4. The Railway

With its proximity to Spencer Street rail terminal, goods sheds and port facilities, this locale was a clearing house for Victorian produce entering and leaving the city by train and ship. The railway yards, engine sheds, workshops, kitchens and laundries of the Victorian Railways were major employers of the local men and women of North Melbourne. Another employer of local residents was the West Melbourne printers Sands & McDougall.

In 1880, a wounded Ned Kelly arrived from Benalla at North Melbourne station. He was escorted to Melbourne Goal where he awaited his trial, and afterward, his execution. David Syme & Co., Illustrated Australian News, 3 July 1880.

This is a copy of the telegram sent by authorities transporting Kelly from Benalla to Melbourne. In an attempt to deflect public attention, the officer instructs that he should be taken to North Melbourne train station whilst making it publicly known that he should be taken on to Melbourne (Spencer Street Station).

* What public transport services your area? If there is none, investigate why this is so.

Transcribed Text:

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS. 29.6.80 Time recd. 8.54

From Benalla

Dated 29th June 1880

Telegram for W B Montford Esq Officer in charge of Police

Ned Kelly in charge of your men leaves Benalla per train at nine this morning. He will be taken out at North Melbourne station. Have ambulance there to convey him to Melbourne gaol to which he is remanded. Keep this dark so that there may be no crowd or public excitement let it be believed that he will go on to Melbourne

F. C. Standish

C. C. Police

Time lodged at the Sending Office 8.30

Summary | Markets and Metal | Asylum, Town Hall and Shops | Hotham Hill | The Railway | Football and Gas

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