The Argus at KellyGang 6/1/1879 (3)
Firstly, I would ask if we are not all aware that the mistaken leniency which has been shown of late years by the various courts of petty sessions towards young men (foolishly termed "larrikins") who have been arrested for brutal and vindictive assaults on members of the police force when in the performance of their duty, and for other outrages of a violent nature on peaceful citizens and their properties, has not caused such a tone of insubordination to all rule and authority as to encourage crime of a more serious nature culminating in such outrages as that we have now to deplore.
In addition to this, in many rural districts cattle, sheep, and horse stealing has been pursued as a regular occupation by persons well known to those in their neighbourhood, and even to the police; but their plans are so well laid, and the fear of not being supported by the local bench of magistrates, or of giving offence to some one of political influence, naturally deters the constabulary from taking any avoidable responsibility, and thus the comparative impunity with which such offences have been committed leads on from bad to worse, till at last those who commence by what are considered minor offences develop into hardened bushrangers and murderers.
We should now look to the inciting cause of men who have for a length of time ceased to be controlled, or to control themselves, taking to this desperate life, and if the opinion of any person who has come much in contact with the class to whom I refer in this or the neighbouring colony is asked, I will venture to say that the answer will be an inordinate love of horseflesh and a passionate admiration for every act of daring on horseback.
Of all the bushrangers who have given trouble here or in New South Wales , there was not one who was not remarkable as a good horseman, nor would any of them have taken to the bush or eluded capture for any length of time if on foot. Does not this give us a clue to one of the modes of checking or preventing the extension of that description of crime for the future?
I am of course aware that the Government and the Legislature acted in a vigorous manner by so rapidly passing into law an act similar to that passed in New South Wales, though I doubt if it was wise to include all four men in the proscription when the authorities were aware that one if not two of the number had not fired the fatal shots. The effect has of course been to bind them firmly together instead of causing them to distrust each other, which might have led to their capture without further loss of life. What I venture to suggest is that instead of, or possibly in addition to the power of outlawing individual criminals, power should be taken to outlaw localities, or rather by proclamation to make special laws applicable to a particular locality for a certain period, providing, among other details, that all persons within the limits proclaimed should have to obtain a licence to keep or use horses or firearms, and giving authority to the constabulary without warrant to enter any building, hut, or paddock and search for horses or firearms, and to arrest and detain suspected confederates. This would not of course cause the speedy capture of the present gang, but the knowledge that such a power existed would act as a deterrent for the future, and would enlist the sympathy and assistance of the other inhabitants of the locality, who would not like the inconvenience to which they would be exposed by the district being used as a shelter for criminals.
I observe by the papers that it is in contemplation to reorganise the police force, but trust that caution will be exercised in dealing with such an important question. It is very easy to pull down, but difficult to construct, and an institution that has on the whole creditably stood the test of a quarter of a century should not be hastily destroyed, particularly in a country where what is going on around us proves that an efficient police must be a primary necessity for very many years.
In conclusion I must add that I think the reflections which have been cast on those who have been in pursuit of the murderers are not deserved, for any person acquainted with the terrible difficulties to be overcome in those almost inaccessible ranges in pursuit of four well armed and desperate men, who know every inch of the country, must admit that the task is by no means easy or agreeable – I am, &.c.,
AN OLD FRIEND OF THE FORCE.
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