Bushranging – Death of Sergeant Parry

23 November 1864 The Newcastle Chronicle and Hunter River District News

The idle rumours at Yass, unfavourable to the conduct of the police, give way to facts reflecting the highest credit on Sub Inspector O'Neill and and sergeant Parry for their courage in the fatal affray with Hall's gang.

O'Neill fired from seven to ten shots at the bushrangers, and then struck Hall with his empty revolver.

Parry, after discharging his revolvers, was taking off his rifle to fire, when Gilbert shot him; Parry having before said that he would die rather than surrender.

The constable, Roach, who bolted from the mail when attacked by the bushrangers, has not made his appearance yet.

After Hall's gang left the scene of the encounter with the mail at Gundagai, the dead body of Sergeant Parry was taken on to Jugiong, where an inquest was held.

Mr. Rose, district coroner, who was a passenger by the coach, was an eye-witness of the tragedy.

A verdict of wilful murder was given against John Gilbert, Benjamin Hall, and John Dunn, and warrants issued for their apprehension.

The remains of sergeant Parry was brought in a coffin to Gundagai, on Thursday, and buried on the following day with every mark of respect and commiseration for the fate of so brave a man.

All business was suspended during the day.

The encounter was witnessed by several persons, who were detained by the bush rangers, and who, as well as Mr. Rose, speak in the highest terms of the courage of sub-inspector O’Neill and sergeant Parry.