Herald (30)
The Herald continued with its reports of the KellyGang and Glenrowan.
THIRD EDITION
A late edotion of THE HERALD with the erport of Kelly’s trial, further particulars of the Omeo and other items of news will be published
NED KELLY’S TRIAL
(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH)
(FROM OUR OWN REPORTER)
BEECHWORTH 5th August
The following came to hand too late for yesterday’s issue:- Beechworth is still very quiet, but by the train to night a number of witnesses and sympathizers are expected. Mr Gaunson will be the solicitor for the defence. This has taken everyone by surprise, but it is explained by the fact Kelly’s relatives were disappointed because Mr Zincke could not obtain them an order to see him, and thought that by retaining a member on the Liberal side of the House they could get it. It is freely stated that Mr Caunson has succeeded in this, but as he has not yet arrived. I cannot say whether it is true or not. Mr Gurner, the Crown solicitor, and Captain Standish arrived here this afternoon. Mr CA Smyth, the Crown prosecutor, came last night. Mr DC M’Carthy O’Leary is concerned in the defence, and will probably come up by train to-night. Mr Zincke has thrown up all responsibility, in the case. In all probability, in consequence of this, there will be an application for a postponement.
As there was nothing to be heard in Beechworth, I to day went to the Woolshed, and visited Sherritt’s hut, and Mrs Byrne’s residence. As the latter there were a number of men, but it was impossible to learn anything from them. Hart’s brother is in the neighborhood and James Kelly is also said to have been seen. All the sympathizers express themselves as confident Ned will not be hanged. They say that he will be sentenced to death, but that “Something will interferer” but what the “something” is they will not say. Sherritt’s hut is now untenanted. The marks of his blood on the floor are plainly visible. The door and other places are pierced by bullets; and while I was present several shots were fired from a revolver in order to test whether a ball from anything but a rifle could penetrate the hardwood weatherboard, which is backed by clay, at five yards. The revolver was useless, but at the same distance a shot went through the hardwood back door, and the bullet, although fired from point blank, was found much been in the bedroom. The hut is splendidly situated for the purposes of the outlaws, as the two doors face one another; and as soon as Byrne had shot Sherritt he ordered Mrs Byarry to open both doors. Dan Kelly was in front and Byrne at the rear. There is a magnificent cover at both positions, afforded by a remarkable clump of trees at the rear, and an ringed tree in front, from behind which one man could command the front door, and another the back. Besides all this, there is abundant evidence to show that Byrne and Dan Kelly were not the only men engaged in firing.
Having once seen the place no one could blame the police for not attempting a rush, although their conduct in remaining so long before giving information may be open to question. Several caves have been found in the neighborhood and in one many tins which had contained preserved meat and fish and a number of ale and porter bottles were discovered. Some private persons have also come across caves in which they found undoubted evidence of the presence of parties of police. In one cave a letter was picked up, addressed to “Dear Tom,” at the Richmond depot, and signed by a well known trooper. It is quite evident that the gang passed the greater part of their time on the Woolshed Ranges and the eminence known as the Sugar Loaf.
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