A KELLY INCIDENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1260, 27 July 1880, Page 3

A KELLY INCIDENT.

The "Wangaratta correspondent of the Arg us writes : — "In order to show the manner and extent of the terrorism which has so long prevailed in this district, I may mention an occurrence which took place in the immediate neighbourhood of Wangaratta some months ago. Even now the facts have not been tfisj closed by the police, but there is no longer any occasion for reticence. The family of Steve Hart, the outlaw, reside within about three miles of the town, close behind the racecourse. Before the arrival of the black trackers the gang occasionally visited Hart's house. It is unnecessary to say it was under surveillance, but the band were kept co thoroughly posted up in the movements of the police that the watch was without re1 suit. About five or six months since a respectable man, employed by one of the largest tradeis in the town, in a paddock next the racecourse one night went out opossum shooting — rather a risky sport for the time and place, He was marked down and challenged, and after being disarmed was marched into the house. There he found the whole of the outlaws, who accused him of being a detective, placed him on his knees, and told him to prepare for instant death. Although naturally horror stricken he succeeded in convincing his captors of the innocont character of himself and his employment but still they hesitated. At length they warned him of the frightful fate that awaited him if he reported their visit, and made him solemnly swear that he would not mention his adventure for one month. Then having- presented him with a f 10-note still further to seal his lips, they let him go. So abject, however, was the man's terror, that for the whole of the specified month he carried the note and the consuming secret about with him and then only told his emploj er, who of course gave the information and the money to Sergeant Steele. The whole affair shows how bold the gang were and how secure and astute were the means they employed in carrying out their depredations. For it will be evident that to frighten the man out of his wits was a safer course for them than to murder him, and if he had appropriated any of the money his secret would most likely have died with him One of the men who is said to have been in the house that night was at Grlenrowan on the day of the fight and affectionately kissed Ned Kelly while he lay wounded there.

Nbd Kelly was shearing' on Bell's station, near Invercargill, in the season of 1876. At leaat, so the Bruce "Scrald" says. The new Pure Cash System now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods arc marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bear a portion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are dctirmmed to give the pure cash system a fair trial; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largcbt portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is nkw and cheaply bought. An inspection is invited. — Garlick and Cranwell, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, QueenStreet, Auckland.