INCIDENTS IN CONNECTION. WITH THEIR CAPTURE.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1252, 8 July 1880, Page 3

INCIDENTS IN CONNECTION. WITH THEIR CAPTURE.

The following is a narrative of the destruction of the notorious Kelly Gang :—: — The Special Train-—Black Trackers. Benalla, June 28, night. Immediately on the receipt of the news by Captain Standish, Chief Commissioner of Police, on Sunday night, that the Kellys had at last broken cover and committed another diabolical outrage near Beechworth, he at once ordered a special train to at once start from Spencer-street station. Captaui Standish ordered the special train to convey the black trackers (who were at Essendon, under SubInspector O'Connor), so that they might there pick up the tracks of the dreaded gaug. After taking up the five black trackers, together with Mrs O'Connor and her sister (Miss Smith), the train proceeded rapidly on its way, the men being evidently in good spirits at the pi'ospect of an encounter. The night was a splendid one, the moon shining with unusual brightness, whilst the sharp frosty air caused the slightest noise in the forest beyond to be distinctly heard. It was thought that the Kellys or some of their friends might place an obstruction on the line. In order that danger in this direction might be avoided as much as possible, it was determined to lash one of the police to the front of the .engine, so that he might there be able to keep a good look out. At the last moment this plan was abandonded, and as there was a spare engine in the station, it was resolved to use it as a pilot. Accordingly it started about half-a-mile ahead of the special, which it was determined to run through to Beechworth. Glenrowan is the next station to Benalla, being about 14 miles distant.