Spotlight: THE DEATH OF O’MEALLY, MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY.
The official enquiry into John O’Meally’s death as reported. Continue reading Spotlight: THE DEATH OF O’MEALLY, MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY.
Category: Article
Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 6)
In this installment we learn of Michael Howe’s solo career following his escape from Hobart, and the fatal incident involving his old companion Watts, and their mutual associate Slambo. We also learn of Howe’s brush with bushranger-to-be, Musquito. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 6)
Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 5)
In this installment, the gang continue to move in an effort to evade capture. We also learn more about “Mad Tom” Davey, the eccentric lieutenant governor, and the introduction of his successor, Sorell. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 5)
Spotlight: Execution of the Norfolk Island Rioters
Twelve of the desperadoes at Norfolk Island had been hung, among whom were the notorious Jackey Jackey, and Lawrence Kavanagh, the Van Diemen’s Land bushranger.
Continue reading Spotlight: Execution of the Norfolk Island Rioters
Spotlight: Execution of Edward Kelly
A report on Ned Kelly’s final days and execution from 1880. Continue reading Spotlight: Execution of Edward Kelly
Spotlight: Captain Thunderbolt Rides Again (1988)
A “MUSIC-DRAMA” about the relationship between a singing bushranger and his opera-fancying girlfriend opens in Queanbeyan tonight. It is Captain Thunderbolt by local composer Vivien Arnold, who is also the director of the show.
Continue reading Spotlight: Captain Thunderbolt Rides Again (1988)
Spotlight: The Last Declaration of Jackey Jackey
One of William Westwood’s final letters, written just prior to his execution. Continue reading Spotlight: The Last Declaration of Jackey Jackey
Spotlight: LATEST EXPLOIT OF “DIDO,” THE BUSHRANGER
On Friday, as one of Mr. Gunn’s shepherds, best known by the name of “Old Swede,” was following his sheep in the vicinity of the bullocks’ hunting ground, seeing a smoke in a thick scrub, entered it, and found Dido and his mate cooking the hind quarters of a fine lamb. “Old Swede” is said to have nearly as much affection for the sheep and lambs he has charge of as if they were his children : so he began to blow the thieves up, and threatened them with his vengeance… Continue reading Spotlight: LATEST EXPLOIT OF “DIDO,” THE BUSHRANGER
Spotlight: NORFOLK ISLAND RIOTS —Slaughter of Human Beings
We have been recently favoured with important intelligence from this Island, and as it is but rarely any of the doings of that unhappy spot reach the public ear or eye, we are glad to have it in our power to communicate an account of the late proceedings, upon which our readers may rely; and a more melancholy one can scarcely be imagined. The following is a correct account of the late transactions, and of the incentives, which terminated in so frightful and fatal a tragedy… Continue reading Spotlight: NORFOLK ISLAND RIOTS —Slaughter of Human Beings
Spotlight: The Trial of Richard Lemon and Company
Although the crimes discussed herein are not strictly bushranging, these are some of the only freely available records of one of Tasmania’s (and indeed, Australia’s) earliest bushrangers – Richard Lemon. In the following years, Lemon would make a name for himself as a robber, murderer and tormentor of Aboriginal people in Van Diemen’s Land before meeting a suitably violent end.
Continue reading Spotlight: The Trial of Richard Lemon and Company
A Guide to Australian Bushranging 