The Argus at KellyGang 9/5/1881
BEECHWORTH ASSIZE COURT
[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH]
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)
BEECHWORTH, SATURDAY
The sittings of the Court of Assize were recommenced this morning. Thomas Bloxham, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing in a dwelling, and admitted a previous conviction, was sentenced to two years' and a half imprisonment. John Connors, alias Henry Wallace, found guilty of bigamy on the previous day, was sentenced to one year's imprisonment only, in consideration of his wife and family.
HARBOURING A FELON
Mrs Ann Jones, owner of the Glenrowan Hotel at the fight between the police and the Kelly gang, during which her house was burned down by the former, having answered to her bail, was then indicted for harbouring Ned Kelly, she knowing at the time that he was accused of the murder of Constable Lonigan. Prisoner was defended by Mr J Dwyer.
Constable Thomas M'Intyre proved the shooting of Constable Lonigan by Edward Kelly, and proved the certificate of the conviction of the latter.
James Reardon , a platelayer, stated, in addition to the story of taking up the rails by command of Kelly, with the avowed purpose of wrecking the train containing the police and black trackers, that in a conversation with the prisoner shortly after the Lonigan murder she said it was a pity the police were shot, but that if the bushrangers had not shot them, they would have shot the bush- rangers. They also spoke of the reward, but she said she would take none of the blood money. When Kelly arrived at Glenrowan, she in the morning, addressing him as Ned, asked him up to her house to have breakfast. The gang were all armed, and threatened the whole of their 64 prisoners with death if they tried to escape. Heard prisoner say to the people about 2 o'clock on the Monday morning that no one should leave until Ned Kelly delivered a lecture. Dan Kelly said they might all go, but before they left Byrne said the train was coming, and Ned Kelly cried out, “No one must leave now." The firing commenced immediately after, and they all lay down, but prisoner's son was shot while standing up, and died next day. The Kellys returned into the house after the first volley. The lights were put out before this. Could not say whether it was prisoner or her daughter who put out the lamps, but Kelly extinguished the fire with a bucket of water. Mrs Jones, when her son was shot, said to the bushrangers, "You cowardly vagabonds, why don't you go outside and fight, as you promised."
Another railway employé corroborated this evidence in great part. Mrs Reardon said that some time before the train came Dan Kelly asked her if she would not like to go home. She said "Certainly," and he then said, "You can all go presently." Mrs. Jones subsequently said, "Only for me Ned Kelly would not have allowed you to go yet," but she said we were not to leave till Ned gave us a lecture. He did so, but just then the train was heard. Mrs. Jones was not tipsy, and did not seem terrified or excited.
Edward Reynolds , who had also been placed in durance by the Kellys, said that he went outside during the night and saw the accused standing close to Ned Kelly, with her hand on his shoulder. She said, "Look out Ned, he is going to escape."
Detective Ward said he had known Mrs Jones for some years, and was frequently at her house during the search, seeking for information. The house was respectably con- ducted, and the prisoner always spoke most kindly of the police. She said she would take no part of the reward, but she did not think the Kellys likely to visit her, and that if they did she would let witness know. She was in bad health when arrested.
The other witness was of no importance, and Mr Dwyer called no witnesses. The jury, after a short retirement, returned a verdict of not guilty, and prisoner was discharged.
OTHER CHARGES
John Goostrey, charged with arson at Wahgunyah, was found not guilty, and discharged. Benjamin Gould, found guilty of arson at Shepparton, was sentenced to one year's hard labour. A nolle prosequi was entered in the case of Matthew Hogan, charged with manslaughter at Shepparton.
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31-aug-10
