School
Assignment
From: Caitlin [roxy_chick_caitlin@hotmail.com]
25 Jun 02
Hi. My name is Caitlin and i have to an assignment on
ned kelly for english (i have chosen to do it on him
a vidoe me and my frineds and i want to now if you had
any good info on him that we could use. Some
people just don’t like reading the instructions...
School
Assignment
From: Brendan [bundun_2002@hotmail.com]
24 Jun 02
To Whom It May Concern. I am in year 10 and am doing
a major assignment. It is worth 30% of my SC. I have
to do a presentation of something. I have chosen to
do Ned Kelly and his journey from villian to hero becuase
it seems like an interesting topic. If you wouldn't
mind could you please send me some information on it
as soon as possible. Thankyou with all my regards. If
I had a dollar each time someone emailed me this question
I'd be sailing the Whitsundays on my 50 metre yacht
by now... Believe me, I'm not holding anything back.
With over 200 pages and a detailed search engine attached
to each and every one of them, I'm sure you can answer
practically any Kelly question imaginable.
The
forth set?
From: Peter Hurford
[hurford@tpg.com.au] 21 Jun 02
When visiting the OMG in Dec 2001, I was suprised not
to see all 4 sets as advertised? When questioned why
a staff member of OMG said the owners (Clarke Family),
have it in Canberra!!! and recinded the offer to lend
it at the last moment over some tech. issue? Insurance
perhaps!!! So not only do we have all Australia's "polleys" visiting
Canberra occasionally! we also hold the 4th set somewhere
in the ACT as well, lets hope we see them all together
somewhere soon? Perhaps on display on Capital Hill
in APH!! on budget night!! Actually
the Exhibition got a sniff of the Joe Byrne armour
during the Australia Day Long Weekend. The it disappeared
again. Needless to say this set should be in public
hands...
Hello
from Ireland
From: Maria Kelly [noellkelly@eircom.net]
18 Jun 02
Hello from Ireland I am proud to say I am a Kelly from
Co. Tipperary being of the same family tree as the
great man himself, however, it wasn't until I read
Peter Carey's book that I learned about him and I must
say this site is brilliant it has taught me much more
it's such a pity he isn't recognised in Irish history
though he was a true Irish patriot and loved this country
so much.
re:
How big was Ned really?
From: Mick Fitzsimons [mickfitzsimons@hotmail.com]
16 Jun 02
When Ned was about 15, his conviction sheet said he
was 5”10’ (178 cm) tall and 11 st. 4 lb.
(71.7 kg). Wild Wright’s conviction sheet on
the other hand was done when he 34 and states he was
5” 11’ and 13 st. 2 lb., so a comparison
could hardly be made there. A William Elliot wrote
(Ian McMenomy’s 1984 book) of Ned, ì“He
was a well-made young man, strong and active. In Height
he was fully 6í tall.” This would indicate
that he was of quite some stature for his day. Let
us not forget that the average height given for most
convicts of ‘Red’ Kelly’ís
era was 5” 6’ (168 cm). Wild Wright was
also described as being 6” 1’ tall on one
occasion. Some have raised the question about the size
of Ned’s feet being too small for a man of his
stature. Mark Edmondson was an Aussie tennis player
who won the Australian Open in 1976. He was a big bloke,
standing 6í” 1’ to 6í” 2’ and
of very solid build. He had an exceptionally small
foot, for a man of his size, which proved to be a huge
disadvantage on the tennis court. When he had to stop
quickly or change direction, the area his foot covered
was not large enough for his frame and hence he used
to slip over a lot. One thing does appear to be certain
and that is that Ned Kelly was taller and physically
bigger and more powerful than the average man of his
day. The odd one may have been taller, but I doubt
they wouldíve matched Ned for shear physical
presence. So to portray someone like Ned today, if
you used a 6” actor, you would have to have most
of the supporting cast between 5” 4’ and
5” 8’ tall. Remember Sylvester Stallone
was surrounded by midgets in his Rocky films to make
him look like a heavyweight. The other alternative
would be to use an actor whose height and physical
presence was greater than those around him, to maintain
the consistency and accuracy. And of course you would
give him an Aussie accent. Pity
André The Giant is dead...
Hello
fom the USA
From: Jerry Dingus [jdingus4@hroads.net]
15 Jun 02
I am a 42 year old Yank from USA. I had the great privilege
to visit down under in 1983 while in the US Navy aboard
the UUS Carl Vinson. We visited Perth (Fremantle) and
Hong Kong. In AUS, I learned of Mr. Kelly, a sort of
a Jesse James parallel from my country. I was raised
about 30 miles from the home of Mr. James (whose nickname
is Dingus by the way) so I am drawn to the outlaw mystique.
In Hong Kong there was a bar called Ned Kelly's Last
Stand, that I frequented the 3 days I was there in
'83. My best souvenir was a keychain with Ned's face
and the quote (something to the effect) that "it
was a good day to die." Feel free to conatct me. Yes
I too went to that Kelly bar in Hong Kong and walked
away with a box of Ned matchsticks...
How
big was Ned really?
From: Michael [sweetresults@bigpond.com.au]
14 Jun 02
Whilst I understand that 6ft was big for the time,
when you look at Ned's boxing photo, what do you reckon
he weighed at this time? The reason I ask is that everyone
speaks of his "powerful physical" presence,
but we know that their were a fair few bigger men around
also at the time like Wild Wright or Constable Hall
or that even bigger cop Ned shot in the wrist at the
last stand. So maybe Ned wasn't a heavyweight physically
but more mentally with a quicker reflex and very strong
muscle density, an awesome self belief and more over
some mystical animal within that could be ferocious
upon call, scaring adversaries with its mere presence.
Even at 14, he was one tough fellanot scared to accept
a challange from bigger adults (even bigger cops).
Maybe Constable Hall hit that section of the brain
that regulates fear with his pistol butt, rendering
that section mute, giving Ned a no-fear character for
evermore. So how big was ned? Weight would be nice. To
carry 90 pounds of armour over 24 hours Ned would have
had to have been a strong and resolute individual.
As for actual weight, well I wouldn’t rely on
any police records. Comments people?
Ned's
photo or not
From: Lola Rowe nee
Lloyd [lola@winnet.com.au] 14 Jun 02
Each day I read the newspaper, listen to radio or turn
on my computer, I see the words TOM LLOYD, could your
readers, specify which Tom Lloyd ?? They are referring
to Thomas Peter Lloyd, I presume, the father of Thomas
Patrick Lloyd and Leo Lloyd, my father Thomas Patrick
Lloyd, did not have the photos in his wallet, nor my
nephew, Thomas Lloyd, thank you.
Constable
Bracken
From: James [silvwood@yahoo.com]
13 Jun 02
Can anyone tell me anything about Const Bracken, who
was involved in the final stages of the Kelly saga?
In particular, what were his origins, and where and
when did he die? Feel free
to send in a reply people
Ned
Kelly History
From: Peter [peter@globenettravel.com.au]
11 Jun 02
Hello. As a 53 yr old nothing much fazes me now with
stories I hear in a pub but today was an exeption.
I listened to an amazing yarn from a grandson of one
of Kelly's gang who told me what had been passed down
directly to him (an intelligant, well spoken person),
of an audio tape he has, painting an entirely different
picture of early Australian history as I was brought
up to believe. So I have decided to devote
over the coming months whatever is required to research
this story further and see what becomes of it as it
could re-write our history. Most amazingly no-one
involved is either Irish or Catholics! I thought I'd
tell you because you have a commercial site devoted
to Ned Kelly and have probably missed the true story.
I will keep you posted... I'm
all ears
Last
Outlaw on Video
From: Trevor Harbord [trevor.h@optusnet.com.au]
07 Jun 02
Does anyone know when the last outlaw will be released
on video/DVD? As far as TV airing goes I had been badgering
channel seven all last year and they kept advising
soon,next month and so on... One would think If the
Producers wished to receive maximum market penetration
now would be the perfect time to release the video/DVD,
with interest in the Kelly Gang at an absolute all
time high. It may lose its place as an the authority
on film of the Kellys and be blanketed by the Heath
Ledger film if it isnt released soon. And what is this
red tape holding things up? Have they lost the tapes?
With any movie or music of the slightest relevence
being brought out on DVD/CD these days it is inconceivable
that THE LAST OUTLAW is not available! WHATS GOING
ON? PS. A friend of mine said he had read a news article
of Gravesites of the Kelly family disturbed recently,
is there any truth to this outrage? Unfortunately
Channel 7 continue to play with our minds over release
of The Last Outlaw to VHS/DVD
Fab
site!
From: Rach [kiwi_girl_82@hotmail.com]
03 Jun 02
Congrats on a fab site! I'm doing a uni essay on how
Ned Kelly is an Australian Icon and what he means to
Australia and thanks to you i have heaps of info! Definately
a wicked site and i'll be back again!
Screensaver
and Visit
From: Jason Granzien [Gratz4X@aol.com]
27 May 02
What happened to the screensaver? I have Ned all over
my computer and a screensaver would finish it off.
My family and I would like to visit Kelly Country.What
is the best time of year and the best places to stay.
Keep up the good work on this site,I visit ever couple
of days to see whats new and always enjoy whats there
to read. Thanks for your help I hope to hear from you
soon. Screensaver is still
in the pipe line. I think it'll be an early Christmas
present from Ironoutlaw. Check out our Tourism section
for some ideas of what to see in Kelly Country.
Ned
Art
From: Gary Ziebell
[zarryg@hotmail.com]
24 May 02
We are currently making “Ned” art out of
old wrought iron pieces. I am an artist blacksmith
and am currently doing all Ned. We are having a stall
at the Rutherglen Winery Walkabout over the Queens
Birthday Longweekend. We are making faithful reproductions
of the masks and adding them to the products. This
stall is more for awareness and appreiciation more
than anything. All our pieces are virtually one offs
and are stamped and authenticated and collectable,
we will be taking orders for specific requirements
orders so be quick to get whats available. For pics
of our art please contact me on 0438 790 597 or
my email above.
A
relative from the shallow end of the gene pool
From: Scott James Loveless [02slovel@kih.tas.edu.au]
22 May 02
Hi i dont think what your doing is right. First of
all I am related to Ned Kelly. I'm related to ned kelly
through one of his daughters. Wich means i can sue
you for not asking me wether you could make this website
up. Also i nor anyone else that is related to ned kelly
said that you could put any of Ned's stuff (belongings)
on display in melbournes museum. We want neds stuff
back and if you refuse to do so the police willbe involved. Yes
very funny, back to class now!
Baxter
backed into a corner
From: Ellen Hollow
[hollow@alphalink.com.au] 15 May 02
Tuesday 23 May Radio National (621 AM ) @ 8.30 am "The
Law Report" will discuss Tom Baxter's 'custodianship'
of the alleged skull of Ned Kelly. I am told there
will be people representing the legal fraternity the
Attorney Generals Department, National Trust, Victorian
Police Department, Fr Peter Norden, Tom Baxter and
yours truly. The statement by the National trust (
I have listened to ) was : they wish for return of
the skull for testing, (that is good news) and then
IF it is Ned's to be handed to a responsible authority
and a committee be formed including the Trust, Catholic
Church, and others for a decision as to what will happen
to it. The National Trust are happy for the family
to have it returned to them. Where they draw the line
as to who is family I do not know. Now the ball will
be in Baxter's court. I don't think he can scramble
out of this one. If he refuses to surrender it this
time then he will really loose all credibility.
The
Kelly's in Cartoon
From: Darren Davies
[sulphurcity@hotmail.com] 08 May 02
I did a google search on bunyippress.com.au and
in the results it said that my browser doesnt support
frames. I then clicked on "show googles cache" and
then show current page. I then went 2 magazine letters
and there it is after u run down the page!good luck
with this and if u have anymore problems dont hesitate
2 e-mail me. My girlfriend also works at this paper
so if u have any questions again please contact me. Dear
readers if you can follow this instruction route you
may come across a new Ned kelly cartoon
Mary
Hearn
From: Domiico [domico@qwest.net]
15 May 02
What ever became of mary hearn and her children? I
guess they are sitting on a book shelf somewhere
re:
Do Aussie's think Ned is a hero or villain?
From: Paul Emery [paulscooby1@msn.com]
10 May 02
Just a note to say thanks for your help with my question
about Ned. I would also like to say that your website
is excellent, and I will not hesitate to recommend
it to everyone. There is just so much information,
a brilliant site... no question! Yours admiringly the "pom" in
NZ!
Kelly's
role in Australian history
From: Mark Seccombe
[markseccombe@hotmail.com] 07 May 02
I'm doing a school project on: Why interpretations
of Ned Kelly's role have changed over time? And was
wondering what your general audience and those here
monitoring the site have to say on this topic area
that has caused considerable debate over time. Where
do you want us to start?
Great
Site
From: Dianne Carroll [high-country-heritage@i.am]
07 May 02
Just would like to convey my congratulations to the
web designer for a fabulous site, the researchers for
bringing to life some wonderful Australian History
- keep up the great work. From fellow researcher and
(after looking at this site) amature Webdesigner. I
give lessons but it'll cost you!
Do
Aussie's think Ned is a hero or villain?
From: Paul Emery [paulscooby1@msn.com]
06 May 02
I'm a pom (living in NZ,please don't hold that against
me!),who has read quite a bit of material to do with
Ned Kelly, and it is not very clear, what the local
opinion is of this amazing character. In some of the
books, he's the greatest australian hero, and in a
lot of others... he's a crook. I just wondered if this
sparks a response. For the record, I personally have
a great interest and to a degree respect for such a
person. P.S. Love the site! Yes
he was a villain and Judge Barry was the hero. Hang
on a minute...
Greta
House
From: Allan and Janyce
McMutrie [mcmut@chariot.net.au] 06 May 02
Dear friends of Ned, what a fantastic sight. I have
been into all things ned for over 30 years but have
only just found your sight. i dont think i will ever
be off the net. Very well done. Could you please inform
me as to the state of the Greta house that Jim and
his mother lived in also are there any photos present
or past, thanking you and keep up the excellent work. If
you check out the Ned:
The Exhibition book, page 19, you'll
discover the 'house" is nothing more than
a weathered old chimney
Fantastic
work!
From:
Elizabeth Jones [email suppressed] 05 May 02
I'm Elizabeth Jones, Ian's daughter, and I have to
say that you've done a brilliant job with this site,
in design, content, accuracy and breadth. I would
be very interested to know how many hits your site
has received to date; I think you're certainly right
in saying that pro-Ned attitudes are at their peak
at the moment. Anyway, keep up the great work. I'll
give Dad a proper look around the site soon (he can't
do it himself, being a total techno-phobe! :-), and
I'm sure he'll write you a rave-review e-mail (via
me!). Ned would be chuffed! :-) Hits?
Not that I'm counting, but last year we received
over 120,000 visitors!
Photo
of Ned in the Sydney Telegraph on 02 May 2002
From: Warren Trick [warrentrick@bigpond.com]
02 May 02
I thought I'd seen every photo of Ned in my fifty odd
years of interest in the Kelly saga, but the photo
on page seven has me stumped.Can anyone shed any light
on the photo ?. I fancy I've seen the shot before somewhere,
but not certainly not captioned and claiming to be
a picture of Ned Kelly. I may be wrong, But if it's
not in Keith McMenomy's book (First Edition) I'm sceptical.
While I've got you there, I was interested to see the
Keens mustard tin Ned used as an ammunition holder
given prominence. As I look at the magazine that accompanied "The
last outlaw" I'm always intrigued with the prominence
the tin has on John Jarret's belt inthe final scene
of the TV show. Was it authentic I've often wondered
? (although I should never have doubted the authenticity
with Ian Jones at the helm as advisor)I'm happy now
to see it mentioned officially in the collection. Once
again Ellen Hollow gets to the point of it all with
that awful Baxter, "put up or shut up!".
Onya Ellen!
Information
on Maggie Skilling
From: Cattie McLindon
[the_cat_iz_back@hotmail.com]
30 Apr 02
To dearest whoever,hi, i'm in year 11 & currently
studying the book, "True History of the Kelly
Gang" in Literature. as part of the assessment
i have to write an essay and perform a monologue on
Maggie Skilling, the sister of Ned Kelly. i haven't
been able to find any information on her, if you would
have any information it would be much appreciated.
in particular how she felt on the Fitzpatrick Affair,
and how she felt having Ned as a brother. thankyou
for all the bother and hope to hear from you soon. Anyone
care to respond?
Writing
a book
From: Veronica
Rowan [mbusiya@vtown.com.au] 11 Apr 02
I was just wondering if any of the kelly decendants
have ever thought of writting a book to set the record
straight.i have been researching ned kelly for about
20 years and i have found so many contradictions in
the story,i understand that it is as hard for the family
today as it was for them in the 1800's, but some of
us just love ned for who he was and all that he stood
for and would only like to have the facts. i have a
few question that i would love to see answered and
i believe that only the family can give those answers
and stop so many untruths being published.
by the way this is a great site keep up the good work!
The
colour of Ned's eyes
From: Alana [banana_ice_magic@hotmail.com]
10 Apr 02
I was wondering whether you would be able to answer
this burning question that I have. What colour were
Ned Kelly's eyes? I have attempted to uncover the answer
on numerous websites and, thus far, have been unable
to do so. The reason that I am so interested in this
is because I am an art student who wishes to portray
Ned in one of my artworks. The main focus of the piece
is on the eyes, and I would like to be as historically
accurate as possible as to their colour, and also of
Ned's skin and hair colorings. If you could help me
with this information I would greatly appreciate it!
Ian
Jones Interview
From: Lisa [lisa@hotmail.com]
09 Apr 02
I recently read Ben Collins interview with Ian Jones
and really couldn't believe Ian Jones saying that he
didn't like Joe Byrne. As a Kelly Gang person I find
it unbelievable that he said that. I don't see how
you couldn't like Joe Byrne. Each to their own, but
it just seems like a really out of place thing to say.
I can't understand it at all. I don't hate Aaron Sherritt,
I feel really sorry for him, what happened between
Aaron and Joe is horribly sad. But for me Joe Byrne
(and the other boys) come way ahead of Aaron. I just
found it really surprising to read. I don't think Ned
Kelly himself would be real happy reading that about
his best friend Joe Byrne either.
Modest “Typo”
From:
Rob Ryan [robryan@hotkey.net.au] 08 Apr 02
I've just discovered your site after visiting Ned
- The Exhibition today - both are clearly a
major contribution to our understanding of the Kelly
era. I'm a dedicated Ian Jones reader, and was very
interested in your published conversation with him.
I confess that I've only “scratched the surface” of
your site so far, and look forward to many informative
and enjoyable hours to come. Is it appropriate to point
out the occasional typo? eg: “During 1891 Power
made his last trip to the North EAST where it was reported
he slipped and drowned whilst fishing in the Murray
River near SWAN HILL.” I look forward to making
a more substantial contribution as I work through Ironoutlaw.com.
(I was amused by the debate about Ned's accent - if
he was anything like my Irish ancestors in rural Australia,
he not only spoke like an Irishman, but wrote like
one too - accent and all. Peter Carey's representation
here rings true.) All the best. Are
we talking about Harrys bio in Kelly
Country? And if so, where is the typo, I
must be going blind...
Ian
Jones — Kelly student supreme!
From Mark Perry [tbird4@iprimus.com.au]
07 Apr 02
It's been a long time in coming, but it was so good
to finally read Ian Jones heart felt opinion of all
things Kelly on your site. Whilst "Fatal Friendship" gave
the reader a good feel for Joe Byrne, Ians animosity
toward him surprised me. Like me, however, he has a
healthy affection for Aaron Sherritt- something the
reader can discern from his writings. He may have been
a pain in the butt to know personally but I reckon
he would have made anyone smile and admire him. Unfortunately,
history has mis-cast him as a traitor. As a student
of the Kelly story for over 20 years, I know that nothing
is further from the truth. As Ian suggested, he was
almost on an equal footing to Ned himself. When I go
to Beechworth and the Woolshed, I have always felt
Aaron stronger than Joe.
Regarding
the “Boxing Ned” and “Gentleman Ned” photographs,
I hope Ian has rekindled a sense of open minded-ness
with the cynics. Circumstances, and even the inner
feelings of a person on a particular day can contribute
to how someone looks in a photo. There is no set
formula to deciding what is and what isn't. There
are many reasons why the photos DO show Ned. Don't
compare apples to oranges. Prison photos say only
what they are supposed to say- a flat, in many cases,
lifeless representation of the subject for the prison
record. The studio photos of Ned show so much more.
My partner, Suzi has been incredibly helpful in pointing
things out in “Gentleman” photo I did not
see. She really saw it from a girls perspective which
gave me further evidence that Ned stood there. She
helped take my blinkers off. Reading Ians opinions
has refreshed me and helped me to look forward to
the upcoming Ned Tours even
more. How can a persons “inner
feelings” change their apparance in a photograph?
We're talking people here not chameleons!
The
Kelly Gang Aeroplane
From: John Blakeley [pblakele@bigpond.net.au]
01 Apr 02
Click
here to enlarge image
 I
thought you might be interested in this photograph
I have attached. My grandfather was in this Halifax
Bomber crew during the Second World War over Europe.
The pilots name was Stan Kelly and his Grandfather
was and Irish police inspector aound the time of
Ned Kelly. Another crew member was a proffesional
artist in civil life (Bill Pitt) and painted the
design for the Bomber “Kelly's Gang Ride Again”,
with Ned in a Jam tin helmet. It was quite famous
at the time and at one stage the Australian War
Memorial tried unsuccessfully to acquire the nose
of the plane before it was scrapped. The crew in
the photo are (left to right) Ross Campbell DFC,
Arthur Blakeley DFC, Dick Boast, Stan Kelly DFC,
Bill Pitt. The photo was taken in March 1945 at
the end of their operational tour of 37 raids. Excellent!
1970
Ned Kelly Movie - The Music
From: Patricia
Stuart [hep@interlog.com] 01 Apr 02
Are there any traces left of the music from the 1970
movie of Ned Kelly? After reading Peter Carey's “True
History of the Kelly Gang” I just had to see Mick
as Ned and my local video store had a dusty copy. Okay,
so the movie wasn't great, but your was beautiful to
look at - reminds me of British Columbia up here in
Canada - and I found myself humming some of the tunes.
Shel Silverstein who wrote the score also apparently
wanted to forget the whole experience because I can't
find it connected to him anywhwere. To me they are
singable campfire songs and lullabies that capture
the spirit of the legend. Can you help? Your website
is great. Thanks. Check out
Amazon.com
Mary
Hearne
From: Sammy Green
[Greatbritishdays@aol.com] 01 Apr 02
Can you reveal anything about Ned Kelly's girlfriend
or his baby daughter? Yes,
they are alive and well and living with Elvis!
re:
Mary Hearne - Again!
From: Lola [lola@winnet.com.au]
31 Mar 02
Regarding Chris and Amanda Uren’s email from 8
Febuary 2002, the answer is — No. Ned did not
have direct descendents, as far as we know! There were
3 boys in the family, Ned was hung, Dan burnt to death
and Brother Jim, never married or fathered a child
as far as we know! Please read a version of the story
based on truth as far as possible.
Re: True
History of the Kelly Gang by Pater Carey
From: Lola [lola@winnet.com.au]
27 Mar 02
Sorry to be at it again, but Helen wrote on 10th March
2002, “Is it true that 13 pages of Neds writing
was found in a tin trunk”. NO Helen, that is a
FICTIONAL story written by Peter Carey. Please read
a true account, by either IAN JONES, or J. J. Keannelly Inner
History of the Kelly Gang (although this one might
be hard to find as out of print) thanks.
Beware
the Christies Auction!
From: Lola [lola@winnet.com.au]
25 Mar 02
All friends and sympathisers of the Kellys. I would
like it made known to all, that it is not the family
of Thomas Patrick Lloyd, that is selling these beautiful
photos of the family, now on sale at Christies Auction
House, the collection under the banner of Lloyd and
Hart collection have never been sighted by our family,
and as far as photos that are not absolutely identified,
we have not been asked to help.
Mick
Jagger
From: Alan Balson
[dionbals@direct.ca] 23 Mar 02
Hi. Just finished watching 1970, Mick Jagger movie...
expected the worst, but actually it wasn't bad. Looks
like the director did some bad cuts and one had to
guess at the story line, but it was watchable.
Who
else?
From: Donna [donnabrasche@hotmail.com]
17 Mar 02
Hi guys, just writing to say i found u again, it will
be fantastic to have a screensaver of ned cant wait
ill be checking back realy soon thanks for the great
site.
New
Convert
From: Adrian
[fstop@mackay.matilda.net.au] 15 Mar 02
Well... what can I say... I have only just "stumbled" onto
the Iron Outlaw site by sheer chance [was testing a
new program for multiple searches and always type "Ned
Kelly" as a benchmark, and got to this site].
This, without a doubt, seems to be the most comprehensive/factual
site and history of the Ned Kelly era to date that
I have seen. Unfortunately I have not read through
all the reams of material on the site as yet, but am
now completely "hooked" on it and am endeavouring
to devour as much as possible. The thing I have found
most interesting is I only just discovered the Feedback
Vault and was really intrigued by the messages from
the descendants of the Kelly/Hart/Quinn family lines.
One does not comtemplate the descendants as it seems "soooo
long ago", but I can truly appreciate the nostalga
and the feeling of being a part of history for those
descendants. Also I can understand the publicity shy
ones amongst them, as I am sure the amatuer "sleuths" out
there must have descended on some like a plague of
locusts over the years. As for this site itself, I
am really gobsmacked by the professional design [I
work in an industry where design and layout / content
decides on the product being a "sellabe" winner].
Obviously a very lot of thought, time and countless
rummaging through various archives have gone into the
planning and execution of this site. WELL DONE. [Have
downloaded a couple of the desktop jpeg's]. I'am now
looking forward to spending a considerable amount of
time reading all the articles portrayed within. Keep
up the good work and this email forum is what will
keep people coming back and enjoying the site... I
think I have a new best friend!
True
History of the Kelly Gang by Pater Carey
From: Helen Wakelam [HWakelam@aol.com]
10 Mar 02
Please can someone tell me if the 13 parcels of papers
in a metal trunk, in Ned Kelly's hand, mentioned at
the beginning of Peter Carey's book, actually exist
- or not. Thanks very much. Yes
they do but only in Carey’s mind. Anyone got a
can opener?
Historian
versus Enthusiast
From: Mark Perry
[tbird4@chariot.com.au] 08 Mar 02
I must say that weird and wonderful outlandish
theories do NOT a historian make!I too have been a student
of the Kellys for many years but in no way do I consider
myself an historian-trained or otherwise. I don't need to
have the qualification to question the reasoning behind claims
such as Dan and Steves escape. If they did get awy from the
inn,then please tell me NOW who the bodies raked from the
ashes were. It seems that all occupants of the inn were accounted
for. But wait! There must be 2 more mysterious strangers
we need to identify so we can justify a crack pot theory.Honestly,it
gets embarrassing @ times. I read a book some years ago called "Horsemen
Bold" in which several claims were made in relation
to Dan Kelly and his new identity after Glenrowan. The scary
thing is, some will read this, drink it up and concrete it
in their minds as fact. You can sign as many statutory declarations
as you like but Mr. Dan Kelly did not leave Glenrowan in
1880. So there!
The
shooting of Aaron Sherritt
From: Allison O'Sullivan [redherrings@email.com]
03 Mar 02
Hi, just want to say first off - what an incredible
site! An informative, detailed and original look at
a crucial piece of Australian social history. I just
want to bring your attention to one thing though -
Sherritt was called out of his hut by Anton Wick (pron."vik")
- my great great grandfather. The family legend has
it that Anton's exact words were "I lose-it my
vay!". The story was often told over Christmas
lunch at my grandfather's (Ron Wicks - the family changed
their name during WWI). Anyway, just thought you might
want to know, in the interests of historical accuracy,
and the high quality of info already available on your
site. Keep up the amazing work - I'll definitely be
back!
Ned
and Shaun
From: Mark Perry [ tbird4@chariot.com.au] 02 Mar 02
Did anyone see the Ned Kelly sketch on the Shaun
Micallef Programme (Channel 2) involving the apricot
and avocado face mask?Just curious. Old Ned is getting
around lately!
From
Amsterdam
From: Lykke Hjort Pedersen [01bLH@tag-gym.dk]
01 Mar 02
Hej Ned! Vi er to piger som skal finde ud af noget
om dig og din historie. Vi tænkte på om
du, en gang hvis du får tid, ville skrive et
lille brev til os om hvordan du har det? Kærlig
hilsen Camille og Lykke And
here is the translation: “Basically they are
writing from an after high school (16 to 19 years
of age). It's not clear if they actually think `Ned`
is a real person or they are joking. It translates
to: “Hi Ned, We are two girls who need to find
out about you and your history/story. We thought
that you, once when you get time, could write a little
letter to us about how you have it. (or how things
are) Best/ dear wishes, Camilla og Lykke.” The
phrase ´how you have it´ is used widely
to mean anything from `how you are going` to ´what
is the situation´. As you can see the language
is really informal and a bit vague, so I am not quite
sure if they want information about Ned or they are
having a bit of fun. I suppose it depends on the
context in which it was sent. If it was a response
to an information request button on your website,
it could be genuine. If it is unsolicited, they are
probably just having fun. Girls at that age in Denmark
often have to do history assignments in English,
but you would think they would write in English...”
Constable
Dwyer
From: Kathryn Coates
[kat.mark@optusnet.com.au]
28 Feb 02
I am writing to ask about a Constable Dwyer. He is
mentioned once in the writings of Ned Kelly. He along
with a Sergeant Steele carried the wounded Ned Kelly
to the railway station at Glenrowen. Do you have
any other information on this man or can you point
me in the right direction to find some ? I am at
the present researching my family tree and am looking
for members of the Dwyer clan. If you could help
it would be greatly appreciated.
True
History of the Kelly Gang
From: Peter Williams [peterw@pepublishing.com]
28 Feb 02
I am a Ned Kelly virgin. I am British (though lived
in NZ and visited Australia on a number of occaisions)
I know very little about Ned Kelly, Australian hero...
armour... bad Mick Jagger film etc. That is about
it. I am half way through the Carey book and am totally
absorbed. The language is wonderful. I can't comment
upon the factual basis for the book. However it is
a work of fiction. Judge it as that. It got me to
this excellent web site! Can't
argue with that!
George
Boxall
From: Christopher Smith [carpetburn@iprimus.com.au]
25 Feb 02
Fuelled by the addiction one has when encountering
the kelly epoch for a first time (at the age of 9).
I have been constantly researching every piece of
information that comes to my attention.
Whether it be written or spoken, it never ceases
to amaze me that different views still pierce the
skin of belief that a person has ( for, against or
impartial) about the events that the kelly"s
and others endured. Hence, it comes as no surprise
that on finding the book "History of Australian
Bushrangers"by George Boxall 1935, I was very
interested in how he describes the view of young
men towards bushrangers. This helps to explain why
Dan and Steve were shouting "Hurrah for the
good old times of Morgan and Ben Hall". Also
Steve " A short life and a merry one".
Although these are of course views which I have not
contemplated before .They are nevertheless thought
provoking as they portray another insight into the
attitudes of the young male gang members. Attitudes
which were assisted by the actions of most of the
police etc at that time. I would like to know if
you (Brad) have read or heard of this book, his views
on the bushranging mood and was "horsestealing
an industry of the district" at that time. Your
web site is a credit to you and your co-writers.
I look forward to it at least 3 times a week. I know
why the relatives check it out. Look forward to your
views. I haven't come across
that book yet although I'm sure Nicky Cowie has.
Remember Dan and Steve were only around 19 at the
time and I'm sure we were all a little wild at that
age (although I never “packed heat”)
Stringybark
Creek Site
From: Ken Tidball [ktidball@primus.com.au] 13 Feb
02
I have been a fan of The Kelly Story and over the
past 20 years have visited most of the sites, where
certain events took place. Recently I revisited the
Stringybark Creek area and have questions regarding
some of the happenings:
1 the
location of where Kennedy's body was found, some
days later. According to most books, he retreated
in a north/east direction away from the police
camp. Some books say he crossed a creek and that
the body was 1/4 mile away from the police camp.
Was the creek Stringybark Creek or German Creek?
I walked in this direction through the scrub
and bush and didn't come across a creek at the
distance mentioned.
2 Does anyone know what has happened to McColl's
farmhouse which was still standing on a property
about 3.5 kms on the whitfield road just out of Mansfield
in year 2000?
Hello
from Canada
From: Charlie and Bernadette Vokey [nflabaea@nf.aibn.com]
13 Feb 02
I love the Ned Kelly LP I brought back in the 70's.
The music if just fantastic. I received a copy of
the Mick Jagger movie a few years ago for Christmas
and it was also very good. I don't think Jagger had
the voice, size, acting experience to do the part
as Ned. He never had the presence of a real Ned.
However, it was very enjoyable. I found your site
very interesting. I haven't reviewed everything there
yet. I intend to collect books and other things as
they become available on the Kellys. My fantasy would
be to visit Australia with my husband. I have some
Australian money that I was given as a tip when I
took an Australian couple on a horse drawn carriage
tour of downtown Toronto where I worked from 1976
to 1983
Victoriana
Australia Web Site
From: Angeline Baron
[angeline@ozramp.net.au] 12 Feb 02
Thanks to the people who have contacted me through
Brad's Ironoutlaw site and viewed my web site. Unfortunately
my Victoriana Australia site is no more. For anyone
interested in reading an analysis of Ned's handwriting,
as well as others' such as Fitzpatrick, McIntyre, Hare
and Joe Byrne, please keep a look out here on Iron
Outlaw. I am currently putting a book together which
will give you the results of all my research into the
main personalities of this fascinating part of our
history. Many thanks, Brad, for the link you provided
to my site, which introduced me to lots of new friends.
Your site is a credit to you.
Mary
Hearn - Again!
From: Chris and Amanda Uren
[mrcj@octa4.net.au] 08 Feb 02
By the looks of it you have been asked this question
twice - and twice your answer was "sorry, Carey's
book is fiction". But, could you please clearly
clarify whether Mary Hearn ever existed? Or whether
Ned Kelly every fathered a child to her or anyone else.
It's an interesting thought, if he did have direct
descendants. Much appreciated. Yes,
okay. Ned had multiple wives and hundreds of children!
Congratulations
From: Mark Rishniw [mr89@cornell.edu] 08 Feb 02
A wonderful site. Easy to navigate, very professionally
designed.
Weapons
From: Branko Diklitch [vlk22@hotmail.com]
31 Jan 02
On your Weapons page
you have a Mark I top break Webley on dispaly as one
of the Ned Kelly guns. The Mark I was not available
until 1887 some years after Ned's death. His gang probably
carries the solid frame Webley R.I.C. models. Thanks
for that. I got the photo from the mini-series The
Last Outlaw’s souvenir booklet. Not being big
on guns I took it at face value.
Hello
from Canada
From: Kathy [kgeer@aei.ca]
30 Jan 02
Wonderful site! Carey's book led me to it. Just read
a number of emails in your feedback vault and I'm sorry
some of Kelly's descendants and Kelly Gang aficionados
feel Carey's novel did the families a disservice. I
suppose that's the oxymoronic side of publishing historical
fiction. Personally I enjoyed the book and honestly
didn't feel the Kellys were defamed--Australian policemen
are another matter! In fact Ned, Joe, Dan and Steve
came across as proud courageous folk doing what they
could to survive and prosper against prejudice, corruption
and dismal odds. Creative too--the armour was inspired!
As a Canadian (born in Britain) I learned about some
national heroes growing up but none as indomitable
as the Kelly Gang. Thanks for the site. I'll be back!
The
Kelly Gang, or outlaws of the Wombat Ranges
From: Nick Holdsworth [nickh95@hotmail.com]
22 Jan 02
I was recently reading the book "Ned Kelly, after
a century of acrimony" by John Merideth and Bill
Scott, and in the appendices there is mention of a
'rare booklet' that is said to be 'the only one published
while the outlaws were still at large'. It is entitled "The
Kelly gang, Or Outlaws of the Wombat Ranges" published
in 1879 by George Wilson Hall. I am guessing that it
is extremely hard to get a hold of a copy as i think
i read on your site that there are only three. But
i was wondering if you knew of any other book that
might have it re-printed so that i may have a read
of it?
I
am Ned Kelly
From: Edward "Ned" Kelly
[nedkelly@mediaone.net] 19 Jan 02
Hello, my name is Ned Kelly. I live in St. Paul, MN,
USA. My proper name is Edward but my parents began
calling me Ned from the day I was born, which is incidentally
a very uncommon name or nickname in America in my generation,
with most Edward's using Ed or Eddie and the only famous
Ned's at present time being Ned Flanders of The Simpson's
fame, and perhaps Ned Beatty among those who are old
enough to remember the movie The Deliverance. At any
rate, my parents had no idea that they had given me
a name already in established use by the Australian
National Anti-Hero. I first learned of The Ned Kelly
when I was around the age of fourteen and it so happened
that an Australian teacher had come to my school as
part of an exchange program, and I was in his history
class. On the first day, when he took attendance he
called out "Edward Kelly" and I raised my
hand, and he asked what name I prefer to go by. My
response of Ned was taken as a joke at first, a gesture
on my part to demonstrate my Australian knowledge and
wit, but he soon realized that I was baffled by his
incredulity and decidedly not in on the joke, and then
his disbelief turned into amusement.
He
had embarked on this year long expedition and left
Australia, traveled to the other end of the Earth,
and to the cold northern reaches of it at that, only
to find that Ned Kelly was going to be one of his
pupils in a history class that was to be focusing
a good deal of its attention on Australia, naturally,
in honor of his native expertise. It was a good bit
of irony for him to chuckle at, but perhaps it was
a good omen as well. He did seem to enjoy his stay
quite a bit, and over the course of it I was introducted
to the Outlaw Ned Kelly.
That
was perhaps ten or more years ago now, and since
then I have read a couple of books, watched a pair
of absolutely atrocious films on his life that are
best left unelaborated on, and the internet has been
by far the most accesible and helpful source of information
on Ned Kelly for myself, as he isn't widely known
in America, and I wasn't able to find many printed
sources concerning him, that didn't have to be special
ordered, at least back in the early to mid 90s. The
Kelly Gang is better known now that Peter Carey has
won the Booker Prize for his novel about him, but
even then we are talking about a literary award in
the land of the Super Bowl, where every atheletic
contest ends in the coronation of a "World Champion" despite
any official acknowledgement from the World at large
that they had entered the tournament to begin with... Yes,
at least when Australia holds a “World Series” we
invite other countries to participate!
Well,
believe it or not, the prestige and honor involved
with the receiving of the Booker Award, Nobel Prize,
Pulitzer Prize, and other meritable achievments in
non-contact sports is somehow drowned out in that
modest atmosphere. So even if Ned Kelly Awareness
catapults to an all-time high in the near future,
perhaps with the impending Heath Ledger film - which
conveniently has two of the worst motion pictures
of all time to use a clear blueprint of what *not*
to do, we might see a Ned Kelly rennaisance of sorts
over here.
I
am not certain who is producing this latest attempt
at the Ned Kelly film bio-pic but if it is a Hollywood
concoction and needs to do well at the box office,
they may try to engineer another one of those strange
cross-cultural moments where America adopts an Australian
Cowboy ala Crocodile Dundee, thus making it a lock
that Heath Ledger will be doing Subaru commmercials
with a gigantic iron bucket on his head within a
few years. I can imagine the brainstorming sessions
going on where the producer broods ceaselessly over
how to best fabricate a "love interest" for
insertion in the Ned Kelly screenplay.
This
would of course be a small matter compared to the
massive rewrites that the gloomy ending of the original
Ned Kelly story would need, in order to provide a
more upbeat ending and leave room for a possible
sequel. Perhaps instead of being executed, the petition
that is circulating amongst the citizens is accepted
the government at the very last second as a clear
mandate that he should be spared. You know, big crowd,
last minute reprieve, Ned makes a powerful and moving
speech from the gallows platform, and then he and
Dan and the newly invented Aborigine Medicine Man
character (you know, to add diversity and stuff)
all ride off into the sunset much to the chagrin
of the bumbling and comically villainous police officers
that Ned has once again thwarted. Fade to black,
roll credits.
*Aherrrm*
As I was saying, the web has been a wonderful place
to find Ned Kelly lore, and this sight in particular
is outstanding in its presentation. The content is
excellent and organized well in the lay out. I think
The Ned Kelly would have been pleased to know that
his story would not be forgotten even more than a
century after his death, and people today can still
read his letters, that drive frantically onward down
the page in their lack of punctuation, revealing
a man who I believe was sincere in his assertion
of having acted initially in defense of his own life,
and having done so becomes either hopeful or fearless
in the possibility of a sustained revolt against
a government that he despises, and that he knows
won't abide letting him live should he choose any
peaceful course of action that doesn't manage to
remove him entirely from their grasp.
That's
just my two-cents - coming from an American who is
far from scholarly in his studies of Ned Kelly, and
who identifies with him first and foremost as a persona
who is very curiously grounded in the abstraction
of our shared name. The really fortunate thing was
that after having learned about who he was and what
he did, I happened to also be of the opinion that
with the corruption and abuse of power that the Law
represented, being an outlaw - that is, being Outside
the Law was a reasonable and justified course of
action, and his courage and conviction when standing
alone against an army of cops and a British Empire
looming on the horizon make him a Heroic figure in
my estimation, and doubly so when add to that his
eccentric touches such as the donning of the armor,
the political and revolutionary sentiments he expressed
in his letters, that express his wit and ferocity
despite his not enjoying the benefit of being comprehensively
literate as best as I can tell.
I'm
proud to share the name of Ned Kelly, even if it's
only the superficial pride that comes from the things
that you are born in to and the things you don't
decide. The Australian finds his bond with Ned Kelly
through a common country, mine is through a common
name. Thanks, keep up the great work on the site,
I apologize for rambling on forever, I think I got
caught up in the old Ned Kelly style of writing after
a bit there. I'm sending this in to you for the sake
of it, if it isn't of enough topical interest to
post in whatever format that is perfectly understandable. What?
Not interesting enough to post? You’ve got to
be joking Ned. This is the best email I have ever
recieved, and from an American open to irony. Cheers!
Sigh...
Talk about missing the point!
From: Steve Gerlach [gerlach@ains.net.au] 17 Jan 02
Well, I just surfed back to this excellent site to
find I'd started a bushfire about Ian Jones. Nice to
see everyone read my letter and took offence at *six*
of my words, without replying to the rest. To put the
record straight, I corresponded with Ian in a series
of letters back in 1992 about getting TLO released
on video. His replies were curt and uninformative to
say the least. Sorry people, but that the truth. He
might be a nice guy, but his corresponence with me
was useless. I eventually stopped trying to get either
Jones or Channel 7 to admit who owned what. My point
was just that TLO mini-series deserves to be released
and SHOULD HAVE BEEN released years ago. I look forward
to seeing the DVD. I hope Mr Jones' wife improves (I
don't think she was sick in 1992!) and that the DVD
release will be the best DVD ever released in Australia
(with commentaries and extra features). While, granted,
Mr Jones may get sick of answering questions on Ned
Kelly, he *is* a Kelly Historian and that's part of
his job. I get sick of answering questions day in and
day out too, but I still answer them. Good to see his
friends rallied to his side - while missing the whole
point of my email! Gees, I'd hate to have muttered
something controversial! :) Chill out, people! Looking
forward to TLO release on DVD soon!
Mary
Hearn
From: Anna Rowe [rowea@btopenworld.com]
16 Jan 02
I've searched and searched your site for mention of
Mary Hearn... Has Peter Carey simple invented a love
interest for Ned Kelly? If Mary Hearn really was the
mother of Ned's child, what happened to mother and
baby after Ned'd death? Listen
people, Carey’s book is FICTION
You
are now entering Kelly Country
From: Mark Perry [tbird4@chariot.net.au]
15 Jan 02
Well, it looks like 2002 will be the year of Ned.Having
been a student of the Kellys for 20 years, I didn't
think much of Careys book but winning the Booker prize
has certainly done the legend a favour. Although Bob
Hempel @ Glenrowan claims Bill Brysons book"Down
Under"did more for tourism, the combination of
Carey, the excellent Ned:the exhibition and the re-issue
of McMenomy and Jones classic books have really given
the Kelly story a shot in the arm (so to speak). It
appears they have all been responsible for furthering
our knowledge of the story in the form of new artifacts
coming out of the woodwork. A photo and more info on
George King (and subsequently Ellen Kelly), the possible
existence of a photo of Ned, Joe and Tom Lloyd @ the
races and I'm sure it will continue. For me, further
info on George Kings origins and activities following
1878 will be the Holy Grail.For all Kelly enthusiasts,we
are about to enter the Golden age. I'M EXCITED!!! Also,
can anyone help me in procuring a copy of Wendy Morgans"Ned
Kelly Reconstructed"? Any assistance would be
greatly appreciated. Great site Brad. It deserves all
the awards.
Alice
Kelly
From: Phoenix Fire [phoenix01@hotmail.com]
11 Jan 02
Hi. Your website says that Ellen Kelly went to jail
and her baby Alice was with her. I have a few questions
about this. 1) Why havent you got the rest of
the family on the family tree? I realise that the rest
of Ellen Kelly's children were fathered by that King
fella but they are still her children and Ned's half-siblings. The
Kelly Family Tree located at Documents is
just that — The KELLY Family Tree. 2)
Because of the fact that Ellen kept her Kelly name
and didnt change it to King-did she name her children
to King-King or Kelly? In other words was baby Alice
named Alice King or Alice Kelly? 3) My great
grandfathers brother John Edward Earl married an Alice
Kelly in 1894-I think it might have said 'Macquarie'
but it was probably in Warren as that is where there
first few children were born. They had Edward J Earl
in 1894, Harold A Earl in 1896, John E V Earl in 1897,
Alfred A Earl in 1898, Reginald G Earl in 1899 and
Ada M I Earl in 1907. My half-sister says that my aunt
(who has done A LOT more family history than I) says
that Alice Kelly was Ned Kelly's niece! So... is it
possible that this Alice Earl (nee Kelly) could be
related to Ned Kelly's family... either as his niece
or his baby half-sister Alice Kelly? What say you? Anything
is possible...
Ned’s
Girl — Mary Hearn
From: Morton Faddy [dalenik@ozemail.com.au]
09 Jan 02
I am at present reading the True History
of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey. The author has
a Mary Hearn as a girl and lover of Neds also giving
birth to a baby girl fathered by Ned. I have never
before read about this female in A Short Life.
I was always under the impression that Kate Lloyd was
the girl in Ned life. In Ian Jones book, the author
makes no mention of a female by name of Mary Hearn.
Please help to set the records straight for me. Love
your site and will add to my favorites. Sorry
Mort, but Carey’s book is FICTION!
Ned
Kelly and Jesse James
From: Jimmy Cantrell [jandkc@bellsouth.net]
07 Jan 02
This is a wonderful site. I am Southern. That means
that I not only am a native of the culturally Southern
(and the matter is not one of geography) states in
the USA but also that my primary national identity
is Southern and never anything 'Yankee.' I had never
heard of Ned Kelly until the recent acclaim for Carey's
novel, but from my own cultural research on the South,
I had concluded that Australia also was culturally
defined as much or more by Celtic peoples as by the
culturally English. Ned Kelly is an undeniable example.
My
principal commment is to the Keith McMenomy-Ian
Jones talk. Jones claims that Kelly is the only real
Robin Hood type criminal-opponent of government
injustice, for others (including Missouri's Jesse
James) were common robbers. The asssertion reveals
ignorance of the James Gang origins from atrocities
committed by both official Union troops and Unionist
guerillas against the citizens of Missouri, beginning
in the late 1850s and becoming rampant with the
formal beginning of the War Between the States.
My
cultural assessment is that the South was primarily
culturally Celtic, while the North was obviously
culturally Anglo-Saxon Puritan. Thus, the whole of
the conflict, which includes the continuing actions
of the James Gang after the War, is comparable to
the assessmentts of the Kelly Gang's origins and
motives and lasting influence. Those interested should
read an article of mine titled 'The Celtic-Southern
Thesis and the Old West: Forrest Carter's Outlaw
Josie Wales' lewrockwell.com/orig/cantrell6.html It
focuses not on James, but on pair of novels whose
hero (most will know him from the Clint Eastwood
film) is based partly on Jesse James. The article
raises issues of culture that are applicable to Australia. Even
though Cher sang a song about him I’m just not
convinced. In the end James killed for the sake of
it. Come on people, we need some debate on this issue.
Fine
Website
From: Aime Kelly [aimek2@tpg.com.au]
02 Jan 02
Congratulations on a fine web site. I came across it
by chance when researching Kate Kelly, and her subsequent
drowning near Forbes. Unfortunatley, your site sidetracked
me to the extent that I've gotten no further in my
endevour, but there's plenty of time for that. Also
interesting to note, that a CD soundtrack of the 1970
film staring a much younger Mick Jagger has been released.
I still have a very good copy of the original vinal
soundtrack complete with a cover in equally good condition.
I didn't want to play it for fear of damaging it with
my worn out old equipment, so a CD version will be
a definate advantage. Thanks for the tip. If you have
the time, and could furnish me with information concerning
Kate or the rest of the family, or at least a clue
to where I might obtain such information, I'd be very
grateful. |
