Unfair Justice and Screaming Women and Children
From: Kelly Smith [stoneybroke01@bigpond.com.au] 27 Jun 01
I have recently been reading a book on Ned Kelly titled “the inner history of the Kelly gang”. As most Australians i am also a Kelly sympatizer and hold a great deal of compassion for his family, freinds and Ned Kelly himself. The book has court discussions and inquiries held under oath, of which i found extreamly interresting. I have no doubt in my mind Ned Kelly was a man ruined by government and bully police officers. I know the law was different then, but one thing has always proclaimed to be the same... INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. Unfortunatly Ned had this privalige taken from him at a very young age, when Judge Barry sentenced him for life in prisonment on a charge he was not arrested for nor was he found guilty of... As i can see it Ned Kelly was a man looking after himself in a government and police force all playing against him using loaded dice... I have a great deal i could go on with on this matter but i will leave it at that... and a peice of my heart. Ned Kelly is by far the greatest man that was in Australian history... may we all beware of the corruption that still goes on within our goverment, and police force to date... as in the past their are many a fine men and women died as a result of poor conduct.

Women in the Kelly Outbreak
From: Glen Davis [glend63@hotmail.com] 19 Jun 01
I have only discovered your site today and from my brief perusal i am impressed. It is good to see other readers hanging shit on people like Gary Dean, why not add Edgar Penzig. I might be a bit arrogant as someone who has an honours in history but these so called self taught historians, with their glossy titles, or however they portray themselves seem like illiterate members of police appreciation socities, not having any knowledge of the social settings and class relationships that existed in rural Australia in the 19th century, simply playing goodies and baddies type of drivel. Phew, that feels good to get years of built up acrimony out of the system. Now something that has always concerned me is the lack of information re the role females played in the outbreak. There has been a lot of hype re Kate Kelly, but real heroines like Maggie Skillion have been very much negated by history. Whether that is because of lack of information, or because of a gender bias, but some more, detailed information re her life and exploits would be appreciated and invaluable. Ditto re Esther Hart, again not much is knowm about her and her involvement. Some info on these would be appreciated. Keep up the good work, cheers.

Zodiac Killer and Ned Kelly
From: Dr. Howard Davis [antaresresearch@hotmail.com] 18 Jun 01
Northern California's most infamous serial killer approached a couple at Lake Berryessa, CA. doning an all black costume and hood with an out stretched gun just like some of the depictions of Ned Kelly. My Zodiac suspect was into people like Kelly and imitated them. I was the first to speculate that Zodiac copied his costume after Ned's get up! See my site where I will post on this conection in the future. It is already in my book zodiacmurders.com Umm, only in America. What type of medication is this “doctor” on?

Peter Carey’s Novel
From: Lola [lola@winnet.com.au] 17 Jun 01
Why, oh why do we have to have a book written by this so called great author, as a fictional story, based on fact, with RAT CATCHERS in Ned Married and a child why not the truth, and the movie being made based on the TRUTH.

The Kelly Homestead and The National Trust
From: Nicky Cowie [nickycowie@today.com.au] 16 Jun 01
There seems to be loads of people who want to see the Kelly home at Beveridge preserved - but not many who know how to help? It's very easy to hassel the National Trust if you want to do something... just follow the prompts on this feedback page and either email the N.T. or join in on the forum, or both! Don't leave it up to others like Brad and Dave - it's our responsibility too! Cheers gang.

A Decent Irishman
From: Seaoamh Mac Tighearnain [joekiernan@hotmail.com] 14 Jun 01
I've been over here for 2 years now and have just started reading about Ned Kelly. I've always known he was decended from Irish parents but I didn't know his rise and eventual fall had a lot to do with the traditional racist and religious bigotry which existed in Ireland at the time. The British did everything in their power to keep Irish Catholics down - the penal laws etc, and the exact same happend out here. The Protestants got all the good land and the poor Irish Catholics treated like dogs. Ned stood up to all this abuse, like many a good Irishman before him. A true Hero.

Compliments
From: David Panther [Speaker@aol.com] 14 Jun 01
I have been into 'Kellyana' all my life... I have collected about 15 books and I visit the North East (Kelly country) regularly. I'm so appreciative of the work that's gone into this website... thanks and compliments to all. The info is brilliantly presented: It's comprehensive and accurate. It's tremendously pleasing just to know that such a complete work is available to students and interested persons worldwide.

The Ballinger Connection
From: John Ballinger [jballing@iinet.net.au] 08 Jun 01
My grandfather often told the story of has father /uncle or somewhat being present at Ned Kelly's capture. My grandfather has been dead a good many years now and I have been unable to gather more details on his claims. Do you know anything of a Ballinger in connection with Ned?

Gary Dean Fan Club v.3
From: Michael Lawson [wombatbob@optusnet.com.au] 07 Jun 01
Hi my name is mike and Im 14 I love ned Kelly Iv read every book and looked at every website on him and also I,m related to him! my great great grandmother was Annie Kelly neds sister and I just cant get enough of him and also I was wandering do you believe Gary Dean? I see Gary every holidays and I think he is right well thats all I wanted to say. Thanks. Is Gary paying you to write this?

Gary Dean Fan Club v.2
From: Michael Lawson [wombatbob@optusnet.com.au] 06 Jun 01
I would like to say good website but not as good as Gary Deans My name is Mike and I'm 14 and Iam a mega kelly fan and also related to him my great great grandmother was Annie Kelly.And the Main thing that I wanted to say was that I believe Garys theory that Steve and Dans escape from the Glenrowan inn on June 28th 1880.and also that ned kelly is our greatest folk hero ever!! thanks good website. Mike age 14. Yes Gary has lots more fonts and colours, usually all on the same page!

Gary Dean Fan Club
From: Michael Lawson [wombatbob@optusnet.com.au] 04 Jun 01
Im 14 and all I do is read Ned books, Look up websites and people do not beleave me when I say I do it all in my spare time. Thats all i do i borrow about 15 books every 2nd weekend so that it will hopefully last me over the two weekends. I go to Glenrowan every April and recently my grandmother was looking up our family tree and found that my great grand mother rode with NED KELLY. I nearly fell with exitment and also all these people say all around Kelly Country is terrible now Ive done this trip say I dont know about 7 or 8 times. And i think that Glenrowan is the best place in the world!!! I got offered to go overseas or perth or darwin for my birthday but i said no i want to go to glenrowan i love how glenrowan is so peacful and quiet. And i love going to the kelly land thearte and the owner is a very nice man and so anyone going to glenrowan this school holidays thats a must! And this is a fantastic site. I think you should broaden your horizons a bit more. Try other Australian biographies like Serle's “John Monash”, another great Australian

Well Done
From: Karen [kazzmail@yahoo.com] 04 Jun 01
Just wanted to congratulate u on such an informative site. I recently studied Peter Carey's novel 'Our Sunshine'(?) which made me want to delve into the true character of ned and the kelly gang. I think it's a shame that many Australians are oblivious to the true Kelly story, picking up myths here and there and accepting it as truth. I think Ned's demise was a sad (and indeed unavoidable) one, had the police and society in general dealt with the situation in a different way. Anyway, again, congrats on an excellent site, much appreciated!

Ned’s Year
From: Trevor Sargeant [MTRP@bigpond.com] 01 Jun 01
First and foremost, congratulations on the Kelly website. Most of your feedback has a common thread of dissapointment and disgust regarding the state of both surviving Kelly sites and half baked "Kellyana" that greets us at Glenrowan. Totally understandable. I have, like many Aussies been totally under the magic spell of the Kelly story since I was a little boy. My reading of Ian's book reignited a flame that I can't really explain. I have always felt a certain presence in the Kelly Country. I guess that you would too, Brad. Over the last five years however, I've come to learn that the Kelly story is much deeper than most people would perhaps imagine. Ned has passed into the realm of legend, into the status of Icon, so much so that it is sometimes hard to believe that he actually existed at all. Ned Kelly was a man who, like most of us had plans for his life. He would have eventually married, had kids and maybe even prospered. Certain events fell into place that would see him become the centre of a much deeper issue than what most people would appreciate. He wasn't just someone who wore armour and robbed banks. He certainly had outstanding qualities, so much so that I believe that he was one of those very few people that could not have gone through life unnoticed.

I simply must vent my disgust and anger at people like Barry Mcarthur, Bob Hemple and Gary Dean. It's these half baked “historians” that ruin it for all Australians. It sickens me that these people suck the blood out of  a good yarn to make a buck. Bob Hemple and his broken down Disneyland version of a family tragedy is a national disgrace. I read recently that Bob's next plan is to include dummy's of Dan and Steve burning to death in the Glenrowan Inn. He proudly boasted that people would be able to see these two young kids twitch as they slowly died. What a sick oppurtunist. I thought that the talking death mask was as tacky as Bob Hemple could get. How wrong was I? We all know Gary Dean's theory or theories regarding Dan and Steve's so called escape from Glenrowan. What on earth is he talking about? Who then are the two burnt bodies photographed after the siege?  Last I hears was that he ran out of government money whilst filming his wild goose chase up in Queensland searching for the grave of Dan Kelly. I eagerly await the day that he returns to his gift shop with nothing. No results. Zip. Sometimes things are as simple as they are. I liken these wild theories to Elvis being alive, they are no different.

The ultimately frustrating thing is that nobody from that era is with us today to say these people are wrong, wrong, wrong, and therefore their wild claims are taken on board as possibilities. How on earth can somebody survive in a cellar underneath a burning building? Barry is in the same league. The only real  historian is Ian Jones. Sixty years of research under his belt. Having met Ian on many occasions, I can vouch for his incredible knowledge, and what's more you will not meet a nicer bloke. I guess that I've got a bit carried away, but it is these people that continue to piss us genuine devotees off. I'm surprised that they are still around, to be quite honest. They also forget that Ned's family are still living in the area. These people are very private, reserved  and must be fed up with all this bullshit. Brad, again congrats on your site. I would also like to let everybody know that this is Ned's year. Not since 1880 will there be as much discussion on him. Keep your ears to the ground, as there is something happening that is bigger than anything that has come before. It will be done right. Exciting times. Brace yourselves!

He’s a Legend!
From: G.Beeforth [gbeeforth@pipeline.com.au] 21 May 01
I reckon Ned Kelly should not have got hanged because he is a legend to our nation and some people like him and some people don't but i think he should still be here today!

Am I related to Ned?
From: Luke Kelly [pogman@ihug.co.nz] 17 May 01
Somebody told me a few months ago that our version of the kelly family are related to Ned. I was wondering if you could clear this up. My direct ancestor John Kelly left Ireland about the same time as Ned's Family and came to New Zealand, and was one of the first settlers in southland. Was he related to the kellys that settled in Australia? I would be very interested to here from you even if it is just to say that its a load of rubbish. Yes Luke, you are a distant relative to dear Ned!

I’m a bit confused...
From: Richard [jamira00@rgs.qld.edu.au] 16 May 01
I think Ned kelly was somwhat an icon and other ways bad. Yes he did hold up banks, yes He did kill many people but there was a good side to him. Because He's mother was sentanced for jail he would've felt cranky so he retaliated. He is also good because he stole from the rich and gave to the poor. not all the poor people deserved the money and not all of the rich deserved getting robbed but the majority desevered it. I also believe that He was somewhat ruthless and deseverved what he got. I notice you have an education email address. Try going to a few more English language classes.

Beveridge
From: Marilyn Harris [mick_maz@hotmail.com] 16 May 01
I have been to the house in Beveridge, it had a fence all around it, i took pics i love that house and i love any thing to do with the kelly history see you.

Ned Kellys Armour
From: C & G Plaster [cgplaster@peninsula.hotkey.net.au] 15 May 01
My name is Terry Culph, my great grandfather Charles Culph made Neds armour. My grandfather Thomas Culph and my father Charles Culph, 83, told me when I was a kid but said not to tell anybody because they would not believe me. My father has seen a letter to prove it. Yes Terry, research proves your great grandfather was involved in the making of the armour!

A True History?
From: Bianca Labianca [labianca@wn.com.au] 14 May 01
I have recently read Peter Careys The True History of the Kelly Gang. It made me frustrated the way the police and judges punished Ned and his family and friends. It was totally unfair, could'nt they see that poor Ellen Kelly was just trying to raise a family and intended no harm? It is obvious the police had a great influence on pushing the Kelly family to become outlaws. Even though Ned did commit several crimes, I dont blame him for them. Ned was'nt such a bad bloke after all.

re: Brad Pitt and Ned Kelly? No thanks!
From: Nicky Cowie [nickycowie@today.com.au] 11 May 01
On the topic of Brad Pitt, I don't share Sarah's outrage at the possibility of Brad Pitt playing Ned. Infact I'm quite open to the idea. Firstly, Brad can act and I suspect he could manage a convincing portrayal of Ned. (I would draw attention to 'The Devil's Own' and "Fightclub' amongst others. He usually plays "believable" and engaging character's.) Secondly, having a draw-card like Brad would mean a wider audience and would serve to have Ned's story reach more people. I was also a little confused by Sarah's concern that having Brad in the role would mean "...the point of the story would not be understood by many viewers", why so? Why think also, that hormones stop the auditory nerve and brain processing functions in teenage girls? No argument from me that Brad is a bit of a spunk, so what? So too, was Ned! (Check out his photos).

Of course it would be great to have an Aussie actor playing Ned, but if you want a truly authentic protrayal, the Aussie would need to be born here, with Irish immigrants parents. Surely it is more important to have the film produced, written and directed by Australians? Lastly, let's not forget that Peter Carey's novel is just that - a NOVEL (only based on facts). It is not "the story of Ned Kelly" and therefore will not be entirely accurate - a fact that we will all have to live with! Chances are, no doubt, that talk of Brad and Nicole is simply either; a wish list from the director, or rumour mongering for publicity and so no one need panic just yet. (Sarah, I think you may just be the only human being ever to refer to Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman as "...disgusting"). And please - no more talk of Blue Heelers. What about Russell Crowe? or Heath Ledger?

Ya web site
From: Kate [tigerlillierighthere@hotmail.com] 11 May 01
I have just done a project on ned kelly and i found all the info needed right here at ya web sit thanx heeps u made me life just that much easyer ya set this web page out well and put alot of thort and effort into it and it is much appreachted.... thanx heps. I accept cheques as well as thanks...

Good Guy
From: Richard Yang [ryblueman@hotvoice.com] 9 May 01
Hi, how do you do? i'm richard from sydney who have read about "the kelly's gang" during high school, which i show sympathy towards the gang and i would like to say ned kelly was my favourite hero of my time. in so i shall tell it to my relatives in the future. so what i've read from history books, he wasn't a bad guy at all he was a brave young man who had tried to bring the law to it's rightful place. in what i said, i like his armour and very stylish and a very masculine sort of armour. Sometimes we tried to be like him as in these stone age years. ned really bring out his best imagination in dealing with the police back then. ned really show he can be a true hero in every aspects to which many people may agree with me. i think there shall be a movie made just to celebrate our national heroes of our time. (i think somebody is making a movie about ned.) anyway he is my favourite hero and shall always be my favourite.

Brad Pitt and Ned Kelly? No thanks!
From: Sarah Frawley [sesley@hotmail.com] 08 May 01
It is an insult to have an actor such as Brad Pitt cast as a member of the Kelly Gang. A movie about Ned Kelly should be made with reverence and repsect, for Ned Kelly was an Australian pioneer. It would be completely insulting to Australian history to have big-time actors play the parts of such important historical characters. Brad Pitt is only ever used to draw the women, and re-telling the story of the Kelly Gang should be done with reverence. Using Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman is a ploy to attract audiences. But that's not how the Kelly Story should be screened. It would be distracting having such notable actors playing the lead roles because the point of the story would not be understood by many viewers. Most viewers will be teenage girls who think “Brad is so hot”. An actor like Rupert Read from Blue Heelers would be such a suitable Ned. He is a more believable, down-to-earth actor, is Australian (more importantly) and has the correct appearance to play a bushranger. The story of Ned Kelly is too important to be marred by using a disgusting array of actors to portray such fantastic and important Australian history.

Ned, a legend
From: Peter Cooper [pcobra666@dingoblue.net.au] 06 May 01
I live in Wangaratta, which is a part of "Kelly Country." I have been studying Ned Kelly since I was 5, and I'm now 27. I don't blame Ned for what he and his gang did as the coppers antagonised them to do what they did. Not much has changed in the last 121 years since Ned's hanging, as the coppers are still the same today.

Robert Scott
From: Mandy Jane Smith [mandyjane@one.net.au] 26 Apr 01
I was wondering if anyone knows if they are related to Robert Scott who was the manager of the bank in Euroa that was stuck up by Kelly and his gang. Robert Scott was my Great Uncle and I would love to hear from any of his relations. Before I go I just want to say that this is a terrific site, keep up the good work.

Death Mask
From: Colleen Mitchell [dbmitchell2000@yahoo.com.au] 23 Apr 01
I am looking for information regarding Ned Kelly"s Death Mask, how many were made, who made them and where they all are now, anything else you can tell me about them. Thanks.

Keep up the Good Work
From: Independent Ink Technologies [info@inktech.com.au] 11 Apr 01
Very good web site about Ned Kelly. Lots of good info on places to see and do keep up the good work. I went to see kelly country in april 1999 found it very interesting, Glenrowan, Beechworth, Avnel, Melbourne and of course Old Melbourne Gaol. Thanks PJ

Rebel Spirit
From: Philatelic WebPage [Philatelic.WebPage@anpost.ie] 2 Apr 01
Thank you for your email. The material looks good on the site. Thank you for your interest in our issue.
Patrick Carolan
Manager Philatelic Services
PS: I like your site. It is a good source of information on Ned and the lore of the bushrangers.

Let’s Get Physical
From: Kerrie [Threebees@bigpond.com] 1 April 01
I am actually after a physical description of Ned Kelly and can’t seem to find one anywhere. Can someone help me. I need height, weight, hair, eyes, distinguishing marks etc. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

The Legend
From: [Brownbellybutt@aol.com] 31 March 01
Over the past few years I have been studying the legend of Edward Kelly. It was amazing to realise all the facts that happened and the details of his life. The birth of the Kelly Gang and the unfortunate end of their lives inspired me for my first project as an Auatralian Director/ Writer. I am sure that your email must be full of request's and bullshit questions of who the man really was. Mine, is written not to ask dumb things, but to say how he truley made me feel. In this day and age, of legislation, depression and the endless use of destruction, it truely inspired me to read of another man who faced these problems with a sence of pride for his family and loyalty to his home. No one is perfect, but in my books, Edward Kelly will always remind me of the true meaning of how to help solve all your problems - Such is Life.

Web Link
From: John Hanna [jofta@bigpond.net.au] 30 Mar 01
Ive included a link to this site on my own web page. I would just like to congratulate you on the depth and breadth of this wonderful site and CONGRATULATE you on replacing that dark blue scripting with white. Viva la Republic!

De Ja Vu?
From: Veronica Rowan [mbusiya@vtown.com.au] 29 Mar 01
Isn’t it time we that are true Kelly fans organise something so that any research that any of us may have done can all be in one place and maybe we can get some TRUE facts about Ned Kelly. Has anybody had a good look at all the different so called facts out there. Just to start with when was Ned born 1854? 1855? 1856? I have spent a lot of time looking into the Kellys and the Kelly Gang and there are many things that I believe we could set right if those of us who care about the Kellys and their life tried get too the truth. We need to do this, not to make money but so our children are taught the truth. Has any body ever seen Neds death certificate that has him as 28 years old at the time he was hanged? Doesn’t anybody else want to know the true facts?

Let’s Talk!
From: Scott Duncan [duncs@alphalink.com.au] 24 Mar 01
I’ve been a Kelly enthusiast since my first journey thru Glenrowan in 1956 and I am still fascinated by the story, events and history of the time. I’ve made many trips to Kelly country over the years and would be more than pleased to correspond with any one with similar interests. Time is running out, and we must try to preserve the few tangible links to our premier folk hero, our history and heritage.

Great Site
From: Bridgie Madden [bmadden.@spatptfy.balrt.catholic.edu.au] 23 Mar 01
Great site on Ned and well done and keep it up!

Best Site
From: Margaret [margaret@aphs.net] 21 Mar 01
This is absolutely the best site I have ever found on the internet, congratulations.

Ned’s this, Ned’s that...
From: Adrien and Selena [sweetman@uq.net.au] 13 Mar 01
Lets not worry about the Kelly house at Beverage any longer, nor the shoulder cap, nor anything else related to the section of our past that is related to the Kelly Outbreak. Lets find a band of people who care and wish to make a difference to the outcome of such things. THE NED KELLY TRUST. A band of people interested in the preservation of the History that is NED KELLY. Not only interested, but controlling the future of it, as it seems others don't seem to care. I'll be working on this soon, as I will be opening my own home page in relation to this very subject.

Ned and Joe
From: Bryan Brett [bcbrett@dynamite.com.au] 28 Feb 01
Thank you for a most comprehensive site. I grew up in northern Victoria with the Kelly legend but it is only recently that I have looked at the story in detail, as I researched my Grandfather's life . He was one of the hostages in the Jerilderie pub , and according to an account by Sam Gill he was the one who spoke up to call Ned into line when he threatened to shoot J D Rankin J P ,the big man in town. Sam quotes him as saying:

"There will be no shooting here, Kelly. If you shoot Rankin you will shoot the lot of us; but in the end they will capture you. You have had it all your own way, and no one has interfered, and you have got all you wanted; but there will be no shooting"

It seems very fortunate for my grandfather that Ned was not a murderer - it is hard to imagine more foolhardy behaviour by a hostage. Sam of course was not an eyewitness, He was the editor of the Jerilderie Chronicle, who encountered Ned in the Bank , and was still running when these events took place, but presumably he collected his story soon after. More generally, it seems to me that too little attention is paid to the role of Joe Byrne . Ned called him his best mate, and a good case can be made that Joe did the detailed planning of all of the raids. In particular the Glenrowan plan does not fit with anything that had gone before and I have great difficulty seeing Ned shooting down even police as they struggled out of the train wreck.

It never came to that of course but Ned's behaviour as he waited for the train is that of a man who was having second thoughts about what he had been talked into doing . His action in sending his supporters away after the shooting started saved a bloodbath but also signed the death warrant of the gang Joe committed the only murder by any of the gang, when he shot Sherritt , and he seems to have been a much less well adjusted individual than Ned. He always seemed to shelter behind Ned's personality, being a minipulator rather than a leader . After Stringybark Creek there was no long term future for any of them ,but I think that it probably was Joe more than Ned who shaped the actual course of events.

“Bush Born and Bred” by artist Frank Harding
From: Barry [bmac@picknowl.com.au] 27 Feb 01
Hi.My name's Barry and I hope you can give me a review on the following book as not many have it and not many even know about it!! If you do have info about the author, please let me know as I've been searching for months to get info about him, to no avail. Book's title is BUSH BORN AND BRED by artist Frank Harding. It is a book in the form of 31 paintings and script about the story of Ned Kelly. The notes accompanying each painting gives Frank Harding's interpretation of the incidents of Ned. It was a limited issue of 1000 books (I have no. 862 personally signed by Frank) issued in 1980 and I cannot find any site on the net that refers to him or the book.

The Barr-Smith library at the University of Adelaide has the only other copy that I have found. Frank Harding was born in Werrimull Victoria in 1935. Worked as a wool presser and shearer before joining the South Australian police force in 1957.Resigned 1975 to devote all his time to painting.His work is represented in USA, UK, Japan, Israel and Mexico as well as Australian Embassies in London and San Francisco. Apparently he had his own gallery in Renmark South Australia (Frank Harding's Folklore Gallery) but enquiries to their tourist bureau comes up nil!! I can only hope you have many contacts with Ned Kelly historian interests and may be able to assist me. I would love to obtain further info on this artist who obviously seems to have overseas demand but an unknown in Australia.

Edward the Great
From: Yasmin Gerhard [JShinook@aol.com] 27 Feb 01
I think Edward was a great person who stood up for what he belived in. A great aussie icon.

From a descendant of Alex Gunn
From: Ron Gunn [ron.gunn@hunterlink.net.au] 25 Feb 01
Came across your site and thought I would congratulate you on same. My name is Ron Gunn, my great grandfather was Alex Gunn who married Ned's sister Annie.I have been doing the Gunn family history for a number of years, unfortunately no history of Alex involvement with the Kelly's has been passed down through my line, it was a subject that was only whispered about when I was growing up.Most of the information I have on Alex in Victoria was gained from Ian Jones book "Ned Kelly A Short Life". Again congratulations on your site and perhaps you may have some information on Alex that could add to our family history. Kind Regards Ron Gunn-Newcastle NSW

Our Sunshine by Robert Drewe
From: Catherine Eldridge [cath@aha.ru] 10 Feb 01
Hello, I was just looking at your website about Ned Kelly and wondered if you'd heard of a book by Robert Drewe called Our Sunshine, published by Granta Books in 1991. It's a fictional first-person account of Ned Kelly's story. It's quite a good read, actually. I was looking in a bookshop for Peter Carey's book, having heard it was worth buying, and came across this one by Drewe. On the front cover it's got a quote from a review by the said Peter Carey saying: "An important writer meets an important myth and reinvents it in the most sensual, visceral language he has yet produced." I wonder whether this Robert Drewe book prompted Peter Carey into writing his? Has there been any discussion about the Drewe book anywhere? I don't live in Australia any more so am a bit out of the literary scene! Regards, Catherine Eldridge, Moscow It is a shocker of a book. Lets hope they never make it into a movie!

A Great Bloke
From: Chris & Margaret Hale [halesy@tpg.com.au] 08 Feb 01
Ned Kelly was a great bloke and I know that by fact I knew old Ned I never wanted anyone to ever Find out but I'm letting you fellas know before I die. From Jack.

Bryson on Kelly
From: Eugene Sullivan, United Kingdom [eugene@chalwar.com] 4 Feb 01
Bill Bryson A distinct class of people governed Britain and the Empire. 'The Officer Class' - RP speaking, Public-school-educated, Masonic - was a clearly defined and tightly knit ruling class as opposed to a ruling group. (A class is defined by marriage). Socially, itÕs members ranged from the professions through the gentry and the nobility all the way up to the royal family and the king himself. They all went to the same schools, spoke with the same accent joined the same clubs, followed the same sports and the same social routine. They were strongly loyal Ôto king and countryÕ. After all, it was their country and he was their king.

But most of all IT WAS THEIR LAW. (Some things don't change. You try becoming a resident magistrate here in England withot being a member of a lodge). Even in Australia, members of the officer class spoke more like English upper-class people than their own countrymen.Ned Kelly was hated by these people; they hated and feared all 'Micks'. It's not just his stuff about Ned Kelly but the whole thrust of his stuff and the backing that he has, that leads me to conclude that BRYSON IS A MASONIC WRITER. He is peddling the beliefs of the present-day destiny masters, which is why we need to remember our Ned Kellys.

A Colourful Character
From: Larry Willis [williswest@hotmail.com] 30 Jan 01
Finaly getting around to sending a jpeg of a watercolor I did of Ned Kelly. Best to you, Larry Willis, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
See On Canvas for Larry's complete masterpiece

Permission to link
From: Lauren Nance [lnance@hrw.com] 26 Jan 01
Holt, Rinehart and Winston (HRW) is a publisher of educational materials for the secondary school market. We have created a website containing activities for the social studies. We want to provide hyperlinks to sites that we feel will be of frequent interest to the teachers and students who are accessing our site. We request permission to include your site named Edward "Ned" Kelly: Australian Iron Outlaw: as a hyperlink from the HRW Site. We understand that your grant of permission for this link does not constitute an endorsement or sponsorship of HRW or its publications, nor does it imply that you have granted any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights to HRW. This new site will be going on line very quickly. If these terms are acceptable to you, please confirm your consent by sending us an email response as soon as possible. Your approval by email will be verification that you are the responsible party at your company for approving this request. Thank you. We look forward to receiving your response. Go for it

It's not just Beveridge that needs to pick up it's act!
From: Sandi Miller [sandi.miller@mbox.com.au] 25 Jan 01
Being a Kelly devotee for much of my thirty-one years, last week, a friend and I embarked on a 'Ned Kelly Trail', spending a couple of days in Kelly Country looking at the various sites of interest in the Kelly legend. What we found was a trail of decay, disinformation, and neglect. The disrepair of the house at Beveridge is the tip of the iceberg. It continues at the various grave sites - many of which remain unmarked, the site of the selection in Greta West - the only clue that the chimneys are that of the alleged (later) Kelly home is the enormous 'Keep Out' sign. As Ian Jones pointed out, the Kelly Tree at Stringybark Creek is in the wrong spot. There is nothing but a horse and replica sign where the Inn stood - while Glenrowan has made an attempt at keeping the legend alive - they could do SO much better. You can only buy so many fridge magnets.

The Kelly Cell in Beechworth is falling apart, Avenel is disgraceful, I could go on... one glimmer of hope is at the Benella museum. We need a loby group to petition government, council and business to fund the restoration and upkeep of these important sites. I emplore all Kelly sympathisers not to let his legacy die as our forbares let the man die. We should not just say 'Such is Life'. If we are to keep alive the memory of this defining moment in Australia's history, the time to act is now! Please contact me with suggestions and support.

Lets dig up Barry McArthur!
From: Blair Jones [MsWriteone@aol.com] 24 Jan 01
Read your scathing debunking of McArthur's claims. Here in America they have dug up countless people simply because someone with lax documented evidence SWEARS that the body in the grave doesn't belong to the person that is supposedly in the grave...for instance a similar American figure to your Ned Kelly and around the same time was JESSE JAMES people swore that Jesse was not in his grave. So they dug up the poor man only to find out... guess what... it was Jesse James. I suppose in Mr. McArthur's version of Kelly history he's probably the father of Elvis and left him the lyrics to Heartbreak hotel only it was originally titled Heartbreak at the Jones Inn.

Fantastic Site
From: Caroline Treloar [tctreloar@one.net.au] 23 Jan 01
My hubby is a Kelly fan, he was impressed with the web site, as I was. When I was 10 or so I was lucky enough to visit Glenrowan on a regular basis, as we lived in Wodonga at the time.I was also able to visit to Beechworth Goal and a look at the cell that Ned was held in, or so we were told. I did feel that there was someting about that cell, a feeling that I can't explaine. Well once again great Web site, keep up the good work and keep the truth coming.

Top Marks
From: Les Elmer [Les.Elmer@zivo.co.nz] 22 Jan 01
Top marks for a wonderfully rich, textured and chock-full-of-interesting-stuff site. You should consider building sites as an adjunct to your present business...{:~). I currently work for a Web design company, and although their generation of commercial sites is very good, they could learn a thing or two from your design, navigation and general pizazz. I'm an Aussie who's been besotted with Ned since I was a kid in North Queensland in the 50's, and kept the interest through 11 years living in the UK and 16 years in NZ (I met my Kiwi wife in the UK in 1980, and we returned here to live in 1985).

I bought (and still have) facsimile editions of the 1870's newspapers from the (even then) awful Glenrowan tourist centre in about 1966, when our family took a mammoth caravan holiday (getting as far as Port Pirie, which was quite a journey from Mackay for our 1957 Chrysler Royal and dual-axle caravan, with 2 adults and 3 kids). I am very distressed to learn of the continued neglect of Red Kelly's Beveridge house. It is a sad fact that the massive beneficial advantage that the continuance of important artefacts such as this dwelling bring to the understanding of our past by present and future generations of Australians, is not appreciated by most of the population, and incredibly especially not by the National Trust.

As the physical manifestation of an era/event/legend etc., such icons are a treasured and revered must-see in other countries (particularly the USA), as it's the real thing (as Coke has been telling us for years), and as such is far superior to any image conjured up by computer graphic modelling or other technology. Perhaps a petition page on your web site to enable visitors to sign up and lend weight to your lobbying for restoration (preferably) or relocation of this house, would be a start, although the enemy is time I know, so whatever we can do should begin immediately...

Thanks again for a wonderful site celebrating a wonderful Australian. When we finally become a republic, and finally attain our true self-image as a country proud to have been born of conflict, convicts and conscience, maybe then all the long glossed over gestation history such as Eureka, the Kelly outbreak, and the staunch resistance of the Aborignals against the colonists, will finally be appreciated and openly taught to our kids. Bring on the day!

Weapons of the Gang
From: Neil Wallace [braveheart@mpx.com.au] 21 Jan 01
Hi my name is Neil my family and I are migrants from Scotland so the Kelly story is all new to me. The question I have may seem odd and if that is so I apologise but for my research so far the answer is unclear. What type of guns did Ned Kelly use. ie Flintlock, Matchlock or were they , as I have seen portrayed, early revolvers. The reason for my question is that I have seen statues of Kelly with revolvers in both hands I know he was killed in 1880 and that revolvers were not made in large amounts in the USA and Europe until the 1890's. I wondered if this was a mix up on behalf of the sculptor or if he had these weapons and if so what type they were. Thank you for reading this e-mail and I hope you are able to answer it as he is certainly a fascinating character.

What about Mary Kelly?
From: Peter Pollard [pollys@picknowl.com.au] 21 Jan 01
Thanks for a great site, i have never come across a book or other artical that deals with Mary Kelly did she return from america,did she ever go in the first place, what was her life like after Ned, any info on a book that might hold some of these answers would be most appericated. Australian history needs more people like you. Thankyou.

Cheers from Edward Kelly
From: Edward Kelly [mos_ned@yahoo.com] 16 Jan 01
Hello! My name is Edward "Ned" Kelly. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. My parents gave me my famous name purely by accident, and I've been called Ned since birth (an amalgamation of Nate and Edward) ... I first heard about the original Ned Kelly when I was 14 or so and we had an Australian exchange-teacher who would laugh uproariously every time my name was mentioned. I've since read several books and articles on the subject of Ned Kelly, and I have to say that I'm proud to bear the name! Your website is the best I've seen about Ned Kelly(and I've seen quite a few). The wallpaper is great too.

A Great Australian
From: John and Tracey Guimelli [jotrac@powerup.com.au] 17 Jan 01
...one of the greatest Australians ever... It's a shame he's not around today! A great site on Ned... .Keep up the good work.

Ned’s Family
From: John Taranto [sonicboom@one.net.au] 15 Jan 01
Gday mate I would like to know there is any pics of Ned's family. I would like to see photos of his aunts and unclesand of his cousins I am also looking for pics of Richard shelton and Bill Gouge. And any other photos of some of the people from the bank robery's,policemen,and friend if there is any.

Searching for Ned
From: Sandi Miller [miller_sandi@hotmail.com] 15 Jan 01
Hi, Love the site. Been a follower of EK since I first heard his story on a visit to the Old Melb Gaol as a child. I recently read Ian Jones' book and have become an absolute Kelly fanatic.My brother and I are interested in visiting all of the Kelly sites. I was wondering if you could assist in locating maps etc of Greta and Stringybark creek etc, so we can go to the exact(correct)spots. I thought we might be able to pickup something in Glenrowan - but I'd like to be prepared before I get there. Do you know who I might contact? Any other suggestions? Thanks again for an amazing site. The plan is to go to:

• Beveridge - old Kelly House - I've been there (very sad)
• Greta - the site of the selection and the cemetary where Dan and Steve are buried
• Stringybark Creek
• Glenrowan (of course)
• Harry Powers lookout
• Benella (and cemetary if Joe Byrne's grave is there)
• Beechworth Courthouse
• Red Kelly's grave at Avenal
• Euroa
• Jerilderieand to be balanced:
• The Witty Homestead
• The Mansfield Cemetary (Lonigan / Scanlon / Kennedy)

Greetings from Hawaii
From: Johnny R Kelly [JRK422@prodigy.net] 07 Jan 01
This is a very comprehensive and informative site. The best I have seen on the internet! Keep up the good work!

These people at the OMG should be sacked!
From: Adrien and Selena [sweetman@uq.net.au] 05 Jan 01
The people which have been in charge of the Kelly's Armour, should be dismissed from the duties they now hold. Lets be bloody honest. The truth about Edward Kelly's armour has been known for decades, perhaps longer.Those in charge of the suites, could see a quick buck made by playing dumb and feathering the nest of organizations they represented at the same time. Those are the directors of OLD MELBOURNE GOAL. If they did not know the true identity of the armour on display (and I mean, the one they were left with, after Neds was taken away) Then why did they tell the public IT WAS NEDS KELLY ARMOUR. I even heard a tour guide tell his captured audience at the OMG, "Here it is, Ned Kelly's Armour". THEY EVEN CHANGED THE PICTURE OF THE ARMOUR IN A MAGAZINE CALLED "NED KELLY ILLUSTRATED".

NED KELLY ILLUSTRATED was published before 1974 with a picture of a suite of armour which was depicted as "NED KELLY ARMOUR" During my last visit to the OMG the same magazine was on sale (1997). Yet, Whacko, the diddlio. NEDS armour had been changed and was now very much the same as the one in the OMG (That of DAN or STEVES) Didn't ya think we'd notice, boy-o. NED KELLYS ARMOUR HAS BEEN USED AS A TOOL TO CREATE CASH FOR ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE OLD MELBOURNE GOAL, THE MELBOURNE MUSEUM and Who knows, which others. We (the people who care about our countries history) understand the importance of financial backing towards establishments such as the OLD MELBOURNE GOAL, the MELBOURNE MUSEUM... But don't come the "Know one really knows which one's Neds" crap with us. IF IT'S TO HARD TO GUESS. IT"S THE ONE WITH THE BULLET DENTS IN IT, BOY-O! Kelly Relics

A Yankee relic hunter...
From: David R Holland [drholland@ozemail.com.au] 05 Jan 01
I am a yank living down under. I've been here now for about 6 years. I have a keen interest in history and after living in the Wangarratta area with my wifes family I naturally started to learn about being in "Kelly Country". One of my hobbies is relic hunting with my metal detector. I have hunted the sites of Glenrowan, Kelly house site in Greta West (not the chimney one they show the tourists, but the real one in the paddock where nowthing remains) Byrnes house site in the Woolshed, Aaron Sherritt's hut site, Shringbark Creek and a few others. I received permission to hunt the sites from the landowners. I have in my possession bullets, shell casing from the siege, coins, brooches, doorknobs, buckles, and other copper and brass items from the sites. I also found some Chinese coins and items from Bynes homesite in Byrnes Gully Woolshed. I donated some shell casings to the small museum in Glenrowan and some of the brass items from the Woolshed to the Bourke Museum in Beechworth. It gives me a bit of a thrill when I recover a piece of history from the ground. Personally I feel that Ned Kelly was a victim of his background and upbringing. His story is very similiar to the background of todays convicts. They really do not have a chance and have to take the criminal road. Kelly was robbing people at the age of 15. (The Scottish land owner south of Benalla) He was just following along with the older people he was with at the time. (Powers). He was also shot at and ran with Powers when they were about to steal some horses in Mansfield. I think the image of Kelly should not be glorified and people should just read the basic facts of Kelly and his companions. Hmm, I just can’t get excited about some Yank digging up the past like that. And how does he know the bullets etc. came from the siege?

Ned in Gippsland
From: Andy Dierickx [dynamickx@net-tech.com.au 01 Jan 01
Hello. First of all, congratulations on a well set out site. I have recently been reading Peter Carey's " True history of the Kelly Gang" and was surprised to learn that the young Ned ventured into Gippsland (with Harry Power). I have tried to work out the route on a map but the details are sketchy. I would appreciate it if somebody could give me more detail or even the locality of McFarley's Tavern on the Tambo River. Cheers Andy

The Kelly Spirit
From: Donna B [brascheclan@winnet.com.au] 01 Jan 01
Dear ned fans, just finished the book written by carey, got it for Christmas, couldn't put the bugger down, it was very interesting, a lot of fact intermingled with a bit of fiction, it certainly put a different slant on the KELLY 'HISTORY' keep up the great work of this site. keep Ned alive in our hearts and keep the Irish strength alive its our heritage its in our blood its the Kelly spirit. see yu. kind regards donna. I have looked at your site from top to bottom, i think that is very good. I think that it is extreamly important to keep Ned"alive" i am very pleased to see that so many people share my love for Ned i want to take my family on a tour of Neds stomping grounds i think that it is important for the kids not to forget there past,as schools these days seem to not delve to much in Australias history as much as i did when i was at school (not that many years ago) IS IT NOT AS IMPORTANT THESE DAYS? To know our history? Anyway keep up the great work i enjoy the site emencly