Herald (42)

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The Herald

12/08/1880

... part of the KellyGang story

' ' 'full text of the article'

(see previous)

NED KELLY

(By Electric Telegraph – From Our Special Reporter)

BENALLA This Day

It appears to have been generally understood by most of the railway officials at Spencer street station this morning that a special train would leave for the purpose of bringing Ned Kelly back to the Melbourne Gaol. Mysterious movements on the part of some of the guards served to justify this anticipation. As the 10.50 North-eastern train left the station it was found that an extra special van was attached to it, and in this were planted two of the most efficient guards in the service. They were travelling in plain clothes, and were fully armed. The purpose for which this van was to be used was kept very quiet. In the van it was noticed that extra precautions had been taken in regard to signals both fog and danger; and all appliances for replacing the rails, should it be necessary so to do, were also stowed away in a corner of the van, which was one of the strongest and best in the department’s services. Just prior to starting one of the guards received a letter from the station-master on duty. The extra van on the train was the cause of remark at all the stations along the line. At some of the stations it was stated that sympathizers of the gang were on the alert.

Seymour especially, three gang of men, who were well known to the police attracted attention. The van was noticed here, and many inquiries made, some of the knowing ones going so far as to say that another special was following behind with twenty of the police force, the general opinion here was that Kelly would be brought down in the ordinary train as far as Benalla or Wangaratta, and then placed on the special. It is quite uncertain as yet where he will be placed in the train. At Longwood two men made themselves conspicuous, and their movements attacted the attention of the whole of the passengers in the train. At Euroa where the up train meets the down train, anxious inquiries were made by the up passengers as to when the outlaw would be brought back to Melbourne. The general impression was that he would be brought to Wangaratta in a vehicle. At least it was so reported. At all the stations the police in charge of the different districts were to be seen in uniform, and appeared to be on the alert.

At Benalla on the arrival of the train a special fast engine was sent in advance of the ordinary passenger train. This proceeded on to Wangaratta. A special engine was dispatched to Beechworth last night as a ruse to throw the sympathisers off their guard. The police were in telegraph communication all along the line and especially at Glenrowan, where parties whose names I must not mention were closely watched placed under surveillance. At the culverts where the rails were taken up two men here noticed as the train passed on. They could not be discovered but it was thought their appearance at this place was for no good.

At Wangaratta there was a large crowd gathered, amongst them a number of ladies. It was evident the removal of Ned Kelly was expected.

end

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