Changes
Import from source
== Railways ==
...one of things of the
=== KellyGang ===
story
== The Railway's place in the KellyGang story ==
The importance of the railway in the story of the '''KellyGang''' is hard to over estimate. The first railway line in Melboure was built in [[1854-1863 Events|1854]]. The line from [[Melbourne|Melbourne]] to [[Echuca|Echuca]] was completed in July [[1864-1873 Events|1864]], ten years before the Melbourne [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] line, in [[1874-1877 Events|1874]], While the Echuca line was put in to capture the trade on the River [[Murray River at Kellygang|Murray]] from New South Wales.
The line to [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] also captured for Melbourne the wealth of an important area and altered for ever the routes that people took as they travel to towns like [[Beechworth|Beechworth]]. The line meant that the wealth of the Benalla and Albury regions also could be quickly brought to Melbourne. Towns like [[Greta|Greta]] were by passed in favour of [[Glenrowan|Glenrowan]].
Some were not happy at taking cases from all over North Eastern Victoria to Beechworth after the arrival of the railway ([[The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 25/4/1873|Ensign25/4/1873]])
By 1876 the Victorian Government was using the railways to exert influence over the [[Riverina area|Riverian]] in New South Wales by transporting wool produced in New South Wales from [[Echuca|Euchca]] and [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] to Williamstown at a reduced rate
What was it like to travel on the train? A trip from [[Longwood|Longwood]] to [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]]([[Alexandra Times at KellyGang 18/8/1876|Alexandra12/8/1876]])
A trip from [[Melbourne|Melbourne]] to [[Echuca|Echuca]] ([[Australian Town and Country Journal at KellyGang 22/6/1872 (5)|T&C29/6/1872]])
The railway has been described as a 'Steal God'. It was certainly seen as a great sign of 19th Century progress and every town wanted its own railway station. Railway workers were people with status. The train ment that people and goods could travel from place to place at speeds that were unheard of at a time when horses and bullocks were the main alternative. It had a great impact on [[Selectors|selection]]. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 19/4/1880|Argus19/4/80]])
The importance of the railway to the police is perhaps best illustrated by the cost. ([[Royal Commission report day 3 page 5|RC735]])
Fear that the '''KellyGang''' had attacked a train ([[The Argus at KellyGang 19/11/1879 (8)|Argus19/11/79]])
There was an interesting relationship between coaches and the railway ([[The Argus at KellyGang 17/1/1881|Argus17/1/81]])
== The Railway Stations, time table and cost ==
See list of towns with [[Railway Stations|stations]]
'''The time table of trains to and from Benalla in 1874'''
The trains are Melbourne daily (Sundays ezcepted) at 7am. and 2 pm; arrive in Benalla at 12.25 pm., and 7.34 p.m., and after stopping 15 min, on to Wodonga. arriving there at 3.30 pm. and 10.37 pm.; and the trains.leave Wodonga daily (Sundays excepted) at 6 25 am, and 1.45 pm; arrive in Benalla at 9.13 am. and 4.34 pm, and, after stopping a quarter of an hour, go to Melbourne, arriving there at 2.26 pm and 9.31 pm
'''Typical fares''' to and from [[Benalla|Benalla]] in 1874, these are about 2/3 of the first lot of fares
{| class="wikitable"
| To
| single 1st class
| single 2nd class
| return 1st class
| return 2nd class
|-
| Melbourne
| 10/6
| 13/6
| /-
| /-
|-
| Essendon
| 19/6
| 13/-
| /-
| /-
|-
| Kilmore
| 13/9
| 9/-
| /-
| /
|-
| Seymour
| 10/-
| 6/9
| /-
| /-
|-
| Longwood
| 6/-
| 4/3
| /-
| /
|-
| Euroa
| 4/9
| 3/3
| /-
| /-
|-
| Violet Town
| 2/9
| 2/-
| /-
| /-
|-
| Wangaratta
| 4/-
| 2/9
|
| /
|-
| Chiltern
| 8/-
| 5/-
| /-
| /-
|-
| Barnawartha
| 8/6
| 5/9
| /
| /
|-
| Wodonga
| 11/-
| 7/6
| /
| /
|-
|}
== People who worked on the railways in the Kelly country ==
See list of railway [[Railway Stations|people]].
In the 1870s and 1880s the railways employed a lrge number of people. We know the names of a few station masters and engine drivers and guards. But the great army of level crossing gate keepers. stokers, plate layers, cleaners, gravelmen and others largely remain anomous. '''.'''
== Trains used in the area ==
'''Details of the Trains used'''
There were different trains used on the line between Wangaratta and Beechworth because of the hills ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 12|RC8998]])
The police had lots of problems with the carriages used to carry horses. Part of the reason why they were late in starting off for Euroa after the robbery was beacuse they could not get the horses laoded
Performance of the 'Fairlie' engine that could be used on the line to Beechworth ([[The Argus at KellyGang 1/8/1870 (2)|Argus1/8/70]])
== The line ==
The building of the lines took a significant effort and provided a lot of work. First cuttings had to be dug by hand using picks, shovels and horse drawn scoops. Areas had to be built up and bridges constructed. Larges bridge timbers had to be cut by [[Sawmill|sawmillers]] like [[Saunders|Saunders]] and [[Rule|Rule]] where [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] worked. There was also a lot of sleepers that had to be cut by the sawmillers and taken up the line.
They wanted a line to places like Alexandra and Mansfield and suggested a line on the 'Fairlie principle' ([[Alexandra Times at KellyGang 3/5/1872|Alexandra3/5/1872]])
One of the first meetings to push for the railway was held in Beechworth in [[1864-1873 Events|1866]].
They had great expectations with all the cost worked out. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 25/5/1866|Argus25/5/66]])
The next meeting of representatives from all over the area was held in Wangaratta ([[The Argus at KellyGang 29/8/1867|Argus29/8/67]])
What route should the line take ([[The Argus at KellyGang 3/9/1868|Argus3/9/68]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/8/1868|Argus22/8/68]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 1/8/1870|Argus1/8/70]])
The Benalla bridge ([[The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 7/5/1872|Ensign5/1872]])
How was progress going ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/2/1873|Argus20/2/73]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 24/2/1873|Argus24/2/73]])
Eastern line were opened from Melbourne as follows: to [[Violet Town|Violet Town]] on [[1864-1873 Events|20/3/1873]],
to [[Benalla|Benalla]] on 18/8/1873, ([[The Argus at KellyGang 28/7/1873|Argus28/7/73]]) ([[The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 15/8/1873|Ensign15/8/1873]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 19/8/1873|Argus19/8/73]])
to [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] 28/10/1873, ([[The Argus at KellyGang 28/10/1873|Argus28/10/73]]) and
right through to [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] 21/11/1873.
Completion of the line to Wodonga ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/11/1873|Argus20/11/73]]) Cost of the line ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/11/1873 (2)|Argus20/11/73]])
Building the line from Everton to Beechworth ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/1/1876|Argus8/1/76]])
The line finally arrived at Beechworth ([[The Argus at KellyGang 30/9/1876|Argus30/9/76]])
Trip from Sydney to Goulburn ([[Australian Town and Country Journal at KellyGang 25/6/1870|T&C25/6/1870]])
The steel track had to be imported from overseas and then tranported by train up the line from Melbourne. Most of it came from England.
== Visit ... ==
== Importance of the Railway to the police and the community ==
The railway line ran around two sides of the Kelly country in north eastern Victoria places like Benalla and Beechworth. But the police did not know how use new technology. It was used to bring a large number of police to the Sebastopol [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|cavalcade]] without any planned organisation.
''''''
=== Police special to Benalla after the Murders at Stringy Bark Creek ===
At about 3pm on [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|28/10/1878]] a train left Melbourne for Benalla with a number of police including,Com [[Standish|Standish]], and AssCom [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] and Consts [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]], [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]], [[Strahan|Strahan]], and '''Dakin'''. The train also carried extra firearms for the hunt against the KellyGang.
A train took most of the police from [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]] to Beechworth for the [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|Sebastopol cavalcade]]. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/11/1878|Argus8/11/78]])
A response to the KellyGang's threat to the railway ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/12/1878 (2)|Argus20/12/78]])
=== Trains and the Euroa robbery ===
Just before the [[Euroa|Euroa]] robbery the train with [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] and [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] took off in the wrong direction. When the police in [[Benalla|Benalla]] finally found out about the Euroa robbery they could not load their horses into the old train carriages for some time because of poor design. When they arrived at [[Faithfull's Creek (2)|Faithfull's]] Creek Station they could not unload the horses and had to travel on to the platform at the Euroa railway station. There are a number of other examples of similar problems.
Mr Wyatt caught the 4.4 luggage train from Violet Town to Euroa on the way down and the train that left Euroa after 7pm for Benalla.
The KellyGang captured the platelayers ([[The Argus at KellyGang 12/12/1878 (8)|Argus12/12/78]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 13/11/1878 (5)|Argus13/11/78]])
Mr. '''John Woods''', the Commissioner of Railways at that time, when he heard of the breakage of the line tolerably early in the day, exclaimed, "It is the Kellys;" ([[Royal Commission report day 12 page 3|RC2283]])
Previously he had arranged for a special watch to be kept on some steep parts of the line to [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] ([[Royal Commission report day 8 page 5|RC1501]])
There were no horse trucks at Benalla. They had to get two of those old luggage-vans. ([[Royal Commission report day 19 page 1|RC5966]])
On the day after the robbery the first normal train arrived at Euroa at 10.10am ([[Royal Commission report day 2 page 15|RC546]])
A secial train was arranged to take Col Anderson up to Benalla so he could meet Com Standish to arrange the use of the army to protect the banks ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (3)|Argus16/12/78]])
Details of the train used to transport the troops. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (4)|Argus16/12/78]])
A special train was provided to take Com Sandish from Benalla to Melbourne ([[The Argus at KellyGang 31/1/1879|Argus31/1/79]])
=== The special from Melbourne to Glenrowan ===
At about 3pm on [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|27/6/1880]] Sup [[Hare|Hare]] SConst [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]] to see [[Benalla|Mr Stevens]], the [[Benalla|Benalla]] station master, to get a special train ready to go up to Beechworth. ([[The Argus (4)|Argus29/6/1880]]) ([[The Age (2)|TheAGE29/6/80]]) ([[The Argus (36)|Argus5/7/80]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 8 page 5|RC1501]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 4|RC8030]]) See also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 10 page 6|FH]])
Com [[Standish|Standish]] and [[Chief Secretary|Mr Ramsay]] went to see Mr Gillies about 5pm on [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|27/6/1880]] to get permission for a special train to take Insp [[O'Connor|O'Connor]] and the Queensland trackers up to Beechworth following the news of Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]]'s death. The train eventually left Melbourne at 9.57 pm on 27/6/1880. I consisted of a locomotive, carriage and break van. On board were 4 journalists, [[Allen|George Allen]] from the [[Daily Telegraph|Daily Telegraph]], Thomas [[Carrington|Carrington]] from the Australasian and the Sketcher, Joe [[Melvin|Melvin]] from The [[The Argus (13)|Argus]] and John [[McWhirter|McWhirter]] from [[The Age (63)|The Age]]. Insp O'Connor and the Queensland trackers caught the train at Essendon at 10.15pm. see also ([[The Age (2)|Age29/6/1880]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 17|RC16250]])
A first class carriage was provided for the officers. ([[Royal Commission report day 46 page 6|RC15881]])
Delay because all the engines of the steam trains were cold ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 1|FH]])
The crew of the tain from Melbourne were, drivers John [[Bowman|Bowman]] and Richard [[Coleman|Coleman]], guard [[Bell|Bell]], firemen [[Hollows|H Hollows]] and Stewart .
After leaving [[Essendon|Essendon]] the train travelled at a great speed, and before the passengers were aware of any accident having occurred, we had smashed through a gate about a mile beyond Craigieburn. The brake of the engine had, however, been torn away, the footbridge of the guard's van destroyed. Guard [[Bell|Bell]] was looking out of the van at the time, and had a very narrow escape. Benalla was reached at 1.30pm, and there [[Hare|Hare]] with eight troopers and their horses were taken on board.([[The Argus (13)|Argus 29/6/1880]])
At Craigieburn it ran through a gate, which carried away the brake of the engine, and necessitated a stoppage of about twenty minutes.([[The Argus (4)|Argus29/6/1880]]) ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 1|FH]])
Just before starting from Benalla, it occurred to the authorities that it would be advisable to send a pilot engine in advance. A start was made from Benalla at 2 o'clock, and at 25 minutes to 3, when we were travelling at a rapid pace, we were stopped by the pilot engine ([[The Argus (13)|Argus 29/6/1880]]) All lights were put out on the train from the time it started from Benalla ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 5|RC1614]])
Guard on the pilot engine, [[McPhee|McPhee]], and Henry [[Alder|Alder]] was the driver. fireman Hugh [[Burch|Burch]].
SConst [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]], Consts [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]], [[Const William Canny|Canny]], [[Gascoigne|Gascoigne]], [[Const Arthur|Arthur]], and [[Const W Phillips|Phillips]] travelled in the guard's van from Benalla. Const [[Kirkham|Kirkham]], travelled in the 1st c15-may-12 norPinsp.html">O'Connor, Mrs O'Connor, Miss Webb, [[Hero|Hero]], [[Johnny|Johnny]], [[Jimmy|Jimmy]], [[Jacky|Jacky]], (RC8037) Hare, , Carrington, Allen, McWhirter, Melvin, , , ? See McPhee's account as to what happened - lots of detail ([[Archibald M'Phee's report 18/12/1880|McPhee]])
When the train was stopped by Mr [[Thomas Curnow|Curnow]], Consts [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]], [[Gascoigne|Gascoigne]] and [[Const W Phillips|Phillips]] went from this train to the pilot engine, which was perhaps a quarter of a mile ahead. The two trains were linked up.([[Royal Commission report 17/5/1881|RC7774.7357]]) But See ([[Royal Commission report day 25 page 6|RC9674]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 5|RC8047]])
When Curnow stopped the train it was near Playford and De Soir's paddocks ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 2|FH]])
After Sup [[Hare|Hare]] returned to the platform the second time after being shot the press organised for him to be taken to [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]]. The first train took off without him to get Sup [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] and the police from Benalla and Hare travelled on the second engine.([[The Argus (38)|Argus5/7/80]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 2|RC10036]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 14|RC10314]])
See guard [[Bell|Bell]]'s statement. It contains some technical information. ([[The Argus (21)|Argus1/7/80]])
=== Another special train ===
The train that took Sup [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] and his party from Benalla was driven by Mr '''Richard Colman''' ([[Royal Commission report day 27 page 19|RC10977]])
Sgt [[Steele|Steele's]] (he rode a horse) party took the train from Wangaratta to near where the track had been taken up ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 11|RC8998]])
=== Another special train ===
News of the first encounter at Glenrowan was received in Melbourne another special train was authorised to leave at about 9am on 28/6/1880 to take Standish up to the battle. With all the excitement of [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]]'s capture and Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]]'s death the train left a bit later, about 10.15. It got to Benalla about [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|2 pm]] where it was again delayed. Standish went to see Sup [[Hare|Hare]] and the train finally left for Glenrowan about 4.15pm after news of the discovery of the bodies of Steve Hart and Dan Kelly had been received.([[Royal Commission report day 1 page 11|RC77]])
=== A train at Glenrowan ===
The bodies of [[Steve Hart|Steve Hart]] and [[Dan Kelly|Dan Kelly]] were laid on a stretcher, covered with a cloth, and placed in the train. [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]]’s body was similarly treated, and then [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] was carried on a stretcher, and placed also in the same carriage. ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (6)|Daily Telegraph29/6/1880]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 22|RC8550]])
=== Another special train ===
At about 10 am special train left Melbourne with [[Standish|Standish]], [[Ryan|Dr Ryan]] and about 5 extra police for Glenrowan. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 13 page 5|FH]])
=== Another special train ===
At twenty minutes past two a special train departed from Melbourne carrying the formidable looking weapon, a detachment of the Garrison [[Army|Artillery]] under Lieutenant Nicholson. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 13 page 5|FH]])
''''''
=== Ned Kelly taken down to Benalla ===
Late on 28/6/1880 Ned Kelly and the body of Joe Byrne arrived by train from Glenrowan to be greated by a large crowd. The train also carried many of the police who had taken part in the siege. ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (6)|DailyTelegraph29/6/1880]])
''''''
=== Ned Kelly taken down to Melbourne ===
On 29/6/80 Sconts [[Const Patrick Walsh|Walsh]] Coghlan and Consts Griffin, Bunker, Waldron were part of the guard on [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] when he came down to Melbourne on the train. Dr [[Ryan|Ryan]] looked after Ned during the journey. Ned travelled in the guards van and he was taken off the train at the North Melbourne station at about 3pm . ([[The Argus (14)|Argus30/6/80]])
=== 1/8/1880 Ned Kelly taken back through his country to Beechworth ===
On [[1880-07---aftermath|1/8/1880]] [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] was taken under guard by train from [[Flemington|Newmarket]] to [[Beechworth Gaol|Beechworth]] for his committal. Mr '''Labertouche''' organised the train. It consisted of an engine, saloon car and guards van. ([[The Age (28)|Age2/8/1880]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/8/1880 (2)|Argus2/8/80]])
Ned Kelly was guarded by Sgt [[Steele|Steele]] and Consts [[Const Hugh Bracken|Bracken]] and [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] and 3 other constables; '''Moore''', '''Docharty''',and '''Mathieson''' was also on the train. The police tried to get Ned Kelly to talk. He was guarded in his comments. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/8/1880 (2)|Argus2/8/80]])
The first stop was at [[Seymour|Seymour]].
The train left Newmarket in Melbourne at 9.30am and arrived at Beechworth at about 4pm (Age2/8/1880)
=== 12/8/1880 Ned Kelly taken back to Melbourne Gaol ===
A special train, under the charge of guards [[Bell|Bell]] and Baxter, took Ned Kelly from Wangaratta to Melbourne. He had been taken from Beechworth to Wangaratta by wagon. ([[Herald (42)|Herald12/8/1880]]) ([[The Age (46)|Age13/8/1880]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 13/8/1880|Argus13/8/80]]) ([[Herald (43)|Herald13/8/1880]]) ([[Ovens and Murray Advertiser at KellyGang 14/8/1880|OMA14/8/1880]])
=== Usefulness of the railways - cause of the KellyGang outbreak? ===
The usefulness of the railways to transport almost everything is illustrated by the work of Alphonse [[Piazzi|Piazzi]]. He was the contractor who, with his men were camped in tents near the tracks in [[Glenrowan|Glenrowan]] at the time of the siege.
What were they doing?
Piazza and his partner had a contract from the Benalla Council to metal the main street of [[Benalla|Benalla]]. They got the stone from a quarry in Glenrowan and took it to the railway siding in horse drawn carts. They then transferred the stone into a rail waggon for the trip to Benalla where they unloaded it into other horse drawn carts for the trip to the main street of town.
This type of story was repeated for the transport of all kinds of products.
Like any change the arrival of the railway had an important social impact.
It has been estimated that there were more than 20,000 people involved in transporting goods from Melbourne to the miners in [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] before the arrival of the railway line. There where also many settlements along the way that had been located a days journey apart. To a large extent they relied on the teamsters with their bullock waggons and teams of horses for their existance.
A town like [[Greta|Greta]] suffered greatly when it was bypassed and it has been suggested that the raise of the '''KellyGang''' was a direct result of the loss of so many jobs.
The local lads went from having a good job, Greta once had a brick works and there had been lots of work building therailway, to no work. Produce for Beechworth could be loaded on the train in Melbourne and unloaded in Beechworth without having to be handled once on the journy.
Sup Hare complained that the gate keepers who operated the gates on the road crossings on the railway line as being in league with the KellyGang. They would be hard to find and slow in opening the gates for the police. He was also concerned that sympathisers reported back to the KellyGang when ever police moved by train. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 9 page 2|FH]])
[[Category:Things]] [[Category:New technology things]] [[Category:Railways]] [[Category:Towns]] [[Category:People]] [[Category:stations]] [[Category:tains]] [[Category:Kelly Gang]] [[Category:history]]
MediaWiki:Sidebar
{{^|Original page location \things\N_new technology\N_rail.html}}
...one of things of the
=== KellyGang ===
story
== The Railway's place in the KellyGang story ==
The importance of the railway in the story of the '''KellyGang''' is hard to over estimate. The first railway line in Melboure was built in [[1854-1863 Events|1854]]. The line from [[Melbourne|Melbourne]] to [[Echuca|Echuca]] was completed in July [[1864-1873 Events|1864]], ten years before the Melbourne [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] line, in [[1874-1877 Events|1874]], While the Echuca line was put in to capture the trade on the River [[Murray River at Kellygang|Murray]] from New South Wales.
The line to [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] also captured for Melbourne the wealth of an important area and altered for ever the routes that people took as they travel to towns like [[Beechworth|Beechworth]]. The line meant that the wealth of the Benalla and Albury regions also could be quickly brought to Melbourne. Towns like [[Greta|Greta]] were by passed in favour of [[Glenrowan|Glenrowan]].
Some were not happy at taking cases from all over North Eastern Victoria to Beechworth after the arrival of the railway ([[The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 25/4/1873|Ensign25/4/1873]])
By 1876 the Victorian Government was using the railways to exert influence over the [[Riverina area|Riverian]] in New South Wales by transporting wool produced in New South Wales from [[Echuca|Euchca]] and [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] to Williamstown at a reduced rate
What was it like to travel on the train? A trip from [[Longwood|Longwood]] to [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]]([[Alexandra Times at KellyGang 18/8/1876|Alexandra12/8/1876]])
A trip from [[Melbourne|Melbourne]] to [[Echuca|Echuca]] ([[Australian Town and Country Journal at KellyGang 22/6/1872 (5)|T&C29/6/1872]])
The railway has been described as a 'Steal God'. It was certainly seen as a great sign of 19th Century progress and every town wanted its own railway station. Railway workers were people with status. The train ment that people and goods could travel from place to place at speeds that were unheard of at a time when horses and bullocks were the main alternative. It had a great impact on [[Selectors|selection]]. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 19/4/1880|Argus19/4/80]])
The importance of the railway to the police is perhaps best illustrated by the cost. ([[Royal Commission report day 3 page 5|RC735]])
Fear that the '''KellyGang''' had attacked a train ([[The Argus at KellyGang 19/11/1879 (8)|Argus19/11/79]])
There was an interesting relationship between coaches and the railway ([[The Argus at KellyGang 17/1/1881|Argus17/1/81]])
== The Railway Stations, time table and cost ==
See list of towns with [[Railway Stations|stations]]
'''The time table of trains to and from Benalla in 1874'''
The trains are Melbourne daily (Sundays ezcepted) at 7am. and 2 pm; arrive in Benalla at 12.25 pm., and 7.34 p.m., and after stopping 15 min, on to Wodonga. arriving there at 3.30 pm. and 10.37 pm.; and the trains.leave Wodonga daily (Sundays excepted) at 6 25 am, and 1.45 pm; arrive in Benalla at 9.13 am. and 4.34 pm, and, after stopping a quarter of an hour, go to Melbourne, arriving there at 2.26 pm and 9.31 pm
'''Typical fares''' to and from [[Benalla|Benalla]] in 1874, these are about 2/3 of the first lot of fares
{| class="wikitable"
| To
| single 1st class
| single 2nd class
| return 1st class
| return 2nd class
|-
| Melbourne
| 10/6
| 13/6
| /-
| /-
|-
| Essendon
| 19/6
| 13/-
| /-
| /-
|-
| Kilmore
| 13/9
| 9/-
| /-
| /
|-
| Seymour
| 10/-
| 6/9
| /-
| /-
|-
| Longwood
| 6/-
| 4/3
| /-
| /
|-
| Euroa
| 4/9
| 3/3
| /-
| /-
|-
| Violet Town
| 2/9
| 2/-
| /-
| /-
|-
| Wangaratta
| 4/-
| 2/9
|
| /
|-
| Chiltern
| 8/-
| 5/-
| /-
| /-
|-
| Barnawartha
| 8/6
| 5/9
| /
| /
|-
| Wodonga
| 11/-
| 7/6
| /
| /
|-
|}
== People who worked on the railways in the Kelly country ==
See list of railway [[Railway Stations|people]].
In the 1870s and 1880s the railways employed a lrge number of people. We know the names of a few station masters and engine drivers and guards. But the great army of level crossing gate keepers. stokers, plate layers, cleaners, gravelmen and others largely remain anomous. '''.'''
== Trains used in the area ==
'''Details of the Trains used'''
There were different trains used on the line between Wangaratta and Beechworth because of the hills ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 12|RC8998]])
The police had lots of problems with the carriages used to carry horses. Part of the reason why they were late in starting off for Euroa after the robbery was beacuse they could not get the horses laoded
Performance of the 'Fairlie' engine that could be used on the line to Beechworth ([[The Argus at KellyGang 1/8/1870 (2)|Argus1/8/70]])
== The line ==
The building of the lines took a significant effort and provided a lot of work. First cuttings had to be dug by hand using picks, shovels and horse drawn scoops. Areas had to be built up and bridges constructed. Larges bridge timbers had to be cut by [[Sawmill|sawmillers]] like [[Saunders|Saunders]] and [[Rule|Rule]] where [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] worked. There was also a lot of sleepers that had to be cut by the sawmillers and taken up the line.
They wanted a line to places like Alexandra and Mansfield and suggested a line on the 'Fairlie principle' ([[Alexandra Times at KellyGang 3/5/1872|Alexandra3/5/1872]])
One of the first meetings to push for the railway was held in Beechworth in [[1864-1873 Events|1866]].
They had great expectations with all the cost worked out. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 25/5/1866|Argus25/5/66]])
The next meeting of representatives from all over the area was held in Wangaratta ([[The Argus at KellyGang 29/8/1867|Argus29/8/67]])
What route should the line take ([[The Argus at KellyGang 3/9/1868|Argus3/9/68]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/8/1868|Argus22/8/68]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 1/8/1870|Argus1/8/70]])
The Benalla bridge ([[The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 7/5/1872|Ensign5/1872]])
How was progress going ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/2/1873|Argus20/2/73]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 24/2/1873|Argus24/2/73]])
Eastern line were opened from Melbourne as follows: to [[Violet Town|Violet Town]] on [[1864-1873 Events|20/3/1873]],
to [[Benalla|Benalla]] on 18/8/1873, ([[The Argus at KellyGang 28/7/1873|Argus28/7/73]]) ([[The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 15/8/1873|Ensign15/8/1873]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 19/8/1873|Argus19/8/73]])
to [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] 28/10/1873, ([[The Argus at KellyGang 28/10/1873|Argus28/10/73]]) and
right through to [[Wodonga (2)|Wodonga]] 21/11/1873.
Completion of the line to Wodonga ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/11/1873|Argus20/11/73]]) Cost of the line ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/11/1873 (2)|Argus20/11/73]])
Building the line from Everton to Beechworth ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/1/1876|Argus8/1/76]])
The line finally arrived at Beechworth ([[The Argus at KellyGang 30/9/1876|Argus30/9/76]])
Trip from Sydney to Goulburn ([[Australian Town and Country Journal at KellyGang 25/6/1870|T&C25/6/1870]])
The steel track had to be imported from overseas and then tranported by train up the line from Melbourne. Most of it came from England.
== Visit ... ==
== Importance of the Railway to the police and the community ==
The railway line ran around two sides of the Kelly country in north eastern Victoria places like Benalla and Beechworth. But the police did not know how use new technology. It was used to bring a large number of police to the Sebastopol [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|cavalcade]] without any planned organisation.
''''''
=== Police special to Benalla after the Murders at Stringy Bark Creek ===
At about 3pm on [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|28/10/1878]] a train left Melbourne for Benalla with a number of police including,Com [[Standish|Standish]], and AssCom [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] and Consts [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]], [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]], [[Strahan|Strahan]], and '''Dakin'''. The train also carried extra firearms for the hunt against the KellyGang.
A train took most of the police from [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]] to Beechworth for the [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|Sebastopol cavalcade]]. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/11/1878|Argus8/11/78]])
A response to the KellyGang's threat to the railway ([[The Argus at KellyGang 20/12/1878 (2)|Argus20/12/78]])
=== Trains and the Euroa robbery ===
Just before the [[Euroa|Euroa]] robbery the train with [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] and [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] took off in the wrong direction. When the police in [[Benalla|Benalla]] finally found out about the Euroa robbery they could not load their horses into the old train carriages for some time because of poor design. When they arrived at [[Faithfull's Creek (2)|Faithfull's]] Creek Station they could not unload the horses and had to travel on to the platform at the Euroa railway station. There are a number of other examples of similar problems.
Mr Wyatt caught the 4.4 luggage train from Violet Town to Euroa on the way down and the train that left Euroa after 7pm for Benalla.
The KellyGang captured the platelayers ([[The Argus at KellyGang 12/12/1878 (8)|Argus12/12/78]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 13/11/1878 (5)|Argus13/11/78]])
Mr. '''John Woods''', the Commissioner of Railways at that time, when he heard of the breakage of the line tolerably early in the day, exclaimed, "It is the Kellys;" ([[Royal Commission report day 12 page 3|RC2283]])
Previously he had arranged for a special watch to be kept on some steep parts of the line to [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] ([[Royal Commission report day 8 page 5|RC1501]])
There were no horse trucks at Benalla. They had to get two of those old luggage-vans. ([[Royal Commission report day 19 page 1|RC5966]])
On the day after the robbery the first normal train arrived at Euroa at 10.10am ([[Royal Commission report day 2 page 15|RC546]])
A secial train was arranged to take Col Anderson up to Benalla so he could meet Com Standish to arrange the use of the army to protect the banks ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (3)|Argus16/12/78]])
Details of the train used to transport the troops. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (4)|Argus16/12/78]])
A special train was provided to take Com Sandish from Benalla to Melbourne ([[The Argus at KellyGang 31/1/1879|Argus31/1/79]])
=== The special from Melbourne to Glenrowan ===
At about 3pm on [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|27/6/1880]] Sup [[Hare|Hare]] SConst [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]] to see [[Benalla|Mr Stevens]], the [[Benalla|Benalla]] station master, to get a special train ready to go up to Beechworth. ([[The Argus (4)|Argus29/6/1880]]) ([[The Age (2)|TheAGE29/6/80]]) ([[The Argus (36)|Argus5/7/80]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 8 page 5|RC1501]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 4|RC8030]]) See also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 10 page 6|FH]])
Com [[Standish|Standish]] and [[Chief Secretary|Mr Ramsay]] went to see Mr Gillies about 5pm on [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|27/6/1880]] to get permission for a special train to take Insp [[O'Connor|O'Connor]] and the Queensland trackers up to Beechworth following the news of Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]]'s death. The train eventually left Melbourne at 9.57 pm on 27/6/1880. I consisted of a locomotive, carriage and break van. On board were 4 journalists, [[Allen|George Allen]] from the [[Daily Telegraph|Daily Telegraph]], Thomas [[Carrington|Carrington]] from the Australasian and the Sketcher, Joe [[Melvin|Melvin]] from The [[The Argus (13)|Argus]] and John [[McWhirter|McWhirter]] from [[The Age (63)|The Age]]. Insp O'Connor and the Queensland trackers caught the train at Essendon at 10.15pm. see also ([[The Age (2)|Age29/6/1880]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 17|RC16250]])
A first class carriage was provided for the officers. ([[Royal Commission report day 46 page 6|RC15881]])
Delay because all the engines of the steam trains were cold ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 1|FH]])
The crew of the tain from Melbourne were, drivers John [[Bowman|Bowman]] and Richard [[Coleman|Coleman]], guard [[Bell|Bell]], firemen [[Hollows|H Hollows]] and Stewart .
After leaving [[Essendon|Essendon]] the train travelled at a great speed, and before the passengers were aware of any accident having occurred, we had smashed through a gate about a mile beyond Craigieburn. The brake of the engine had, however, been torn away, the footbridge of the guard's van destroyed. Guard [[Bell|Bell]] was looking out of the van at the time, and had a very narrow escape. Benalla was reached at 1.30pm, and there [[Hare|Hare]] with eight troopers and their horses were taken on board.([[The Argus (13)|Argus 29/6/1880]])
At Craigieburn it ran through a gate, which carried away the brake of the engine, and necessitated a stoppage of about twenty minutes.([[The Argus (4)|Argus29/6/1880]]) ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 1|FH]])
Just before starting from Benalla, it occurred to the authorities that it would be advisable to send a pilot engine in advance. A start was made from Benalla at 2 o'clock, and at 25 minutes to 3, when we were travelling at a rapid pace, we were stopped by the pilot engine ([[The Argus (13)|Argus 29/6/1880]]) All lights were put out on the train from the time it started from Benalla ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 5|RC1614]])
Guard on the pilot engine, [[McPhee|McPhee]], and Henry [[Alder|Alder]] was the driver. fireman Hugh [[Burch|Burch]].
SConst [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]], Consts [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]], [[Const William Canny|Canny]], [[Gascoigne|Gascoigne]], [[Const Arthur|Arthur]], and [[Const W Phillips|Phillips]] travelled in the guard's van from Benalla. Const [[Kirkham|Kirkham]], travelled in the 1st c15-may-12 norPinsp.html">O'Connor, Mrs O'Connor, Miss Webb, [[Hero|Hero]], [[Johnny|Johnny]], [[Jimmy|Jimmy]], [[Jacky|Jacky]], (RC8037) Hare, , Carrington, Allen, McWhirter, Melvin, , , ? See McPhee's account as to what happened - lots of detail ([[Archibald M'Phee's report 18/12/1880|McPhee]])
When the train was stopped by Mr [[Thomas Curnow|Curnow]], Consts [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]], [[Gascoigne|Gascoigne]] and [[Const W Phillips|Phillips]] went from this train to the pilot engine, which was perhaps a quarter of a mile ahead. The two trains were linked up.([[Royal Commission report 17/5/1881|RC7774.7357]]) But See ([[Royal Commission report day 25 page 6|RC9674]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 5|RC8047]])
When Curnow stopped the train it was near Playford and De Soir's paddocks ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 2|FH]])
After Sup [[Hare|Hare]] returned to the platform the second time after being shot the press organised for him to be taken to [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]]. The first train took off without him to get Sup [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] and the police from Benalla and Hare travelled on the second engine.([[The Argus (38)|Argus5/7/80]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 2|RC10036]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 14|RC10314]])
See guard [[Bell|Bell]]'s statement. It contains some technical information. ([[The Argus (21)|Argus1/7/80]])
=== Another special train ===
The train that took Sup [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] and his party from Benalla was driven by Mr '''Richard Colman''' ([[Royal Commission report day 27 page 19|RC10977]])
Sgt [[Steele|Steele's]] (he rode a horse) party took the train from Wangaratta to near where the track had been taken up ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 11|RC8998]])
=== Another special train ===
News of the first encounter at Glenrowan was received in Melbourne another special train was authorised to leave at about 9am on 28/6/1880 to take Standish up to the battle. With all the excitement of [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]]'s capture and Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]]'s death the train left a bit later, about 10.15. It got to Benalla about [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|2 pm]] where it was again delayed. Standish went to see Sup [[Hare|Hare]] and the train finally left for Glenrowan about 4.15pm after news of the discovery of the bodies of Steve Hart and Dan Kelly had been received.([[Royal Commission report day 1 page 11|RC77]])
=== A train at Glenrowan ===
The bodies of [[Steve Hart|Steve Hart]] and [[Dan Kelly|Dan Kelly]] were laid on a stretcher, covered with a cloth, and placed in the train. [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]]’s body was similarly treated, and then [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] was carried on a stretcher, and placed also in the same carriage. ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (6)|Daily Telegraph29/6/1880]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 22|RC8550]])
=== Another special train ===
At about 10 am special train left Melbourne with [[Standish|Standish]], [[Ryan|Dr Ryan]] and about 5 extra police for Glenrowan. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 13 page 5|FH]])
=== Another special train ===
At twenty minutes past two a special train departed from Melbourne carrying the formidable looking weapon, a detachment of the Garrison [[Army|Artillery]] under Lieutenant Nicholson. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 13 page 5|FH]])
''''''
=== Ned Kelly taken down to Benalla ===
Late on 28/6/1880 Ned Kelly and the body of Joe Byrne arrived by train from Glenrowan to be greated by a large crowd. The train also carried many of the police who had taken part in the siege. ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (6)|DailyTelegraph29/6/1880]])
''''''
=== Ned Kelly taken down to Melbourne ===
On 29/6/80 Sconts [[Const Patrick Walsh|Walsh]] Coghlan and Consts Griffin, Bunker, Waldron were part of the guard on [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] when he came down to Melbourne on the train. Dr [[Ryan|Ryan]] looked after Ned during the journey. Ned travelled in the guards van and he was taken off the train at the North Melbourne station at about 3pm . ([[The Argus (14)|Argus30/6/80]])
=== 1/8/1880 Ned Kelly taken back through his country to Beechworth ===
On [[1880-07---aftermath|1/8/1880]] [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] was taken under guard by train from [[Flemington|Newmarket]] to [[Beechworth Gaol|Beechworth]] for his committal. Mr '''Labertouche''' organised the train. It consisted of an engine, saloon car and guards van. ([[The Age (28)|Age2/8/1880]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/8/1880 (2)|Argus2/8/80]])
Ned Kelly was guarded by Sgt [[Steele|Steele]] and Consts [[Const Hugh Bracken|Bracken]] and [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] and 3 other constables; '''Moore''', '''Docharty''',and '''Mathieson''' was also on the train. The police tried to get Ned Kelly to talk. He was guarded in his comments. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/8/1880 (2)|Argus2/8/80]])
The first stop was at [[Seymour|Seymour]].
The train left Newmarket in Melbourne at 9.30am and arrived at Beechworth at about 4pm (Age2/8/1880)
=== 12/8/1880 Ned Kelly taken back to Melbourne Gaol ===
A special train, under the charge of guards [[Bell|Bell]] and Baxter, took Ned Kelly from Wangaratta to Melbourne. He had been taken from Beechworth to Wangaratta by wagon. ([[Herald (42)|Herald12/8/1880]]) ([[The Age (46)|Age13/8/1880]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 13/8/1880|Argus13/8/80]]) ([[Herald (43)|Herald13/8/1880]]) ([[Ovens and Murray Advertiser at KellyGang 14/8/1880|OMA14/8/1880]])
=== Usefulness of the railways - cause of the KellyGang outbreak? ===
The usefulness of the railways to transport almost everything is illustrated by the work of Alphonse [[Piazzi|Piazzi]]. He was the contractor who, with his men were camped in tents near the tracks in [[Glenrowan|Glenrowan]] at the time of the siege.
What were they doing?
Piazza and his partner had a contract from the Benalla Council to metal the main street of [[Benalla|Benalla]]. They got the stone from a quarry in Glenrowan and took it to the railway siding in horse drawn carts. They then transferred the stone into a rail waggon for the trip to Benalla where they unloaded it into other horse drawn carts for the trip to the main street of town.
This type of story was repeated for the transport of all kinds of products.
Like any change the arrival of the railway had an important social impact.
It has been estimated that there were more than 20,000 people involved in transporting goods from Melbourne to the miners in [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] before the arrival of the railway line. There where also many settlements along the way that had been located a days journey apart. To a large extent they relied on the teamsters with their bullock waggons and teams of horses for their existance.
A town like [[Greta|Greta]] suffered greatly when it was bypassed and it has been suggested that the raise of the '''KellyGang''' was a direct result of the loss of so many jobs.
The local lads went from having a good job, Greta once had a brick works and there had been lots of work building therailway, to no work. Produce for Beechworth could be loaded on the train in Melbourne and unloaded in Beechworth without having to be handled once on the journy.
Sup Hare complained that the gate keepers who operated the gates on the road crossings on the railway line as being in league with the KellyGang. They would be hard to find and slow in opening the gates for the police. He was also concerned that sympathisers reported back to the KellyGang when ever police moved by train. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 9 page 2|FH]])
[[Category:Things]] [[Category:New technology things]] [[Category:Railways]] [[Category:Towns]] [[Category:People]] [[Category:stations]] [[Category:tains]] [[Category:Kelly Gang]] [[Category:history]]
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