The Argus at KellyGang 16/8/1879 (3)
They stood for some time on a bridge a mile from town and talked with several persons about their sheep. When darkness came on, footsteps were heard about Mac's Hotel and it was observed that they appeared to be those of strangers, but nothing more was thought of the circumstance. Next morning the bank was opened as usual by Mr Arthur Morrison, the accountant. Mr Morrison, according to his custom, looked up and down the street, but saw no strangers, or any sign of the men he was just about to become so unpleasantly acquainted with. He then returned into the bank, and engaged in some routine work behind the counter. He was quite alone, Mr Wallace Carlisle the manager, being in his back yard at the time directing several men he had at work. About 10 or 15 minutes past 10 o'clock two men entered the bank. The first was a tall young man, with little if any hair on his face, which was reddish. He was dressed in a dark brown overcoat. He is described as being about 5ft 9in in height, and about 20 years of age. At his heels came a shorter but older man, also clad in a grey overcoat. This man is said to be about 5ft 7in in height, and 30 or 32 years of age. His complexion was fair, and he wore bushy whiskers all round. His overcoat was of a grey waterproof material, arid he looked much more respectable than the other. Both wore felt hats. The younger man walked up to the counter without saying anything, took out a small black pocket book, which he placed on the counter, turned over some papers in it, and still remained silent. The other ensconced himself behind the ledger desk. Mr Morrison naturally wondered what their business could be, but yet did not suspect their object, otherwise he might have seized a revolver which was in readiness near the desk. After the young man had turned over the leaves and papers in his pocketbook for a minute or so, he turned round to his companion, who then stepped forward and presenting a revolver at Mr Morrison's, said, We are the Kellys; put your hands up; we have secured the police," Mr Morrison at once obeyed and whilst the elder man kept him covered with his revolver, the other went round the counter and got inside. The latter then produced a piece of thin rope and a wooden gag from his pockets, tied Mr Morrison's hands behind his back, put the gag in his mouth, and secured it there with a piece of string. By this time the operation was finished, the other fellow had got inside the counter also. Hearing some noise in the dwelling house, they put the chain across the door leading thereto. The younger ruffian then opened the teller's drawers and took ail the money he found there, which amounted in notes, gold, silver, and copper, to £750 9s Id Mr Morrison, although gagged, was able to mutter that £10 of the money belonged to himself. The elder man made his mate return that sum to the drawer. They asked where the safe was and Mr Morrison indicated where it stood. They asked for the key, and he was able to reply that the door was open. The younger man then proceeded to the safe, found that Mr Morrison's statement that the door was open was correct, and abstracted £100 in notes, and £10 in gold and silver. Not being able to discover any more money, they asked if what they had got was all there was in the bank. Mr Morrison replied in the affirmative and they seemed satisfied, but the fact was that there was altogether about £4,000 in the bank at the time.
During these proceedings the men cautioned Mr Morrison several times to keep quiet, or they would shoot him. As they were preparing to leave, Mr Chas Musty, a butcher residing on the Lancefield road, about a mile to the north of the township, entered the bank at the front door.
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