Penshurst Courthouse - Thursday 11th August 1898

THE ACCUSED, JAMES SLATTERY

 

TROVE

Leader – Sat 13 Aug 1898

Thursday 11^th August 1898

General News

A BANK STUCK UP!  

ACCUSED BEFORE THE COURT.

THE BANK MANAGER'S STORY.

PENSHURST, Thursday.

THE BANK OF VICTORIA, PENSHURST.

James Ryan, alias James Slattery, was charged at the police court to-day with robbery under arms at the Penshurst branch of the Bank of Victoria, on Thursday, 4^th last. Mr. McCormick, P.M., and Messrs. Thomas Hutton and F. L. Olle, J.'sP., were on the bench. Superintendent Devine prosecuted on behalf of the Crown.  

Robert Young deposed that he was a groom employed at Elijah's livery stables, Hamilton. On 4th inst a man of similar build to the accused hired a horse and buggy, which, he said, he required to go to the Wannon. He identified the horse and buggy outside the court as those hired. He saw the prisoner at Hamilton on Tuesday, and identified him as the same man who had hired the horse, and buggy. He saw the same man on28th July, when he also hired a horse and buggy.

MR. DUNCAN JAMIESON, THE MANAGER.

Duncan Jamieson deposed: On 4th inst, accused called at the Bank of Victoria, Penshurst (of which I was manager), at about2.40 in the afternoon, and asked to see the manager. I replied; 'I am the manager." Accused, said; "I have some deeds," and I then said, "What is your name?" He replied, "Renshaw." He then made a move towards the manager's room, and I said, 'I will take them here." He had a small black bag in his left hand, and I believe that produced is the same. He opened the bag, and I went forward to see the deeds. He was wearing dark colored glasses and a Chesterfield ulster of light color. His beard was longer than now, and black. He had a revolver in his right hand similar to that produced, which he presented in my face and sprang over the counter, and came beside me. He said, "Lie down.". I asked "What for?" and he replied, "I am sticking you up. I then went down on my face, and he said, "Put your hands behind your back." He then rolled me over, tied my hands behind my back, and put the revolver down on the desk near, where I was lying. He put a handkerchief in my mouth and tied it behind my head, and said, '"Keep quiet and I will not hurt you." He then tied another handkerchief across my eyes and put me behind the counter out of his sight. I heard the front door of the bank shut and then heard cash rattling. He felt in my pockets and took the keys of the safe and then went into the strong room, which was open. I heard someone outside shoving the front door, and sometime after I felt cold air as if the front door had been opened. After that I heard someone come into the office and say, "Jamieson, where are you?" When released I saw Mr. Murphy, of the National Bank, and noticed then some paper bags of silver on the counter. I then went to the telegraph office, and found that communication had been interrupted. Made an examination of the cash, and missed £565 3s. 3d., in notes, gold and silver. I identify the two £10 and one £1 notes (produced) as being part of those stolen. The description and amount of money produced correspond with that stolen. To the Police Magistrate: Prisoner had glasses on when he came over the counter. I looked at the accused when he levelled the revolver at me, and fancied that his beard was false. I have no doubt whatever the accused is the same man.

John Buckley, telegraph messenger at Penshurst, deposed: On the 4th inst., at about 2.45 p.m., I went to the bank and found the door shut. I waited for about, five minutes, and during that time tried the door and found it fastened. I then knocked at the windows and looked through them, but could not see anyone inside. I then went to the post office, and returned to the bank again about 3 o'clock. I met Mr. Lawson and Mr. Lewis at the door. Onlooking through the window of the manager's room I saw a chair placed under the knob of the handle of the door in that room leading to the private apartments. Just then I saw a man come out of the banking chamber, into the manager's room, who carried a small black bag, like that produced. He immediately returned to the banking chamber. I went round to the front of the bank intending to go to the National Bank.  When near the hotel I saw Mr. Murphy, and told him what I had seen. I then went to the police station, and found that Constable McKenzie was away on duty. I noticed that the man had black bushy whiskers and wore glasses. I went back to the bank again and found that the man had gone. The man I saw in the bank was about the same build as accused, but his whiskers were of a different color. I cannot swear that accused is the same man I saw in the bank, but I believe him to be so.

Frank Lawson, chemist, deposed: On 4^th inst, about 2.40 p.m., I arrived at the bank and found the front door shut and the window blinds down. I saw a man named Edward Lewis, who said that he had been waiting for some time to get a cheque cashed. We both knocked at the door. I looked through the window of the banking chamber, on the side of the gardens, and saw several bags of what looked like coin lying on the counter. I then went to the window of the manager's room, and saw a chair tilted under the handle of the door leading to private apartments. I called Lewis's attention to it, and then went round to the front door again and attempted to open it. Buckley came across, and I called his attention to the chair. As we stood at the window a man came out from behind the door leading into the bank chamber. He appeared to see us, and slipped back. He had a biggish face, with black whiskers. I went to the front door, and was telling Lewis, when the man opened the door and came out, carrying a black bag (similar to that produced) in his left hand. His right hand was in his overcoat pocket, apparently clasping what appeared to be a revolver. He said, "It's all right, I have just been doing private business with the manager. He is inside, if you want him." He then walked away. When distant about 10 paces away I called out to him to stop, saying, "Wait a bit, old man." He then started to run along the gardens fence towards the railway station, and I followed him. He turned the corner of the gardens towards the springs, where I saw a horse and buggy, the horse being tied to a fence. He slipped the halter off the horse's head,  leaving it tied to the fence, and jumped in the buggy and drove off towards Hamilton. I was about six paces away when he got into the buggy. That the accused is the same man, I have no doubt whatever. His whiskers were then blacker and longer than now, hut I recognise him by his general appearance. I have seen the horse and buggy outside the court, which are the same that I saw on that occasion. I picked out the accused from amongst three men  at the Hamilton gaol, and recognised him as the man seen driving away in the buggy on 4th inst.

Joseph Patrick Murphy, clerk of the National Bank, deposed: On 4th inst., about 2.55, I was going to the Bank of Victoria to see Mr. Jamieson. When half way I met Mr. Buckley, and from what he told me I went back to the National Bank, and returned to the Bank of Victoria with Mr. McLeod. We went into the bank and found Mr. Jamieson behind the counter, bound and gagged, and we released him.

Theresa Fairbairn, bar maid, at Tllley's Hotel, deposed: On 4th inst. I was in the bar about 2.15, when a strange man came in. He had a handkerchief tied round the lower part of his chin, and asked for a glass of ale. He inquired what time the train left for Hamilton. I told him, and when he was going I noticed that he  had a small black bag in his band, like that produced. I asked him if he was selling jewellery, and he replied "Yes," and then went towards the post office. Accused is like the man, only his beard was then darker. I think he is the man. He had a white handkerchief round his chin (like that produced), and also wore goggles similar to those now in court.

John Weir, constable, deposed that he saw accused driving through Dunkeld towards Glen Thompson about 6 o'clock on 4th inst. He kept the lower part of his face covered with his hand whilst he passed him. He identified the horse and buggy. He had no report of the robbery at that time, but when he received it he sent word to the station master informing him to look out for any man corresponding with the description given; also asked the guard of the Ararat train to do the same. Upon arrival at Glen Thompson he was informed that a man answering the description of the robber had boarded the train there, about 8 o'clock.

David Williams, groom at McLennan's Hotel, Glen Thompson, deposed as to the arrival of a man (whom he identified as the accused) at the hotel there, and his subsequent departure.

Constables O’Donnell and Bourke and Sergeant McCurdy gave evidence as to the capture of the prisoner at Ararat. Accused, who reserved his defence, was committed to take his trial at the Ararat criminal assizes on 15th September.

PLAN OF THE PLACES.      

  

 

 

1948 - Catholic Parish Receives £10,000 Bequest

THE ADVOCATE

Thursday 9^th September 1948

Penshurst Parish to Receive £10,000 -

Grazier's Bequest

Mr. James Howard, grazier, of Penshurst, who died at Warrnambool on June 26, bequeathed £10,000 for the erection, of a new convent or school, for the parish of Penshurst, it was revealed last week. He left estate in Victoria sworn for probate at £25,170, comprising £5322 and £19,848 personally. Other legacies include £1000 to Margaret Conway provided she was in the employment of Mr. Howard at the time, of his death, and £200 each to the Warrnambool Base Hospital and the trustees of St John of God Hospital, Warrnambool. The remainder of the estate goes to Ballarat diocese for the advancement of the Catholic religion.

Penshurst parish dates from 1907 when Rev. J. J. Walsh, from Mildura, was appointed. He remained only two years and was succeeded by Rev. J. Murphy, who was parish priest for15 years. Other pastors have been Revs. J. Manning and J. Hyland with Rev. M. Glennen at present in charge. At the time of the erection of the parish the district had been served from Hamilton. It possessed a handsome bluestone Gothic church dedicated to St. Joseph, commenced in 1866, on a site donated by Mr. J. Twoomey (sic), one of the original trustees with Messrs Terence O'Brien and John Cameron. The gift replaced a government grant of five years previous found unsuitable for church purposes.

Early in 1874, when the first school was opened, the church boasted of an altar imported from Belgium, the gift of Miss Twoomey (sic), and the seating had also been donated by the same family. The church at the time was 37 feet long and included a temporary chancel and sacristy attached.  The district's progress, in its early years, was both slow and uninteresting, and it was not until the proposed railway line in l887 that any noticeable change was noted. Then land values rose sharply. The Catholic influx into the town also showed a marked increase. The little school, under the superintendence of Miss Collier, also had increased attendances. Ten years later, to meet the needs  of the parishioners, the church was enlarged. On November 28, 1897, when blessed by Bishop Mears of Ballarat, the new additions, designed by F. Hammond for 1000, consisted of a 40-ft. extension to the old building, with transepts, extending 18 feet on each side of the nave. The church was then three times as large as before. The west-end also included a wooden-panelled reredos, finished with ornamental crestings and formed a sacristy 22 feet by 12 feet 6 inches. The Bishop, in his address termed it.". . . One of the most handsome and most commodious in the diocese." He also alluded to the fact that the school attached had, the previous year, secured the highest percentage average in the diocese. When the parish was formed, Fr. Walsh secured a house in Watton Street, and this served as a presbytery until a new one was blessed and opened by Bishop Foley in June, 1926. In 1925, a queen carnival netted over £600 to liquidate the, parish debt. In 1932, the old school was remodelled in accordance with the Board of Health regulations for £150. Only other church in the parish is St. Joseph's, at Hawkesdale. Firsts building there was commenced in 1867, when it formed part of the Port Fairy mission. When Koroit was made a parish it was attached to it, but in 1917 was transferred to the charge of Penshurst. The present structure at Hawkesdale, completed in 1913, replaced the old building and was completed for £600.

Penshurst Unites to Raise Money for Soldiers Wounded in the War - August 1915

HAMILTON SPECTATOR

Wednesday 25th August 1915

PATRIOTIC ENTERTAINMENT AT PENSHURST.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

PENSHURST, Monday.

Long before eight o'clock, on Saturday evening every available seat in the mechanics' institute was occupied, and even standing room was at a premium.

The entertainment, which was in aid of the Australian wounded soldiers fund, was the unique and cleverly conceived idea of Mrs. D. Walls, and was entitled “A night with the Allies." Unfortunately a few weeks ago Mrs. Walls suffered a breakdown in health, but her able lieutenants, Messrs. E. C. Stephens and D. Walls, had their forces so well arranged that the evening was a thorough success both socially and financially.

Everyone wanted to help to make the entertainment a record one, and they did it well. The takings at the door amounted to £25, and this was augmented by the sale of a Union Jack cushion, which on being auctioned realised £8/7/6. The cushion was made and kindly donated by Miss Irene Waller, the ultimate purchaser being Mr. J. Waller.

The stage was tastefully decorated with the flags of the Allies, a score of nicely dressed children, who took part in the company songs and choruses forming a pretty background. Proceedings opened by the company singing "God Save the King." Miss Lexie Chesswas appearing as Britannia in the tableau. Appended is the programme, each item meeting with well merited applause - England -Song, "Ye Mariners of England," Master Robin Chesswas : company song; "We'll stand by the dear old flag." Ireland - Company song, "The minstrel boat"," Miss Lily Richie representing Ireland: character duet, ' It's the little drop of Irish tells," Miss L. Richie and Mr. W. Rose (encored). Scotland- Song, "Scots wha hae'" Mr F. Olle; highland fling, Miss M. Clark (encored); pipe selections, Pipers Hayes (2) and Clohesy. Wales- Miss Violet Barker represented Wales and recited "Men o' Harlech" and little Joyce Parry sang "Wales."

Australia—The Australian items were hailed with applause, which increased as Private P. J. Rice, who recently re- turned wounded from the Dardanelles, appeared on the stage. He was heartily cheered, and it was some minutes before the performers could resume their singing. In this tableau, Jessie Waller appeared as a girl scout, and Harry Greig as a soldier. Misses L. Chesswas, Ella Eales, V. Barker, Irene Waller, P. Eales', and M. Cook, bearing bunches of golden wattle, rendered "Wattle Day," and the item was one of the best, if not the best, on the programme. Russia—Russia was represented by Misses Fitzpatrick, Isabel Greig, L. Richie, and Olle, the Russian National An- them and "God the all terrible,' being rendered. The Polish and Servian National Anthems followed, Mr. w. Richie, Junr., representing Servia.

 France—Miss K. Leahy represented France, the company singing the "Marseillaise." Mounted on a diminutive "steed," Miss Sarah Hauser rendered "The Vivendiere," the actions of the "charger" keeping the house in roars of laughter. Belgium— Belgium was represented by Miss R. Olle, the company singing the Belgian National Anthem. Canada "The Maple Leaf" was sung by the children, Canada being represented by Miss Isabel Greig. Japan—Four girls, attired in kimonos and carrying the regulation Japanese umbrella, rendered "Gay little girls from Japan'" after the company had given the Japanese National Anthem. Italy- Misses L. Chesswas, I. Olle, W. Olle, and D Cooper appeared in this tableau, the Italian National Anthem being sung by the company.

New Zealand— The New Zealand tableau was warmly applauded. Mr. Geo. J. Chesswas, who appeared as a Maori, sang ' "New Zealand will be there." India—Messrs. E. C. Stephens end R. Camm, who appeared as Indians, completely mystified the audience as to their identity. Miss I. Olle recited "The Pipes of Lucknow," the mu- sic being heard in the distance.

Africa- Mr. Cooper appeared as General Botha and W. Olle as John Bull. The evening concluded, with a grand march of the Allies, after which the Nation al Anthem was rendered. During an interval Mr. Stephens said he desired to thank the audience for their liber al support. It was an ample reward to those who helped to get everything ready. He desired also to thank the pipers (who were cheered) and also all the performers.

Return of the First WW1 Soldier to Penshurst - August 1915

HAMILTON SPECTATOR

Thursday 19th August 1915

RETURNED PENSHURST SOLDIER WELCOMED.  

Our Penshurst correspondent writes: There was a large crowd on the railway station on Tuesday evening to extend a welcome to Private P. Rice, who was wounded in the fighting in the Dardanelles, and who was the first soldier to return to Penshurst. Three hearty cheers were given as Private Rice stepped on to the platform. Appropriate addresses were delivered by Crs. Chesswas and Kelly, and Messrs. D. Greig and T. Leahy, after which the crowd joined in singing "For he's a jolly good fellow." The Penshurst band was also in attendance and rendered a number of patriotic airs.

From the

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA

RICE Peter Joseph

Enlisted: 1/10/1914

Age: 23

Address - Penshurst Vic

Service Number - 772

Place of Birth - Penshurst VIC

Place of Enlistment - Melbourne VIC

Next of Kin: (Father) RICE Owen, Penshurst.

Occupation: Assistant buttermaker.

Roll title: 14 Infantry Battalion (December 1914)

Conflict: First World War, 1914-1918

Date of embarkation: 22 December 1914

Place of embarkation: Melbourne

Ship embarked on: HMAT Ulysses A38

Injured: 1/5/1915 Bullet wound forearm, Dardanelles. Hospital Heliopolis

Embarked for Australia: on Steamship Ballarat 5/7/1915

Arrived Australia 6/8/1915

 

 

Bonnie Whitehead - Princess of Penshurst 1935

THE ADVOCATE

Thursday 10^th October 1935

PENSHURST

Nearly £400 Raised by Competition and Dance.

The princess carnival held to raise funds for St. Joseph's School, Penshurst, was brought to a close in the Mechanics' Hall, Penshurst, the building being packed to the doors. The candidates were: Princess Bonnie Whitehead, Princess Eileen Harrington, and Princess Gwen Kelly, each being charmingly attired. Their attendants were: Margaret Wilton, Kathleen Whitehead and Margaret Kelly, while Clete Harty heralded the arrival of the royal personages. Fairlie O'Brien was flower girl, and R. Harrington crown bearer. The first part of the evening was taken up with vocal and musical items, a number of Hamilton artists contributing to the programme. At the conclusion of the entertainment, the princesses marched from the back of the hall, and took their places on the stage, each being warmly applauded. The Rev. Fr. Scanlon introduced Very Rev. J. Kerin, P.P., Hamilton, who announced the amounts raised by the different princesses as follow:—Princess Bonnie Whitehead, £143;Princess Gwen Kelly, £125/3/2; Princess Eileen Harrington, £102/2/3; total, £370/5/5.There was applause when the result was announced, and the sum raised speaks well for the generosity of the people of Penshurst and district, as well as for the organising abilities of the various committees.

FR. KERIN CROWNS WINNING PRINCESS.

The Rev. Fr. Kerin then crowned Princess Bonnie and said he regretted that he had not two more crowns for the other princesses. In a contest of that particular kind someone had to win and someone had to lose, but he felt sure that one and all would take the result in a proper spirit. He had been pleased to assist and thanked the Rev. Fr. Scanlon for asking him to do so. He congratulated the promoters on the magnificent result obtained and he could say without exaggeration that no parish in the district could have done better. Considering the times and the financial stress it was an effort to be proud of. He also desired to congratulate them on the friendly spirit displayed by the non-Catholic part of the community. His predecessor (the late Mgr. Shanahan) had always fostered that spirit and he was glad that it had survived. The carnival had perhaps entailed financial stress on some, but the givers would never regret helping such a cause. He congratulated the Rev. Fr. Scanlon on the success of the carnival and hoped to keep him in the parish for at least another twelve months.

ZEALOUS WORKERS THANKED.

The Rev. Fr. Scanlon thanked the Rev Fr. Kerin for performing the crowning ceremony. He had been agreeably surprised at the result of the carnival, and had pleasure in congratulating the winning princess very heartily. When the carnival was commenced they had only two candidates, but Princess Bonnie's mother came in and pluckily allowed her daughter to fill the gap, and it gave him pleasure to see her enthroned as winning princess. He also thanked the other princesses, their supporters and all who assisted. He referred to the kindly cooperation of all, especially thanking Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Ross, Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Ubergang, and Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Burow, who had placed their residence sat the disposal of the committees for holding house parties. The carnival had passed off well, and he thanked all for their assistance and support.

Fr. Kerin then presented souvenirs to the other princesses and their attendants. Bouquets of flowers were also handed to the princesses by friends and admirers. In presenting a bouquet to Miss N. Hayes (head teacher of St. Joseph's School), the Rev. Fr. Kerin said that no one had worked harder than she had done, and everyone had admired the way in which she had trained the children. The function reflected great credit on the children and to all. The Rev. Fr. Manning (Port Fairy), who was warmly received, said it gave him pleasure to attend the crowning ceremony. He congratulated them on the wonderful effort. The Rev. Fr. Scanlon thanked Mrs. Walls and the Hamilton performers for their assistance. The proceedings terminated with a dance. The ladies provided a dainty supper. The amount raised will be augmented by the door takings, which amounted to £27.

THE WINNING PRINCESS.

 

Little Bonnie Whitehead, the winning Princess, whose candidature raised £143. She is attended by Kathleen Whitehead.

 

Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd and Friday 30th September 1898

TROVE

The Argus – Fri 23 Sept 1898

Thursday 22^nd September 1898

THE PENSHURST BANK ROBBERY.

SLATTERY IN COURT.

THE DEFENCE AN ALIBI.

ARARAT, Thursday.

At the Supreme Court today, before Mr Justice Holroyd, James Ryan, alias James Slattery, was presented on a charge of robbery under arms at the Bank of Victoria, Penshurst, on the 4th of August when he assaulted Duncan Jamieson, the manager of the bank, and stole £563/3/3.

Slattery was quite composed and self-possessed. He challenged 13 jurors before a full panel was selected, and, whilst giving thoughtful attention to the evidence, appeared to be quietly indifferent to his surroundings. Slattery is a native of this district and the case attracted a great deal of attention, the court being crowded all day.

The evidence for the prosecution was practically the same as that given at the Penshurst Police Court. Duncan Jamieson, bank manager deposed to the facts of the robbery. Robert Young, groom, identified Slattery as the man who hired a buggy on the 4th August and did not return it; and Frank Lawson also identified the accused  is the man he saw leaving the bank, and who ran to the buggy and drove away.

Constable McKenzie deposed that he was not at Penshurst on the day of the robbery, but on the previous Thursday, the 28^th July, the telegraph wires were cut on each side of Penshurst and a man answering the description of the robber of the bank was seen in the township. The circumstances connected with Slattery's arrest, and the finding of the money near the station, were again narrated.  

For the defence, Frederick Reid, keeper of a coffee place at Ballarat, was called and stated that between half past 7 and 8 on the evening of July 27 Slattery called at his house and engaged a bedroom. Witness showed him up to it, and the bed in the morning presented the appearance of having been slept in. Slattery to get to Hamilton by 11 o'clock on the  morning of the 28th July would require to  have left by the Ballarat to Ararat train at 11.15 a.m. on the 27^th.

  

Mr Horwitz who appeared for the prisoner, addressed the jury at considerable length, remarking that Reid's evidence was a proof that Slattery was not at Penshurst on the 28^th July, and was not identical with the man who had robbed the bank on August 4. He commented in strong, terms on the way in which the case had been presented by the Crown, in not calling the men who travelled in the carriage with Slattery and who, it might be inferred, would have proved that the prisoner got in the train at Hamilton, and not at Glenthompson.

The Court adjourned until to tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.  

TROVE

Portland Guardian – Monday 26 September 1898

Thursday 22^nd September 1898

The Penshurst Bank Robbery.

ARARAT, Thursday.

At the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr. Justice Holroyd, James Ryan, alias James Slattery, was presented on a charge of robbery under arms at the Bank of Victoria, Penshurst, on the 4th of August, when he assaulted Duncan Jamieson, the manager of the bank, and stole £565 3s 3d.

Slattery was quite composed and self-possessed, He challenged 13 jurors before a full panel was selected, and, whilst giving thoughtful attention to the evidence, appeared to be quietly indifferent to his surroundings. Slattery is a native of this district, and the case attracted a great deal of attention, the court being crowded all day.

The evidence for the prosecution was practically the same as that given at the Penshurst Police Court. Duncan Jamieson, bank manager, deposed to the facts of the robbery; Robert Young, groom, identified Slattery as the man who hired a buggy on the 4th August and did not return it; and Frank Lawson also identified the accused as the man he saw leaving the bank, and who ran to the buggy and drove away.

Constable McKenzie deposed that he was not at Penshurst on the day of the robbery, but on the previous Thursday, the 28th July, the telegraph wires were cut on each side of Penshurst, and a man answering the description of the robber of the bank was seen in the township. The circumstances connected with Slattery's arrest, and the finding ot the money near the station, were again narrated. For the defense, Frederick Reid, keeper of a coffee palace at Ballarat, was called, and stated that between half-past 7 and 8 on the evening of July 27, Slattery called at his house and engaged a bedroom. Witness showed him up to it, and the bed in the morning presented the appearance of having been slept in. Slattery, to get to Hamilton by 11 o'clock on the morning of the 28th July, would require to have left by the Ballarat to Ararat train at 1.15 a.m. on the 27th. Mr. Horwitz, who appeared for the prisoner, addressed the jury at consider able length, remarking that Reid's evidence was a proof that Slattery was not at Penshurst on the 28th July, and was not identical with the man who robbed the bank on August 4. He commented in strong terms on the way in which the case had been presented by the Crown, in not calling the men who travelled in the carriage with Slattery, and who, it might be inferred, would have proved that the prisoner got in the train at Hamilton, and not at Glenthompson.

Friday 23^rd  September 1898

ARARAT, Friday. The prosecutor for the Queen addressed the jury, urging that the setting up of a half-kind of alibi was merely bolstering up a defenseless case. Mr. Justice Halroyd reviewed the evidence at great length, and was very decidedly against the prisoner; and the jury, after a retirement of half-an-hour, returned a verdict of guilty, and the prisoner was remanded for sentence. On Saturday morning the prisoner was sentenced to 10 years' hard labor, with the first week in every year in solitary confinement.

TROVE

The Horsham Times – Fri 5 August 1898

Friday 30^th  September 1898

THE PENSHURST BANK ROBBERY.

 A TRUE LOVER.

Of the final act in the trial of James Slattery for the Penshurst bank robbery the '' Ararat Advertiser" writes:- He (Slattery) blanched somewhat as sentence was pronounced upon him, but in a quiet voice, which betrayed no emotion, said the sentence was a cruel one - a remark which brought from His Honour a stern rebuke. But a little way removed from the Court House was the wretched young woman to whom Slattery was engaged to be married over four years ago, and who, had her lover not taken the first downward step in crime, but had instead again contested the electorate of Normanby, might possibly have lived to be the wife of a Minister of the Crown. To her the blow was a severe one, but, recovering her composure, she assured Slattery, in the last interview allowed her, that even were it 20 years she would remain true to him. She purposes taking up her residence in Melbourne so as to be able to see the man as often as the goal regulations will allow.

One of the closing acts in connection with the stirring little drama of the robbery of the Bank of Victoria at Penshurst took place on Tuesday, when Superintendent Larkan handed over to the manager of the Ararat branch the sum of £565 3s 3d, found when the robber of the bank, James Slattery, was arrested.

Monday 8th, Thursday 11th and Thursday 18th August 1898

TROVE

The Mercury (Hobart) – Thursday 11 August 1898

Monday 8^th August 1898

With regard to the doings of James Slattery, arrested for robbery at the Penshurst branch of the Bank of Victoria, and who formerly served a sentence at the Yatala Stockade, some astonishment is expressed at the release of the prisoner from Yatala, considering that he was sentenced to 3½ years' hard labour in August, 1896, and that that term, in the ordinary course of events, would not expire until February, 1900.

It has transpired that Slattery received the benefit of a considerable remission of his sentence in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. He had behaved remarkably well during his incarceration, and it is possible for a prisoner to obtain a remission equivalent to about a third of his sentence on account of good conduct. Slattery secured credit marks equal to more than a fourth of the term. He was sentenced at the Adelaide Criminal Sessions on August 3, 1895, for forgery, to a term equal to 1,278 days. Being a first offender he received the Jubilee remission of one sixth of his sentence, equal to 213 days, and earned credit marks entitling him to 347 days off. Altogether he served 718 days, being released on July 22, so that he must have been soon over the Victorian border after leaving Yatala.

TROVE

Goulburn Evening Penny Post – Sat 13 August 1898

Thursday 11^th August 1898

The Penshurst Bank Robbery.

MELBOURNE, Thursday.-James Ryan, alias James Slattery, was presented at the Penshurst Police Court today on a charge of robbery under arms at the local branch of the Bank of Victoria on the 4th instant. The facts, as already known, were set forth in detail, and the accused, who reserved his defense, was committed for trial.

TROVE

The Horsham Times – Thursday 18^th August 1898

Mr. Louis Howitz, of Hamilton, will defend James Slattery, the alleged Penshurst bank robber, at the Ararat Assizes. Slattery is awaiting trial in the Ballarat Gaol. 

Friday 5th August 1898

 

TROVE

TheArgus – Friday 5^th August 1898

 

Friday 5th August 1898

THE ACCUSED IDENTIFIED.

AN OLD POLITICAL OPPONENT OF MR. SHIELS, M.L.A.

ARARAT, Friday.

The accused, who terms himself John Ryan, was identified late last nightas James Slattery, a man well known in the Western district, and formerlysecretary of the Shearers Union at Casterton. Slattery was at one time a mostprominent figure in the labour movements of the Western district, hisconnection with the trades unions and the Australian Natives Association standinghim in such stead that he contested one election against Mr. Shiels, and polled well. In the middleof July, 1896, Slattery came to the front as the perpetrator of a very cleverseries of frauds on share brokers, by means of forging scrip of the Broken HillJunction North Company, and selling it openly in the market. By this means hesold script to the value of £3,000 to various brokers- among whom were Messrs.Wilkinson, Harrison, and Porter, of Adelaide. Ultimately Slattery left Adelaidefor Melbourne with £1300 sovereigns and a bank draft for £1,500. Within a fewdays the fraud was discovered, in consequence of a purchaser who desired his scripdivided into parcels forwarding his scrip to the office of the company in Melbourne.

Detective-sergeant Ward and Detective Macmanamny arrested Slattery inMelbourne through his cashing the draft, and £965 was found in his possession.Of this £400 was lodged to the credit of a young lady, to whom Slattery wasengaged to be married, but directly she learned how it was obtained sherenounced all claim to it. Detective Macmanamny subsequently obtained a fullconfession from Slattery, and he was extradited to South Australia, receivingthree years and a half hard labour at the Adelaide Criminal Sittings on August3, 1896. Though this sentence would not expire until February 3, 1900 Slatterywas, by some means or other released in July last, and apparently has lost notime in getting into mischief again. He is a native of Bendigo, 35 years ofage, and prior to his arrest for forgery was always regarded as an honest andtrustworthy man.

 

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EveningNews (Sydney) – Tue 9 August 1898

 

Friday 5^th August 1898

ROBBERY UNDER ARMS

ACCUSED'S CAREER, A LOVE STORY.

The man James Ryan was brought before the police court at Ararat (Vic.)on Friday, and charged with robbery under arms at the Bank of Victoria,Penshurst (Vic.) on August 4.

Superintendent Larkan stated that the police were informed that thePenshurst bank had been robbed at 2.50 on the previous afternoon, and about£600 was taken, and he decided to meet the Hamilton train, which arrived at9.30 p.m. It was believed that the accused got in the train, at Glen Thompson.The police, who were all in plain clothes, were stationed on either side of theplatform as the train came up, and a man was in a second class compartment,huddled up, with his head on one side, and a bandage round his neck. The policetook him to the stationmaster's office, and in his right-hand pocket were founda revolver, fully loaded in five chambers, and 40 cartridges, which, he said,had been given him by a man, whom he did not know. The police, finding nothingin the carriage, went down, to the station yard, and by the side of the linenear Princess street a new strong portmanteau, containing a brief bag and themissing money was found (reports the Melbourne 'Age').

Superintendent Larkan then informed the bench that the man during thenight had washed some of the black off his whiskers. Prisoner denied this,saying that nothing had been given him either to eat or drink. He had only hada pannikin with a little water in it, and if he had washed in that and drankthe water he did well. Then, turning to the superintendent, he added: 'How doyou like that now?' Prisoner is extremely taciturn. He has made no statement tothe police at all, beyond a few words disclaiming all knowledge of the crime.

In the portmanteau, which was obtained at the railway station, and whichis addressed 'James Slattery Warrak, Ararat,' is some black pigment, evidentlythe stuff he had used for dye- ing his whiskers. The portmanteau also containedhis discharge from the Dry Creek labor prison. The accused subsequently admitted his name was James Slattery.

Prior to June 15, 1896, Slattery was known, only to fame as a risingpolitical aspirant, who had been expected by many to wrest from ex- PremierShiels his seat in the Legislative Assembly. At Casterton he was a prominentand well respected man, who took a keen interest in public affairs; but it wasas secretary of the Casterton branch of the Shearers' Union that he was bestknown locally. And an excellent secretary to the shearers' society he made. Itwas a complete revelation, even to those most immediately connected with him,when on the date given Detective Sergeant Ward and Detectives M'Manamny andM'Manus arrested him at a hotel bar in Bourke street and charged him withforging and uttering scrip.

He had been passing under thename of 'E. Long,' and admitted to the detectives that he was the person ofthat name whose accounts in various Melbourne banks amounted to a large total.'I beat the 'books' badly at the Grand National meeting,' he said inexplanation. This proved of no avail, as his identity was soon establishedbeyond doubt.

The forgeries perpetrated by Slattery were in respect of 4000 shares inthe Broken Hill Junction North Company. In nearly every instance this company'sshares were made out in parcels of 100 each, and when the forger prepared aparcel of 500, be made in an otherwise excellently developed scheme, the errorwhich led to the early detection of his crime.

When this parcel came to the hands of 'Mr. J. L. Wharton, the legalmanager of the company in Melbourne, he saw at once that it was a forgery. Areference to the register confirmed the fact. The shares were made out in thename of the legal manager, in trust, such as many more, and for the signa- turewas written 'John L. Wharton, per P. S. Wood, acting manager.' The names werewritten in very good imitation, of Mr. Woods's writing, but the other wordsseemed to be written without attempt at disguise, Mr. Wharton had become awareof Slattery's handwriting through his having brought an action against thecompany for forfeiture of shares. In a visit to Adelaide Mr. Wharton and one ofthe directors obtained information which resulted in the arrest of Slattery.

The circumstances of the company were such that only on comparativelyrare occasions did the scrip reach the hands of the manager, when sales were affected.The case was unlike that, say, of a company making frequent calls. Hence, hadthe parcels all been made of the regular denomination, the crime might havelong remained undiscovered, and Slattery might even now be living in luxuryabroad. The scrip was printed on apparently the same class of paper as thegenuine article, and the signatures were such as an experienced forger mightfeel pride in.' Stamped in crimson ink were the names of two Melbourneshareholders, to demonstrate that the shares were not new. One of these was agood copy of the original, but a shade too large; the other was an exactreproduction. On the back of the scrip, however, a mistake had been made in thesignature of a receipt for payment of a call, 'A. M. Fiedler' appearing Insteadof 'H. M. Fiedler.' The printer's name also appeared in the wrong place.Slattery got the scrip printed at Ballarat, stating that he was an officer ofthe company, and rubber stamps were made for him in Melbourne. The victims ofthe forgeries were Messrs. Wilkinson, Harrison, and Porter, sharebrokers, ofAdelaide, who lost about £3600.

It was ascertained that Slattery paid £400 to a young lady to whom hewas engaged to be married, and whom he had known for five years. The caseagainst Slattery was tried in Adelaide and he received a sentence which expireda few days ago.

It was the fact that he had a toe missing which went to confirm theArarat police in the opinion that the man they had arrested for the bankrobbery was the dealer in scrip. Members of the Casterton Shearers' Union werenot aware that there was anything wrong with Slattery until he was arrested.They surmised— not altogether incorrectly— that he was away on business.' Sodid the members of the local branch of the A.N.A., whose secretary he had been,and whose accounts ''wouldn't add up.'

It was between two and three years .after his defeat by Mr. Shiels thathe was arrested, and in the time intervening he developed a craze for sharespeculation, which was the beginning of his downfall. The history of Slatteryand the young woman referred to has been, peculiarly chequered. When she wasbut 19 years of age she was engaged to be married to Slattery, who was at thetime a prominent shearers' champion, and a prospective labor politician. Shewas heiress to £500 upon coming of age. But when achieved the distinction and themoney Slattery promptly borrowed £400 of it. With this he started a betting andstockbroking career, which led him eventually to the Broken Hill scrip frauds.The proceeds of the frauds were in part devoted to the settlement of thisliability, but the young woman was honorable enough so soon as she learned thesource from which the money came to hand it all over to the police.

It is curious that subsequently she entered the service of Mr. Gosslett,late manager of the Bank of Victoria at Penshurst, the institution which hasjust been robbed by her old- time lover. She left the situation some time ago,but kept up a correspondence with Slattery, and probably it was the desire tosee her which brought him back to the district in which he had been formerlywell known.

The two had appointed to meet at Ararat on Saturday last, and the youngwoman was on the station awaiting the train, when she heard of Slattery'sarrest. It is said they were to be married; if so, the bridal day has sadlymiscarried. On Saturday afternoon, when Slattery was taken back to Hamilton,the young woman was at the station to see him. The sight of him, crestfallen,doggedly silent, and wearing piebald hair, was, however, too much for her, andshe burst into loud and hysterical crying, and had to be taken home from thestation in a cab. Slattery was unmoved.

A Warrnambool wire states: Therailway authorities have received a report that a ganger's wife saw two mencutting the telegraph wires near Penshurst on Thursday afternoon, but at thetime she thought they were line repairers. This points to the conclusion thatthe bank robber Slattery had accomplices.

 

Thursday 4th August 1898

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Kalgoorlie Miner – Friday 5 August 1898

Thursday 4^th August 1898

Telegraphic News

DARING BANK ROBBERY

MANAGER GAGGED. TELEGRAPH WIRES OUT. ...

[By Telegraph]

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Melbourne. August 4.

A daring bank robbery has been reported from Penshurst. Armed men stuck up the local branch of the Bank of Victoria and bound and gagged the manager, Mr. Jamieson. They took £600 from the strong-room and then decamped. A. post office employee named J. Buckley called at the bank to make a deposit. He saw a strange man in charge, and left to inform the police. Another resident saw a man leave the bank, and he was threatened with a revolver. The man then got into a buggy and drove away. The telegraph wires on both sides of the township were cut. A man has been arrested at Ararat in connection with the robbery. Be arrived by the Hamilton train muffled up, and on being arrested said, ' I did nothing wrong.' A revolver and ammunition were found in his possession. A portmanteau containing money was found near the station.

Later.

Later particulars of the bank robbery state that shortly before closing time a tall man, with a dark moustache, drove up, and tying his horse to a post nearby, entered the bank and asked the manager if he could leave some securities, as he did not want to carry them about. The manager replied that he could take care of them, and was in the act of re- turning to the counter when the man suddenly drew a revolver, and presenting it at the manager's head, threatened to blow his brains out if he called. He ordered him to throw up his hands, and Mr. Jamieson had no alternative. Having bound and gagged him the robber locked the door, and proceeded to ransack the strong room, placing the coin in a Gladstone bag. The post office and railway employees mentioned knocked vigorously at the door, but the robber proceeded with his work, taking no notice. He then unlocked the door and passed out, the men who were standing outside saying to him: ' What the devil have you been up to?' They made no attempt to stop him and he jumped into a buggy and drove rapidly away. The man who has been arrested at Ararat gave the name of Jas. Ryan. A small Gladstone bag was found containing £450 in notes, £74 in gold, and £32 in silver. Ryan had £2 12s in his pockets.

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South Australian Register – Friday 5 August 1898

Thursday 4^th August 1898

ROBBERY UNDER ARMS.

SIX HUNDRED POUNDS STOLEN.

A SMART ARREST. MELBOURNE.

Thursday. August 4.

A daring Bank robbery is reported from Penshurst, a small town in the Western District, 209 miles from Melbourne. At about a quarter to 3 this afternoon, a man entered the local branch of the Bank of Victoria, and covering the Manager, Mr. Jamieson, with a revolver bound and gagged him. He then obtained possession of the keys of the strong room, and abstracted about £600 in notes and gold, and made off. The robber had a buggy waiting a short distance from the Bank, and with this assistance made good his escape. The telegraph wires on both sides of the township had been cut previously, hence there was no means of communicating with the police at Hamilton, which was distant sixteen miles. The robbery was discovered by an employee of the Post-office. Mr. J. Buckley, who went to the Bank at a quarter to 3 o'clock to deposit some moneys for the Postal Department and found the premises closed. Upon looking through the window-blinds, which had been let down, he saw a strange man in the Bank, and he immediately made off for the local constable, Mr. K. McKenzie, who, however, was absent at Hawkesdale, an adjoining township, on duty. The robber was noticed by Mr. Lawson, a chemist, shortly after leaving the Bank; but   a revolver which was promptly presented checked interference. Mr. Murphy, the Manager of the Penshurst branch of the National Bank, and Mr. Lawson at once left for Hamilton to advise the police there. Last Thursday the telegraph wires at Penshurst were similarly cut, and it is assumed now that this was the work of the robber, who wished to find out how long it would take to restore communication.

Upon the Hamilton police being advised   this afternoon they immediately communicated with all the police stations in the district, and an arrest promptly followed. On the arrival of the Hamilton train at Ararat tonight a passenger was arrested on a charge of having been concerned in the robbery. He got in the train at Glen Thompson, and his neck was bandaged up as if he was ill, but on removing the bandage the police could not find anything wrong. On searching him they discovered a revolver and ammunition in his possession. He gave his name as James Ryan, but declined to make any statement. A portmanteau containing the stolen money was thrown out of the carriage window at the junction of the Hamilton line near Alfred street, where it was found by the police. The bag contained £456 in notes. £74 in gold, and £33 in silver. Ryan had £2 12s in his pocket when arrested. When asked to explain his possession of the revolver and forty rounds of ammunition, he said it was not his, but had been given to him by a man whom he did not know.

£600 in 1898 is about $85 000 in 2015