The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (8)
Rumours were also abroad about a woman being occasionally seen in the ranges. It is now believed that Steve Hart, who is a slight-built young fellow, has been masquerading in woman’s attire. While referring to Faithfull's Creek station, I think I ought to mention an incident in connexion with the outrage which has hitherto not been made public. It shows that there were one or two men in Euroa who were not quite frightened out of their lives. It will be remembered that the first information of the bank having been robbed was brought into Euroa by some trolly men on the railway, who had been liberated by Kelly some hours before the others. As soon as they arrived it was decided that Trooper Anderson should proceed on to Benalla by the down-train that should shortly be due, in order to give information of the occurrence to the authorities. As their ac- count of the affair was somewhat mixed owing to their excitement and terror, Mr Whitehead, the schoolmaster at Euroa, volunteered to ride out to the station, in order to ascertain the exact state of affairs, and it was further arranged that the train when passing the station, should pull up, in order that he might tell Anderson what had been done. He went out to the station and found that the Kellys had left. He and several of the released prisoners then went to the railway line, and signalled the coming train to stop by spreading out both his arms. The engine driver, however, instead of stopping put on more steam and shot past the place. He evidently thought it was one of the Kellys, about to add to their exploits the one of sticking up a railway train. This proceeding on the part of the engine-driver ought certainly to be inquired into by the authorities, as his not pulling up at that time necessitated the special train with troopers stopping there to ascertain the full particulars of the occurrence before proceeding on to Euroa. To-day the already warlike appearance of the district has been increased by the irruption by special train of a detachment of the Victorian artillery.
The commandant and Captain Stubbs came up to make the necessary arrangements for the stationing of the men, but re- turned to town in the evening. It is understood that the men will patrol the towns where the are stationed, and their presence will be in a great measure put an end to the scare that now exists, and will also prevent troopers being taken away from the search parties to guard the banks. The police force here has also been increased by the arrival of Sub-inspector Toohey, Detective Eason, and 20 troopers.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)
ALEXANDRA, SATURDAY.
There is no truth in the rumour about Stodart and Rowe's station being stuck up by Kelly and his gang, as was reported today. No one seemed to know how it originated, but the news occasioned the greatest excitement here, as the station is not more than nine miles from Alexandra. A constable was despatched to Mr Stodart's to-day, and on reaching there he ascertained that the report was untruthful, though at the same time it is generally believed here that the Kellys are not far distant, and may at any time make their appearance either in Alexandra or at some of the outlying stations. Stodart's is close to the Puzzle Range , and as the country around there is very hilly and scrubby, the outlaws would have no difficulty in coming across from the Strathbogie or King River Ranges and concealing themselves for a considerable period amongst the gorges of the Puzzle Ranges .
In some former telegrams to The Argus I mentioned the great want of police protection in Jamieson, Alexandra, and surrounding districts, at that time only one constable being stationed within a radius of 10 miles. Since then, however, several more policemen have been sent here, and to-night three or four more arrived by coach. Every precaution has been taken with regard to the safety of the Union Bank in Alexandra, and it is strongly guarded every night.
WOOD'S POINT, SATURDAY.
A resident of the Springs, 10 miles from here on the Yarra track, stated yesterday that he saw a party of four men camped on the Big River , 17 miles from here. One of the men carried a double-barrelled gun and another of the party resembled Ned Kelly.
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