The Argus (21)

GUARD BELL'S STATEMENT

Guard Bell, who was in charge of the special train which conveyed the police to the scene of action, states that the pilot engine and special train travelled at the rate of about 40 miles an hour; but at the place beyond Glenrowan station where the rails were taken up the trains would have been travelling at the rate of 60 miles an hour, as there was an incline. The pilot engine had about 15 minutes start of the special train and showed red lights behind. Of course the special train would have been stopped if it was found to be getting too close to these red lights; but the pilot engine was necessarily sometimes out of sight, and, had she fallen down the embankment where the rails were removed, the chances against the special train pulling up to avoid the danger would have been very small. It was Bell's intention to pull up the special train at Glenrowan station to oil the engine. As has been already stated, the lights in the special train were put out, and by direction of the guard, no whistle was sounded. The statement that the gang heard the train whistle must be unfounded. At Glenrowan station the guard had to superintend shunting operations, and as he had to carry a lanten with him, was working just in front of Jones's Hotel, he incurred considerable personal risk. The railway arrangements there, notwithstanding the adverse circumstances, were carried out satisfactorily under Bell's superintendence. He sent an engine towards Melbourne for line repairers to set right the damage done by the gang. Two rails were got, and they reached Glenrowan about 7 o'clock in the morning, and the line was repaired before 9 o'clock am.

MR CURNOW'S STATEMENT

Mr Thomas Curnow, the Glenrowan schoolmaster, who acted in so courageous and wise a manner by stopping the pilot engine, and giving the first information of the Kelly gang at Glenrowan, came to Melbourne by train yesterday. He was accompanied by Mrs Curnow and their infant child, but declined to give any information to the press until he had seen Captain Standish. On arriving at the Spencer street station, Mr Curnow at once drove off to the Treasury, where he had an interview with Captain Standish. The latter introduced him to Mr Ramsay, Chief Secretary, who had a short conversation with him. Mr Ramsay told him that from the report he had received concerning his action from Captain Standish, and also from the conversation he had with Superintendent Hare on the previous day at the barracks, he was convinced he had acted in the most meritorious manner, and had given information which was really the saving of a large amount of life. The Government, he felt sure, would be prepared to give some substantial recognition for his wise and gallant conduct.

After the interviews with the Chief Secretary and Captain Standish, Mr Curnow informed the reporters that he had been advised - and the advice was also in accordance with his own views - that it would not be wise at present to give any information to the press or public concerning his actions before giving the warning about the rails being pulled up, and the presence of the Kellys at Glenrowan. Mr Curnow is a gentleman of pleasant appearance, and though he declined to give any information of his proceedings, was anxious it should be understood that he only did so on the ground of prudence.

There is no doubt that he will be recommended for participation in the £8,000 reward when that is distributed. It is mostly likely a board will be appointed to consider the mode in which the money will be awarded, and that Sir Henry Parkes, Colonial Secretary of New South Wales, will be consulted on the matter, as that Government is responsible for £4,00 of the money, £2,000 of which, it is understood, is is given by the New South Wales Government, and £2,000 by the banks in New South Wales.

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