendent Hare, in reference to the Kelly chase and final tragedy, at Olenrowan, has created much surprise. It contains serious charges against Assistant-superintendent Nicholson for his c induct of aff drs during the time he was in charge of affairs at Benalla. Superintendent Hare extols the bravery of the police at Glenrowan, stating that many of them wanted to rush the house, hut that the officers would not permit the men to risk their lives. In regard to this report, it is generally understood that there is much ill-feeling lief ween Hare and Nicolson, and Superintendent Hare’s own courage has been freely questioned. He admits that immediaMy after rec riving the wound in his wrist he returned to Benalla for medical advice,’ although there was a doctor on the spot at Olenrowan. Hod Kelly will he put on his trial at Reechworth. Mi I). Gauuson will defend the outlaw.

A Melbourne telegram of the Cth instant states that the Kelly trial had commenced. Mr Gaunsou claimed a remand, which was refused. MTntyre was examined arid tha Court then adjourned. Ned Kelly was conveyed by special train from Melbourne to Beech worth, as the Crown law officers have decided that the preliminary examination must take place where the crimes were committed.