THREE CONSTABLES SHOT IN VICTORIA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 23, 12 November 1878, Page 3

THREE CONSTABLES SHOT IN VICTORIA.

Sunday night, Ootober 26, *^Jbouvne was startled by inolligence from. Mansfield that two coa stables had been shot dead, ami that the sergeant of the police was missing. ]t appears two parties of police havo been out in ordor to capture some bushrango s, Leaded by two brothers namel KoUy. Whilst a party of four police were camped in rather an inaccessible wooded country, the bushrangers, four in number, suddenly made their appearance and bailed up two of the constables, one of whom on attempting to draw his revolver was shot dead, The other surrendered. Presently the sergeant and the other man came in. One of the constables attempting to defend himself, was shot dead also. Mclntyre, who was unharmed, and had previously surrendered, saw a chance and made his escape by jumping on horseback. Shots were fired after him. His horse -was killed, but he escaped, and ' reached Mansfield, a distance of twenty-five miles, on foot, after hiding away from his pursuers. Bergeant Kelly, who was le^ft with the ruffians, has not since been heard j of, although every search has been made, and it is firmly believed that he too has been shot. The affair has created the profoundest sensation, and armed parties of police have been sent out in pursuit. The country is rery wild, and the capture of the desperate gang may be a work of difficulty and danger. The bodies of Constables Scanlon and l.onergan have been brought into Mansfield for

burial. A late telegram, re the Mansfield tragedy, says that Sergeant Kennedy's body has been found. He was shot in endeavouring to escape from the bushrangers. The Victorian Government offer a free pardon and £500 for the capture of each bushranger. An Outlawry Bill has also been passed, under which, if the Kellys do not surrender by the 12th inst, they will be liable to ba shot dead wherever or whenever seen.