The Argus at KellyGang 27/4/1880 (6)
Selectors
Suppose they have only paid one year's rent out of three what they would like to do would be to date back the new rates of payment to the commencement of the second year, and hand in £32 in place of the £64 now due. A few individuals owing two years rent out of three are contemplating the expediency of forfeiting the first payment, and starting afresh from the 1st January 1880, under the new system. The terms on which the Minister of Lands will be prepared to deal with licensees in arrears desirous of coming under the act of 1878 are being anxiously looked for, but the subject is one on which Parliament will have to be consulted.
Before closing this account of the Benalla district, it is satisfactory to be able to state that the crimes of cattle and horse stealing have been almost stamped out. Two years ago horses and bullocks were every now and then disappearing mysteriously out of a farmers' paddock. Though the police have not yet been able to arrest the Kelly gang, they have put an effective check on the evil doings of all the old associates of the out- laws. Moveable property can now be held with some sense of security.
Mr Ramsay, the Chief Secretary, visited Mansfield on the 21st inst. to be present at the unveiling of the monument erected by public subscription to the memory of Police-sergeant Kennedy and Constables Lonigan and Scanlan, who were murdered by the Kelly gang in the Wombat Ranges on the 26th October, 1878. The hon. gentleman was accompanied by Messrs D Gaunson, E L Zox, J H Graves, and T Hunt, MLA.'s and by Captain Standish, the chief commissioner of police. In the evening, Mr Ramsay and the hon. members who accompanied him were present at a banquet given to Mr Graves by his Delatite constituents. Captain Standish unveiled the monument.
It was notified in the Government Gazette of the 20th inst. that after the 20th July next reward of £4,000 offered by the Government for the capture of, or such information as would lead to the capture of, the Kelly gang, would be withdrawn. The Government of New South Wales has also cancelled the offer of the reward similarly issued by it on the same date. Provision is, however, made for pensioning any constable who may be wounded in attempting the capture of the gang, and also for the support of the family of any officer who may be killed in the performance of such duty. It is thought that the limitation of the offer of these rewards may induce some of the associates of the outlaws to give information.
THE KELLY GANG TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS
Sir,-A propos to "Titusa V" in your this day's issue why has not a general survey been made of the Mansfield, Strathbogie, and Mount Disappointment Ranges? It is wanted irrespective of the Kellys, but if the roads and tracks of these districts were laid down upon paper, and the ranges and creeks sketched in, the police could see their way, and be placed on an equal footing with the Kellys, who would be caught in no time. What is Mr Skene about?
What a light matter Sir Thomas Mitchell would have made of such a survey.-
I am, etc, April 24. IGNOTUS.
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