The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (4)
THE MANSFIELD MURDERERS
It is believed that the Mansfield murderers are still in or about the Strathbogie Ranges, but as yet there is no reliable information of their whereabouts to hand. The statement that they stuck up Messrs Stodart and Rowe's station, near Alexandra, on Thursday, proves to be a false report, as will be seen by a telegram from our Alexandra correspondent, given below. As the name of the commercial traveller who first circulated the report at Euroa is known to the police, it would be easy, and it might be worth while ascertaining the authority upon which he gave it currency. False reports of this kind are numerous, and as they cannot but seriously embarrass the police, their originators should not be allowed to escape with impunity. On Saturday a telegram was received by the Detective department that four armed men with horses, corresponding to the description given of the murderers, were seen encamped near Broadford, some 30 miles to the west of Alexandra, and that their guns were lying beside them on logs. Sergeant Deasey with two men arrived at Broadford at dusk. It was then too late to commence a search but on making inquiries, they found that the man who had seen the supposed outlaws was a charcoal burner, whose description of the four men corresponded very well to that of the murderers. Residents in the township assured the sergeant that the charcoal-burner could be relied on for truthfulness. It was arranged that the police should start on a searching expedition next (Sunday) morning, but the authorities in town have received no subsequent information.
Colonel Anderson received an intimation from the Chief Secretary on Saturday that the Government desired the Garrison Corps to be sent into the bushranging district, to protect certain townships in which banks were situated; so that the chief commissioner of police might he enabled to remove the men he had stationed there to other places. A consultation was then held on the subject between the Chief Secretary, Colonel Anderson, and Assistant-Commissioner Nicolson, and it was decided that the artillery men should not perform police duties in any sense, but that they should he simply stationed in a number of townships to protect the banks and property, and to allay that feeling of uneasiness and insecurity which the exploits of Kelly and his mates have excited amongst the residents. Certain townships were fixed upon, and orders were given by Colonel Anderson to Captain Stubbs to prepare for a start immediately, and to have tents in readiness in case other accommodation for the men could not be obtained. They were ready for leaving in two hours, but on having an interview with the railway authorities, Colonel Anderson found that the conveying and distribution of the men could be better performed next morning, when the line would be clear. The work was accordingly done early yesterday morning. A pilot engine left Spencer-street station at half-past 4 a.m., with the commandant and Captain Bull, who visited the places named above and made arrangements for the reception of the men. At half-past 6 a.m. a special train was then despatched with the men, who numbered about 50 in all, and at each of the townships a non-commissioned officer and six or seven men were left.
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