Sydney Morning Herald (10)
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VETERAN POSTMASTER
DEATH OF MR JEFFERSON
MEMORIES OF THE BUSHRANGERS
Memories of the days of the bushrangers when the Kelly Gang was striking terror into the countryside-are recalled by the death which took place yesterday, of Mr Henry Betteley Jefferson, a veteran postmaster, who retired in 1919 after about 45 years' service
Mr Jefferson, who was 70 years of age was widely known throughout the State, having been postmaster at many country towns and Inspector in the Riverina and North Coast districts. His most thrilling experience perhaps, was when in 1879 his officer at Jerilderie, together with the Bank of New South Wales was "stuck up" by the Kelly gang of bushrangers. Members of the gang had cut down the telegraph poles before their notorious raid on the little town, and thus isolated the residents and prevented them from calling for help. Mr Jefferson and his assistant were put in the lock-up with the police by the gang and he was forced under throat of being shot to promise not to repair the lines or show anyone how to do the work until the following day. Soon after the gang left the town, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, however the prisoners were released by the towns- people, and with their assistance Mr Jefferson temporarily repaired the line by propping the wires on clothes props and fence posts. Communication was restored by 8 o'clock the name evening, and thus Mr Jefferson was the first to convey the news to the outside world of one of the most notorious exploits in Australian history. There was then just a chance of the gang being caught on their return to their haunts in the Strathbogie Ranges on the other side of the border but it was not until about 10 months later that the outlaws were captured Mr Jefferson was ordered to Deniliquin for his own protection, as it was considered by the departmental heads that he was exposed to the risk of his life after having broken his promise to the outlaws not to restore telegraphic communication.
In 1879 Mr Jefferson married Miss Gunn of Wentworthville who survives him, and there is a family of five sons and three daughters two of the sons having served in the Great War.
The funeral will take place this afternoon and will leave his late residence at Julla street , Ashfield at 2.30 for the Church of England section of the Rockwood Cemetery .
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