Hawker

*THE HAWKERS VISIT Oct 1870

In Oct 1970 Ned became involved in a fight between two hawkers,
Ben Gould and Jeremiah McCormack. These two men were rivals
with Gould arriving in Greta first and having to compete with a
newcomer named McCormack.
Due to heavy rains Gould got his wagon stuck in the road. Jim Kelly
had worked for him in the past so the Kelly’s were friendly with him.
Therefore they allowed him to wait at the house for the weather to
come good. Gould was not the only one stranded for so were the
McCormack's. Gould found McCormack’s horse and had one of the
Kelly lads take it back to him.
Rather than thank the boy they accused Gould of using the horse.

In a tit for tat, Gould sent a note wrapped in calves testicles to
McCormack. Mrs. McCormack (who was childless) was to receive
them (in error) and a note which contained a suggestive comment
about how she could improve their childless situation.
Ned was to cop the blame for this note and an altercation resulted
in Ned hitting McCormack (claiming it to be an accident).

On the 19th of November 1870, Ned was charged and convicted of violent
assault and sending an indecent letter. He ended up inside for six
months. In March of 1871 Ned left Beechworth gaol receiving two months
remission for good behaviour and a bond of one year.