THE KELLY GANG.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12364, 1 December 1905, Page 7

THE KELLY GANG.

At a meeting of the Salvation Army at Litii-gow, New South Wales, recently, one of tho converts told part of the history of his life. According to the "Sydney Morning Herald," he 6aid that hie name wae James Skillion, and that hie brother William had married Maggie Kelly, oldest sister of Ned tho bushranger. Hβ (Skillion) had acted ac a bush telograph, and in various other ways proved himself useful to the gang. Tho commencement of the gang's career aroso from tlw fact that a mounted constable went to Mra Kelly's to arrest her eon, Dan Kelly, who was away at tho time, for horse stealing. Tho constable attempted familiarity with Kate Kelly, but Mre Kelly, William Skillion, and a man named Williamson rushed in aaid handled the policeman very roughly. Tho day following several constables camo from Ben alia and arrested Mrs Kelly, William Skillion, and Williamson on a charge of assaulting the constable. The two men got six yeans, and Mrs Kelly three yea , !*. Ned and Don Kelly came homo and found their mother had been arrested. Ned remarked, "Wβ will givo tho police something to do." That was the start of the gang. In his capacity as bueh telegraph, James Skiilion assumed various disguises, sometime* oarrying a swag, at other times wearing a belltopper, and sometimes dressed in Kate Kelly's clothes. In a subsequent conversation, Skillion made a statement that when the baink at Euroa was stuck up and robbed, tho proceeds wero divided between about 100 sympathisers. From the proceeds of robberies Skillion received £3000, and spent ifc in travelling through America and Great Britain with Kate Kelly end Kato Byrnes (Joo Byrnes' sister). Skillion, who has i been made a member of the local corps lof tho Army is now working at Lithgow. He speaks freoly of his connection with the gang, and says he can give dates, places, and all particulars. The only point upon which ho refuses to give any information is that of tho name of tho man who made Ned Kelly's armour.