The Telegraph played an important role in the reporting of the siege
at Glenrowan.
Hundreds of telegrams went back and forth and such messages were sent around the
world.
An example of a Post Office Telegraph.
Telegraph for Capt Standish.28/6/1880
Kelly should be brought
down to Melbourne gaol
as soon as he
can be moved.
From Robert Ramsay Chief Secretary.
Source: Victorian State Archives.
The Murray Ovens Advertiser
It may not be generally known, but it is nevertheless a fact, that had
it not been for Mr H. E. Cheshire, at present in charge of the
Beechworth post and telegraph offices, the public would have been
deprived of the receipt of the startling news with the promptitude they
did. Mr Cheshire, immediately on receipt of the intelligence in the
morning, on his own account-knowing that there was no telegraph office
there-proceeded to Glenrowan early in the morning, and having cut the
wires near the station, attached a small pocket instrument, which
fortunately is kept in the Beechworth office, and sent the astounding
news far and wide. For his prompt and thoughtful action, we may take
upon our selves to thank him, on behalf of ourselves and also our
numerous readers. To give an idea of the business transacted in the
Beechworth telegraph office on Sunday-afternoon and Monday, we may here
mention that no fewer than three hundred telegrams-sixty of which were
from Glenrowan alone-several of them containing over a thousand words,
passed through; and we can testify to the efficient manner in which Mr
Alex. Thomson, the chief operator, and the staff under him performed,
their arduous task.
The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express. July 1880
Among
those who contributed a
share towards
the destruction of the
Kelly gang,
Mr. H.E. Cheshire, acting
post-master at
Beechworth, deserves
to be
mentioned. There is no telegraph
office at
Glenrowan, and Mr. Cheshire,
therefore, on
hearing that the Kelly gang
had broken
out there, proceeded
with the
Beechworth detachment of
police by
train on Monday morning
and on
arrival had the wires out
and connected
with a small pocket
telegraph
instrument, thereby
placing
Glenrowan in telegraphic
communication
with the city......