The True History of the Kelly Gang?
From: Bryan Giemza [bgiemza@email.unc.edu] 29 Jun 00
I was wondering if you could speak to the authenticity of The True History of the Kelly Gang.  I was captivated by the excerpt published in the latest edition of Granta (subject: Australia).  My question is simply this: Is Carey the ghost writer of the account, making it "historical fiction," or is Kelly indeed the author (and thus what we read are his actual words)?  If Kelly is quoted directly in the extract then I am duly impressed by his ability as a writer. And if he was the writer, why is  the chapter credited to Carey's name? Also, are the 13 melbourne manuscripts already available in some forum? Or is this "discovery" part of Carey's concoction?

Re-trial of Ned Kelly
From: David Jeong [djeo8085@mail.usyd.edu.au] 25 Jun 00
Hellow, My name is Don and interested in the outcome of the re-trial of Ned Kelly at the Victorian Supreme Court. I would be highly apprecaited for you to let me know the outcome and the location of the relevant legal or news material about that. Your homepage is full of fantastic ned kelly. Thanks.

Organised Kelly tours?
From: Benjamin Collins [benjrat@alphalink.com.au] 15 Jun 00
Why are there no organised Kelly tours? Has anyone tried to get something happening and if so why didn't they succeed? Do you think it would be economically viable to conduct say weekend tours that start at the Old Melbourne Gaol and take in the major Kelly sites?

Kate Kelly
From: Lila Vincent [lilibet@ozemail.com.au] 16 Jun 00
Hullo, our granddaughter (aged nearly 10 years) is in year 5 at Gaven State Primary School in Queensland, and is studying "People from the past" at school, and in particular she chose to do her project on Kate Kelly, the sister of Ned Kelly. She has been unable to find any information  at all on Kate Kelly.  She needs to know her date of birth, where she was born, where and when she died, where she lived until her death, and any other information about  Kate, but can find no mention in books in the school library, nor on internet. Are you able to help please.  If you are would you mind sending her an email. Any assistance you are able to give would be most appreciated.

Done the same thing
From: Deidre Skidmore [skids@acay.com.au] 13 Jun 00
Ned did not deserve to die. If I were him I would have done the same thing and I think Ned Kelly is Australia's biggest folk hero. There will never be anyone better.

Fantastic site
From: Steve Pinner [pinner@optusnet.com.au] 05 Jun 00
Just a quick line to congratulate you on a fantastic site.  I wonder what Ned would have made of it! I have been a Kelly student since my grandfather took me to Glenrowan when I was about 5 years old and started my great interest in all things Kelly. I have one query of you, do you know of any means of getting a copy of The Last Outlaw on video? I know there is a copy available at the University of Melbourne but I was unable to borrow it. Any help would be appreciated. Once again, Congrats on a great site.

Join my club
From: Anthony Smit [smit1@ozemail.com.au] 31 May 00
This is an open invitation to all Kelly supporters to join my club on Yahoo clubs called the Kelly Gang. This is a forum to discuss Ned and anything related to him. Feel free to come and join us.  Genuine people only please, if you dont like Ned then theres no point joining, although obviously you are entitled to your view. maybe we can get something done for old Ned after all...

The Last Outlaw
From: Kate Morgan [sleepstinkyfeet@hotmail.com] 31 May 00
Hi, have just finished perusing your site and found it highly educational and also entertaining.  I remember seeing the Channel 7 series called The Last Outlaw, and wondered if it is at all possible to get a copy on video from anywhere.   I saw it as a child and it was that show that sparked my interest in Ned Kelly.  If you have any information as to where I may be able to obtain a copy I would be most grateful.Thank you for all the time and effort that has obviously gone into the site,  it is a credit to you.

Ellen Kelly
From: Kelly Hodge [gilp@optusnet.com.au] 29 May 00
Hello, my grandmother has remembered her grandmothers name was Ellen Kelly. She was born in 1923, and her father was born in roughly 1902. His name was George Brandt. We were wondering whether the speculation that Ellen Kelly was somehow related to Ned Kelly was in fact true, or just a rumour. If you have any kind of information regarding Ned's family after his mother died, it would be greatly apprieciated.

Some feedback from our Kelly link via the 60 minutes website:
Poor Ned
From: Keatley Family [astral@accessin.com.au] 28 May 00
Poor old Ned he was doomed from day one because of his Irish convict background therefore the Judge had no time for the Irish so he made his judgement short and sweet and was happy to see another Irishman hanged.  The Judge was Biased towards the Irish therefore never let poor old Ned have his final say, but Ned had the upper hand and did have one final say and that was: he would have the last say when he next visited him which was in 12 days time from the hanging.  I guess everyone was surprised by this and it makes us all pleased to see that Ned did get his justice.

Aaron Sherritt
From: Charmaine Stewart [r.c.stewart@bigpond.com] 28 May 00
I found your website interesting. I was hoping to find out more about Aaron Sherritt, as his widow Ellen Barry is in my family tree as she married a Michael Murphy from N.S.W and am trying to find a connection how Michael came down from Albury to take her back to N.S.W and later marry her after the death of Aaron.

A Kelly sympathiser
From: Michael and Leslee [lormlkat@idx.com.au] 28 May 00
I have been a Kelly sympathiser, for many years, I have traced The Kelly gangs steps(as much as I new)and try to get back to Glenrowan as much as I can, I see Ned as a poor,but strong and honest person when it comes to his family, as Irish families usually are, he was loyal and loved his family and friends very much. If I had a gun pointed at me I would of done the same thing,The police really had it in for the Kelly's and other Irish families,it makes my skin crawl every time I think about what they did to the Kelly's.  I read recently in a magazine that Steve and Dan may have escaped and headed off to Queensland, and a gentleman can prove this, and will very soon.They also fought in the Boer War.  I could go on forever when it comes to Ned, And I will continue to do more tracing when I can. He is my Hero!

I really enjoyed all the material
From: Alan Cochrane [rats@pnc.com.au] 28 May 00
I have been an avid reader of all Australian Bushranger material for the past 30 years.  I have been fortunate over that time to speak to a number of people about this subject. After finding your site I have really enjoyed all the material on the Kelly's. Keep up the good work and I hope the hall of fames comes off as I would like to be one of the first to visit it.

He wasn't a murderer
From: Dorothy Elizabeth [dodoe3179@yahoo.com.au] 28 May 00
I have read and re-read everything I can about Ned and his gang. He wasn't the murderer and bank robber they say he was. There were thre others using his name at the same time robbing banks. Also why wasn't allowed to change lawyers, he a had a 27 y.o., who had sat for his matriculation 3 times, no experience and this was a major case and the crown were given 7000.00 more to fight their case against Ned. I will fight for a free pardon for the boys anytime.

E. Cook Pritchard
From: Mike Stamford [t.tem.doyle.@talk21.com] 27 May 00
My greatgrandfather was a missionary in Australia 1850-1880 ish. My grandmother who was with him told me (1940's) he had married Ned Kelly, is this possible. His name was E. Cook Pritchard, and he was a Methodist ( so perhaps not). He wrote a book called "Under the Southern Cross" and he certainly mentions meeting bushrangers and being treated with respect because he wore a "dog-collar" It would be great to find out. I can see no reason why she would tell a "whopper" to impress a small boy, she was a parson's wife!

Best site on the legend Ned Kelly
From: John Taranto [sonicboom@one.net.au] 27 May 00
First of all this has to be the best site on the legend Ned Kelly and it has given me a great chance to get to know more about Ned and his family. His story has been playing on my mind for a while now and i cant go through a day without thinking about ned and his story. I would like to know if anyone can help me get a copy of The Last Outlaw. Keep up the good work with the Kelly site its great.

Research the family tree
From: Henrietta Edith Scott [micki24@bigpond.com] 25 May 00
To whom it may concern we are needing some help as we are trying to research the family tree, and we are some how conected to ned kellys family somehow i will give you what information i have . Henrietta Heath she is my my mothers grandmother neds sister used to visit her but we are unsure which sister,and that she was marrued to thomas herbert which we can not find any trace of can you help?

Pithy comment
From: Warwick Wade [wxm@avon.wire.net.au] 20 May 00
Thanks for your quick response. I was trying to find a very funny (but serious) pithy comment made by Ned Kelly. It refered to the ruling classes in Australia at the time. I finally found what I was looking for in the Municipal Library. The quote was in a document known as the Jerilderie Letter. This is it.... 

"I have been wronged and my mother and four or five men lagged innocent and is my brothers and sisters and my mother not to be pitied also who has no alternative only to put up with the brutal and cowardly conduct of a parcel of big ugly fat- necked wombat headed big bellied magpie legged narrow hipped splay-footed sons of Irish bailiffs of English landlords"

Our Sunshine by Robert Drewe
From: Dr. Elliot Rubinstein [qwerty@bigpond.net.au] 10 May 00
I highly recomment that you read Our Sunshine by Robert Drewe, if you haven't already.  I am doing an assignment on it at the moment for 1st Year literature at Deakin University, and your website is a godsend. Sorry but “Our Sunshine” is rubbish

Steve Hart
From: Judi Mead [jmead@a1.com.au] 06 May 00
Great site on Ned Kelly, but what I am really interested in is Steve Hart. My grandmother, now deceased was a hart, and the faily has always said that Steve Hart was a cousin to her father (or maybe grandfather), but I am unable to verify this. After coming to a dead end researching back on my grandmothers history, I've decided to trace a connection from Steve Hart family, but unable to get much info here either. Any help would be appreciated.

Sydney Nolan
From: Charlie Boxer [c@orangeblossom.demon.co.uk] 03 May 00
I've read a lot about Ned, and agree with all your sentiments, I just began to wonder a little if anything  bad had been left off the record, especially by the apparently exhaustive Jones. In my view such consistent honour is almost difficult to believe in. I wanted to establish if there were one or two warts on Ned, that's all! I have been commisioned in fact to write a short biography of Ned for English kids.The Sydney Nolan pictures had me fascinated when I was a very young boy, and I've stayed interested since.

Armoured suit
From: Ivo Ostyn [ostyn@interact.net.au] 30 Apr 00
Could you please tell me where Ned Kelly's real armoured suit is kept. I have been told the armour at the Old Melbourne Jail is not the one he wore at Glenrowan. The armour I saw at the jail had no bullet marks at all. I have also been told the pistol and rifle he used at Glenrowan is also missing or possibly sold overseas. Is this true?. Could you clear these points up for me, as I am confused. Another point is, how many helmets did the gang have?. I have read only Ned had a helmet all the others are fake!. Please set the record straight for me!

Kelly Home in Beveridge
From: Geoff Lake [geofflake@ozemail.com.au] 23 Apr 00
First of all congratulations on a fantastic site.  Ever since I read Ian Jones' latest book I have been infatuated with the Kelly story and Kelly country. I am writing though to see if you could provide me with any more information regarding the status of the Kelly home in Beveridge.  I remember when it was up for auction and I had presumed it had been sold, however I was surprised to read on your site that it had been passed in.  Do you know if it is still on the market?  If not I would be most grateful if you could just let me know what happened and who now owns it. Once again, congratulations on a great site - I will be checking back regularly to see updates.

PS. I also remember reading in the Age about a month ago about a Kelly Trial reenactment that is planned for later in the year to commemorate law week or something.  Are you aware of any details?

A view from America...
From: John Lehman [jlehman15@hotmail.com] 02 Apr 00
My wife, Dianne, and I are folk muscians in Independence, Missouri, USA, the heart of "Jesse James Country." In the near future we will preform a cycle of bandit ballads at the Jackson County Jail Museum, where Frank, brother of Jesse, James was held awaiting trail. On a CD "Waltzing Matilda; Songs of the Australian Bush," (Larrikin Records) we found a wonderful song "The Ballad of Ned Kelly." It begins:

Sure, Paddy dear and did you hear the news that's going round,
On the head of bold Ned Kelly, they've placed five thousand pounds.
For Dan, Steve Hart and Joey Byrne, a thousand each they'll give
But, if the price was doubled, sure, the Kelly boys would live.

The notes say the ballad "comes from the singing of the late Joe Watson," and imply that it was contempory with the time the Kelly gang was active. Is there any way to document this? Your web site is wonderful. We bumped into Ned Kelly by accident and were greatly enriched by the information you presented. Thank you for your hard work. At the concert, time will only allow for a brief introduction. It is our evil plan to refer "The Iron Outlaw" web site to the bushwackers of Jackson County. Sincerely yours, John Lehman (Pick & Hammer)

Joseph Ashmead
From: Trevor [iceman@dragnet.com.au] 13 Mar 00
Site going well. Whitey is doing a good job also. Interesting to hear about the skull.I agree that Ned's skull should be found and buried properly and respectfully. Greta would be nice. In reference to Charles Cameron 28th Feb, I too up until recently have had relatives in Longwood. Ian Jones makes mention in " A Short Life" of Joseph Ashmead seeing Ned at the Longwood station while being moved from Beechworth to Pentridge. This to my knowledge is about the only reference to Longwood in the Kelly story. Although I do have a feeling that a robbery may have occurred near Longwood by one Harry Power and accomplice, possibly Ned.

I spent many school holidays in Longwood and although heavily into Ned (at even such a young age) cannot remember anything coming to light in the town regarding the Kelly story. I was taken by my Auntie to the Avenal cemetary once when a friend of hers described the exact position of Red's grave. I think it is actually marked nowadays. My Auntie's mother - in - law was in her late eighties when I was ten and often told me tales of her father who was a bullocky in Longwood, when I asked her of the Kellys she could remember little except that it was known the Kelly's had trouble with the police.

From San Francisco, USA
From: The Kid [Raven2444@aol.com] 05 Mar 00
This is too much! I stumbled onto Ned via Mick Jagger in 1970 and have been attracted to his history and his myth ever since. MY homemade suit of armor now rusts in the fork of a tree at my mom's house outside San Francisco to the wonder of birds and the questions of adults. As an artist I am asked which artists influenced me the most. Right off the bat I name two, and Sidney Nolan is one of them. I paint abstracted historical events myself, tho so far they are strictly American events and personages. But as my credibilities expand you can be sure I will tackle Ned Kelly in the future.

I have your site on my "fave places" and will check in every once in awhile.... But know that his story has not only reached me, but, as good myth must do, it has touched me. Many people ask me who my favorite outlaw is. I answer Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy and Ned Kelly. Well, they all kinda know about Billy and Butch... But when they ask me who Ned is, I tell them to sit and listen to a great and tragic story.  In his mythical form, as a man protected by a suit of armour (which we all wear in one form or another) maybe his image is the greatest outlaw image of them all.

Thank you for the site.... I can't wait til they cast him in the Wizard of Oz... That would really mess some heads up! YA-HOO!!! Clank clank clank forever... The Kid. An historical footnote: Butch cassidy, like Kelly, had a reverse brand. His was a reverse E box E...god, i wish i could draw it on here... 3=E that is kinda what it looked like... a reverse E connected, at top and bottom to another E. Both men shared the same idea.

You should feel proud
From: Darcy Moore [darcK@bigpond.com] 04 Mar 00
I enjoyed your pages on Ned Kelly. You should feel proud of such a well layed out and historically interesting site. The story that Kelly's scrotum was removed and tanned for use as a tobacco pouch has been the topic of conversation recently at my house (God knows why). Legend or fact? Is there any evidence to suggest this may be true? 

It's not Ned's skull...
From: A Baron [angeline@ozramp.net.au] 04 Mar 00
I am a radiographer and have compared the two skulls (Baxter's and the Old Melbourne Gaol skull taken in the 70's) along with several of my colleagues. The two skulls are definitely not the same. The Baxter skull contains two incisors (teeth) not seen in the OMG skull. Several other glaringly obvious differences can be seen between the two skulls, which I am happy to point out to anyone interested. It is the belief of several of my colleagues that the Baxter skull is that of a female.

I have heard that some doubt is being expressed by the OMG regarding the facts of Ned's burial. Some still believe that his bones were exhumed in the 1920's along with his skull. This skull, it is claimed, was the one finally placed on display in the OMG, until stolen. This could not be true, since a photograph I have examined of the OMG skull shows it to be in mint cindition, with no sign of it ever having been buried. It's condition is consistent with a skull stripped at autopsy. The Baxter skull is in deplorable condition. Baxter ought to be arrested for desecration of remains.  His behaviour should not be tolerated, no matter whose skull he possesses. The fact that the authorities tolerate his antics reflects very sadly on a country which seems to regard with  disinterest its own history. Doesn't anyone care about the truth?

Kelly sites
From: Charles Cameron [acc@aigvic.aigroup.asn.au] 28 Feb 00
I am seeking to visit some of the Kelly sites and would greatly appreciate the following information or directions to other person who could assist me with such information.  I have read your website and have throughly enjoyed it. I grew up on a beef cattle property near Longwood outside Euroa and have always had an interest in Ned.  I spent four hours with my brother just outside Euroa looking for the caves that the gang allegedly hid in at some stage (maybe just rumour?). I seek the following quite quickly if possible, as I plan to organise a hike or ride to Stringybark creek or another good camping location to surprise a good friend who is a television writer who loves Ned also. Directions to Stringybark creek murder site and any tips on the best way to get there. Suggestions for other places to camp where there are places of historical signigicance relating to Ned Kelly e.g Wombat Ranges or old homestead sites. I would also love any information on whether Ned spent much time around Longwood as our property is on the edge of the Strathbogie Ranges near Old Longwood.

Ned's Eye View
From: Bruce Carver [asmile@neca.com] 23 Feb 00
I once saw a photo of a painting of... a "Ned's Eye View" of the world, through his helmet - have you any idea who painted this, what it's name is, and where I might obtain a copy? I saw this SOMEWHERE (in a magazine, maybe?) years ago, when I was living in the Northeast United States... So, trivia fans, what do you say - are you up to the challenge?

Victorian Era site
From: A Baron [angeline@ozramp.net.au] 10 Feb 00
I have produced a Victorian Era site, with a page devoted to the analysis of Ned Kelly's hand writing. I have placed a link to your site from this page, and would like you to look at it and consider linking to me from your hot links page. Nothing like a little name dropping!

Pentridge Jail
From: TD [shirleyhoward@ozemail.com.au] 06 Feb 00
In November  98, I was working on a film which was being shot at Pentridge Jail, Victoria. I'm sure you Know it has closed down. The last of the prisioners were removed from JikaJika about a month before we arrived.We were there for about a month which gave us a lot of time to check the place out. For the first week, there were structured tours going on that were being conducted by the now ex—wardens. After talking to the wardens, they showed me where Neds grave was placed after it had been exumed from the Old Melbourne Jail, (along with about 20 other bodys). It was a garden about 25' square surrounded by 3 large brick walls.(there was a photocopied sign that read 'Ned Kellys Grave". Over the next three weeks there was a lot of slimy real-estate people there and the sight has since been sold to be re-developed into apartments. Only the front gates, are classified, and perhaps the first two buildings, H division, and B division.The grave area is down the back, not far from Jika. Do you know what is going to happen with them? I'm thinking the movie “Poltergeist”

Ned and The Others
From: Gary J Dean [gdean@cnl.com.au] 06 Feb 00
I must congratulate you on an excellent site. I was surprised you had not included a review of Dagmar Balcarek and my book, Ned and The Others in your reviews. Next to Ned Kelly a Short Life this is the next best book ever written, and contains quite a bit in it, that is not included in Ian's book. Well, send me a copy!

Ned stands in history
From: Philip Maguire [bundarra@foxall.com.au] 06 Feb 00
A.M. Stackpool, obviously a pom, picks on Ned and basically reckons he was a brainless murderer. Kelly stands tall in the Australian psyche because of his intelligence, his raw courage and his loyalty to family and friends. How many of us would not kill to defend those dear to us? Ned stands in history alongside all those of courage who dared to take up arms to defend their rights. What would people like Stackpool say of George Washington if he'd been the loser in the War of Independence. He, of course, would have been a murderer and traitor and executed as such. Perhaps the main difference between Ned and Washington was that Ned trusted a Curnow whereas Washington did not.

James Whitty
From: Burke Museum Beechworth [burkemus@albury.net.au]  29 Jan 00
Congratulations on your Ned Kelly web site, interesting and well researched.  I would like to draw your attention to the photograph of James Whitty contained on this site.  This photograph is part of the Burke Museum collection, copyright is held by the Museum and therefore this photo must not be reproduced without the express permission of the Burke Museum which reserves all rights.  We usually impose a reproduction fee for photographs, however, in this instance we are willing to allow you to display this photograph on your site providing the following text accompanies the photo 'From the permanent collection of the Burke Museum, Beechworth'. Done

Legends!
From: Bern [Bern@zip.com.au]  26 Jan 00
The best website in Australia, Legends! I watched the ABC report concerning alleged Ned Kellys head and feel that such a man as Ned Kelly deserves proper burial rights in a consecrated grave. Ned Kelly deserves recognition and respect for his stand against authority and to publicly display his head is a callous disregard for the sanctity of human life, his crimes were no greater or worser then those of his adversaries who were privileged to have the protection of the law..

McIntyre
From: Peter McEntyre [pyms@ceres.dti.ne.jp] 09 Jan 00
I'm in the early stages of preparations of writing a book (3 years research anyway). The story will take place in 1878/79. My McIntyre family ancestors taking the stage. I would like to find out more about the McIntyre that was involved in a shooting episode with Ned Kelly, and also like to know if Ned Kelly ever went near Wagga Wagga. My story begins in Ireland, to Melbourne to Wagga to Kiama and back to Melbourne again. 1879 being the main timeframe. Any help or suggestions will be happily received.

Dan Kelly escaped?
From: Sean Smith [seananthony@ozemail.com] 06 Jan 00
I read an article a few years ago by an amateur historian from Queensland who was looking into the theory that Dan Kelly escaped Glenrowan, was helped by aborigines, and eventually was sighted in South Africa. If you have any information I would be grateful.

Ned Kelly was a Gentleman
From: Gavin [Gavin.Norris@BTFinancialgroup.com] 06 Jan 00
Fantastic site! I always remember something my Grandfather said to me: "Ned Kelly was a Gentleman!"

It's not Ned's armour...
From: Adrien and Selena [sweetman@uq.net.au] 04 Jan 00
For over two decades I have been visiting The Old Melbourne Gaol. I have a deep interest in Ned Kelly and look carefully at both sides of the story. My first encounter with the Kelly story was back in 1972, as a 7 year old boy on holidays in Victoria in dad's old stomping ground around Dookie and Benalla. Whilst at Glenrowan, dad brought me a magazine called "Ned Kelly Illustrated". "Big Deal" you may well ask. Fair comment. Yet it was only during my last visit to Melbourne Gaol I found that,the publishers of this magazine had changed the picture of Ned Kelly's,armour to suit that of the armour now in the Old Melbourne Gaol.  On  recent visits to the Gaol I had found tour groups being informed that the armour at the gaol was that of Ned Kelly's.

INCORRECT. The suit of armour at the Goal is made up of the suits of Dan Kelly and Stephen Hart, which as you well may know were dragged from the ashes of the Ann Jones Inn. Ned Kelly's Armour, at last sight, I found was now on display in the artillery section of the Melbourne Museum. Although even then it was tagged as Kelly Gang armour. "This is an outrage". It seems to me for what ever reason that the people which have charge of these suits, wish to ensure they can extract the tourist dollar to the max, without a care for the preservation of the truth of Ned's armour.  "How do I know which suit is Ned Kelly's"?

Four suits were worn by the gang at Glenrowan. Joe Byrne: Dragged deceased from the Inn, still clad in his armour, the armour was given to the Clarke family as a gesture of good will from Supt. Hare. Ned Kelly: Captured at Glenrowan in his armour was taken, with the armour, to the station masters office at Glenrowan station. Dan Kelly & Stephen Hart: Bodies found in remains of the Inn and their armour raked from  the ruins of the Ann Jones Inn. Documented photos of the aftermath shows the two suits of armour ( Dan & Steve's), Ned's skull cap and revolving rifle directly after the siege had ended. Not so close examination of the suit at the Gaol and the two suits pictured in the "siege" photo, show that the goal displays a collaboration of Dan and Steve's armour.

Joe's is safely tucked away somewhere by it's private owners, leaving Ned's on display in the Melbourne Museum, the one with all the bullet indents in it. History should not be change to suit the tourist dollar at any cost. eg: Captain Cook's Cottage. I walked away thinking he actually lived there. P.S. Great web site, look forward to visiting it again.

Thankyou
From: Jeff Leggett [jeffro@ihug.com.au] 03 Jan 00
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. I stumbled upon your site when my young nephew acquired a Ned Kelly figurine. At the bottom of this, the dates 1855 - 1880 were inscribed (wrongly, by the way) I was amazed to find that Ned was only 25 when he died and my appetite became whetted for more. I found the information that you provided, enthralling and wish to congratulate you on a superb job! I'm not sure what conclusion to draw about Ned. Viscious renegade or wronged innocent? I like to think the latter - but maybe the truth is a composite of the two. The indesputable fact that is etched into my psyche regarding Ned Kelly is his bravery. "I DO NOT FEAR DEATH, I FEAR IT AS LITTLE AS TO DRINK A CUP OF TEA". Now that, is what legends are made of! "SUCH IS LIFE"