re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! (Constable Hall)
From: Peter (Stinger) Nettleton [stinger@iinet.net.au] 30 Aug 10
I hope there aren't any Hall descendants frequenting this site, because he doesn't come out of the history smelling too sweetly at all. Hall also features in the Harry Power story. One sunny day in early 1870, Harry (having earlier acquired 2 bottles of brandy and no doubt lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree) bailed up Hall's Broadford subordinate, one Const Tighe, who was taking a couple of police horses (probably ones Hall had worn out) to the farriers in Seymour for reshoeing. Power relieved Tighe of his revolver and wallet, but (uncharacteristically) didn't bother with the horses. He told Tighe that he was thinking of shooting a couple of police to warn them off. This of course was all bluff on Harry's part - one of the reasons Ellen Kelly described him as a 'brown-paper bushranger'. He would have done Tighe and many more a big favour however had he carried out that threat against Hall. Later, Hall was furious with Tighe for giving up his gun to Power and thereafter conducted a campaign to have him drummed out of the force, which he succeeded in doing, much to the dismay of the citizens of Broadford, a highly respected member of whose community Tighe was. Hall however had found an ally in Supt Hare, whose name also lives on in infamy. Tighe was ruined financially and emotionally. His children ended up begging in the streets and he died a broken man not long afterwards. Seeing Hall shot blanks I doubt he has any descendants...

Ned Kelly Discussion Group
From: Jason Nitz [jason.nitz@gmail.com] 26 Aug 10
G'day Brad, I just wanted to let you and all your website followers know I've started a Google Discussion Group on Ned and the Gang. I've done this for several reasons but mainly as I can't find a good discussion site that allows for traditional discussion (i.e. 'tree' view reading of threads etc). Your feedback page is a great resource and I've spent the past few days reading through the archives on various topics, many of which show the passion of those who contribute. I certainly don't want to detract from your Feedback page so I hope there is a way to combine the two through some mutual referencing or the like. I'm no Kelly expert by a long shot; just an interested person who has read most of the suggested reads and who also enjoys Australian history, particularly in Victoria. I'm the owner of the group only because Goo gle requires one person to do this - I'm more than happy if others would like to become administrators as well (just email me). Google Groups are free (another reason I chose it) but it also offers some great functionality. The address is groups.google.com.au/group/ned-kelly Hope to see some of you there and some robust discussions held for one and all. Who'll be the first to post a discussion topic?

re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 22 Aug 10
Thanks Brad, Alan and Mick. It is very interesting and frustrating to see that things unfortunately haven't changed. It is rotten that the corrupt police give them all a bad name, it is very unfair for the honest Police who really do their duty properly. I guess that now, just like then, we need a lot more Robert Graham's and far less Fitzpatrick's. Just regarding Hall, it always makes me laugh how one of the papers said something like that when he was transferred alot of people were glad to see him go, and that the horses (because of his weight) were even happier. Hee Hee !

re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Robert McGarrigle [doggies.47@hotmail.com] 22 Aug 10
The standards of police in Victoria must be even worse than up here in NSW. Like Fitzy I have had personal involvement with them also. You only have to look at your ex. police commissioner Nixon, we couldn't get rid of her quick enough up here and look at her brilliant efforts in Victoria. Ha. Ha. I hope you guys get a decent replacement because surely you can do a lot better.

re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Mick Fitzsimons [mickfitzsimons@hotmail.com] 22 Aug 10
Unfortunately Lisa, Brad is correct. Not much has changed with the Victorian Police Force and we are supposed to have one of the better ones in this country. I could write a book on the incompetence and corruption of the police in the area I live in, not to mention other places. They will cover each other’s backs no matter what! I have even been warned by a prominent barrister of the consequences of being too vocal against the Victorian Police. These consequences can be abrupt and final. And just for the record, I’ve never been on the wrong side of the law, just going into bat for others, or injustices I have witnessed with my own eyes. We have a Police Force that has to ensure it’s own safety before that of the public, so if there is a chance they could get hurt, they are not to get involved. So what is the point of having them at all?

re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 22 Aug 10
Yes Lisa, Mr Hall is a good example of a rogue copper. When posted at ElDorado, he was the centre of a riot there and bashed the living daylights out of a prisoner who used to be a copper himself. Hall was then quickly moved on to Broadford. He then got into more trouble and ended up in Greta and into even more trouble as you have already stated. When Hall left Greta in 1871, Laurence O'Brien presented Hall with 20 sovereigns as a token of the esteem in which he had been held by the towns people. Why 20 sovereigns? Was it a reward, or simply an appropriate 20 pieces of silver instead of 30 for a Judas? For being such a rogue, Mr Hall eventually made Sub-Inspector with the Victorian Police Force. I think that just about says it all. Oddly enough, he passed away on April Fool's Day 1892.

re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 22 Aug 10
And we can also definitely add the disgraceful Hall to that list, for attempted murder on Ned. How he got away with that is one of the worst things ever. It's terrible to think that all these Policemen probably never lost a night's sleep over what they had done. How they could perjure themselves, sit back and let the perjury go on, shoot at women and little kids, constantly lie, and harass innocent women and children in their own home. It's unbelievable. I hate how their lives seemed to just go on like nothing happened, while Ned and the boys and their families were ruined forever. They just couldn't care less. Some coppersare still doing it now. Take a look at Real Villains

re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Mick [mickfitzsimons@hotmail.com] 18 Aug 10
Well done, Alan! This leads to Ned having more credibility in what he said and wrote than the police, their witnesses and those who concocted stories to lighten their gaol sentences. If only more credibility was given to Ned’s declaration that he was not present at the Fitzpatrick incident. Ned may have had some misgivings, but he was not a liar or would leave others to take the blame for something he had done.

re. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Anthony Smit [aezlove@primusonline.com.au] 16 Aug 10
To Alan and Brad, McIntyre should have gone to Old Melbourne Gaol for perjury and taken Steele with him for attempted murder on those poor women and children. Spot on!

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 16 Aug 10
I've just recently acquired Sadleir's Recollections of a Victorian Police Officer, and on page 187 Mr Sadleir is telling us about his interview with Thomas McIntyre just 2 days after the shootings. Mr McIntyre goes on to say... suddenly Lonigan and i heard the call to throw up our hands, and saw four armed men, partly concealed by the timber, covering us with their guns. I had no weapon but a small table fork, and i threw up my hands. Lonigan was sitting on a log, and on hearing the call to throw up his hands, he put his hands to his revolver, at the same time SLIPPING DOWN FOR COVER BEHIND THE LOG on which he had been sitting. Lonigan had his head above the level of the log AND WAS ABOUT TO USE HIS REVOLVER when he was shot through the head. Even though his Recollections was published in 1913, Sadleir seems to have no problem in remembe! ring events that happened some 50 years prior in his book. So his memory would be even sharper on events and conversations only 35 years past. Why would Sadleir corroborate in print, Ned Kelly's version of events in 1913, when he supported McIntyre's perjured statement in 1880 at Kelly's trial? Why?? Because it was simply convenient for the Victorian Police at the time. Lies, vicious and corrupt statements can bring about untold consequences to those poor pitiful souls who choose to make them for their own gain and self worth. It seems even today.... McIntyre is not alone.

2010 Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend
From: Airi [repetti@ozemail.com.au] 14 Aug 10
I have only just made it home from my extended Kelly Weekend trip and after ten days of touring the Kelly Country it's somewhat hard to get back into everyday routine! We all loved our time in Beechworth and it would be impossible to find anything that topped seeing the four suits of armour in the one room. Don't mind confessing that over the weekend I spent a fair bit of time in there, to the extent that people started asking me questions about the armour, obviously thinking I had to be part of the setup! I have a couple of not too bad photos of all the four suits together without any people in the picture if you are interested Brad. I enjoyed Noeleen's talk on Ellen and the re-reading of the Kerferd Oration (the text of which you apparently have here somewhere?), and Joe Dipisa's Sacramento talk - well done Joe! We ha! d fun getting all the cast to sign our Last Outlaw books at Saturday night's do and I even had my photo taken with Joe Byrne... Was fantastic to be able to enjoy the weekend with my interstate and overseas friends this time and catch up with some familiar faces and meet new people as well. That new t-shirt is great Brad, wouldn't mind a couple more of them, I hope you will sell them here too? Yep, t-shirts will be on sale by the end of the month as I've ordered another batch as the first lot sold out!

Greta Cemetary
From: Jason Nitz [jason.nitz@gmail.com] 14 Aug 10
Brad et al, I've been a regular visitor to the website for quite some time, quietly sitting on the sidelines reading some of the discussions found here in Feedback. As I mentioned in a recent post, my family and I visited Beechworth for our first Ned Kelly weekend. Upon driving home to Ballarat we drove through Greta and stopped at the cemetery. My young son and wife asked where we may find Ned Kelly's mothers grave and I told them it was unmarked. They were both shocked at this - mainly as a historical figure like her should be recognised. I then explained the reasons why, many of which have been discussed here. Whilst they could understand to some degree, they were quite shocked there may be people out there today who want to identify the graves for reasons other than to pay their respects. I believe there should be some memorial to Ellen Kelly at the cemetery, perhaps as a plaque at the entrance like those that appear on the rock to the left hand side of the gate. I imagine there wil! l many opinions on this, some from descendants who may wish to see nothing of the sort. Regardless, I'd be quite willing to chip in and start off a fund to effect this - I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of others without starting a raging debate.

re. The Armour
From: Sherallee Schubert [nedkellygang1880@live.com.au] 12 Aug 10
Michael, I took photos the best I could when I was at the Ned Kelly weekend up at beechworth of the 4 sets of armour together and of them seperately. Don't know if they will be any help to you because the suits were of cause behind glass and to get them all in together in one photo was hard. I can send you the photos if it is any help to you. While I was at Beechworth I did buy a postcard with the 4 set on it as a memento of seeing the set together because it was so hard to take a personal photo of them. The town hall that they were in did not allow the room to get a photo of them looking front on of all of them together. So the pics I have of them at an angle in a line. Let me know via ironoutlaw if you want me to send the pics.

2010 Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 10 Aug 10
I found this great little video Kelly Gang: Together Again showing the boy's armour at the Ned Weekend in Beechworth. It shows Joe's armour getting put on display. Aren't animatronics amazing! The puppets in the video seem so life-like...

2010 Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend
From: Jason Nitz [jason.nitz@gmail.com] 10 Aug 10
This was our first Ned Kelly weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Beechworth is such a lovely place in a nice part of the world. Good to see the cast members walking around town though there was one I saw I recognised but I don't think he was in The Last Outlaw - tall, mid 50s, long flowing silver\grey hair, has been in a few Australian shows\mini-series. He was at the pub in Ford St smoking outside with Steve Bisley and Gerrard Kennedy. Maybe someone can help identify him? Also, we missed the re-enactments as they were sold out but I saw a few people with a booklet "The Trial of Ned Kelly" - I assume it was given out as part of the re-enactment. Where can I get a copy?

2010 Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 09 Aug 10
The Ned Kelly weekend was brilliant! We really loved it! It was absolutely INCREDIBLE to see all the boys armour together in Kelly Country, it truly is something extremely special to see them in person. We made the most of them being there and went to see them three times over the weekend. The way the armour was set out and displayed was very well done, it was wonderful to be able to look at them all from every angle. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was really good. Noeleen Allen's talk about Mrs Kelly & the Kelly girls was fantastic and Peter Finlay's reading of The Jerilderie Letter was amazing. How he has memorised the entire letter is unbelievable. The displays at The Burke Museum and The Victoria Police exhibit were really interesting too. It was fun to see so many of The Last Outlaw cast members in town, they all looked happy to be there. We were lucky enough to meet John Jarratt who was really lovely and he signed my Last Outlaw book for me, he was very funny & sweet. It was great seeing him riding the Policeman's horse around the town too. The weekend was so much fun! A very big thank you to all the organisers. It is always sad to leave the beautiful Kelly Country and have to return to the ordinary world. Thank goodness for Ned, Joe, Dan & Steve. :) P.S. It was also terrific to meet and say hello to Brad who was really lovely too, and the new Iron Outlaw t shirt is gorgeous! Thanks Brad! :) Yes, I am gorgeous!

The Armour
From: Micheal Rowe [micheal@northwesttraining.com.au] 09 Aug 10
Can any one help me im looking for a photo of all four sets of armour together?

re. 'In The Footsteps Of...?'
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 09 Aug 10
G'day Doug, the film is titled Footsteps of a Legend. I believe it was shot in 1980, and i was lucky enough to recently meet up with Alan French who was involved in the filming and scored a copy. There are a few minor errors but there's some good footage of the sash and Joe's revolver. Interesting to look at some of the locations as they were some thirty years ago. If the bloke you were talking to was half tanked with a glass of red in his hand, it was probably me. ps I think the doco also won some sort of award. Only half tanked?

2010 Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend
From: Sherallee Schubert [nedkellygang1880@live.com.au] 09 Aug 10
I live on the Gold Coast and drove all the way up to Beechworth for the Ned Kelly weekend (after flying into Melbourne) and myself and my husband Anthony had an absulute ball. Was too late in knowing we were going to Beechworth to get there to get to see any of the re-anactments but that didn't matter. Seeing the 4 sets of armour was just an opitinity of a life time I just could not miss. Especialy as Joes armour is never on public display. Also seeing the memoribilia from the Last Outlaw at the Burke museum was awsome. I met and had photos with 4 actors from the Last Outlaw, Gerard Kennedy, (Harry Power) lovely man, Steve Bisley, (Joe Byrne) John Jarratt, (Ned Kelly of cause!) he was really cheeky, and lastly David Bradshaw. (Wild Wright) David was not noticed as much as the other actors which I thought was sa! d so when I noticed him he seemed pleased and more that happy to hang around for a chat. Absulutly lovely man. I met him again with his wife also a lovely lady, in the Burke museum and he stopped for another chat! When I told him how exited I was to meet him he was so pleased and when we parted he gave me hug and a kiss! Thanks David I will treasure meeting you forever! Thankyou to all the people who put the weekend together and to the 4 actors I met especialy David Bradshaw. And to the 'trap' I also had my photo taken with! I will not forget this weekend ever.

'In The Footsteps Of...?'
From: Doug Brockfield [douglasbrockfield@bigpond.com] 07 Aug 10
We were at the Burke Museum in Beechworth last night, at the Last Outlaw screening, and a man told us about a film which GMV6 Shepparton , made in the 1980's, called... In the Footsteps of ?? Can anyone give me any info on the film?

Wangaratta Mayor
From: Anthony Smit [aezlove@primusonline.com.au] 31 Jul 10
Ferreting around in the Kelly links recently I found out that Kelly descendant Anthony Griffiths is now the mayor of Wangaratta. Being from interstate, I wasnt aware of this till now. Congratulations Anthony on your appointment. I am sure you will run that council well and do your family proud. Just loving the thought that Sergeant Steele would be spinning in his maggoty grave. See you all next Friday. This is the same Anthony Griffiths who didn't want to held up as a 'prancing pony'...

re. A Letter To Thomas
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 25 Jul 10
Dear Lisa, I am most pleased you enjoyed my little articles on Ironoutlaw and must thank you for your kind words. I try to do my best for the proprietor, Mr. (you know who) but my labours never seem to be good enough. It is uplifting to read such words of appreciation which i accept most humbly. Just little words of encouragement are all i ask Lisa, but alas, such words will not be uttered forth from Mr. (you know who). I shall continue to try my hardest for the sake of our dedicated Ironoutlaw readers, and who knows, one day Lisa, well ... that kind word i have so long been waiting for from Mr.( you know who), will most definitely bring tears to these tired old eyes. I gather you are referring to Mr Red Wine Bottle...

A Letter To Thomas
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 24 Jul 10
Fantastic article. Oh it's so frustrating even all these years later to think of McIntyre smugly standing there on oath, perjuring himself over and over again at Ned's trials. I cannot even begin to imagine an ounce of the anger and frustration Ned must have felt listening to this man lie his life away. I bet that every time Ned smashed his fist onto the railing in protest, that he was wishing it was McIntyre's face his fist was smashing instead. I wish it had been too. The only thing I like about McIntyre is that in his memoirs he gives one of my all time favourite descriptions of Ned. The one where he talks of watching Ned out in the Beechworth Gaol yard, combing his hair & beard, while using the water in a bucket to see his reflection in. It's a really lovely description of him. :) P.S. I also just wanted to add regarding Alan's article over on the IronOutlaw facebook page titled - Mrs Edward Kelly? I don't have a facebook page myself, so was unable to comment over there, so I just wanted to please post here on the main Iron Outlaw page ,at what a great read that was too. Thanks Alan. Your article's are always very well written, funny and informative. Time to get some Facebook action Lisa...

Christine Nixon Resigns
From: Peter [pjh19622000@yahoo.com.au] 18 Jul 10
Christine Nixon has resigned from the Bushfire Authority in Victoria. Presently looking for an empty phone box to have the send off dinner in.

re. John Kelly Real Estate
From: Joe.D [kellyhaunts@gmail.com] 08 Jul 10
Hi Alan, A job well done!! FANTASTIC writing skills! I enjoyed reading your latest masterpiece ... "John Kelly Real Estate". To be honest I read it twice, looking fwd to your next piece. I still have shivers running up my spine as I write ... keep up the great work.

A Righteous Call
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 30 Jun 10
I was most pleased this morning when I received a message on my Facebook that Mr. Wynne-Jenkins was awaiting a call from me. He had obviously read my concerns over the disappointment that had befallen me in respect to the negative response I received from the museum regarding my ticket purchase for the Wine and Cheese gathering at the Burke Museum this coming Kelly Weekend. Delighted with the opportunity to talk to the Chairman of the Friends of the Burke, who happen to be the group putting on the bash, I promptly rang him. I found Mr. Wynne-Jenkins to be a very accommodating fellow and he quickly gave me the reason for my disappointment. The attendant at the museum could have been new and simply wasn’t aware of the big bash, and has arranged for a more informed member of staff to give me a call. More than happy with his response, and not wanting to sound too presumptuous, i thought it a good time to ask him a few questions regarding the four suits of Kelly Gang Armour that have been hi-jacked by the local town hall, especially as he is the president of the Ned Kelly Weekend Organising Committee. Again Mr Wynne-Jenkins was most accommodating. He went on to explain that he wanted the Armour to go to the Burke all along. Being involved with the Burke Museum since he was fifteen, and also being the Chairman of the Friends of the Burke, he has been fighting for the rights of the museum to exhibit this National Exhibition. My next question was…Then why is it going to the town hall?? Mr. Wynne-Jenkins then pointed out that it was the State Library of Victoria and Police Museum that were not comfortable with exhibiting the Armour in a museum that did not have a manager. What I would like to know is… Who is the manager of the town hall?? But more importantly, now that a mana! ger/curator has been appointed ( more than 4 weeks ago ) by the council for the Museum and Historic Precinct, why is the Armour still going to the town hall?? Surely with almost 6 weeks before the Kelly Weekend, the event organisers still have time to talk to the trustees and change the exhibition venue. I must congratulate Mr. Wynne-Jenkins and his organising committee for the untold amount of work put in by them for the upcoming Ned Kelly Weekend, but come on Adam, you know very well that the Kelly Gang Armour Exhibition is the heart of this momentous event. You must also be aware of what is right and what is wrong, and that the heart will remain cold and silent until it has been given the chance to come alive in its rightful place…. The Robert O’Hara Burke Museum. Can anybody say, 'Groundhog Day'?

28th June
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 28 Jun 10
Rest In Peace dear Joe, Dan & Steve.

re. John Kelly Real Estate
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 25 Jun 10
Thank you Lisa, I am most pleased you enjoyed, and hopingly appreciated my little piece on John Kelly Real Estate. It's a shame I will not get to meet you at the Ironoutlaw Dinner this coming Kelly Weekend. I will most likely end up having to endure the seemingly eternal company of those boisterous beer swilling oafs, Mr Webb and Mr O'Keefe. But as the great man once said ... Such is life! You'll be sound asleep by 6.30pm Crichton you old pensioner you!

John Kelly Real Estate
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 23 Jun 10
Another great read from Alan Crichton. I too believe that had Mr Kelly lived to an old age, that things would have turned out very differently for Ned and the Kelly family. It really is weird to think that from one single event happening (John Kelly's passing) so many people's lives would have been, in all probability, so very different. He sounds like he would have been a very hard working, nice, kindly man. Reading also about what a wonderful woman Mrs Kelly was, it is no wonder that Ned got such great strengths from his Mum and Dad. I think the saddest thing of all is seeing all the incredible qualities of Ned, and knowing that he could (and should) have been anything. Like the article says too, had fate been different we probably would never had heard of this amazing man named Ned Kelly. Though in saying that, I would give up knowing about Ned in a second in exchange for him having a happy, long life. :) Yes, Alan almost writes like he knows what he's talking about!

re. Stop Press - Discovery of Ned's Skull!
From: Christine Hicks [christine.hicks7@gmail.com] 22 Jun 10
It has been pointed out to me that my post regarding Tom Baxter has caused offence and as that offence was made on this forum it is only proper that I make an apology here. I do not know Mr Baxter personally and therefore I am not in a position to make an informed assessment of his character and in a poor attempt at humour I labelled him a 'dingbat'. I apologise for this ill-considered statement as it was not my intention to cause offence and I unreservedly withdraw that accusation. I too was offended by the word 'dingbat' as I always thought a better term for Baxter was 'nutbag'...

Stop Press - Discovery of Ned's Skull!
From: Christine Hicks [christine.hicks7@gmail.com] 20 Jun 10
Did anyone catch the story in 'The Age' online today which proclaimed that Ned Kelly's skull has been 'discovered'! Here is the link. Unfortunately this seems to be a rehash of an old story about that Baxter bloke from Derby in WA who apparently claims he had somehow mysteriously 'acquired' Ned Kelly's skull and has submitted it to be forensically tested. I was under the impression that this claim had been comprehensively refuted and that Baxter is a bit of a dingbat? What is the real story here - is the Vic government attempting by stealth to obtain more Kelly artefacts that are currently in private hands? Love a good conspiracy theory on a Sunday! Must be a slow news day...

1910s or 20s song: Take the 'L' out of Kelly?
From: Pierre Luniere [p_air@virginbroadband.com.au] 17 Jun 10
Hi Fellow Kelly Enthusiasts! On the search for a tune that is meant to have been hit parade material of the 1900's through to the 20's: Take the 'L' out of Kelly? This coming November, 2010, be there for the Benalla Rose festival, a weekend of fun & frivolity which will include the presentation of new photographic material on Joe Byrne & Ned Kelly in the local Art Gallery and also the dedication of a community ceramic sculpture by the lake & gallery that includes a unique musical instrument, The Thongaphone! See you There! Number 1 on the colonial charts...

re. Parkes Letter - 1879
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 13 Jun 10
I'm definitely no expert either, but in my own opinion I believe the Parkes Letter to be a genuine Ned Letter too. I especially like how Ned refers to himself as Captain in the letter, and it was reported that one of the boys (I think that it was Steve) was heard to call Ned Captain at one of the bank robberies. Plus the fact that Angeline Baron (who is an expert) said in her wonderful book 'Blood In The Dust' that there is no doubt that the same hand wrote the Parkes Letter & the Babington Letter. I just wish the Mitchell Library would put it on display.

re. Parkes Letter - 1879
From: Mark Perry [mperry@cospak.com.au] 12 Jun 10
Hello Brad, Alan. My repertoire does not extend to being a handwriting expert unfortunately so I can't offer much. Doesn't sound like either Ned or Joe though unless they had just had an opium session ... Love Mark. Your two cents is in the mail...

Fourth Time?
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 12 Jun 10
I was just wondering about the boys Armour being at Beechworth this year (YAY!). It is said in all the brochures etc that this will be only the fourth time ever that all four will be reunited together since 1880, but I think it will be possibly (at least) the sixth time. As all four were together at the Men Of Iron exhibition, Ned The Exhibition (though Joe's Armour unfortunately wasn't there the day we went for some reason), and the Kelly Culture Exhibition. I have also read about & seen a photo of the four exhibited together at the 1988 Bicentennial Celebrations, and another photo of all four together on show somewhere else, possibly in the 1980's also. I'm pretty sure Beechworth this year will make it the sixth time they have been together, that is known of. You're probably right. As for Ned: The Exhibition our dear friend Rupert Hammond caused all the non-display issues re. Joe's Armour

re. Parkes Letter - 1879
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 11 Jun 10
Mr Webb, after having had a close examination of the Parkes Letter and comparing it to the Babington Letter in Ned's hand at a very early age, i am of the opinion they have been written by the same person. The Babington letter of July 1870 is of the hand of a fifteen year old boy but in a more juvenile style. The Ks in Kelly are exactly the same as the Ks in the Parkes Letter as are the Ns and Ws. The Parkes Letter may have been dictated to the writer by another person eg George King, but i believe the Parkes Letter is in the hand of Ned Kelly. I would be interested in readers thoughts.

re. Parkes Letter - 1879
From: Mark Perry [mperry@cospak.com.au] 02 May 10
What is Ian Jones opinion on the Parkes Letter? I'm guessing his repertoire doesn't stretch to being a hand writing expert as well...

Dan Kelly
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 01 Jun 10
Happy Birthday Dan Kelly! :D

re. Parkes Letter - 1879
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 29 May 10
Regarding Ned's Parkes Letter,I have asked the Mitchell Library curator in the past & recently if the original letter would ever be put on display at the Library.But they unfortunately don't seem too interested,which is a real shame.It would be fantastic to see the original on display,as I don't think it has been before,has it? P.S. This note (written by a policeman called Edward Fosbery) is attached to the letter in the archives and reads : 'My dear Sir Henry,Neither Ned nor Dan Kelly can write - that is,that they can scarcely write their names.The Victorian Constable states that they get sympathisers to write letters for them.' They (police) just put the boot it at every little chance they got didn't they.

Coin set
From: Mat Spillard [mathewspillard@hotmail.com] 27 May 10
I have a coin set of Australian Bushrangers (photo's and info in coin section) that I am planning to sell. If anyone is interested let me know. Good luck with that. Of course I expect my standard 70% cut...

Parkes Letter - 1879
From: Thomas [last-pistol-shot@hotmail.com] 27 May 10
I'm just wondering what your take on the Henry Parkes Letter is, several hand writing experts have concluded it is that of Ned's hand, but I read that others have disputed its authenticity. To me the letter seems on one hand very plausible; showing Ned's love of bluff, and his feelings towards the repression of the working man (hence the part about the mongolian workers, which fits the widespread concerns of the Australian labour movement at the time). However at the same time the letter has a very weird feel about it, it seems rather out of character; it is rather boastful, unlike the other letters which although are full of bluff and humour are driven by a quest for understanding, seeking to justify actions and explain his (i think rightly) perceived oppression. It is also very short, and slightly odd as almost all of Ned's letters at this time were penned by Joe. Having said that Ned's prison letters a bit over a year latter also get a bit weird too, particularly in Ned's weird explanations of Glenrowan. The letter was also unearthed (in the late 70s ?) surprisingly late in the picture. However if it was a hoax, what would be the motivation and were there many hoax "Kellys" letters received at the time? Just curious as to your take. A.N. Baron confirmed the letter is indeed Ned's. You should read the appraisal in her book Blood In The Dust, a must have for ALL Kelly buffs...

Wrecking the Glenrowan railway line
From: Ian Riordan [iri93801@bigpond.net.au] 26 May 10
According to your text Ned ordered a railway fettler by the name of Reardon to tear up track on that fateful night. As my Great Great Grandfather - William (Liam) Riordan was a railway then roads board worker after moving to Stanley from the woolshed diggings there could be a link. Liam died in 1876 (buried in Stanley) but his son Daniel (my Great Grandfather) was born in 1852 and we know little of his movements before marrying in Albury in 1895. I still have to correct the spelling of my name as most assume it is the anglicised version. Could this be the case? P.S. I was 40yrs old when I could no longer resist the call to move to north east Victoria. Sorry, this fellow was James Reardon. You can read all about him on page 125 in Judith Douthie's book 'I Was At The Kelly Gang Round-up'

The town that is closed
From: Gaz [gaziross@gmail.com] 26 May 10
Well I went to Jerilderie the other day, felt a bit hungry so I went to the takeaway but it was closed, Hmm so across the road to the other takeaway and that was closed alsoHmm The next day I wanted some printing done, so I go to the computer shop ah yes it was closed.hmm ah theres a library maybe they can print some docs for me, get to the library and Guess it was closed Hmm so I go to the news agent and they don’t print documents.hmm oh check out the post office just maybe.hmm the sigh on the door said back in 10 min Hmmm. so I packed up and left the town where everything is closed.

re. Graves at Greta Cemetery
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 21 May 10
Gee Mr Webb, Where do we go from here? Eddy's spilled his guts and you've gotta give him his due. I thought some bugger was starting up a graveyard tour for outlaws. I felt it necessary to apologise to Ms Lloyd for such bold and insensitive assumptions on my part. I also would be very interested in Eddy's family and their association with Ellen Kelly on the 11 mile. It seems your family has some history of its own Ed? For your Grandfather to attend her funeral, your family must have been quite close? Could you give us some more information on your family living on the 11 mile? I think they might have scared Ed away...

re. Graves at Greta Cemetery
From: Eddy [iron_ned@hotmail.com] 17 May 10
Noeleen, you are dead right the responsibility lies solely with the family members and no one has the right to dictate otherwise. I hope it didn’t come across in such a way. My late father never mentioned that 2 headstones were ever stolen, for this I am ashamed. My G-father was a close family friend of the Griffiths who lived on the 11 mile I think during the early 1920’s. I have passed down knowledge of some of the stories, and a few photographs of my g-father posing outside the homestead with unnamed persons (m&f). So as you can see my family lived and worked in the area. Granddad spoke highly of Ellen and attended her Funeral. I was told of granddad’s time in the north east by my father and since he has shown my children and myself where my dad was born and raised. I guess my previous comment was naive of me. I was thinking of the wonderful thin! gs granddad had to say re: the family and felt deep within they deserve a headstone. Paul, Allow me to introduce myself my full name is Eddy Charles Roberts proud father of four, widowed and currently semi retired (Mechanic) from the eastern suburbs and by no means hiding behind a pseudonym. Why the hotmail account? Well I need not explain myself to you, however I shall. I’m computer literate and my daughter set up an account for me. My daughter (Ashley) advised me not to publicly make our bigpond address accessible to internet predators, scammers I think is the word Ashley used. Now this “kelly buff” new to me shall be signing off. I’m disappointed that I haven’t received the same respect I have shown. There was no need to have replied in such a way. Perhaps one day I’ll make your acquaintance. I pity the bus loads of geriatrics if only they were aware of how a Hart descendent refers to them... SHAME, SHAME , SHAME. Ed, many of my feedbackers use hotmail or gmail accounts and that's fine by me. Even though the email addresses on Feedback aren't 'live' (as there's no hyperlinks) there's always the chance some wayward Indian or Russian will do a copy and paste. As for the Hart descendant, he's just going through a grumpy patch as KRudd isn't all he's cracked up to be. I'm a Gillard person myself...

re. Graves at Greta Cemetery
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 16 May 10
Thank you to Noeleen for your letters regarding the Greta Cemetery.I think it is important to remember and respect that while so many of us are able to read and learn about the wonderful & interesting people involved in the Kelly Gang story,that to the members of the Kelly, Lloyd, Hart & Byrne families, these same people are firstly and simply their Uncles, Grandparents, Cousins & Aunts etc. They should not ever have to be made to feel like they have to defend their family decisions to place (or not to place) headstones on the graves of their own people. While I am sure that those of us who quietly and harmlessly pay their respects at Greta (and other related places) far out number the person or persons who have tried to interefere with graves, unfortunately these disgraceful people do exist, as things have gone on in the past.It is hard to believe that anyone could be so cold and horrible as to want to interfere with a persons final resting place, treating them as an object instead of a human being,but sadly there are people like that who would think that taking something from a grave etc is some kind of sick trophy. Even just one single person like this, is one person far too many. It is a terrible thing that anyone should ever have to worry that a grave could be interfered with, but unfortunately there are some very stupid people around. The Greta Cemetery always seems to have a lovely, calm feeling about it and I hope that never changes. I think it is just the same to pay your respects to someone whether their grave is marked or not. Of course every person deserves to have a headstone, but not every person wishes to. Then or now. It is quite possible that Kelly family members may have wished & requested that their graves not be marked. Maybe with their dear brother & son Dan having been quietly buried in that way, they may have wanted to be placed there with him at Greta in the same way. Perhaps they thought and hoped that this at least would be one time in their lives when they could all be left alone together in peace. Well said

Ned Kelly and the Green Sash
From: Jonelle Matson [tcandjm@hotmail.com] 15 May 10
Hi guys. A new childrens book is being released called Ned Kelly and the Green Sash. This looks to be a fabulous book aimed at younger readers, and at the risk of being branded a publicist, please buy this book. If you are interested in this at all, please check out their facebook page! I personally love any books that can bring history alive to the kids. Cheers.

re. Graves at Greta Cemetery
From: Paul O'Keefe [paul@neducate.com.au] 14 May 10
Dear Edward/Ned...whoever you wish/want/hope to be. Thats good you have to justify your real name is Ned....that gives me great confidence. Anyway, Iron underscore Ned... Most of us here don't hide behind a pseudonym or a hotmail account. Maybe in hindsight I should of grabbed Brad Pitt at hotmail dot com but unfortunately all is left is Cess (short for Cecil) Pitt , maybe I should of grabbed that one (it has a certain ring about it ...Cess Pitt) don't you think? Anyway, (Noeleen, Lola, or Myself) have ALWAYS been more than approachable via our private emails that have been posted for years via Ironoutlaw. As you state as most of "us Kelly Buffs in the know"...should also KNOW... since your a buff... KNOW .how sensitive graves are and should be to everyone regardless of who your family is. Since you are such a Kelly Buff you should be aware of disgusting and immoral desecration that some of the families have suffered over the years, after tour groups and some of your own fellow "buffs" decide to proves a hunch or two...does it surprise you why people are so defensive? Hey...heres an ideas iron_ned. Let us know where ya great great Nana's/Uncle/Grandpa are planted and we might commemorate their grave as tourist attraction and bring a busloads of geriatrics to oogle over their final resting place and then lurk back when under the cover of darkness shove a steel probe into one of their graves to find a DNA sample. Ned, Its never been about being worthy...what is worth?, worthy to you? who cares if its an unmarked grave, there are reasons why they are are unmarked, it doesn't mean these people/graves aren't loved/missed or visited less.

Seige Weekend 28 June 2010
From: Lynden Cole [lynden.cole@live.com.au] 14 May 10
Bail Up all, Can someone inform me as to whether or not anything will be happening in Glenrowan this year to comemmorate the 130th year of the seige and Neds last stand. If not why not, whats going on down there in Glenrowan, is there at least going to be a good ol Aussie Sausage Sizzle, face painting and everyones favourite, a jumping castle and pony rides, to mark this this event. It could be and should be a whole weekend get together of all things associated with the Glenrowan area and The Kelly Gang. You may get a genuine shoot-out as it seems all the old friends are now foes...

Extension History Topic
From: Sydney Abba [sydyiscool@hotmail.com] 14 Apr 10
I'm researching Ned Kelly for extension history and obviously analyzing the debate over whether he was a hero or a villain. I have two questions: One, is it possible for me to obtain Ian Jones credibility as a historian, only that I need 'hard' evidence that he is the leading historian on Kelly's life. Two, what would you advise in terms of books that present Kelly as a hero and books that present him as a villain? Where do I start...

Max Brown's Australian Son
From: Tom Guerin [tguerin@live.com.au] 13 Apr 10
I have been unable to find a copy of the latest print of Australian Son by Max Brown. Your site has it listed as being for sale but it is not on the shopping page. I believe the book maybe out of print. Can you please advise me if you have any copies available? Presently all stock is sold out. The good news is we are currently coordinating a reprint which will be produced in hard cover, giving Max's words the treatment they deserve!

re. Ned Kelly's Last Stand Statue
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 07 Apr 10
Lynden, you must be psychic or sumtin. I had visions along the lines of which you speak not so long ago. I didn't come up with the idea of a true life statue of Ned, but i did dream of some other things that could be of some help. If you check out Keep Ya Powder Dry on this site, and look up 'A Nightmare on Siege Street', it might give you some ideas. As for the OK Corral re-enactment, all i can say is.... God bless America......because no other bugger will!

Kennedy, Scanlan & Co
From: Peter (Stinger) Nettleton [stinger@iinet.net.au] 07 Apr 10
Michael Kennedy may well have been a brave man and a good copper, however VP Historian Bob Haldane's thesis suggests that he and Scanlan were also experienced and quite successful bounty-hunters, whose motivation in hunting the Kellys was not entirely altruistic. (Lonigan was brought along to identify the Kellys and McIntyre was camp cook). Interestingly, Ned was never charged with murdering Kennedy, even though he had virtually confessed to it (as a 'mercy killing') in the Jerilderie letter. I believe that was because the crown did not want that letter in evidence, since it put the police in such a bad light and may well have resulted in an acquittal by a sympathetic jury. Instead, they went with the dodgy eye-witness testimony of McIntyre as to Lonigan's killing - and the rest is history. Well said...

re. Ned Kelly's Last Stand Statue
From: Jonelle Matson [tcandjm@hotmail.com] 07 Apr 10
I think Alan's idea of a rose / memorial garden was the best idea. Having a statue won't make many people visit, and the idea of a gun battle on the site, to me, is terrible and doesn't seem (once again to me) pay homage to those who lost their lives, or reflect the horror of the seige. Glenrowen to me is the place of reflection and ghosts, not shiny bright statues for the local birds to roost on.

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Mick Fitzsimons [mickfitzsimons@hotmail.com] 07 Apr 10
Alan, a great piece about the police misgivings and Paul, you are spot on about Lonigan. As for the police party at Stringbark Creek, they all knew what they were doing, going out after the gang disguised as prospectors with their body straps for the pack horses. They were also heavily armed and had a long rang rifle, not the sort of thing for a confrontation, but to attack from a safe distance. The Outlawry Act I believe had expired, so the police were acting unlawfully. Did these things bother the conscience of the police as they set out to kill the Kelly Gang? There was also the suggestion that Kennedy and Scanlon left Lonigan and McIntyre at their camp, in the hope of finding Ned and Dan and claiming the reward for themselves. As for the police side of the story, it becomes a bit hard to swallow their version as they have never admitted that they did any wrongdoing and therefore give a twisted and biased version. Let the police tell it how it really was, with all the points that Alan raised and then let us see what sort of display they would have. Not a very big or impressive one me thinks!

Ned Kelly's Last Stand Statue
From: Lynden [lynden.cole@live.com.au] 06 Apr 10
Bail up,everyone. Has there been any positive thoughts of a true to life statue of Ned at the seige site.As Ned was the central figure in all that happened back then,there needs to be a fitting memorial to him.There are statues already standing of less significant people being appreciated by those who are interested.Yes, it would be a tourist attraction and be something new to help Glenrowans businesses a little with extra tourists dollars into the area and whats wrong with that.I live in Qld and would love to see the whole seige area rebuilt the way it was in 1880.This will take time I know but with less fighting and more agreeing,it can happen sooner.I have never been to the OK corral in the town of Tombstone USA in which a peace keeper name Wyatt Earp and his brothers and a mate had a gunbattle with some troublemaker! s about the same time of the Kelly years.They have regular re- anactments of that gunfight to an audience,(if someone has been to this venue please correct me or assist me) as maybe something like it could be set up at Glenrowan in years to come, simply to bring history back to life again,for future generations.Lets keep everything positive and move forward.Please only constructive comments, Thank You.

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Paul O'Keefe [paul@neducate.com.au] 03 Apr 10
Hi all, Firstly Alan, you forgot to mention Lonigan and his penchant for arresting via the squirrel grip! But I must agree with the summation of Robert Graham. After much hard and honest work mostly at the risk of his own safety, succeeded to make peace. Robert Graham is one of the unsung hero's of the Victorian Police, where numerous did the opposite. Anyway, I thought the last word on this subject should go to Laurie Mortimer who gave an interview in the early 70's about his father David's Mortimer recollections as a person "rounded up" and kept at bay at the Ann Jones Inn that fateful day and night. "Everyone knew the Kelly's and liked them. They were wild but not bad, circumstances made them that way" David also said "I do not think the police where right in acting as they did. We were frightened of them (Police) not the bushrangers" Paul O'Keefe www.neducate.com.au P.S To read this fascinating story about David Mortimer and the rest of the "hostages" IT'S A MUST to read Judith Douthie's amazing book... I was at the Kelly Gang round up.

Zippo Lighter
From: Stewart Samuel [stewsoii@hotmail.com] 01 Apr 10
Thats a great site you have of Ned kelly the Tattos were fantastic. found this Ned Kelly Zippo lighter on Flickr thought you might enjoy looking.

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 31 Mar 10
Robert, I totally agree with what you say, and that is why I made no mention of Michael Kennedy or Robert Graham. You know what happens when there's just one rotten apple in the barrel?......... you have to remove it quickly or the rot will spread, just like a cancer. It was a shame that a lot of these rotten apples weren't removed until long after the damage was done. Michael Kennedy and Robert Graham i believe were good coppers, as were many others, but it's the rogues who need to answer for their actions. I believe it was Thomas Peter Lloyd who once made the remark.....'If there were more men like Robert Graham in the police force, there would have been no Kelly Outbreak.' All Robert Graham did was to talk to, and treat people like human beings, unlike those who came before him and tried to apply their authority with a sl! edge hammer. Every action produces a re-action and it was Robert Grahams actions that eventually brought peace to the North-East. Here, here...

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Robert McGarrigle [doggies.47@hotmail.com] 30 Mar 10
Alan, I thoroughly agree with your comments on the police and the gang members(boys).However all the policemen were not corrupt and baddies as it were.I believe that Bracken, Michael Kennedy and Robert Graham in particular should not be mentioned with those that you referred too. There were some police during the outbreak years that did their job well,especially the 3 that I have mentioned.I believe Ned himself said that Kennedy was a brave man and that he wouldn't have shot him if he'd realised that he had put his gun down. I believe that the Kelly weekend should represent both sides of the story the gang side and the police side. In otherwords I would like to think that a debate on what the weekend should represent is indeed healthy and we should respect everyones views. I am a distant relative of Neds and after talking to a descendant of Michael Kennedy the other week at SBC, I believe I have an impartial view of the whole event but others have a right to disagee with my views. Robert Graham was pivotal in ensuring a second outbreak did not eventuate from the aftermath of the 'blood money' distribution. As Max Brown wrote in Australian Son, 'At this juncture, Constable Robert Graham - a young officer contemplating marriage and nicknamed “Honest Bob” - saw an opportunity for conciliation and was allowed to reopen the police station at Greta, which he did - of all venues - in O’Brien’s Hotel.' HOWEVER, when you read a story like Top Aussie cop takes aim at Ned Kelly from New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione you can't help but wonder how deep the ignornance of Australian history flows within our society...

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 29 Mar 10
Crikey Mark, talk about leading with ya chin. Thems is fightin woids. I find nothing wrong with cherishing Ned action figures, or for that matter, cardboard helmets. There are some, might I say, overly matured sympathisers out there who can’t afford steel, and must settle for a cheaper cardboard alternative. And with the outrageous price of action figures these days, I have known of grown men making do with Ned dolls…er…I mean lifelike Ned figures made out of cardboard from toilet rolls. As far as referring to the gang members as boys, I have seen this term used frequently, not just on Ironoutlaw but in many books and a host of other printed matter on the subject. I must admit, I have not come across the word scallywag in reference to the boys, but i have seen the word larrikin used quite extensively in several Kelly books. ! Maybe larrikin and scallywag have the same meaning. Either way…..boys will be boys. When you refer to anti-police vibes seemingly emitting from this site Mark, you only have the police to blame for that. The unforgivable conduct of the Victorian police at Glenrowan for killing and wounding men, and children. Sergeant Arthur Steele for firing on innocent women, children, and babies… Constable Fitzpatrick for his drunkenness, womanising, lies and deceit and ultimately the cause of the Kelly Outbreak…. Detective Ward for his questionable fondness of innocent school girls…..The married Constable Flood who impregnated Ned’s sister eventually causing her death and that of her baby…. That obese liar and coward Constable Hall for shooting at a boy three times at close range and beating the boy senseless with his pistol while the boy was being held by others….. Constable McIntyre for his lies in evidence at the preliminary hearing in Beechworth and Melbourne, and Inspector Sadlier and others for knowing of it….that half witted coward Inspector Brooke Smith, for thre! atening to kill young children in their own home…..Those four cowardly Constables, Duross, Dowling, Armstrong and Alexander for hiding under a bed while two women are left undefended to confront their attackers…. What about the many innocent farmers who were locked up on police orders in the Beechworth gaol and held for no lawful reason? What about all of those families who were denied the right to take up land by the Lands Department on police orders? The list just goes on and on Mark. When you compare the disgraceful conduct of the police to that of four young larrikins or should I say scallywags, it is no wonder the boys come out looking like “super heroes.” I must agree Mark that the Kelly Weekend programme for 2010 certainly seems to be filled with more events than previous years, and I’m sure many visitors will enjoy their weekend. I should also point out that you are correct Mark when you state that the police side is just as relevant and important. In point of fact Mark, it is extremely relevant, because without it, Ned Kelly, Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne and Steve Hart would not be, as you put it, hero worshipped, or risen to the iconic status they hold today, in not only the hearts and minds of millions throughout the world, but also to be remembered forever in Aboriginal folklore. But who knows, the Ned Kelly Weekend next year might end up being called……. The Heroic Victorian Police and Scallywags Weekend 2011, just to be fair to both sides.

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Faith [shits1987@hotmail.com] 29 Mar 10
I think it is unfair to assume that people that "study" or research The Kelly Gang base there judgment on who they support the most, the idea is to look at both sides with a clear view of fact and what you gather from that fact should be truth no matter who it supports the most, my comment before about how i believed that the Ned weekend was turning out to be more about the police is based on something i saw on a website, and to be honest with you i believe that the set up can be taken the wrong way...that is not to say that i am "anti police" but i think alot of people will agree that in alot of ways the Ned Kelly weekend is a place where people with a strong interest in the subject can dive into all things Kelly Gang, that's not to say that the police talks and all that don't have there place just that well....when i think of going to the weekend i think of all the things that got me interested and keep me looking, I wanna hear talks from those closest to the story, i want to get books and meet other people that also have an interest in the story, i want to hear peoples idea's, and that does include police stories or "talks". I wonder if it would help them to bring up Robert Graham? i dont believe that people are completely one sided with the story when u really get into it its kinda impossible to be really, but my point is that if people want to make the Ned Kelly weekend all about the Kelly Gang then they have every right to because its kinda the only time that everyone can really just be in one place and all have something in common, so to speak...give me a "police talk" any day and i will take in everything you say to me, i dont have to agree with everything, but you no what you dont have to agree on everything i say about the Kelly gang either,as long as everything that is said is based on fact sometimes the truth is a hard reality on both sides but at the end of it all i wont consider you anti Ned just that based on what you no you have a different conclusion.

Ned Kelly Photos
From: Michael Gehrke [mg.pr@web.de] 29 Mar 10
Hello and g'day. I am Michael from Germany. Travelling through Australia in 2008 and 2009 I made lots of Videoshots and I am still very busy on cutting them. Starting in Melbourne I visited Kelly Country and was in Glenrowan and other places. Doing some research in the internet I found your site. And I hope very much that you can give me some support. For the clips which might be seen in Internet and a local TV I would like to take some historic fotos of Ned, Richard Shelton and the different events and places, also some newer fotographies e.g. of Reds homestead in Avenel and the Creek, which I saw on your homepage. I would really appreciate it very much, if you could help me. - Do you have files of them? ( I am not 100% secure about the copy right. The older from 1880 etc. should be free of any - right?). Looking forward to your answer. If anyone can help feel free to email him from the link above

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Mark Perry [mperry@cospak.com.au] 29 Mar 10
Hi Lisa. I certainly wasn't making fun of your post. Sorry if it came across that way. I have been a student of the Kellys for nearly 30 years and have felt sympathy for the Kelly Gang and their families. Maybe it's just been the various complaints about the August weekend that are irking and the "i'm not going this year because of...." attitude. And I have never liked the Gang being referred to as "the boys" but it wasn't directed at you at all. I have re-read my post and yes, it does come across a smidge arrogant so I apologise.

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Anthony Smit [aezlove@primusonline.com.au] 29 Mar 10
Not to mention drunken policemen who try to rape 15 year old girls at gunpoint. None of the boys ever behaved like that towards any woman.

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Jonelle Matson [tcandjm@hotmail.com] 29 Mar 10
I find Marks comments offensive. I personally do not have any action figures or cardboard helmets. There is no anti-police vibe. I think the only vibe is that the story of the Kelly Gang, and yes the police are pretty instrumental in this story as without the police what story would there be? Whilst I am interested in police history, most people attend the Ned Kelly Weekend to learn more about the WHOLE story, of which the main character is Ned. I also understand that several contributors to this site are either serving or ex police officers, and I welcome their opinions, insights and beliefs as much as anyone elses. While I'm loath to prevent anyone expressing their opinion (unless it's full of smut), I don't think Mark intended to insult anyone, he just worded this thoughts incorrectly. Bottom line is the Kelly Weekend has been hijacked and unfortunately, unless you live in the area and can join the Society running the event, there's not much that can be done except rattle the chains and vote with your feet...

re. Ned weekend. Again.
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 28 Mar 10
Excuse me Mark but is your latest post meant to be you making fun of my posts or something? Because it seems like it is. Why are talks about 'the boys' (yes it's been 'in vogue' a long time. That's how many people have always referred to them, including them themselves) at the Ned Weekend said by you to be 'hero worship'? 'clutching our Ned action figures and cardboard helmets'. Are you joking? Just because a person has an interest in the boys, doesn't make them instantly anti police or an idiot who hero worships them, which is how your post seems to dismiss people who sympathise with the boys as being. I think your post is very arrogant and rude. I don't think there is an anti police vibe on here at all. Of course the police side of the story is relevant too, but you shouldn't dismiss people who sympathise with the gang as being silly idiots who think of them as (in your words) 'Superheroes', but your post sure has come across like that. Geez.

Ned weekend. Again.
From: Mark Perry [mperry@cospak.com.au] 28 Mar 10
Personally I reckon the 2010 Beechworth weekend programme is one of the better ones they have had. I'm finding the "police" angle with a little less of an emphasis on the hero worship of the Gang interesting. (or should I say "the boys" , those scallywags...as seems to be in vogue?) The Police side of the story is just as relevant and important and who knows? It may just help reduce the anti police vibe that now seems to eminate from this site. P.S. I'm not anti Ned. I just think we should all stop clutching our Ned action figures and cardboard helmets and be content to hear from all sides and accept the weekend for what it is, instead of getting cross that it doesn't put "the boys" (!) across as Superheroes. They weren't. They did wrong and they did good. So did others on the opposing side. Trouble is the 'opposing side' has never admitted any wrong doings. Take a stroll through the current 'Ambushed' exhibition and there's no mention of the police bullets which caused the death of plate layer Martin Cherry and the child Johnny Jones. Not to mention the responsibility for wounding his sister Jane Jones in the forehead (later to die), Michael Reardon in the shoulder, and William Metcalf in the eye...

Racist Cops
From: Anthony Smit [aezlove@primusonline.com.au] 25 Mar 10
Hi Brad, Here's an another article for the police shame file. These people are paid to protect innocent Victorians. Makes you feel safe huh? Safe if your skin colour is nice and white...

Ned Links
From: Michele Eve [michele.eve@blueyonder.co.uk] 24 Mar 10
Got lost for some time in all those Links not to mention the Avenel Maze - some great stuff, a wealth of information. And regards the Monarchist League, can I just sat say that some of us Brits don't even want them. You sure we can't pack them off to spend a sabbatical with you lot? "Sometimes I lie awake at nights worried people may think me too left wing" ha!

Police Weekend?
From: Faith [shits1987@hotmail.com] 23 Mar 10
Hey i was just wondering when did the Ned Kelly weekend become all about the police? I just had a look at what sorts of things will be going on at the Ned Kelly weekend this year and what a great way to get people interested, the first thing they mention is all the stuff about the police and all the police talks, I'm not saying that it doesnt have its place in the event.. but! Maybe its just me ... Then again maybe its not?

Ned Kelly Weekend
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 20 Mar 10
The program for this years Ned Kelly weekend is now up. There are alot of interesting events planned by the looks of it.I hoped though that there would have been more talks about the boys with it being the 130th Anniversary,and perhaps a talk from Ian Jones but unfortunately he isn't doing one this year. The highlight though of course is the boys Armour, it's all worth it for them alone, it will be incredible to see all four back together in North East Victoria. Just regarding photographs too, I asked a nice lady at the Beechworth Visitor Centre if we will be allowed to take photos of the Armour & she said that the organising committee have told her that yes photos are allowed. Thank goodness,that's great to hear anyway. I've never understood the no photos thing when it comes to the Armour. Still a great shame about the Burke though. P.S. The documentary Ned Kelly: The True Story was really good, it seemed to be more detailed than the Australian Besieged version in parts. It still had those same crappy beards...

re. Kelly Gang Armour now in the Town Hall?
From:Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 16 Mar 10
Mark, the Burke Museum is only fifty paces from the town hall, but your thought of why it could have been avoided for the Kelly Gang Armour Exhibition has come about because of the very thing we are all up in arms about. Whether they like it or not, the Council are responsible for the running and success of, not only the Historic Precinct, but also the Burke Museum. But what happens when the council allows just about every building in the precinct to operate as a museum? What happens when the council and event organisers continually concentrate all their attention on the Historic Precinct and shopping district when promoting major events throughout the year? I’ll tell you what……the beautiful and historic Robert O’Hara Burke Museum becomes, in the eyes of some, just another old building in some out of th! e way backwater. And nothing has changed for the Ned Kelly Weekend this year. The BHRG have the chance to lend a helping hand to the museum, but have chosen instead to turn its back and promote the Town Hall. For those who will be attending the Ned Kelly Weekend, and do not care or understand what I am talking about, I suggest you take the time to seek out Mr Adam Wynne Jenkins and ask for permission to join his Beechworth Historical Re-enactment Group. Mark, I’m not sure of what is happening re photographing the armour, but I wouldn’t count on it. You might get away with it if you were with the media and allowed Mr Jenkins to also be in the shot.

re. Kelly Gang Armour now in the Town Hall?
From: Mark Perry [mperry@cospak.com.au] 16 Mar 10
Just a thought. Is the Burke missing out on the Armour because it's not on the main drag? (ie: Ford St.) Is its location in Loch St considered an out of the way backwater and not enticing enough for the tourists? Granted, the town hall, so close to the precinct is better situated. As I said, just a thought. Any word on photos being allowed by the way?

Ned Kelly FM
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 16 Mar 10
What a great idea, Ned Kelly FM. DJ Ned...

Echuca Celtic Festival
From: Lola R. [lolars@bigpond.com] 16 Mar 10
A great Celtic Festival held on the weekend of the 13th. & 14th. March in Echuca. The highlight was listening to Noeline Allen giving the life story and true facts of ELLEN KELLY, a subjct she has been researching for many years, a very interesting subject, beginning from her Parents and family leaving Ireland, her growing up, marriages, death of her two beloved Sons, the death of her beloved Grandson during the first world war, living in Greta with her beloved third Son Jim..A great lady Ellen and told with compassion and feeling, finishing with a beautiful poem written by Alan Crichton, read by Noelen Lloyd, which left a few damp eyes...Thank you...

re. Kelly Gang Armour now in the Town Hall?
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 14 Mar 10
Dear Mr Fitzsimons, the speech impediment you speak of is a mixture of my recently acquired Irish brogue and that addictive drop from the devil himself… a $4.99 flagon of Half Mile Creek Cab. Sav. Because of your hurtful remarks, the price on that.. er.. um.. genuine Kelly Gang reward poster that I had so kindly offered to sell to you for a mere pittance of $500 on that other site, has now risen substantially, and of course will still carry Crichton’s guarantee of no refund if proven a fake. If you do not wish to purchase my er…um.. genuine Reward Poster, I shall be forced to sell it on Ebay or better still, to the Burke Museum who I’m sure would jump at the chance to exhibit yet another er…um… genuine artefact.

Who's armour?
From: Michele Eve [michele.eve@blueyonder.co.uk] 13 Mar 10
I was just reading Hammonds answer to Alan's letter and I got one of those teeth gritting moments, before I started cussing that was "We believe we have a responsibility to share our Armour with the people of Australia. We have been invited to take place in the event at Beechworth. I understand that the State Library and Victoria Police are happy to participate in this event. It will be very significant as it will be first time the 4 suits have been seen together outside Melbourne. Our suit of Armour has been seen in Beechworth before" OUR armour?? So what precisely did he do to deserve ownership of the iron Joe died in? Ah he happened to be born.Well done then. It is immoral for this man to hold onto it so him giving it up in a spirit of whats right and proper would seem to be unlikely. I do recall seeing some disturbing pictures of Mr Hammond and his friends trying on the armour a while back, I don't even want to think too deeply about... Is about time people took it back I'd say, or someone looked into that civil action! Bringing the 4 together would seem to me too to be a good starting point But yes reading his magnanimous posturing makes me spit my morning tea frankly. I also wanted to say well done to Alan- not the desired outcome about the armour- yet. But a step forward huh?

re. Kelly Gang Armour now in the Town Hall?
From: Mick Fitzsimons [mickfitzsimons@hotmail.com] 13 Mar 10
I have to agree with Mr. Crichton, how ridicules, not to mention bloody-minded! I thought that security was one of the main issues! How secure are the Shire Offices compared to the Burke Museum? The people in charge of this are acting like the police of the late 1870’s, foolish, incompetent, underhanded and far from trustworthy. One has to wonder what is behind all these shenanigans, as there has to be an ulterior motive for continually overlooking the Burke Museum. One would have thought common sense would prevail in the end, but apparently not in the Indigo Shire. P.S. Is that Irish you have been speaking Alan? No wonder I couldn’t understand a word you were saying as I thought you had a severe speech impediment and being myself, I was too polite to ask.

re. Kelly Gang Armour now in the Town Hall?
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 13 Mar 10
Thanks for the update Alan. That's good news that the boys Armour won't be displayed at the old police station,and will be instead exhibited in a much bigger place,allowing for their Armour to be displayed better. But why the Burke Museum again wasn't chosen really is inexplicable. It simply does not make sense. They seem to have it back to front with giving the Museum replica's and the Town Hall the real thing. I thought people in country towns supported each other, but it doesn't seem like the BHRG care to support the Burke. It's weird, especially when you think that by displaying the boys Armour there that the issue of the Museum being in trouble due to low patronage would be instantly fixed in one weekend. It makes you think that there must be a personal grudge from someone from the BHRG & someone from the Burke going on or something, I guess that would explain the petty carry on. Either way it's pretty stupid. Or perhaps the Victoria Police have secretly had the Burke museum blacklisted all these years for wanting to display the Armour back in 1880, instead of wanting it destryed like old Standish wanted. P.S. I read too that 13 cast members of The Last Outlaw will be reunited at the Ned weekend this year, including John Jarratt, Sigrid Thornton & Debra Lawrence.

Kelly Gang Armour now in the Town Hall?
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 11 Mar 10
Well folks, after reading the Border Mail 9th March it seems that the Ned Kelly Weekend Organising Committee has finally realised that the B.H.R.G headquarters is totally inappropriate to display the Kelly Gang Armour, and have decided on displaying it at, not the Burke Museum, but in the bloody Beechworth Town Hall??? I suppose this would be better than that revamped police station, but again, why the Town Hall? What the hell is going on here? When I wrote about putting it in the Beechworth Bakery or the Council Chambers I was only kidding. Who knows, maybe that Armour could quite easily still end up at the bakery before the Burke Museum is even considered. It goes on to state in the Border Mail that the Burke Museum will host the replica Armour and some other memorabilia from The Last Outlaw mini-series. How bloody generous!

We now have replicas exhibited at the museum, and the originals going to the Town Hall. Does the Indigo Shire Council know they even have a museum? The council has just spent tens of thousands of dollars of ratepayers money (of which I am one) on a study to find out what can be done to rectify the struggling museum’s problems, and then ignores the one international exhibition that could help it. It just doesn’t make any sense. We don’t want to go to a museum that exhibits bloody fakes. Give the fakes to the Town Hall and give the museum that which it has been built for and deserves…..original artefacts. Where the blazes are these Friends of the Burke when it needs them? I have heard that there are those associated with the museum who have the audacity to say the Burke Museum didn’t even want the Armour. Well all I can say to those people is, if this is your attitude, then you have no right to be associated with the Burke Museum, find another job, and get some other project to keep yourself occupied.

On the Kelly Weekend’s Friday night 6th August at 6.30 PM, the Burke Museum will be holding refreshments and nibbles for the Ned Kelly 130th Anniversary Special. It will have an exhibition of memorabilia from the Last Outlaw series as shown on Channel 7, all for the mere pittance of $15 entry for non members. At the same time at the Nicholas Hotel, the Kelly Weekend Organising Committee have a dinner planned titled Fiddles, Fisticuffs, Food and Fashions with it being headlined by non other than John Jarrett, the actor who played the roll of Ned Kelly in the Last Outlaw. I must also mention he acted the part of a cold bloodied killer in the movie Wolf Creek. So how many of you Weekend patrons will be attending the Burke Museum on the Friday night? Wouldn’t it have been a better idea on the Friday night to have had a premiere viewing of the original Kelly Gang Armour at the Museum tied in with a dinner to commemorate its arrival to the North East after an absence of 130 years? After all is said and done, isn’t the “ORIGINAL” Kelly Gang Armour the main drawcard for the Weekend?

It’s still not too late for the Ned Kelly Weekend Organising Committee and the Indigo Shire Council, to allow the Burke Museum its given rights as an Australian Museum to house the Kelly Gang Armour, and not the Town Hall.

It’s also about time the Organising Committee and the Council showed a little more common sense, and a hell of a lot more community spirit.

re. Chidley Studios, Ned Kelly dramatic performance newspaper write-up
From: Sally McInerney [jdsmcinerney@hotmail.com] 10 Mar 10
Sorry about the incomplete email address of my earlier message. Are you interested in a newspaper item from the Hobart Mercury, 1903, The Kellys on the Stage? I came across it while researching a life of William Chidley - whose father took the photo. of Ned Kelly aged 19 (Chidley Studio). Chidley's girlfriend played the part of Kate Kelly in the stage play...
P.S. Was Ned Kelly's grey mare named "Music", or is that just a bit of a myth? Joe's horse was Music, Ned's was Mirth

re. Kelly Gang Documentary
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 10 Mar 10
I must agree with Ellen, if this is the doco by Barry Dowdall, the more you watch it the easier it becomes to understand and enjoy. I believe i received that bloody Irish version, and after viewing it several hundred times, am pleased to say that i can now speak fluent Irish, even though Mr Fitzsimons would disagree. I must also admit that i have watched Ellen's interview in the doco considerably more times than the rest of the film, but all i'm prepared to say is..... each to his own.

re. Kelly Gang Documentary
From: Ellen Hollow [tonelly@bigpond.com] 09 Mar 10
If this is the documentary by the Irish film maker Barrie Dowdall it is very good.

Songs
From: Sarah [Bronny.air@bigpond.com] 07 Mar 10
The song on the other page is wrong he had no kids or a wife so please change it P.S it is wrong! Ah ha...

Kelly Gang Documentary
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 06 Mar 10
A documentary called Ned Kelly: The True Story will be played on the Foxtel History channel on St Patrick's Day,Wednesday 17th March at 7.30pm and repeated again the next day. According to the write up it is a new documentary. It sounds good.
P.S. Just regarding my previous post about the Kelly Gang documentary, I thought it was a new one being advertised, but after looking more I think it is the different version of the Besieged documentary.The way it was written though they said it was a premiere documentary,and not an old one. Anyway it should still be worth a look.

re. Greta Cemetery
From: Greg Devlin [contact@gardenviewlodge.com.au] 06 Mar 10
Thanks Noleen, for your answer, I possibly have used the incorrrect term when saying that the graves look negelected. I have been to the cemetery on several occasions and have certainly noticed the improvements and well maintained grounds. Keep up the excellent work.

re. Greta Cemetery
From: Noeleen Lloyd [noeleenlloyd@hotmail.com] 05 Mar 10
I thought I would answer this one as I am a member of the Greta Cemetery Trust. The Trust is made up of members of many families from Greta and we all take our responsiblity to those who have passed (and their living descendents) seriously - and all of us have siginificant numbers of family members buried in the Cemetery. First I would say that there are over 550 graves at the Cemetery with less than a quarter of those having markers of any kind. The Cemetery Trust is an active one, made up of volunteers and with very limited funds I believe we manage to keep the grounds in good order. Regular visitors will notice the improvements over the years; including fencing, trees, and a memorial at the gate to all the pioneering families of Greta. We are about to add another significicant improvement by building a rotunda in the grounds that will provide shelter to people during visits and at funerals. All funds need to be sourced and often take many applications (and knockbacks) for Government grants. Secondly , as far as any grave in any cemetery goes - it is entirely the right and the responsibility of living family members/descendents to make the decision whether to mark the grave or not. No trust is allowed to erect headstones, or for that matter do repairs without the permission of family - especially where there is known family. It also costs an enormous amount of money to repair headstones - most small trusts simply do not have the funds, even if they did have permission to do repairs etc. Finally, yes there has been interference to graves in the past. Some headstones have infact been removed and taken. Graves may be unmarked but they are NOT neglected. Well said!

SCARY...IF TRUE!
From: Deb Hurst [deborah.hurst@gmail.com] 04 Mar 10
Was anyone listening to Sydney's local ABC station 702 last Thursday (25th Feb) evening at around 5.55pm? I swear I heard a politician guest on the Richard Glover program say that (wait for it...) Kate Kelly was involved in the conscription debates of World War I!! I was fluffing about the house at the time so I REALLY HOPE that I missed something beforehand ... But I don't think so...Did anyone hear it and can clarify what was said? Kate died on October 6, 1898...

Greta Cemetery
From: Greg Devlin [contact@gardenviewlodge.com] 03 Mar 10
I was wondering if it would be possible to get an explanation for the graves of the Kelly family members in the Greta Cemetery. Most would be aware that they are unmarked and in a neglected state. I would like to know if the reason for this is one of privacy, or close family reasons, or a financial consideration. I can possible understand if the graves are not marked for fear of interference, but it would be a sad if the resting places of these people are not remembered for other reasons.

Ned Kelly Requiem Mass called off
From: Maree K. [Mareek2008@yahoo.com.au] 27 Feb 10
I was organizing a Requiem Mass for Ned Kelly in Cowra per June 6,2010 but decided to cancel it after an event that happened which made all my friends shudder for days. I rang the Cowra Police to ask them if they would like to attend a huge requiem mass for a "much loved person" in June 2010. I stated there could be excessive amounts of people attending (This is bushranger country also). I had been put through to police in Orange which is the local area command and the officer stated that they would be only too happy to attend if I give them a couple of weeks notice. I never told them who it was for. Less than an hour later it came on the news that police officers had pulled over a car in Lucknow just outside of Orange for a RBT and the person jumped out of the car carrying a .22 calibre sawn-off shotgun. More police were alerted and arrived so he held them at bay for 7 hours when they heard a gun shot, found the man with a wound to his chest and he died in the early hours of the morning. It was Ned Kelly all over again! His name was never released, Orana Police (Dubbo) investigated but nothing else has come to light on this story. It was very eerie to say the least and we are glad we didn't tell the cops who it was for at that stage. We have decided to cancel it for this year at least. Sorry, how was this 'Ned Kelly all over again'?

Ian Jones Contact Details
From: Kate Vinen [katevinen@hotmail.com] 24 Feb 10
Hello, I am researching a project and am trying to get in contact with Mr Ian Jones, historian. Does anyone have his contact details, or know his agents details? Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Try his current publisher...

Chidley Studios, Ned Kelly dramatic performance newspaper write-up
From: Sally McInerney [jdsmcinerney@?] 22 Feb 10
PLEASE get in touch with me, re. Ned and william Chidley - whose girlfriend played the part of Kate Kelly in the late 1800s? A proper email address would be a start...

Letter to the Editor (Border Mail)
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 15 Feb 10
Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that a media event has been organised by the Ned Kelly Weekend Organising Committee for the 9th March at 10.30 am regarding the Ned Kelly Weekend taking place in Beechworth this August. I have also heard the media event will be held at the Burke Museum. If you will allow me to explain a couple of issues I have regarding this event I would be most grateful.

Firstly, let me inform you that the Ned Kelly Weekend Organising Committee is also the B.H.R.G, or the Beechworth Historical Re-enactment Group. The President of this Weekend Committee is Adam Wynne-Jenkins. He is not only President of the Kelly Weekend Committee, but also President of the B.H.R.G and Chairman of the Friends of the Burke Museum. It was also Mr Jenkins who came up with the idea of bringing the four suits of Kelly Gang Armour to Beechworth and the Kelly Weekend, and for this I congratulate him and the Committee. But our biggest concern is that the international exhibition of Kelly Armour will be held in the B.H.R.Gs own leased premises, namely the old Beechworth Police station. I am just one of many supporters of the Kelly Weekend, and we are all asking the question why such a local and important exhibition is not being held in the struggling Burke Museum?

It was only recently that the BHRG were given permission to lease their premises, and not long after that, the Weekend Organising Committee announced the arrival of the four Kelly Gang suits of Armour for the Kelly Weekend to be shown in their own BHRG premises. At the moment the BHRG are busy turning their premises into a 19th century police station, with help I have been informed, by low security prisoners from the Beechworth Prison who are known as the Prisoners On the Run. The four suits of Armour will be on exhibition in these small premises and can be viewed for a gold coin donation. With the many thousands attending the Kelly Weekend, I’m sure the BHRG, or should I say Ned Kelly Weekend Organising Committee, will do extremely well for themselves.

It’s no secret that the Burke Museum has been having trouble getting numbers through its door for quite a while. The Indigo Shire Council have recently had an expert study completed at a cost of some $25000 to find out the reason why. One of the major problems the study discovered, was that the Historic Precinct and the Burke Museum were operating as two separate entities instead of one. The report went on to say that by having scattered exhibits throughout the Historic Precinct it was like having a museum without walls, and quite detrimental to the running of what should be the central focus for the Precinct…the Burke Museum.

If the BHRG are supposed to be a community minded group of volunteers, why have they done the exact opposite, and turned their backs on the Museum for this International Exhibition of Kelly Gang Armour and denied the Burke its rights?

It was in 1880 when the Burke Museum first asked the then Victorian Police Commissioner, Captain Standish, for permission to exhibit one suit of Armour at the museum in Beechworth. They were denied this request and the Commissioner ordered the Armour to be sent to Melbourne and destroyed. We all know this did not happen, and know that two suits are still in the possession of police, one in the State Library and one in private hands. How could any community spirited group deny the Burke Museum its right after waiting patiently for 130 years for these suits of Armour to come home to the North East?

The museum has the space, experience, and security to exhibit such iconic items, so why doesn’t the BHRG show a little more community spirit. There are many of us, including living relatives of the Kelly Gang, who are not happy with the BHRG decision to hold this exhibition in their own premises. I thought the Ned Kelly Weekend was a Indigo Shire event, but it seems the council has left it all in the hands of a private group.

If your representative for the Border Mail is present at the media release on the 9th of March, it might be worthwhile to ask the spokesman for the Ned Kelly Organising Committee, who will most certainly be Mr Adam Wynne-Jenkins, a few rather curly questions. For more information regarding this matter, you can contact myself at the above telephone number at any time or Ironoutlaw.com.

Yours sincerely,
Alan Crichton

re. All Quiet On The Armour Front
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 15 Feb 10
Good points Lisa, I think the BHRG have all gone to ground and have been instructed to keep quiet by their revered leader. Which only confirms their hypocrisy in that their grand launch for the 2010 Ned Kelly Weekend will be held.....you guessed it....at The Burke Museum, the very place they denied the Armour being shown. Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds. I suppose their headquarters at the Sub-treasury is out of the question, as they are currently busy renovating their police station with labour from the prisoners on the run from the local Beechworth Prison. How do ya like them apples? The boys would be turning in their graves. The launch will take place on Wednesday the 3rd of March. I wonder why I didn't get an invitation? Getting away from the Weekend for a moment, I read in the paper that the bloke who wanted to start a business of tromping people through the Beechworth Cemetery at night has had his little scheme quashed. It seems the Cemetery Trust did not like the idea, especially when their were so many living relatives of those passed away still residing in the town. But what the heck....... I suppose a bucks a buck!! Who the blazes would come up with such an immoral idea anyway? Mmmmm, you don't think it could have been that.....no, not even he would stoop that low......or would he??

All Quiet On The Armour Front
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 14 Feb 10
I can't understand why there hasn't been a single peep from any of the BHRG members regarding the boys armour & the Burke Museum. Everyone agrees that it is brilliant that they have organised to have all 4 suits of armour together in Beechworth this year, but I just don't understand why no one from the BHRG has written in to explain things and to give a straight answer once and for all regarding the armour not being displayed at the Burke Museum. They obviously look on the IronOutlaw website and would know about people's concerns regarding the matter, as members of the BHRG have posted comments on here in the past. So why can't one of their spokespeople or something just answer our concerns and talk about it and give their reasons why the display won't happen at the Burke? Whether it is true or not, their absolute silence on the matter gives the impression of an 'up yours' kind of attitude. With many regular readers of IronOutlaw attending The Ned Kelly Weekend each year, and with it being THE website where many people learn about Kelly Gang events, I just don't get why they won't talk to the people and explain what will be going on with the boys armour, and why. It just seems strange, even childish. Why can't they just explain their decision fully regarding their Sub Treasury Building, and why the Burke won't be considered? We are allowed to question things aren't we? We all just want what's best when it comes to the boys. Maybe I'll organise a protest march during the Kelly Weekend (which would be the only reason I'd go up this year, well that and Noelene Allen doing her talk)...

Steve
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 13 Feb 10
Happy Birthday Steve Hart! :D

re.Statue of Ned Kelly
From: Airi [repetti@ozemail.com.au] 12 Feb 10
Excellent suggestion Alan, I love the idea of a memorial garden on the Inn site. They do all deserve to be remembered with respect. As far as the armour is concerned, with the 130th anniversary Ned and the Gang are likely to feature in the media a lot more this year - why not make the most of the opportunity to gain support for reuniting the armour permanently by talking about it whenever and wherever a chance presents itself? Every rebellion has to start somewhere...

re.Statue of Ned Kelly
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 12 Feb 10
It's a strange ol thing, but when I think of Glenrowan, I only seem to get visions of many caught up in a tragic situation there, including Ned and the boys. But more to the point, is Glenrowan only about Ned? If the answer is yes, then build the statue of him, but if not, try looking for a more suitable alternative. The only problem with memorials and statues or the like, is that there is a very fine line that can quite easily, through time, alter their original purpose. These very same monuments can later be seen as nothing more than commercial enterprises for attracting tourists to a given location eg. Some of those spoken of by Mark. The large statue of Ned at the front of Kates Cottage in Glenrowan is an icon throughout Australia and overseas, but I would hardly call it a Kelly memorial, even if it were cast in bronze. So what makes Glenrowan so special? Is it the town itself with its souvenir shops and eateries, or is it all to do with, not only Ned Kelly, but the area where the historic stand off took place, and its fatal consequence?

If you agree on this point, then we must all be grateful that the owner of the block of land where Ann Jones Inn once stood, Linton Briggs, did not sell the property off fifty years ago. What could have quite easily been sitting there is a drive-in memorial to an iconic colourful clown, recognised universally as Ronald McDonald and his rather loud and swirling definitive M. What would have become of Glenrowan then? This small corner block is in fact, whether you like it or not,…. “The Glenrowan Memorial.” How many of us when visiting the siege sight wander over to the railway station and look back towards the site of the Ann Jones Inn and reflect on the violent actions that took place there between outlaws and police 130 years ago? How many people died because of those actions. The memorial at Glenrowan should not be just about Ned, but in remembrance of the souls who lost their lives there. We must all remember that Ned lost his life at the end of a rope in Melbourne and not in Glenrowan, unlike Daniel Kelly, Joseph Byrne, Stephen Hart, John Jones and Martin Cherry.

If Mr Briggs, for just a moment, could resist the influences hammered on him from local historians and so called academics to turn this site into a never-ending archaeological dig, we might just start to get somewhere. What if that corner block of weeds was to be turned into a Memorial Garden to remember those who died there? With plantings of trees, shrubs and wild flowers from the surrounding area. A simple stone path leading you through a place where an Inn once stood. A centred monument possibly in the form of the Ann Jones Inn sign with stone monuments in places where souls had their lives tragically taken from them. A simple bench where visitors can sit, pray, and reflect. Whether they be outlawed from society or innocent, they deserve to be remembered with respect. So tear down that bloody wire fence Mr Briggs, show a little respect, and open up your heart and mind to what is right and befitting.

The Fitzpatrick Conspiracy
From: Lisa [captain1@ozemail.com.au] 09 Feb 10
The Fitzpatrick Conspiracy article by Alan Crichton is very interesting. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if it was all planned by the Police regarding the Fitzpatrick incident either. The disgusting behaviour by many of the Police regarding the Kelly's really was unbelievable, so I wouldn't put it past them. How many of them got away with treating people (they were meant to protect too) the way they did is madness. I often think of how that horrible thing Constable Hall got away with trying to kill Ned twice, by shooting at him and bashing his head in.......and for nothing! He should have been charged with attempted murder on Ned. You feel really frustrated and angry all these years later thinking about those incidents (Fitzpatrick/Hall etc), so I cannot even begin to imagine how Ned and the rest of the Kelly Family felt. It's heartbreaking to read Mrs Kelly's words in Cookson's book. That dear little lady suffered so much, losing so many of her children so young and being thrown in gaol for something she didn't do. Seeing their lives thrown away by lies and corruption, being treating so badly and unfairly and to be powerless to help her children when they needed her most, it must have been agony. Well said...

Return of the armour
From: Jonelle Matson [tcandjm@hotmail.com] 09 Feb 10
I recently read an article about Egypts heritage laws, where any artifact must be returned to Egypt, and then placed on display. Italy instituted laws similar, and in America, there are many laws governing Civil War artifacts (down to bullets). Private collectors face huge fines and even jail time, depending on how the acquired the artifact. Why does Australia not have similar laws? Why are private collectors allowed to hide away these nationally important relics? In the case of Joe Byrnes armour wouldn't the laws re: resurectionists cover the return of his armour (i.e. you cannot strip a corpse of anything!). After contacting sellout Mr Garrett, I am told that this is not an issue worthy of consideration. Stinger, you are a lawyer, maybe there is some way of civil action stepping in here? Cheers. A very good point Jonelle!

re.Statue of Ned Kelly
From: Mark Perry [mperry@cospak.com.au] 08 Feb 10
I agree with Lynden on the statue. It would be nice to see some thought, planning and taste go into a statue instead of the Bob Hempel type rubbish there at the moment. Along the lines of Benallas Weary Dunlop Memorial in their Rose Gardens maybe? Or Pt Lincolns Maykbe Diva? Gundagais Dog on Tuckerbox....Urallas Thunderbolt statue... There are plenty of examples where a town gets its memorial right. My point us, somrthing not oversize, brightly painted and garrish. Considering the Glenrowans Siege site is one of our most significant places I believe the memorial should reflect the gravity of this. Unfortunately, the Big Ned statue doesn't quite cut it for me. (sorry Chris and Rod.) Just my thoughts. Cheers. What about a statue AND the return of the armour. A win, win...

re.Statue of Ned Kelly
From: Airi [repetti@ozemail.com.au] 07 Feb 10
Perhaps Glenrowan already has enough Ned Kelly statues, Lynden Cole? How about a fitting tribute to the whole Kelly Gang by working towards getting the four suits of armour permanently reunited and displayed together like they should be?

Statue of Ned Kelly
From: Lynden Cole [lynden.cole@live.com.au] 05 Feb 10
I am interested in gathering peoples thoughts and comments with having a life size bronze statue of Ned Kelly erected at Glenrowan. My hope is to see a completed statue on the site where he made his last defiante stand. This statue would be a tribute to a man who did what he had to do back then. The statue would be realistic true to life and not an abstact, standing tall with him wearing his helmet, overcoat and taking aim in the correct direction, mounted on a locally made granite base with descriptive plaques mounted to the base. This would be a tribute to probably one our most famous individuals. As Ned Kelly does not have a proper burial site or any tribute in his honour. Please lets get something happening as this is the 130th year of his final year. I would like to see a smooth progress towards completion as soon as possible. I need assistance in all areas of design, planning, approvals, funding, promotion, awareness etc. Please respond only positive and constructive replies.Thank You for your time.

Ned Kelly Prints
From: Leslie Roy Dick [dick@keypoint.com.au] 05 Feb 10
Hi, I was wondering if you have any other photographs/prints of Ned Kelly that aren't displayed in your current shopping page. Any information on available prints would be appreciated. Thanks. There's plenty of images of Kellyana out there but not a lot of Ned...

Greta Catholic Church
From: Lols Rowe (nee Lloyd) [lola.rowe@gmail.com] 30 Jan 10
A sad occasion the last Mass to be held in St.Bridgids , GRETA tomorrow before this little church is put up for sale. The Church that my Grand parents Rachel , Tom Lloyd & family attended in their horse and buggy .. Funerals.marriages etc held in this little church Wouldn't it be great if one day Neds remains could have been given a requiem Mass there.!!!!!

re. Hello! Is Anybody Out There?
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 29 Jan 10
Dear Mr Webb, It’s so nice to see that you have finally returned from your seemingly eternal and most elongated vacation, however, I have been deeply hurt by your cruel and malicious remarks directed at a poor old chap struggling to make ends meet through his diminishing twilight years. To insinuate I drink cheap red wine has cut me to the very quick. I will have you know Mr Webb I have forked out up to $8.50 for a top shelf Cab. Sav, and have been known to lash out, and not give a damn, for a bottle of a fine imported drop amounting to, might I be so bold $10.50. But you are right dear young fellow in what you say. I sometimes reflect on the good old days when a hard years harvesting had been done, and a week of celebration and well earned rest was to begin. It was the time for annual Christmas holidays with family and celebration, and oh, how I wallowed in that one weeks time of rest with my family. Mr Webb, they were the days. I can understand how you must feel after only six weeks of annual celebration, and consuming outrageous quantities of spirit, imported beer, and wine as you sit back and take in once again a defeat for the land that is OZ, and a victory once more for some foreign country in the Australian Open Tennis on your 48 inch plazma screen. Thank god Mr Webb for the Australian cricket team! But I can assure you Mr Webb, after receiving an uplifting phone call of encouragement from my dear and well heeled friend Mr O’Keefe, and with my spirits spiralling forth regardless of the money he had made me spend at the David Jones Emporium, I shall make sure I fill your Ironoutlaw feedback pages once again this year. I look back on my shortcomings and sigh out loud Mr Webb…..SUCH IS LIFE!! Good to see you're finally off the metho!

re. Wild Wright
From: Ellen Hollow [hollow@alphalink.com.au] 29 Jan 10
Isaiah Wright died Newcastle Waters NT Aus from Malaria. I believe he is buried there His wife Bridget Lloyd died 1884. They had a Son - John Thomas Wright b 1878

Hello! Is Anybody Out There?
From: Alan Crichton [rcr87285@bigpond.net.au] 23 Jan 10
Dear Mr. Webb, since the 15th of last year I have been, unlike some inebriated lost souls, wandering aimlessly in the historious and most bigness of infinity that we have all come to know as Kelly cyberspace. If you would be so kind to inform me....has there been a most dastardly alien attack on Ironoutlaw, or has some other catastrophic disaster that I am unaware of befallen our most revered Kelly website to bring its feed back section to silence? To seek some form of companionship over this moment of silence, I have tried ringing Mister Ian Jones on the telephone number Mr O'Keefe gave us in the last feedback, but in doing so have been somehow lumbered with six shirts, three pairs of pants and a bloody synthetic sports coat I didn't really need. As it is now the year 2010, could we please get back to some serious! Kelly business? Unlike some old rusty retired dudes that stare at the clock wishing it was 5pm so they can uncork another cheap bottle of red and drink their pension away, I do have a day job plus a little thing called annual leave. But I'm back now so feel free to flood my inbox once again!

Wild Wright
From: Matt [mgaynor_6@yahoo.com] 20 Jan 10
Hi all, Can anyone provide info on Wild Wright in later life. I understand that after Ned was hanged he served time in NSW with JIm Kelly for horse theft. What happened after this and where is he buried.

History Lesson
From: Narelle Roberts [blueandgold8@gmail.com] 08 Jan 10
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF NED KELLY PLEASE AND IF THERE IS A NEWSLETTER ALSO PLEASE IF SO CAN YOU EMAIL IT TO BLUEANDGOLD8@GMAIL.COM I think there is a web site called ironoutlaw.com that may hold a few answers

T-Shirt
From: Peter [pmccallum@rolandcorp.com.au] 01 Jan 10
Is your Ironoutlaw T shirt available in short sleeves, and not just long sleve? Sorry only long sleeve at this stage. However, with a sharp pair of scissors...