Below also see: Arran Ormsby and Netterville Ormsby, 1902,
Netterville Arran Ormsby, 1910,
Arran Ormsby and Netterville Ormsby, 1916,
Michael Keane, 1929
The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser Sat 6 Feb 1897 1
ALBION PARK POLICE NEWS.
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AT the Albion Park Court on Friday last, before Messrs John Fraser and WC Dunster, JsP, Netterville Arran Ormsby [aka Netterville Arran Armsby], a Sobraon lad, was charged with absconding from the service of his employer David Timbs. After taking evidence, the Bench cancelled his indentures and ordered his return to the training ship. Ormsby was arrested in Sydney.
Arran Ormsby and Netterville Ormsby, 1902
The Australian Star, Tue 7 Jan 1902 2
Height – Sketched on the Spot by Our Artist.”. Image: Australian
Town and Country Journal, (Sydney, NSW), Sat 19 Apr 1902, p. 22.
Reproduction: Peter de Waal
CHARGE AGAINST A
CONSTABLE.
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At the Central Court yesterday, before Mr Macfarlane, DSM, in the summons division, Arran Ormsby and Netterville Ormsby proceeded against Constable [Arthur James] Strike on a charge of assault. There was a cross summons by the constable against them on a similar charge.
The cases arose out of a disturbance which occurred at the recent fire of Messrs Dillon and Burrows, Harris-street, where Strike was engaged in keeping the crowd back, and the two civilians alleged that they were assaulted, but the evidence went to show that the contrary was the case, and Mr Macfarlane remarked that had the charge preferred by, the constable been brought under the Crimes Act it would have entailed a sentence of imprisonment. As it was he imposed a penalty of £5, and 22s 6d costs, with 5s witness’ fee, or in default two months’ gaol, against the Ormsbys in the case of the constable, and dismissed their charge against Strike with 21s costs in each case.
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Evening News, Tue 7 Jan 1902 3
INTERVIEWING A NAVVY.
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…
In the Summons Division of the Central Police Court yesterday, Arran Ormsby and Netterville Ormsby were proceeded against on an information that they had assaulted Constable Strike, the occurrence took place on the morning of 26th ultimo, during the progress of a fire at Pyrmont. The constable was on duty there, and had occasion to ask the two accused to go away quietly. Strike alleged that they subsequently assaulted him, in company with three others. He said he was struck with a piece of rock, knocked down, and kicked in the ribs. The assault was denied, but each defendant was fined £5, with 23s 6d costs, and 5s witnesses’ fees; in default two months hard labor. There was a cross information of assault against the constable, which was dismissed, with £1 1s costs against each complainant.
Netterville Arran Ormsby, 1910
Evening News, Thu 9 Jun 1910 4
COAL AT STRIKE TIME.
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ACTION ON AN AGREEMENT.
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£600 CLAIM.
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The hearing was commenced this morning at the No. 1 Jury Court, by Mr Justice Sly and a jury of four, of an action which arose out of an agreement which it was alleged had been made between the parties for the purpose of getting a quantity of coal during the period of the strike from a place near Cessnock to the railway station. The plaintiff was Netterville Arran Ormsby, and the defendants were Robert Warren Gibbs and John McLeod Bolton, carrying on business as Gibbs, Bolton, and Company, and the claim was for £600.
Mr Thomson and Mr Cohen, instructed by Dibbs, Parker, and Parker, appeared for the plaintiff, and Dr Brissenden, instructed by Mr R Baxter Bruce and Company, for the defendants.
Counsel, in opening the case, explained that the claim was first of all for labor and materials supplied under, as was alleged, an agreement between the plaintiff and the defendants. The former was a carrier doing a good deal of work in Sydney and elsewhere, and the defendants carried on business in coal, buying large quantities, and reselling it. The defendants purchased a certain amount during the strike time, at Bellbird, near Cessnock, and desired to have it conveyed to the railway station in waggons, drawn by a traction engine and horses. Plaintiff, on January 27, interviewed Mr Gibbs, and certain terms were agreed upon that the plaintiff should let to the defendants his traction engine and a certain number of waggons and horses, and he was to send them to Cessnock. Defendants were to hire them from him for a minimum time of three weeks, or so long as they required them, at a price agreed upon. The plaintiff was to supply a driver for the traction engine. The engine, horses, etc, were taken up to Cessnock, and were used actually up to March 19. The total amount said to be due in respect to that part of the claim was £313-13s-6d, but only £60 was received, leaving a balance of £253-13s-6d. Defendants said as to £173 that they were never indebted, and in regard to the balance claimed that plaintiff was indebted to them in £27-13s-4d for goods supplied and repairs, £5-9s-1d of which plaintiff said was owing, leaving £22-4s-3d. Defendant said as to the whole of the claim of £253-13s-6d that there were breaches of warranty on the part of the plaintiff, which the latter denied. The plaintiff also claimed that he had suffered damage by being prevented from earning the profits that he would have earned with his horses and other goods, or that the horses had been so treated that he had incurred considerable expense in getting them fit for work.
The pleas traversed the various allegations in the declaration and breaches were denied.
(Proceeding.)
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Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 14 Jun 1910 5
COAL-CARRYING AT CESSNOCK.
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ACTION FOR DAMAGES.
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Sydney, Monday.
The hearing was continued to-day of the action in which Netterville Arran Ormsby against Robert Warren Gibbs and John McLeod Bolton, trading as Gibbs, Bolton, and Company, to recover amount claimed to be due for work done and materials provided in connection with the carting of coal from Bellbird mine Cessnock, and for damages said to have been done to certain horses hired by defendants from plaintiff for the service mentioned.
Messrs A Thomson and AM Cohen appeared for the plaintiff, and Dr Brissenden for the defendants.
Oswald Kelly said he was working at Cessnock during the time of the contract. The horses were in better condition when they left the work than they were when they arrived. He had seen the traction engine bogged in the soft ground near the heap, but could not remember how many times he had seen it bogged. Witness was at present employed by Gibbs, Bolton, and Company, having been engaged about a month ago. He received his subpoena last Wednesday, and before that he had not spoken to anyone about how the work was carried on at Cessnock. Since receiving the subpoena he had spoken to Mr Murtrle, manger of the city yards, Sydney, about the times work was started at the mine. He had also had a conversation with the solicitor for the defence.
Thomas Leahy said he had had engineering experience extending over 32 years. He knew Ormsby’s traction engine. Technical evidence was given by witness regarding the construction of an traction engine, and its liability to damage through certain usage.
James Little said the main road over which the carting was done, was a good one. He was driving two of Cooper’s horses in a four-wheel vehicle. He thought that the horses were better conditioned after the work was ? than when they commenced.
The hearing was adjourned.
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The Maitland Daily Mercury, Wed 15 Jun 1910 6
STRIKE COAL.
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VERDICT FOR PLAINTIFF.
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Mr Justice Sly and a jury have concluded the case brought by Netterville Arran Ormsby against Robert Warren Gibbs and John McLeod Bolton, and Co, trading as Gibbs, Bolton, and Co, to recover amount claimed to be due for work done and materials provided in connection with the carting of coal from Bellbird mine to Cessnock, and for damage said to have been done to certain horses hired by defendants from plaintiff for the service mentioned. The plaintiff’s case and the pleas in defence have already been stated.
Further evidence was called for the defence, with a view of proving that plaintiff had failed in several respects to carry out, his agreement and;' and also to prove that defendants were not responsible for the deterioration (if 'any) of the plaintiff’s horses while they were working between Bellbird mine and Cessnock. Evidence for the plaintiff was called in reply to contradict certain statements made by witnesses for the defence. Evidence was also given that during the period of the agreement the roads between Bellbird and Cessnock were in bad condition.
The jury retuned a verdict for plaintiff, and assessed the damages at £176-13s-11d.
"
Arran Ormsby and Netterville Ormsby, 1916
The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 19 Jul 1916 7
QUARTER SESSIONS.
(Before Judge Docker.)
Mr AF Dawson, Crown Prosecutor.
ALLEGED STEALING.
Arran Ormsby and Netterville Ormsby were charged with stealing 1057 pieces of oak timber, the property of AW Corrmack, Ltd, Sydney. The accused, who were defended by Mr JW Abigail, pleaded guilty. They were each bound over in the sum of £40 to appear when required to do so.
Michael Keane, 1929
Barrier Miner, Tue 9 Jul 1929 8
SOLICITING A REWARD
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CHARGE AGAINST OFFICER
OF SYDNEY CITY COUNCIL.
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Sydney, Tuesday
Before Mr Fletcher, SM, at the Summons Court to-day, Michael Keane, bylaw inspector of the Sydney Municipal Council, was charged under the Secret Commissions Prohibition Act, alleging that he corruptly solicited a reward. It is alleged against Keane that he solicited from Arran Ormsby, of the firm of Ormsby and Co, contractors, “valuable consideration—to wit, the sum of £2"—for forbearing to enforce City Council bylaws relating to the dropping of soil on city streets against the firm of Ormsby and Co or its servants. Keane pleaded not guilty.
defendant, Michael Keane. Image: The Sun, (Sydney, NSW),
Tue 9 Jul 1929, p.13. Reproduction: Peter de Waal
Constable Arthur McBurnie said that after interviewing Ormsby at the Police Station, he saw him and the defendant talking in George-street. Witness asked Keane what Ormsby gave him, and he replied, “£2.” He refused to show witness the money, but on the way to the Town Hall the defendant threw something away from his right hand and witness picked up two £1 notes.
Netterville Arran Ormsby said that in March last he was carrying on excavation work in Park-street. Keane said to him, “Your waggon is dropping muck in the street. Give me £1 and I’ll close my eyes and won’t make it too hot.” Three days later Keane said he wanted £2, and witness told him to see him at 5 o’clock. He then gave him two £1 notes, the numbers of which had been taken by the police. Keane said “If any of the others book you, see me and I’ll fix it up.” Witness said that his waggon drivers had been summoned three or four times, but he never said that he would get even with the defendant. It would not be correct to say that the Railway Commissioners would not allow him to do city railway work on account of attempted bribery.
The case is part heard.
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The Sun, Tue 9 Jul 1929 9
MARKED NOTES
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CITY COUNCIL OFFICIAL CONVICTED
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“I’LL CLOSE MY EYES”
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Alleged Promise to a Contractor
Michael Keane, a by-law inspector of the Sydney Municipal Council, appeared before Mr Fletcher, SM at the Summons Court this morning on an information under the Secret Commissions Prohibition Act, alleging that he corruptly solicited a reward.
The magistrate found the case proved, but released Keane on sureties to be of good behavior for three years.
The information set out that Keane, an agent within the meaning [of] the Act, solicited from Arran Ormsby, of the firm of Ormsby and Co, contractors, “valuable consideration to wit the sum of £2", for forbearing to enforce the City Council by-laws relating to the dropping of spoil upon city streets against the firm of Ormsby and Co, or its servants.
Keane pleaded not guilty.
The information was laid by Constable Arthur McBurnie, who said that on March 22 he interviewed Mr Ormsby at No. 1 Police. Station. Later at the corner of George and Park streets he saw Mr Ormsby and the defendant talking together.
“I approached tho defendant,” Constable McBurnie proceeded,” and asked: ‘What did Mr Ormsby give you’ He replied: ‘He gave me £2.’ I asked: ‘What did he give it to you for?’ and he replied: ‘I won’t say.’ I said: ‘Show them to me.’ He replied, ‘No, don’t search me here.’ I told him I would not do that.”
Witness and the defendant walked towards the Town Hall, and when passing across Georgo-street, defendant threw something away from his right hand. Witness picked up two £1 notes and said: “I thought that you would do that.”
In the presence of the deputy Town Clerk (Mr Hendy) the defendant made a statement which was read over. He was asked whether he would sign it, and he replied, “No.”
Mr Hendy said: “Remember you made this statement voluntarily, and in the presence of four witnesses.”
To Mr Mant: Defendant was under the influence of liquor when witness saw him.
Netterville Arran Ormsby, an excavation contractor, of 16 Dunblane-street, Camperdown, said that in March last he was carrying on excavation work in Park-street. Keane said to him on March 19: “Your waggon is dropping muck in the street. Give me £1 and I’ll close my eyes, and don’t make it too hot.” Witness said: “I have no money on me at present. See me to-morrow.” Witness knew that Keane meant that if any muck fell off the waggons he would book him and summons him.
“I WILL FIX YOU UP”
On March 22, Keane approached witness and said: “I want £2, and I’ll say nothing about it.” Witness said: “See me at 5 o’clock.”
At 5 o’clock witness gave Keane two £1 notes, the numbers of wlilch had been taken by the police.
Keane said: “If any of the others book you see me and I’ll fix it up.” Witness then walked over to the constable, and said, “There’s the man.”
Late that night the defendant called at his house, but witness did not see him.
In reply to Mr Mant, witness said his waggon drivers had been summoned three or four times, but he had never said that he would get even with the defendant. It would not be correct to say that the Railway Commissioners would not allow him to do city railway work on account of an attempted bribery.
Questioned further by Mr Mant Ormsby said that he had never told anyone that he would “got even.” He had forgotten all about the cases.
Eugene Arran Ormsby, a brother of the last witness, said that Keane had come to see him at the excavation works in Park-street, on March 21, and had told him that the lorries were dropping spoil about the streets. Keane added: “If you give me £1, I will shut my eyes, and won’t see it.” Witness said that he had no money, and Keane walked away.
On the following day, Keane said to witness: “I am in a difficulty, and want £2.” Witness' said that he would see his brother about it.
To Mr Mant: His brofher had never said to him that he would “get” Keane.
`Roy Hendy, Deputy Town Clerk, said that the spilling of spoil on the streets was an offence against the by-laws. If Keane had seen it, it was his duty to report the matter. On March 22 Keane made a statement in his presence.
21 YEARS WITH CITY COUNCIL
To Mr Mant: Keane had been an employee of the council for 21 years, and bore a good character. It had never been suggested, to his knowledge, that Keane had been suspected of bribery. He would be entitled to something like £300 as a retiring allowance.
Michael Keane said that he lived at 512 Bourke-street, Moore Park, and was at present a laborer. As a City Council inspector, he had handled 400 prosecutions. In May, 1928, he brought three prosecutions against the Ormsby brothers’ drivers. On one occasion, as witness and Inspector Horton were leaving the court Mr Netterville Ormsby said: “I will get even with you both. I will catch you two for this.” Witness ignored the remark. Towards the end of last year he cautioned Ormsbys’ drivers. He had had no conversation with either Ormsby between March 1 and 21.
On March 22, during the afternoon, Mr Eugene Ormsby, asked witness to have a drink, and he replied that he would have one later on if he saw him. That was the first time that Mr Ormsby had spoken to him. Later that afternoon Mr Netterville Ormsby came up and said: “Hello, Mick are you going to have a drink?” Ormsby said that he was in a hurry, as he had to pay his men. “I was to order the drinks,” witness continued, “and he would be back in a few seconds. He gave me the money. I did not count it. Then Constable McBurnie came, and the rest is as he stated.”
Mr Mant: What did you try and throw the notes away for?
Keane: I realised that Mr Ormsby, having been prejudiced against me and revengeful, might be, trying to complicate me with some starting price betting people, and I therefore tried to get rid of the money.
Mr Barry: Do you know that both the Ormsby’s are total abstainers?—I don’t know. I’ve never had a drink with them.
When did you know what amount you had in your hand?—When the constable said that I had been given £2.
When did it occur to you that they were trying to frame you for SP betting?—On the approach of the constable.
Henry George Horton, a city by-law inspector, of Botany-street, South Kensington, said that, at the conclusion of one of the cases against Ormsby’s drivers, Mr Netterville Ormsby remarked to Keane and himself, “I’ll get square— I’ll get you two.”
Leslie Gladstone Fisher, Slade-street, South Kensington, storehouse-man in the Defence Department, said that, earlier in the day, he had a conversation with Mr Netterville Ormsby. “He told me that he was a Crown witness.” I asked: “What case is this?” He replied, “I have a —– copper, up.” I asked: ‘A Metropolitan man?’ He answered, ‘No a municipal man.’ I asked, ‘What is the matter?’ Ormsby replied, ‘Twelve, months ago he booked eight of my waggons. This case has now been hanging over three months, and it has taken me 12 months to catch him’.”
In answer to Mr Barry, the witness said that he was Keane’s brother-in-law.
Netterville Arran Ormsby returned to the witness box. He admitted having a brief conversation with Fisher, but denied that he had mentioned anything about policemen to him.
Mr Fletcher said he regretted, in view of Keane’s past good character, that he found the case against him proved. He did not propose, however, to inflict any penalty. Defendant would be discharged on entering into sureties of £100 to be of good behavior for three years, and to come for conviction and sentence if called upon within that period.
Mr Albert Barry, from the Crown Law Office, prosecuted, and Mr JF Mant (Frank A Davenport and Mant) appeared for Michael Keane.
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Northern Star, Wed 10 Jul 1929 10
CONVICTED
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Municipal Official
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ACCEPTS REWARD
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By-laws Enforcement
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Sydney, Tuesday.
Before Mr Fletcher, SM, at the Summons Court to-day, Michael Keane, by-law inspector, of Sydney Municipal Council, was charged under the Secret Commissions Prohibition Act, alleging that he corruptly solicited a reward.
It was alleged against Keane that he solicited from Arran Ormsby, of the firm of Ormsby and Co., contractors, a “valuable consideration, to wit the sum of £2,” for forbearing to enforce the City Council by-laws relating to the dropping of spoil on city streets against the firm of Ormsby and Co. or its servants. Keane pleaded not guilty.
Constable Arthur McBurnie said that after interviewing Ormsby at the police station he saw him and defendant talking in George-street. Witness asked Keane what Ormsby gave him and he replied £2. He refused to show witness the money, but on the way to the town hall defendant threw something away from his right hand and witness picked up two one pound notes.
“I’LL CLOSE MY EYES”
Netterville Arran Ormsby said that in March last he was carrying on excavation work in Park-street. Keane said to him, “Your waggon is dropping muck, in the street; give me £1 and I’ll close my eyes and won’t make it too hot.” Three days later Keane said he wanted £2 and witness told him to see him at 5 o’clock. He then gave him two £1 notes, the numbers of which had been taken by the police. Keane said, “If any of the others book you see me and I’ll fix it up.” Witness said his waggon drivers had been summoned three or four times, but he never said he would get even with defendant. It would not be correct to say that the Railway Commissioners would not allow him to do city railway work on account of an attempted bribery case.
Eugene Arran Ormsby, brother of the last witness, said that Keane also told him if he gave him £1 he would shut his eyes to the dropping of spoil from the waggons.
TWENTY-ONE YEARS’ SERVICE
Roy Hendy, deputy town clerk, said that Keane had been an employee of the council for 21 years and bore a good character.
Michael Keane said that in May, 1928, he brought three convictions against Ormsby Bros’ drivers. On one occasion Netterville Ormsby said to him and Inspector Horton as they were leaving the court, “I will get even with you both; I will catch you two for this.” He said that on March 22 Netterville Ormsby gave him money to buy drinks saying that he would be back in a few minutes, as he had to pay his men. He (witness) did not count the money. Constable McBurnie then came and questioned him
Leslie Fisher said that earlier in the day he had a conversaiton with Netterville Ormsby, who said he was a witness in a case in which he “had a —– copper up.” He (Ormsby) said it had taken him 12 months to catch him.
The magistrate entered a conviction but discharged defendant on his entering into sureties to be of good behaviour for three years.
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Tweed Daily, Wed 10 Jul 1929 11
ALLEGED GRAFT
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BY-LAW INSPECTOR
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Charge of Soliciting Reward
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“I’LL CLOSE MY EYES.”
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SYDNEY, Tuesday.— Before Mr HFW Fletcher, SM, at the Summons Court to-day, Michael Keane, by-law Inspector of Sydney Municipal Council, was charged under the Secret Commissions Prohibtion Act, alleging that he corruptly solicited a reward.
It was alleged against Keane that he solicited from Arran Ormsby, of the firm of Ormsby and Co, contractors, a “valuable consideration, to wit the sum of £2,” for forbearing to enforce the City Council’s. by-laws relating to the dropping of soil on city streets against the firm of Ormsby and Co. or its servants.
Keane pleaded not guilty.
Constable Arthur McBurnie said that, after interviewing Ormsby at the police station, he saw him and defendant talking in George Street. Witness asked Keane what Ormsby gave him, and he replied £2. He refused to show witness the money, but on the way to the Town' Hall defendant threw something away from his right hand and witness picked up two £1 notes.
Netterville Arran Ormsby said that in March last he was carrying on an excavation work in Parke [sic] Street. Keane said to him: “Your waggon is dropping muck in the street. Give me £1 and I’ll close my eyes and won’t make it too hot.” Three days later Keane said he wanted £2, and witness told him to see him at 5 o’clock. He then gave him two £1 notes, the number of which had been taken by the police. Keane said: “If any of the others book you, see me and I’ll fix it up.”
Witness said his waggon drivers had been summoned three or four times, but he never said he would get even with defendant. It would not be correct to say the Railway Commissioners would not allow him to do city railway work on account of attempted bribery.
Eugene Arran Ormsby, brother of the last witness, said Keane also told him that if he gave him £1 he would shut his eyes to the dropping of spoil from their waggons.
Roy Hendy, Deputy Town Clerk, said Keane had been an employee of the council for 21 years and bore a good character.
Michael Keane said that, in May 1928, he brought three prosecutions against Ormsby Brothers drivers. On one occasion, Netterville Ormsby said to him and Inspector Horton, as they were leaving court: “I will get even with you both. I will catch you two, for this.”
He said that on March 22 Netterville Ormsby gave him money to buy drinks, saying he would be back in a few minutes, as he had to pay his men. He (witness) did not count the money. Constable McBurnie then came and questioned him.
Leslie Fisher said that earlier in the day he had a conversation with Netterville Ormsby, who said he was a witness in a case in which he had a —– copper up. Ormsby said it had taken him 12 months to catch him.
The Magistrate entered a conviction, but discharged defendant on his entering into securities to be of good behaviour for three years.
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Truth, Sun 14 Jul 1929 12
BRIBERY TALK
AFTER Mr Fletcher, SM, had listened to the evidence against a by-law inspector in the employ of the Civic Commissioners, Michael Keane, who was charged with soliciting a bribe from a contractor, he decided to treat him leniently.
He discharged Keane under, the 1929 amendment of the Crimes Act, on his entering into a bond of £100 and one surety of £100, or two of £50, to behave for three years and to come up for sentence if called on.
In view of Keane’s previous good character, his 3½ years spent in the service of his country, and the fact that he had a wife and five children, the Civic authorities might yet see fit to reinstate him. Said Mr Fletcher.
1 The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser, (NSW), Sat 6 Feb 1897, p. 2.
2 The Australian Star, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 7 Jan 1902, p. 6.
3 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 7 Jan 1902, p. 8.
4 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Thu 9 Jun 1910, p. 4. Emphasis added.
5 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, (NSW), Tue 14 Jun 1910, p. 5. Emphasis added.
6 The Maitland Daily Mercury, (NSW), Wed 15 Jun 1910, p. 2. Emphasis added.
7 The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 19 Jul 1916, p. 8.
8 Barrier Miner, (Broken Hill, NSW), Tue 9 Jul 1929, p. 4. Emphasis added.
9 The Sun, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 9 Jul 1929, p. 13. Emphasis added.
10 Northern Star (Lismore, NSW), Wed 10 Jul 1929, p. 9. Emphasis added.
11 Tweed Daily, (Murwillumbah, NSW), Wed 10 July 1929, p. 3. Emphasis added.
12 Truth, (Syd, NSW), Sun 14 Jul 1929, p. 17.