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A typical Railway Guard: State Library Victoria.
Traffic Manager.
Sir,
Referring to explanation required Re the capture of the Kelly Outlaws; I would
beg to state that I was awakened on the morning of the 28 th July last by Mr Hollow
Telegraph Operator; he informed me that Mr Stephens (Station-master) required
me on duty as soon as possible.
On reporting myself ready for duty, I received instructions to proceed to Beech
worth preceding a Special Police train (Acting as Pilot). After making a start,
we
went along all-right till within a mile and a half of Glenrowan Station when I
noticed a reddish light ahead; my first impression was that the light was caused
by
a burning log in the bush (a very common occurrence) and what made it appear
more so, was through seeing the light almost at the place where the curve com-
menced which would lead a person that knew to suppose that the light was straight
ahead. Upon getting about a quarter of a mile nearer, I could see that the light
was
very close to the line. When about two hundred yards off, I put my head out of
the side window and could distinctly see a whitish object with a light in front.
I
immediately applied my Brake, and just at the same moment it flashed through my
mind that it was a ruse to stop the train. I then got out and stood on the sideboard
of the Van until I got opposite the figure which proved to be the Schoolmaster
Mr Curnow. I jumped off saying, " Holloa mate, what's the matter?" He answered
"Kelly's," and then told me that the rails were torn up between Glenrowan Station
and the Sydney Crossing. I said that must be about half a mile from the Station.
He answered yes and then told me that the Gang were in possession of Glenrowan.
I, (still thinking it was a ruse) asked him his name. He did not tell me but said, I
am
the school teacher. I asked him if he would get in my Van. He said he could not
as
he had his wife to protect and that he was running a great risk to his life. (This
conversation did not last two minutes.) I then went and spoke to the Driver. ( H.
Alder) and told him what was the matter also that I was going back to stop the
following train which I immediately did. I am confident I went back over half a
mile. Upon getting within a few yards off the train I had stopped, I was met by
Superintendent Hare and Senior Constable Kelly to whom I related the whole of
the conversation I had with Mr Curnow. Supt Hare took some of his men and
walked up to the Pilot Engine which by this time had rolled gently down till within
a quarter of a mile of the Police train. I followed him up and, when opposite the
Engine, heard Driver Alder remark to Mr Hare if it would suit to couple both trains
together. Supt Hare considered some little time, and then said he thought it would
be advisable. I done so, and then drew up to Glenrowan Station, and after we
stopped, I was assisting the Police to discharge their horses from the trucks when
Constable Bracken rushed up, saying the Gang were in Mrs Jones and for God's:
sake surround the Hotel. Supt Hare then sang out, "Come out Boys," and he and
the Police made a rush for the Hotel. I let go the horse I was holding and
followed
them over. I would be about twenty yards behind the Police when the firing
commenced and having no fire-arms on me at the time I thought the position I was
in rather unsafe, and I made for the station again which refuge I reached in a very
short time. I then watched the proceedings from around the corner of the station
house until Mr Hare came up wounded. He said he required me to go to Benalla for
Reinforcements. Guard Bell and I then shunted my van behind the Pilot Engine.
and made a start back for Benalla which place we reached in about ten minute-
I told Mr Stephens all that occurred and the orders I had received from Supt Hare
and also suggested that he would send out some of the permanent way men to
repair the line. He sent for Ganger Dick who accompanied me to Glenrowan on
my second trip. After reaching Glenrowan with the reinforcement I remained on
the platform till Ganger Dick came back from where the Rails were torn up. He
told me he wanted more men. I said I thought they were all prisoners in the Hotel
but mentioned that I would go down the line towards Benalla and try and pick
some up. I went about a mile (with the engine) and succeeded in getting two
platelayers whom I brought to the Station. I then asked Mrs 0. Connor and her
sister if they would like some refreshments. They answered yes so I went over to
McDonalds Hotel and got a bottle of Brandy and a glass and whilst there met
Mr.Stanistreet. I asked him to come over and open the station which he did.
Upon presenting the Brandy to Mrs O.Connor and sister they refused saying,
"Oh no, we could not touch that." But asked if it were possible to get some
sherry and milk. I think Guard Bell got that for them. I gave some of the Brandy
to the reporters and others who were on the Station and then went away towards
the Policemen who were surrounding the Hotel intending to empty the bottle
amongst them. I had just got outside the Railway fence when Ned Kelly emerged
from the bush close by. I thought the firing too warm and retired to my old position
behind the station till I saw him fall. I then rushed over arriving there about fifth or
sixth and the first use made of the remaining brandy was to give Ned Kelly a glass
three parts full. He was then taken to the station. I followed and after reaching the
station assisted Guard Bell to make up his train. He then started for Benalla, I
remained behind until Ganger Dick came back and told me the line was all clear.
I then proceeded to Benalla and told the station master the line was all right for
6.10 a.m. up to come on, I then received instructions to act as Pilot for all trains
during the day which duty I was engaged on till 11.30 p.m. at night having been
two trips to Glenrowan and three trips to Wangaratta.
I am Sir your obedient servant Guard A. A. McPhee
Source: P169-172 Patsy Adam Smith Romance of Australian Railways.
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