THE KELLY SCARE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 639, 1 March 1879, Page 2

THE KELLY SCARE.

HOW A BANK MANAGER WAS ALARMED, AND HOW IT ENDED IN AN INVITATION TO DINNER. The Sydney Evening News writes : — " The Kellys have murdered three or four policemen by open violence, and if they go at liberty much longer they will be responsible for the death of a number of harmless people by the fatal influence of fear. We would not insinuate that any of the Victorian policemen will give up the ghost through this cause, but it is quite possible that some of the bank managers will. A case occurred recently at one of the country branches of the Bank of Victoria, which illustrates the extreme danger of the present condition of aft'airs. A middle-aged gentleman of timid disposition had been sent up from Melbourne to take charge of the branch, and he was fully resolved to defend his charge with every drop of blood in his body. He was a prudent man, had known something of military tactics as a Volunteer, and therefore he made his dispositions cautiously. Firmly convinced that the Kellys would come, he sa,t in the bank with two revolvers in his belt, and one full-cocked in his hand. His assistant was also armed witli revolvers, and a policeman patrolled the place continually. As an additional measure of precaution, a piece of twine was passed round the arms of the manager and clerk, that they might communicate instantaneously and silently. The Saturday after the bank was closed a loud rap was heard at the door. The twine was twitched, and the manager Avas sure the hour was come. He made the policeman cover the door with his rifle. The clerk stood on the counter with two revolvers pointed to

the door, and the manager, with a revolver in one hand, opened the door an inch and a-half with the other. " Who's there 1" he asked in a loud voice, but not without a quiver of emotion. Instead of the reply of Ned Kelly and four comrades, a shrill squeaky voice replied, " Miaaus says the dinner is ready." Such shocks would soon undermine even a strong constitution, and we learn with satisfaction that the worthy manager has been removed to the safer precincts of the bank in Melbourne.