A BARRISTER and a chartered accountant are shaping up for debate over whether bushranger Ben Hall was a product of his natural predisposition to criminality or a by-product of harsh times and oppression by the police?
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The great debate between barrister Dominic Williams and chartered accountant Paul Hennessy will be hosted by Bathurst Historical Society on April 8 at Abercrombie House.
Guests are asked to arrive at 7pm for 7.30pm.
Mr Hennessey said the debate should be of particular interest to Bathurst people because of Ben Hall's strong links with the city.
He said Hall was a man of profound contradictions and the subject of many myths and legends.
"He is regarded by many as a gentleman bushranger but his gang members committed three murders (two of whom were serving policemen) and were ultimately declared outlaws who could be shot on sight," he said.
The gang members carried out well over 200 crimes and possibly as many as 600 crimes, dwarfing those of the Kelly Gang.
According to Inspector General of Police, Captain John McLerie, during the period of their rampage the gang was pursued by approximately 300 police.
"Hall and his men roamed throughout the countryside between Bathurst, Molong, Forbes and Goulburn," Mr Hennessy said.
"He and his farming partner, John McGuire sold their livestock at Bathurst.
"Ben Hall and his wife Bridget were marriedin the Cathedral of St Michael and St John's in Bathurst on February 29, 1856 and the wedding reception was held at Lee's Hotel, on the corner of Bentinck and Piper streets which still stands today.
"The Catholic priests of the Bathurst Diocese also acted as honest and trusted brokers between the government and members of the Hall gang and facilitated the surrender of several of its members," Mr Hennessy said.
He said the priests involved included Father Tim McCarthy and Father McGuinn. Father McCarthy had several meetings with Hall but was unable to convince him to surrender. Many of their robberies over the three years took place close to Bathurst, including Kings Plains, Caloola, Rockley and further afield at Carcoar and Blayney.
The cost of the evening will be $7 including food and drink.
Book early and pay at the Bathurst District Historical Society Museum 6330 8455. Further information can be obtained by contacting Alan McRae on 6332 1622.
