AUSTRALIAN BUSHRANGING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2541, 26 November 1902, Page 72

AUSTRALIAN BUSHRANGING.

THE EARLY DAYS* i By CHARLES WHITE. [All Rights Reserved.] THE EARLY DAYS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. DIGNUM AND HIS GANG. As a rule the members of gangs were {rue? to each other, one member not infrequently, risking his own eafety rather .than desert: his mates when hard pressed by their common enemy, the police. But there was. one instance of horrific .treachery in the days when convictisßi cursed the land, before h^aes were available for general uee, and 1 w,.vii gold escorts were things unknown. It was in the year 1837, and occurred on the overland route between Melbourne and) Adelaide. Settlement was only beginning in the Fort Phillip district — then a province of New South Wales— and convict escapees from the Sydney "side or Van Die-men's Land were more numerous than was desired by the early settlers, wb.fr experienced some remarkably rough times from these recklese marauders. Early in the year named a company of nine convicts, mostly '/lifers,'* escaped from the neighbourhood of Yass> and a man named Dignum and two other, runaways " took the bush." Subsequently, the three were joined by a mere youth! named Comerford, who is described as fain and tall, having a most prepossessing cast* of countenance, and by five other convicts, who absconded from the service of th'-t masters to whom they had been assigned. The gang at its full strength numbered nine, with Dignum as leader and Comerford as first lieutenant.

After committing many crimes in the" neighbourhood of Melbourne, and creating a widespread feeling of alarm among tno settlers, they determined to quit that territory and cross the continent to some seeport, in the hope, doubtless, of making * clean escape from the country. They appeared to have started on their journey without any definite idea where it 'was,- to end, but when fairly on the march" the? resolved to make for South Australia anil . lose themselves among the free immigrant population of the colony. They had reached a spot near Mount Alexandra when the dis* covery was made that provisions were running short. There were no flocks or game ' in the locality, and they began to dispute among themselves as to the best course toi follow. The distrust ancLhatred thus generated speedily found expression in a deed o£ blood. The leader was determined to to leader? still, and if his followers did not choose to obey his behests he would get rid 08 them. The band travelled on foot. After a day's march they formed a camp of bougha, lit a huge fire in the centre, and, wrapping themselves in their blankets, lay in a circle with their feet to the fire, their loaded gun« being placed within easy reach in case ot a surprise. The night had come, the camp had wen fixed, and each man had coiled himself m his blanket, although sleep was far from tho thoughts of the leader. Dignum was the last to turn in, and before he- lay down ha managed to place three of the gun 3 and art axe within easy reach. His intention was to rise when his companions were asleep, and, by axe or gunshot, to destroy thei whole gang, then making off with the pro-, visions and escaping alone. But young Comerford was uneasy, and cloud not rest, although the others slept the sleep of the weary. He may have been suspicious, or himself have contemplated doing what Dignum had decided to do. The la«er had risen to carry into execution his devilish scheme, when Comerford also rose, and a. short consultation between them resulted in an agreement to join hands in the wholesale massacre. Selecting their posts on eac& side of the sleeping circle, the villainous couple eet about their ghastly work. Tour of the seven cleepers, smitten swiftly ami with fatal precision, never moved. The. three others, desperately wounded, staggered to their feet, but were quickly despatched, and the two murderers grinned with deughfe at the completeness of .the slaughter. The bodies were thrown upon a huge tire of logs, and while they were being burnt the brothers-in-biood consulted aa to future movements. The march overland was abandoned Turning upon their tracks, Dignumi and Comerford made their way back towards Melbourne. Here they engaged with * wealthy squatter, who happened to be in. need of hands, and remained with him for some time; but, finding steady work irksome, they absconded, and hired with an* other squatter in another part of tho district. The first master followed them, and had them arrested on warrant for breach, of agreement, but clkl not succeed in bri ?j?ing them to court. Seizing a favourable opportunity, they slipped the handcuffs which had been placed upon their wrists, took possession of a couple of guns whica they found in the hut, and once more took to the bush. ~ Again robberies were,- reported daily to police headquarters, and so frequent and daring did the exploits become that the authorities were spurred into unwonted: activity to - arrest the perpetrators, whose identity had by this time become known. When they found themselves hotly pressed the two villains sought safety in flight, and! ■ re-entered upon the abandoned journey to Adelaide. But the journey was rudely m* terrupted. Having once tasted blood 1 ,- Dignum sought for more, and one day wheni Comerford was incautiously leading the way, he fired at his back. The aim wae not true, howevei, and the young bushranger at pnee turned and fled. He made his way back; to Melbourne, surrendered to the authorw ties, made r full confessior of the murder, and gave such information a led to the arrest of his erstwhile leader and companion, in crime. _ , _ . At first the police d^edifcftU Gomsiatiig .

•tory, to horrible and improbable were the details; but lie was accepted aa King's evidence in the case, and the two men were taken * to ' Sydney under * strong guard — there. being at that time no Supreme Oourfc in. M«ll»ourn«. In Sydney Comerford repeated his extraordinary •tory, which here also was receired with incredulity. The Government at last, however, decided to test its truth, by sending Comerford back to Melbourne in charge of an Infantry oergeant named Tomkins, two •oldieia, and two policemen, with instructions to guard him strictly and take him to the spot where the murders were said to have been committed.

Securer/ handcuffed, Comerford correctly guided the' party to the neighbourhood of Mount Alexandra, and showed them the exact spot on which the murders were committed. Proof indisputable of the truth of his story was furnished in the shape of human skull*, bones, and raiment, which had remained unconsumed by the fire; and the sergeant having taken notes of wßat had been seen, the partr commenced the " return journey towards Melbourne. All doubts as to Comerford's truthfulness having thus been set at rest, his guard became less careful as custodians, and -more inclined to be lenient towards him. Nor was he slow to take advantage of their leniency. Having complained of the heat aad fatigue be suffered from marching in handcuffs, the latter were removed during the day time, although care was taken to resume them at night, when a halt was made. When a halt was called at the close of the second day it was discovered that the soldiers had inadvertently left their supply of tea and sugar at the last camping ground, and it was agreed that the two privates should return and recover the lost rations, the sergeant and the policemen remaining in charge of the prisoner. The privates were so long away, however, that it was concluded they had lost their way, and one' of the policemen was sent to look after -them, two only remaining with the prisoner. Thjs man having left, the sergeant,- the constable-, and -Comerford proceeded to make a meal: and Comerford had behaved .so 'well that the sergeant saw no risk in removing his .handcuffs in order thai he might enjoy a little freedom when eating. He was still eating when the constable sauntered s>way to a neighbouring hill to *cc if (he missing men were approaching — and then- the sergeant committed the mistake of his life. He rose, rested his ccarr r bine against the trunk of a convenient tree, and was proceeding to bring some water from a few. paces off, when Comerford, springing to his feet, seized the firelock and presented it at Tomkin's head, exclaiming, "Now, by God, Tm a free man once more! I don't want to hurt you, sergeant, but stand off- or I'll blow your brains out, for no man shall stop me ! " In vain the dismayed and helpless sergeant expostulated with him, exclaiming that bis prospects would be destroyed if Comerford got away. ■ -"Never mind," .returned his erstwhile prisoner, "you keep off and let me go, or, by God, Til do it I " Upon winch the sergeant, who was not lacking In bravery, although he had been foolish and unwatchful, made a rush at _ Comerford, who instantly, fired and shot him through the body.; Hearing the report of the firearm, the .-constable hastened back to camp, to find that -the prisoner had disappeared, and that -his superior .officer was qn the point of death. Poor Tomkins lived only long enough to make a statement. -When the others came back, diligent search was made for the escapee, to whom very scant mercy would have been shown if he bad been found; but the search was futile, and the four disconsolate men returned to headquarters. For several weeks Comerford ranged the bush in the neighbourhood of Melbourne, having made back to his previous haunts. He became the terror of the settlers; whom 'he intimidated with threats of violence into supplying him with -food and other requirements. But his day was drawing to a close. The Government offered a reward of £50 for .his apprehension, and a free pardon to any convict who might secure him, and those of the latter who had assisted him when there was no " blood money" to be got by betraying him, now became most anxious to take him prisoner.

Driven to extremity by shortness of provisions, he entered the men's hut on a cattle fltation and gave an order for breakfast, intimating that he. would shoot the first man .that moved otherwise than to do his bidding. There were five men in the hut, and for a time none of them could pluck up courage to attempt a capture. With his gun between his knees, Comerford made a meal of "damper," beef, and tea, and then asked for tobacco, saying' he wanted a amoke. One of the convicts, a stockman known 'a* Kangaroo Jack, supplied him with, this luxury, and Comerford proceeded to, have a smoke; but while he was in the act -of lighting the pipe Jack suddenly wheeled, round and dealt him a terrific back-handed blow, which, threw him off his balance, and before he could recover it lie was seized and held in an iron grip. After a furious fight he was secured, bound ■hand and foot, and conveyed in a bullock dray to Melbourne, and thence to Sydney, where fie was placed upen his trial for the murder of th» sergeant, convicted, and banged. His companion in crime, Disnum, escaped the fate he merited, through absence of sufficient evidence agaihat him; but he was sent as a " lifer " to Norfolk Island. Kangaroo Jack received the " absolute pardon" promised as the reward for Comerford's capture. THE ROBBER OF THE CAVES. The reference to Hartley in the case of the mail robbery for which Day was convicted calls to mind the case of a bushranger named M'Kewin, a notorious scoundrel, who evaded capture for a very long time during the "thirties." For eeveral years this desperado carried on his depredations in different parts of the Hartley and Fish River districts, but although frequently tracked to the mountainous region, which was then unexplored, he always managed to disappear in a most mysterious manner. At last two mounted troopers, accompanied by Mr Charles {WhaUn, .- managed to get upon a " hot ■cent," following up which they were enabled to solve the mystery. This was in 1811. It. was concluded that M'Kewin' » refcreat must be in one of the deep gullies which id that part of the country abound, and the party determined to explore them (thoroughly. After much labour his hut was discovered on a little flat 'in one of -the most secluded mountain gorges: it was surrounded during the night, and the bushranger, on being challenged to surrender, Ctme to the door in a woman's nightdress. After capturing him the party made its HI dowji Hxp fuUj, §n<! «Mb» suddenly in

sight of a huge cavern in the hillside, whose mouth was nearly 300 feet high. Passing into it (for it was the only outlet to the gully) they clambered over gigantic boulders to a tunnel-like passage at the other end, which led them to the banks of a creek which emerged from a similar cavern to their right. Thus were first discovered the great caves now known as the Devil's Coach House and Grand Arch.

For many years it was believed that M'Kewin had a secret hoard among the bills, and many a hunt there was after it; but all that ever wa3 found was the remains of a rum keg. In a cave not very far from his hut there has since been found a set of bullock-bows, which the bushranger stole from .one of Mr Whalan's teams.

It is not necessary to give a detailed account of M'Kewin; suffice it to say he was captured, lodged in Hartley Gaol, afterward tried by a Sydney jury, and, subsequently, sentenced and transported to Norfolk Island, where he died. His companions were never found.

In those days this district was full of wild cattle. Parties used only to visit it for the purpose of beef-hunting, and it was during some of their exploits that they came in contact with this wonderful limestone belt and its strange openings. The various parties returned and told queer and discredited stories of the. district. At different times some of the more adventurous of .them returned to the spot and made attempts at exploring. They could not penetrate far; -the difficulties they met with were extreme ; no roads, no help obtainable, and no house to rest in after their labours. Their discomforts were very great, and they wearied. Thus by slow degrees this marvellous locality gained its reputation. . Terr small interest was taken in the place, however, and little or nothing was done until Mr Jeremiah Wilson and party came from Oberon and explored them, submitting to all kinds of hardships and privations in the process. Mr Wilson was afterwards appointed keeper of the oaves by the Government, and chief guide. THE JEW-BOY'S GANG. One of the more notorious of the bushrangers of the forties was a convict Jew named Davis, who made his escape from an ironed gang working near Sydney, and " took the bush," being soon joined by a desperate character named Ruggy, an Irishman, and two other runaway prisoners. Shortly after the gang commenced operations in the Brisbane Water and Hunter River Districts, three recruits joined, the latest , addition being a youth of weak intellect, who had been led away by Da vis's florid descriptions of the freedom and pleasures of a bandit's life. The members of the gang were well mounted and well armed with double-bar-relled guns and pistols ,and supplied with pack-horses to carry " swag." Conscious of their strength and their ability to get away quickly, from any pursuers with whom a fight was not desirable, they pursued their nefarious occupation with the utmost boldness and openness. For a long time they eluded the vigilance of the local mounted police, who certainly were not wanting in energy when fairly "on the- hunt." When advised that the troopers were out, they confined themselves to the deep bush ravines, where dense forests and' beetling rocks afforded shelter- and concealment. Here they would stay until the police grew weary, when they would again sally forth. 1 Tha gang committed so many depredations in 12 or 15 months that the Government began to realise that some special effort was needed to capture them. Hence they despatched a strong body of mounted police under the command of a subaltern from Sydney to the Brisbane Water district, with orders to take the Jew-boy and his companions either alive or dead. But even the force from Sydney could not affect a capture, although they pressed the gang closely, and forced them to make back to the Hunter River district. On the day of their arrival they looted a store at Muswellbrook, and then went on to Scone, putting up at Wilkie's Inn and ordering "dinner for seven, and be sharp about it." After dinner they ransacked the one local store, adorning,, themselves with the gayest "ribbons they could find before leaving the place.

Up to this time they had not shed blood, as Davis insisted that his companions should preserve clean hands in this respect, and only resort to violence for the presei*vation of their own lives and liberty. But now they added murder to their other crimes, and dosed the door against hope of escape from death themselves- x As they were leaving the store, one of the employees, a recent arrival from England, with more courage than prudence seized a pistol *nd. fired at one of them. The shot did not take effect, and the rash man threw his pistol down and rushed towards the police station to give the alarm. His race was a short one. Ruggy leapt upon hi« horse and pursued him, shooting him through the back as he ran, and the young fellow fell dead in his tracks.

This tragedy enacted, Davis and his six companions fled precipitately, for they knew the murder would raiser the country against them. They made for the densely-wooded Liverpool Range, fc topping for a while on the way at Atkinson's Inn, on the Dage River, where they bailed up all the inmates and indulged in a hearty meal of beef and beer. They declined the stronger drink that was offered them by the landlord, declaring that rum could only be taken with safety when they were in camp. Before resuming their flight they rounded up all the good horses and made an exchangef leaving their weary steeds in place of the fresher animals; then they headed for Doughboy Hollow, one of their old bush rendezvous, where they calculated on passing the night safely. But Nemesis was already following close upon their heels. A small party (three or four civilians and a couple of Border police) headed by Mr Day, Police Magistrate, who had formerly served as lieutenant in the 17th Regiment, were coon in full chase. Their first place of call was Scone ; there the sight of the body of the murdered man inspired them with' fresh resolution, and they pushed on with vigour, easily following the freshly-made tracks. Several residents joined in the chase, and when the pursuers reached Atkinson's Inn they formed quite a Urge party. The sun was jusl sinking when, never having lost the track of the bushrangers in a ride, of 50 miles, Mr Day and his party came in sight of Doughboy Hollow. The spot, was a' favourite camping ground for toams, and a cursory glance was sufficient to show the pursuers that the men they wanted had joined some teamster* at their evening meal. The bushrangers were seated round a log fire, a couple of them being engaged in casting bullets for future use, while their hones w«e tethered some dis-

tanoe away. Quickly dismounting, Mr Day and eeveral of his men made a rush to seize the gang before they could recover from their surprise; but Day incautiously raised a cheer as he ran, and at once the bushrangers seized thgir guns and rushed to cover behind the nearest trees. A brisk fusillade commenced. The Jew fired twice at Day, and Ruggy at one of his com- j panions, but fright had made their hands unsteady, and the bullets did not take i effect. Day returned the fire and wounded Davis in the shoulder; then 'he mehed at him, wishing to take him alive, and after a short struggle succeeded in overpowering him. Ruggy was also seized when he had exhausted his fire, and four others -of the gang threw down their arms and surrendered. The seventh man escaped, but was ■subsequently captured. Altogether, about , 20 shots were fired, but no one' on either side was killed.

Shortly after their capture fee Jew-boy and his mates were removed in irons to Sydney, where they were tried, convicted, , and condemned. Up to the last moment Davis hugged the belief that his life would be spared on account of his having prevented the shedding of blood whenever he was able to control his followers. Strong efforts were made by powerful friende of hU own persuasion to save him, but they were unavailing; and together the leader and his followers expiated their crimos on the gallows in Sydney in February,' 1841, (To be Continued.) j