THE KELLY GANG.

Temuka Leader, Issue 251, 4 May 1880, Page 2

THE KELLY GANG.

Jt is so long since we hen d anything of the Kelly gang, that the following, from the Australasian, is interesting:— The determination of the Government to notify its intention., of withdrawing, after a given time, iti offer of a reward for the apprehension of the Kelly gang, matks a staem in the history of i hat liighiy unpleasant affair. The decision is no doubt a pi-rfec ly justifiable one, J'he Government of the two colonies' fe't it, - resume, to be incompatible wit * their dignity to allow this large reward to renr.a'n any longer as fruitless inducement to tlie accomplices of the outlaws. Hut its withdrawal signifies the rejinqui h uent of one chance of success, and : tantamoui tto a recognition off.iiure. We cannot suppose that the Government has ny means <»f aetiou unattemptedj therefore its efforts have to the pres< nt time resulted in failure altogether. Th• police -f the coi,.ny have lie; n pitted ft r about eighteen moulds against a band of desperadoes, and have to “ give them best.” ’ This is not at all a satisfactory position, nor, we must hold, a final one. From the first we have urged the opinion that the genera! oharac f er of our police arrangements foy, ‘efficiency and usefulness was at stake on the issue of the contest between the police and the bushrangers. The police have failed at every point, and the consideration by the Government of the steps now to be taken cannot long be deferred. At present the Vic to'dan Government offers L4ooo for The outlaws, dead or alive, in connection wbh the Mansfield murders and the Govermuen of New Spu.h Wales offers L4ooo in connection the Jerilderie outrage.