Difference between revisions of "The Argus at KellyGang 21/5/1879"

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THE MONK INQUIRY

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH]

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

MANSFIELD. TUESDAY

The Monk inquiry was continued to day

Annie Monk, examined by Mr 0'Leary - I am the wife of Edward Monk, and till lately residing in Wombat, now residing in Mansfield. The conversation relating to Monk's threat to be revenged on Byrne, as detailed by Reardon, did not occur in my presence or hearing. I am certain Byrne never tried on one of my husband a boots. My husband brought a pair of boots home for Byrne but Byrne was not present then. I have been in a most wretched state of mind ever since my husband received the threatening letters. I remember my husband promising to give Reardon an increase of wages as his business improved, which he believed it would. My husband said nothing to Reardon about believing Byrne to be at the bottom of the threatening letter. I do not remember that Byrne warmed his feet at the fire.

Henry Hamilton Kitchen, JP, examined -I reside at Mansfield. Have had extensive dealings for years past with Mr Monk. Concerning the threatening letters, I remember Monk coming to me on the 26th April and showing me the last threatening letter he had received. He said he had made up hiss mind to sell out, and go away. I advised him not to do so, and told him I thought the letters were written by some Melbourne larrikins. He frequently said he did not care for himself, his anxiety was mostly on account of his wife. He said, "My wife will not believe but that the Kellys wrote those letters, and she is wasting away so that you will not know her. I think she will soon die." 1 told him I thought the Government would do something for him. I also told him that articles had appeared both in The Argus and The Herald and the Mansfield Guardian, which were strongly m his favour. He said he had not seen all the articles referred to. I told him that I would bring the matter before the shire council, and urge them to place it before the Government. Monk was very much downcast, and was continually troubling himself about his wife and family.

To Mr O'Leary -I do not now believe the letters were written by Melbourne larrikins now that Monk has been shot at I firmly believe he has been shot at. A man would have been a lunatic to have invented the story of being shot at after the conversation which Monk and I had together two hours before, I and after the expression of public feeling in his favour. I have had business dealings with him for over 10 years. He is a sterling, straightforward man. It would not be more incumbent upon the Government, in my opinion, had this outrage been committed, and Monk fired at, to do something for him. I had heard the police had suspicions about Monk's case I do not know whether the bullet fired at Monk was a random shot. I believe Webley revolver bullets are sold at my store, but am not positive.

Henry Pewtress, recalled by Mr Smyth - Saw Blum on the Sunday and Monday following the visit of the strangers to his hut. On those occasions Blum made no complaint to me. He did not tell Mr Toohey he was frightened. I was sitting at a distance and did not hear all that passed between Blum and Toohey. Blum said he did not sleep much after the man had left.

To Mr O'Leary - We were all in plain clothes I was on horseback and cantering past, on the Sunday in question.

Frank James senior constable stationed it Mansfield - Was at Blum's place on the Tuesday, with Mr Toohey and Spider. Blum said the man came from the door, went down to the tree, got on his horse, and leaning from the saddle, took up the gun. He then rode away to the Broken River, and Blum said he did not see him again.

Inspector Toohey, recalled - I did not stop Blum from making his statement. I gave him an opportunity to tell me everything.  

To Mr Panton - 1 had no doubts about his story it first, but had afterwards. That is why I questioned him so closely. I asked him then, or the next day, if he had been drinking lately, or if he or his family or relatives had nightmare. I do not think Blum exhibited annoyance at these questions. He did not tell me of the second visit of the first man, nor did he give me any information on the subject on that or any other day.

John Blum, recalled - When I toll Mr Toohey about the second man, Lopdell was standing close by.

John Lopdell, brother in law to Monk said - I was in the court yard last Monday week, and saw Toohey and Blum in conversation I could not hear much, but I heard Blum say these words to Toohey, "He told me his name was Dan Kelly.

Constable Richards was called to set if lie had overheard the conversation, but he had not.

The inquiry was then closed.

The taking of evidence in the Monk case was finished yesterday, and the inquiry was closed. Mr Panton has now to consider his report, which will doubtless be submitted to the Government within a few days.

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