In December 1897, the Kenniffs stole forty horses in the Carnarvon area and set off towards Toowoomba. They kept to the high country and back tracks, and made for Yuelba to load the horses on a train. The Kenniffs came up with a clever diversion to lure the local police away from Yuelba. They held up a general store, stealing some of the merchandise, as well as cash and cheques from the safe. They then created a trail, leading out of town. Whilst the police were off following the false trail, the Kenniffs circled back into town and loaded the stolen horses on the train for Toowoomba.
By 1902 the Kenniffs were compulsive stock stealers.
E.G. Heap, B.A. The Rangers Were the Best. The Kenniff Story. Queensland Heritage.