“ EARLY DAYS IN CENTRAL OTAGO.’’

Otago Witness, Issue 3996, 14 October 1930, Page 46

“ EARLY DAYS IN CENTRAL OTAGO.’’

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Being an old-timer, I read Mr Gilkison’s reminiscences with interest. At the present stage, most of the events are facts that have been related so often that they do not appear the same. The difference should not necessitate going to the press. The Clyde gold robbery, which was carried out, up to a point, in a very successful manner, is causing some comments, and still the actual facts are well known. F. Fitz Gibbon gives a good account of Rennie’s Arrow movements. One matter he does not mention: The day after the robbery, with all the district detectives, sergeants, and police shifted from one station to another, and after the rumpus was well on, it was a bjt a P’ lzz^e to know who was who. M Gan, whom I have known ever since I came to the country in ’67, was then constable in charge of the police station at Black’s diggings. He gave me the Arrow news; also he said that he did not consider he got a fair look in as to the detecting of Rennie, who was accused and arrested on suspicion, which was some days after the gold was taken. Rennie only went one mile on his road home with his load, left it, and then went on on his horse, which he did not spare. He only got as far as the old Gentle Annie track, where he was spotted by Cook, who caused his undoing. Rennie was taken to Clyde ou a Sunday. The police took good care of him, for at this time they, were not quite sure of their man, and did not know where his plant was. His escort was strong. Inspector Percv (who had taken Dalgliesh’s place, who was suspended for the time being) was the head man, also sergeants with four or five constables. Arriving at Cromwell, they took a spell and had tea at Smitham’s Sidney Hotel, after which they breasted the bar, treating Rennie and all in the bar in a very liberal manner (your humble servant included), not forgetting themselves. This went on for a good halfhour or so. Spirits were descending, but they were also rising. And then came the order, “Saddle up and march on.” They did not get off the bridge before an argument arose between M‘Gan and another as to the evidence resulting in Rennie’s arrest. M‘Gan was ordered back to camp.. But nothing came of it; all went, Rennie turning Queen’s evidence and showing them where the gold was hidden, which was at the old Clyde Dairy stone stockyard, one mile from Clyde camp. All the gold was there. A small parcel of 16oz, which was lost, was supposed to have been got on the bank by a miner, Tom Finn. This was years after the above events. —Yours, etc F. A. 6. Timaru, October 9.