During the harsh winter of 1879, as desperate for money as they were for warmth and shelter, the Kelly Gang turned their attention toward another robbery. Their bank of choice on this occasion was the Oxley bank. However, after careful planning by Joe and scouting of the bank by trusted sympathisers, the plan was discarded, with the gang concluding the risk would not be worth what little money they would come away with. Shortly after this, Joe was to tell James Wallace that there were too many police posted outside the bank, with two troopers standing guard every morning when the bank opened. He also stated that the other drawback was the softness of the ground, adding they were not going to do anything until the ground was firmer, as they were afraid of the Aboriginal trackers.
From the Royal Commission.
Photo of Oxley from www.oxley.vic.au
An Outlaw’s Journal 