STICKING-UP THE GULGONG COACH.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 829, 24 June 1871, Page 3

STICKING-UP THE GULGONG COACH.

It is reported from Mudgee by the local papers that the Gulgong coach was attacked by bushrangers, and robbed of a considerable sum of money, on the Ist or 2nd of June. The Mudgee " Advertiser" gives the following particulars : —" Mr Naughton, accompanied by Mrs Naughton, was riding from Gulgong homewards, and had reached the old reef in proximity to the cutting, when he observed a coach in the middle of the road, and the passengers sitting down beside it. Simultaneously a man, whose face was concealed by means of crape, presented two revolvers at him, and ordered him to stand. He dismounted, and then observed that he had fallen into the hands of a bushranging party, who were all well armed with revolvers, and had their several faces covered with crape. With one exception, they wore the costume of diggers, and their clothes were considerably soiled with clay. One of the party was dressed in black. They appeared to have no horses. Mr Naughton was then ordered to go and sit down with the passengers by the coach, and he complied. A few minutes later one of the party came and searched his pockets, taking therefrom ten 'or twelve shillings in silver. The robber then asked Naughton whether he had any more, to which he replied in the negative, adding that he considered he ought to be satisfied. He then proceeded to relieve Naughton of his watch and chain, but on the latter remonstrating with him, and telling him that it was an old favourite, he desisted, and also returned several other small articles he had taken. The bushrangers, having completed the search, intimated to the bailed-up party that they might go, adding at the same time that the less they said about) the occurrence the better. Mr Tarrant, the driver of the coach relates that he was driving up the hill when the five men approached at a run, and commanded him to stop, and that when the passengers expressed some disinclination to dismount, tha bushrangers threatened to shoot them if they did not immediately comply with their orders. Tarrant came out of the affair very fortunately, as they omitted to search him. Had they done so they would, perhaps, have discovered something for their pains, as he was conveying a considerable sum to the diggings in trust for a friend. Immediately the coach arrived at Gulgong they reported the matter to the police, who started in pursuit. We understand that three men were arrested the same evening on suspicion of being the parties concerned, but as none of the passengers were unable to identify them, t hey were discharged. We may remark in conclusion that no definite information has reached us as to the exact amount stolen, though we can correct the rumour which at first prevailed as to the robbery of £450. The passengers by the coach, we believe, affirm that they are losers to the amount of £180."