THE BOSS IS COMING!

An award for your newly redesigned site
From: A Baron [angeline@ozramp.net.au] 23 Dec 00
My congratulations on your newly designed site. It is even more user friendly than previously, with navigation a breeze. I notice that it uploads faster than before too. Thank you for continuing to list a link to my site at Victoriana Australia. For your interest, I shall be adding an analysis of Joe Byrne's hand writing in the new year. I shall let you know when it is up and running. I am enclosing an award for your site. I notice that you do not display awards in your site, but here it is anyway. It is one of the best sites on the web, and I am very grateful that you take such pains to maintain it. Well done, Brad. Good luck and best wishes for 2001.

re: T. H. Cameron
From: Ros Taylor [rost@waterfront.net.au] 21 Dec 00
I am sending the letter to you as an attachment. Oh by the way he was 16 at the time of the letter. See the T. H. Cameron letter in our Writings section

T. H. Cameron
From: Ros Taylor [rost@waterfront.net.au] 20 Dec 00
I have a copy of a letter written by my Great father-in-law, to his brother, about how he was captured by Ned Kelly and held in the pub with other members of the community. If you would like a copy I would gladly send it to you. Please do

Congratulations
From ARM [republic@ozemail.com.au] 19 Dec 00
Nice site.
Jim Jerrie
Australian Republican Movement
Level 10, 60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000
PO Box A870, Sydney South NSW 1235
Phone (02) 9267 8022
Fax (02) 9267 8155
Toll Free 1800 80 2000
Web republic.org.au

Bullet Wounds
From: Llew Pointon [llew@nzlamb.co.nz] 18 Dec 00
My name is Llew Pointon and I am trying to find out how many times Ned was shot during the shootout at Glenrowan. Various articles, books etc have differing numbers with 19 and 28 being the most popular. Hoping you can assist. Also liked your site. Very informative and a lot of interesting material.

As many books on Ned as possible
From: John Taranto [sonicboom@one.net.au] 13 Dec 00
Gday mate, I would love to get as much books on Ned as posible. Could you point me in the right direction to get the books Im missing. I have:

• A Short Life
• The Friendship that Destroyed Ned
• True history of the Kelly Gang
• Ned Kelly after a Century of Acrimony

And I would also like to know if I can get wanted or reward posters. I have just got a copy of the Argus from April 17 1878 and it has an article for the whereabouts of Ned and Dan and that has to be the best thing I own. Hope to hear from you soon and your site has to be the best one if not the best on the net, keep up the excellent work... seeya

I’ve just read about Steve Hart
From: Dylan Webb [dylan.webb@vu.edu.au] 28 Nov 00
Last year I picked up a paperback in a second hand store here in Melbourne titled :'Bush Doctor' by a Dr. Powers who had worked as a young medico in the western districts of the Darling Downs at some obscure country town (I still have the book and can be a little more accurate later if you so wish).This was some time in the 1930's (?) In the account of his stay in the town, he makes reference to town lore of a recluse whom common consent had it that this person was quite probably Steve Hart. Some one from Victoria who had met Steve Hart maintained that "if it wasn't Steve, then it's his twin brother". This character had a habit of always being armed and somewhat elusive. At one time he gave advise to a young local as to what one should do when you wanted to kill someone. It is also interesting that Roma and Dalby are not far away. As his mate Dan Kelly is probably lying somewhere on a Darling Downs station (information which would not have available to Dr. Powers) it might be possible that the two had the occassional contact in their latter years.

Jerilderie Letter
From: Mark Shone [mshone@bigpond.com] 26 Nov 00
Today in our local area paper the Sunday Geelong Advertiser there is a full page of the Jerilderie letter, only part of it next week there is more. I don't know wether this HAS been an on going series or not as I don't get the paper normally on Sundays. I was wondering if you would like a copy of it for the site? My scanner is out of action at the moment, is there any way of getting it to you Fax, Postal address? It's been great that the interest in Ned has had a new injection of life since peter Carey's book was released. Incidentally I went to the book launch on 26th. October, ironic 120 years to the date of Stringybark Creek. It made me wonder when Peter Carey was asked if that date meant anything to him and he drew a blank. I will leave that thought with you for you to make up your own mind? Web sit up date? Last outlaw movie news? Will log in again soon. Keep up the good work.

Ned Kelly, never a hero, never will be
From: Maliko [cmaliko@netspace.net.au] 25 Nov 00
Ned Kelly was a villain and should be known as one. There is no excuse for what he did. There are other ways of going about things then taking the law into your own hands. Anyone who is intelligant enough will understand. NED KELLY, never a hero, never will be. Intelligant?

Ned Kelly Exhibition
From: Barry Andrews [barryandr@yahoo.com.au] 24 Nov 00
As luck would have it, I finally tracked the web site down and it's an exhibition which has just been opened, so that explains why it was hard to find. Being an exhibition, I guess it won't be there for ever. I enjoyed reading the letter so much I decided to download it. That whole part of the exhibition came to a surprising 6MB but was worth every bit of it. I enjoyed your web site so much, I've uploaded this material, all properly linked, to my public files area at netdrive.com/~barryandrews and since we're both fans of Ned I'm happy for you to download it as a zip file from there for personal enjoyment. Naturally State Library copyrights apply to the commercial use of any of this stuff. I'll probably leave it on there for a couple of weeks. Any feedback would be appreciated. There's also a letter about it in today's Age Friday 24th November.

Ned Kelly Exhibition at the State Library of Victoria
From: [CHerman@slv.vic.gov.au] 24 Nov 00
For further details about Ned Kelly at the State Library of Victoria click here for information on the Armour and here for information on the Jerilderie Letter

State Library
From: Nicky Cowie [nickycowie@today.com.au] 24 Nov 00
I guess you've heard that the State Library has finally bothered to accept the Jerilderie Letter, and intends to display it - yay. Any clues as to who the anonymous donator was? So a trip to the State library is definately on the cards for me - and thanks for the tip re:the royal comm.report. What's the story with Dave having three copies? (Not a worry - I'm sure they are in safe hands). How often do you update the site? I get a bit of a buzz every time I find something new to read in there. Don't worry I know it's probably hardwork keeping up - rest assured it's appreciated. Is Ian Jones a bit of a recluse? He seems not to be contactable?

There is a book shop in Beechworth that now specialises in Ned memorabilia - I was up there a few weeks ago and picked up a perfect copy of The Authentic Illustrated Story, and a hardback copy of The Inner History (it is undated, but printed before the addition of Jim Kelly's letter of thanks in the latter paperback copies) so I am very happy for now. No doubt I shall return before too long for more treasures. Have you got any feedback in general, (or more interestingly) personal views, as to the way Ned was portrayed in the opening ceremony of the Olympics?

Informative and interesting
From: Brian Day [brianday@bigfoot.com] 23 Nov 00
I found this site informative and interesting. I agree to some extent that kelly was a victim although he must of also been a rogue. If he had been alive today he probably would have still ended up in gaol. However most of the photographs would not download and i got only blank boxes which was disappointing. If he was alive today he wouldnt have been harassed by the police. As for your internet problem it all boils down to skill and knowledge. Try surfing with a newer browser. They are free download...

Peter Carey: friend or foe?
From: Simmone Croft [croft@nt-tech.com.au] 18 Nov 00
I have been reading about ned kelly for the last 27 years and love his story of his life.What a remarkable person he was and australian too. I stumbled across this site and was amazed and I am pleased to say thankyou to the people that keep his image alive. I lost my collection of books and collectables in the Katherine floods in 1998 and was so pleased to see what i can still buy through the enternet. I have just finished the book that Peter carey wrote and loved the image he puts across of Ned. A good read.

Amazed at this site
From: Mark Shone [mshone@bigpond.com] 16 Nov 00
I am amazed at this site. i have only just got on the net and as a keen Kelly reader/collector i thought i would check it out. so far it is tops. thanks. gota go more info to look at. keep up the good work. Oh can you help with getting a copy of the last outlaw and the ned Kelly historical society?

Supreme Court Legal documents
From: Phil Sparnenn [sparnenn@pclc.com.au] 16 Nov 00
G'dayI'm a cartoonist based in Melbourne. I've also started collecting old documents letters, legal, diaries, anything from the 1800's. My idea was to save them from the dump, research them, keep the ones I was interested in and maybe sell others to supplement my cartooning income. So far I haven't been able to let any go! The reason for the email is I've just researched a batch of Supreme Court Legal documents from about 1859-1870.

I found a fair few historical figures in them or their signatures. Everything from early premiers of Vic to the commissioner of gold fields during the Eureka uprising. The historical figures I've found so far that relate to the Ned Kelly story are Redmond Barry and Louis Ellis. I have writs issued by Barry, with the supreme court stamp, and writs issued and signed by Louis Ellis, and also a 2 page hand written writ signed by Ellis. Ellis and Rede, served the death warrant on poor old Ned, then led him to the gallows. As collectibles do you think Kelly enthusiasts would be interested in them? Just another question in the litho of Ned on the gallows (I think it might of appeared in the Age or Argus) do you know left to right who the people are?

More than passing interest
From: Jack Ryan [jackryan@optusnet.com.au] 12 Nov 00
G'Day, Have always maintained a more than passing interest in Bushranging. Observing not practising! In Ned's case I believe he was a victim of Victorian bureaucracy!The Colonel Blimps of the day must prevail! Anyhow I feel that the following may be of interest to researchers: "Kellyana" by Clive Turnbull, Hawthorn Press,Melbourne,1943.A bibliography for the period 1879-1943. And "The Dictionary of Australian Bushranging" by Roy Mendham, Hawthorn Press, Melbourne,1975. C.H. Chomley's "The Kelly Gang" first published in 1900 provides some interesting comments too!

The friendship that destroyed Ned Kelly
From: Nicky Cowie [nickycowie@today.com.au] 12 Nov 00
To the superstar/s who run the iron outlaw site, Seriously, I love your site and appreciate it's existence - thanks. Just a line about your book reviews, i may have missed it, but have you not read The friendship that destroyed Ned Kelly by Ian Jones? It is an excellent perspective on Aaaron Sherritt and Joe Byrne and I believe an accurate account. It's worth a mention. The other thing is - I agree his A short life is a quality read, but I wonder at your idea that, in writing this book, Ian has achieved perfection?

I, for one, would be utterly disappointed if no other books were ever written about Ned, as you imply - is now not necessary. (I hope no one has been discouraged). Apart from the risk of having no new researchers uncovering some little but fascinating detail - I believe no account can be truely definitive. Surely no author (or editor) can be totally objective? As he or she invariably puts his/her own perspective and biases within the pages. With A Short Life Ian has been no acception to this, in that he omits stories about Ned's 'Quinn' temper and overall it is certainly 'toned down'. I personally don't think this side of him should be as his anger gave him his amazing energy and determination, i.e. it was a huge part of who he was and what he did. It is impossible to read the book without being positively affected in Ned's favour, which from my biased point of view is good.

But I think we should be careful not to paint him all 'white', he certainly didn't and we don't need to - his flaws made him the man he was. In summary we should aim for balance and the truth - it is what Ned fought for afterall. I call for 100 more books on the complexity that was Ned Kelly. Today I went to the 'Old Melbourne Gaol' at 10:00am - it being the 120 year anniversary of Ned's hanging. I went as a kind of memorial to him, I thought many would be there (for whatever reason) but sadly we totalled only 4. The government do their best to ignore both Ned and the government of the day's history in the story - should we not remind them? Maybe I'll see you there next year people? Yes I agree, but Max Brown is still the author to beat

Dan Kelly was my grandfather
From: Val Downes [valdownes@nt-tech.com.au] 10 Nov 00
This is a long story but to cut it short. We think our Grandfather is Dan Kelly, because my father told me so. We have tried to trace Dads Mother father and anyone else we know ,but to no avail. We even rang Janet Reakes and gave her the info,but she hasn't been able to find any records either. He can't have been born under a cabbage bush.Anybody out there have any ideas. We have a lot more information, if needed. How do you go about getting dna tests from Ned and us or dad? You need to fork out a hell of a lot of money for DNA tests...

Peter Carey’s new novel
From: Dominic W. Kelly [charter@dynamite.com.au] 01 Nov 00 (Part One)
It's always a pleasure to visit your site and when reading about one of my favourite subjects I always go to your site first. Thank you for the work you have put into this site. This leads me to my question: What do you think of Peter Carey's new novel. I'm a quarter of the way through and I find it quite disappointing. Although he gives a good insight into the possible emotional side of the events there seems to be quite a few historical facts which have been misconstrued or are simply false. I'd be very interested in your view. I was also hoping to send an email to Ian Jones. Do you know his email address?

re: Peter Carey’s new novel
From: Dominic W. Kelly [charter@dynamite.com.au] 01 Nov 00 (Part Two)
Thanks for responding. I really appreciate it. Well if you think the drag bit was hard to take then you'll be angered by other things such as Ned's suggestive "obsession" with his mother and that Ellen "seems to receive sums of money from dubious sources" suggesting sexual favours no doubt (and i'm only 1 quarter of the way through). Maybe there's truth to his suggestions, but on such a loose thread its disappointing the Carey chose this area of Australian history to exploit his fanciful ideas. These images are ones which stick in peoples minds. For example, my father-in- law read the book and then the next time he saw me he said "did Ned's father wear women's clothing".

I nearly choked. Ian Jones must be terribly disappointed. When you think about how much research has gone into his book and then an author like Carey turns the whole event into a Hard Copy style novel (sensationalism at its worst). One would think that Carey could have based his novel on Ian Jones research and then added the emotional background as only a good author can do. Now that would be something worth reading. However, the irony is that Peter Carey's book will most probably out sell Ian Jones' masterpiece. Because I've enjoyed his previous novels, I will finish reading this book, simply for the reason that I can be in a position to critique it more thoroughly. However, I will read it with the (maybe naive) hope that it will improve and not tarnish the Ned Kelly Ian Jones has introduced us to.

True History of the Kelly Gang
From: Andrew Tiernan [andrew_tiernan@bigpond.com] 29 Oct 00
I have just finished reading Peter Carey's new book True History of the Kelly Gang and enjoyed it. Though not entirely factually accurate, it is more interested in describing Ned's emotional state (as envisioned by Carey) and for that reason alone sets it apart from most Kelly books. I agree with what you say about Ian Jones book and am keen to read anything else he has written regarding Ned. I am currently trying to get hold of a copy of a book called "The Friedship that destroyed Ned Kelly: Joe Byrne and Aaron Sherritt". This was written by Jones and first published in the early 1990's (I think) but has since gone out of print. Would anyone know where I could get a copy?

Fortunate to have such a folk hero
From: Rolf Linnestad [R.Linnestad@bom.gov.au] 27 Oct 00
Imagine Australian history without Ned Kelly! Villian or hero, we are most fortunate to have such a folk hero. Though I dare say without the armour, which elevates him to mythological proportions, his story would be less known. A fantastic image and a great site too!

Dan Kelly met my father in 1920
From: Darren Wallace [dswallace@microtech.com.au] 27 Sep 00
My farther claimed to meet Dan Kelly as a boy in the 1920s in Tasmania, the story is that his grand mother was a freind of the Kellys and Dan never died at Glenrowan. I have also herd the story from other family members. Yep, he was probably hanging out with Elvis and Harold Holt

Everything on the Kelly story
From: David Crawford [dcrawford@ozemail.com.au] 26 Oct 00
Well done on such a good Web site, you must have almost everything on the Kelly story. I remember reading in the story of Ned Kelly a statement Ned made to Gaunson his solicitor. He said ' all I want is a full and fair trail, and a chance to make my side heard....'If I get a full and fair trail, I don't care how it goes' It seems to me he had nothing to hide and was game to face whatever consequences for any wrong actions. I believe it sad that his wish was late in coming. Also I reckon the authorities of Kelly's time had the belief that with Ned Kelly's execution, his cause for speaking out against them would also die with him.

For a time that was true and it wasn't talked about openly. The police must of been satisfied that he would be forgotten and they hailed as heroes. However if there is any truth in the accused's words and injustice done to preform so called 'justice' then the accused and convicted's story will survive to be told until true justice is done. I don't see Ned guiltless for his own actions but being biased and prejudiced against him in executing the law, didn't make the police of Ned's time any better the bushranger himself.

From Mexico
From: Melisa Santos [melisa_santos@hotmail.com] 23 Oct 00
Hi I'm Melisa, from Mexico, and i want to ask you for a favour, this is the thing, i need to know what kind of food ned kelly used to eat, for example his favorites desserts, drinks, if he liked chocolate cake, vegetables, milk, cheese, fruits and that's all. The information is for a homework about important people in Australian's history. He was kind of an eat on the run sort of fellow

Dan Kelly was my neighbour
From: Ken Swan [punkutz@gil.com.au] 23 Oct 00
Congrats on the site, it's a credit to you. Concerning Dan Kelly, my family lived in the Ipswich area from the time they arrived from scotland in the early 1900's my grandfather,his brothers and sisters all knew Dan Kelly and were quite convinced it was he only one sister is still alive, she is now 80 but still remembers him well,my father also has memories of this man as a child.on the death of my grandmother a few years ago while packing up the house i came across photos of Dan Kelly about 1935, they are photos of quite an old man, but to me i can see the Kellys in this man, anyway i would love to compare these photos with young dan photos ala forensic computer imaging.got any hints? I don't wish to release these photos to just anyone, I approached 60 mins but no one answered my e-mail, I can only assume they are not interested, are you? Show me the Dan!

What the hell is happening to the Kelly Homestead?
From: Leighanne Chitty [l_chitty@yahoo.com] 21 Oct 00
Gidday there. Have been combing through every inch of your site. Well done, and I love your additude! As a kid I use to go to the Beveridge school, and played all the time (when we didnt get caught) in the Kelly's home. We knew the history to the house, but shit, we were 5/6 years of age. I distintly remember that well, but was unable to find it when I went back there for a visit a few years ago... Bugga... Anyway, getting back to the guts of the conversation, if the home is under national trust, and it is the last remaining oringinal icon of the family, why cant it be restored by the national trust, with the help of many kelly enthuisist (Im sure an advertisment in the Melbourne paper, and a bit of publicity on a certain 7pm show will attract attention), and convert the place into a tourist attraction, charging admittion, that will fund future maintance on the home?

Heck, there is many possibilites to keep funds coming in once the inital restoration is done. If the national trust is in agreeance, why not look for a restumper, chippy, roof tiler ect, that are all willing to render there skills free of charge. Maybe even the materials could be donated with a bit of publicity? Unfortantly, Im not in a position to try to get this off the ground, but YOU ARE... You are known for your site, and your fluent history of the family will give you an upstanding position to get this off the ground. Hell, just ring channel 7 and see if they would be willing to put the cause on there "tonight" show, and just see what public reaction you get back? I hope you like the idea, then again you may think Im a bloody nutter, but I DO want to see the Beveridge home alive and well for future generations.

Ned deserves better
From: Maikal Annaley [fhref7@library.usyd.edu.au] 18 Oct 00
I challenge Peter Carey to defend his personal distortions of the man beneath the armour . I make this challenge here as his website has been uncontactable and i only have library access. Please feel free to forward this on. I also challenge Andrew Reimer to defend his failure to discern the double- crossed ventriloquism of Carey's book which he attempts to dignify by claiming it to be an "apologia pro vita sua". Ned, an Australian born and bred, deserves better of those would judge him "in absentia" for what he had within him. I have requested a right of reply to Reimer's review in the S.M.H. Spectrum of Saturday 14 October. All I've been given is a try at a letter to the editor. Well that's a damn lot more than Ned was given. And I'm going to ask for a published apology. Ned deserves it; Australia does too.

What’s your opinion?
From: Chris McGuire [mcguirecat@bigpond.com] 14 Oct 00
Just dropping you a line wanting your opinion on the lastest Ned publication, True history of the Kelly Gang written by Peter Carey published by university of Queensland Press. Picked it up the other day to my surprise in my local Kmart. Yes it is a good book of FICTION

What a site!
From: Petra Hewson [joe_black@iprimus.com.au] 9 Oct 00
What a site good work. As a young person who chats on the net alot and get asked lots of questions about Australia and this site is what i recomend most of all to everyone if you want to know about true Australians then then get to know about ned. And i get all good replys people understand why i love him so much when they check out this site thanks guys keep it up.

I was there in 1880
From: Donna Brasche [brascheclan@winnet.com.au] 05 Oct 00
I totally agree with your comments about the book Ned Kelly A Short Life i have read it, i couldnt put it down i am an avid Ned fan i am a sponge when it comes to information about Ned and the family, another book i am reading currently is titled Ned Kelly written by george farwell its an old book however its a goody i have only had the book a few days and have almost finnished it. what do you think about the current hohar about the armor and the theorys regarding the "survival" of Dan and Steve? I was listening to ABC reginal radio this morning it was interesting to say least!! There are so many theorys surrounding the Kelly boys and some of them are verging on the parapsycological. Its not funny, which is another field that Iam very interested in. anyway i have a feeling that i was around in the "Kelly"era, as i feel i know somethings are not correct dont ask me why but i just do. any way better go. Email me if you want to. Spooky

Bill Bryson’s book “Downunder”
From: Peter Murphy [peter_murphy86@hotmail.com] 30 Sep 00
Thanks for your reply. One more question. I recently read Bill Brysons book Downunder, in which he says that at the Stringybark shootings, that the police troopers were shot in the nuts and left to bleed to death. I haven't heard that one before. Have you come across this story before? Is there any evidence that it could have happened? Bill Bryson is full of brown smelly stuff with the occasional nut thrown in...

State Library of Victoria
From: Chris Smith [chriss@vicnet.net.au] 29 Sep 00
Hello there. I am a staff member of the State Library of Victoria, where Ned's armour was recently 'discovered'. I took some digital images of the armour in a private staff viewing, and was wondering if you would like to have a copy of them for your site. They aren't great photography, but the images are clear. Cheers, Christopher Smith, Customer Services.

The Baumgarten brothers
From: Richard Reid [richard.reid@dewrsb.gov.au] 26 Sep 00
Just a short note to complement you on your site. I've maintained an interest in Ned, as my great grandfather and his brother were the Baumgarten brothers who were scapegoated by the police at the time for being in possession of horses stolen by Ned (despite Ned exonerating them in the Jerilderie letter). It was an amazing coincidence for me some years ago to meet, though my then girlfriend, a chap who shared my interest in Kelly - more so. He was Michael Whitty - my great grand-dad and his brother had been jailed for receiving the horses stolen from Michael's direct forebear, squatter James Whitty. Small world.

Married at Glenrowan
From: Marilyn Reid [CROC5@bigpond.com] 22 Sep 00
WE WERE MARRIED AT GLENROWAN, AT KATES COTTAGE MUSEUM AND WE WERE DRESSED IN THE 1880 DRESSES, I MADE MY OWN DRESS AND WORE A RIDING HAT LIKE THAT OF KATE KELLY. THE BOYS WHERE DRESSED IN MOLE SKINS AND AKUBRA HATS AND THEY LOOKED GREAT, IN FACT EVERYONE DID, IT WAS A GREAT DAY AND THE PHOTOS ARE WONDERFUL. Stop yelling and send us some photos

From Florida, USA
From: Leland Tripp [tripp@gbso.net] 20 Sep 00
I loved reading about your western "heros". Ned Kelly would have fit in with ours. Very good site. Pete Tripp Hawthorne, Florida USA. Your guys would have ran screaming if they saw Ned

10/10
From: Dave Farrugia [robcarm@bigpond.net.au] 18 Sep 00
Great website, 10/10, it will help me out alot for my exams. Very well setup and it provides heaps of info...

From Scotland
From: Cannonmills School [cannonmillsgroup5@hotmail.com] 13 Sep 00
Hello from Scotland! We are a group of boys studying AUSTRALIA this term. We are interested in Ned Kelly and in particular, the fact that one of his gang came from Leith. Leith is Edinburgh's port. There is a pub there called Ned Kelly's. People have told us that one of his gang was a Leither. Also, there is a story that 2 men (in the late 19th/early 20th century)had been chased by police in Leith on suspicion that they had been breaking into houses around the port. One of them produced a gun and shot a cop before they both fled. When they were eventually caught the bloke with the gun shot himself. The other said he wished that he had been killed too.He said that he'd rather die than go back to where he had come from. The story goes that these 2 men were part of the Kelly Gang and had stowed away on a ship from Australia and had made there way to Scotland. we cannot find anything in print to verify these tales but everyone older than us seems to know of the storys. We like your web-site and think you may know. Australia is cool and Ned Kelly is a great folk-hero. from Shawn, David, Darren, Stephen and Robert (aged 13).

From Great Britain
From: Andy Williams [andy-guy@africanus28.freeserve.co.uk] 03 Sep 00
G'day, I'm an aussie who now lives in Blighty. Just wondering if you know what firearms were carried by the Kelly Gang at all - at Glenrowan? I've read accounts that Ned had a colt navy revolver and a colt repeating rifle, Joe Byrne a shotgun, but did he and the others have colts, Webleys? Can you help? Check out our WEAPONS section

“Such Is Life”
From: Melisende [melisende@hotmail.com] 02 Sep 00
Great website dedictaed to such a loveable and yet so controversial character. As he is reputed to have said "Such Is Life"

Ned Kelly’s skull
From: Chris Moore [moorecj1@hotmail.com] 31 Aug 00
I just happened to run across an article in ABC news online that told of plans to bury Ned Kelly's skull later this year. Up until this point I've never heard of this man, Kelly, and became intrigued with his life. First off, let me tell you that I'm a film student in the U.S., and I'm always looking for screenplay ideas. Could you tell me if the subject of Ned Kelly has been done to death in the Australian film industry? Has Hollywood ever done a version of this story? Would people oppose another movie about Kelly, centered on Kelly rather than the gang? Please let me know your opinion on having another Ned Kelly movie--if you think it's a bad idea or if I would be wasting my time, flat out tell me what you think, I'd like to know before I start a 120pg. or so script.

The Kelly Homestead
From: Cameron Lamond [clamond31@yahoo.com] 26 Aug 00
I went to look at it again (The Kelly Homestead) today 26/8/2000. I have seen (what remains) of the house several times over many years. And despite the so-called restoration works, which seem to be one steel cable to support the chimney at an alleged expense of $ 10,000 , nothing seems to have been done to RESTORE the place. There have been some flood-lights installed (they look non functional now) and a cyclone fence encases the property. These may serve to protect the building but how the hell do they RESTORE it? Thats right, they do not! On a cold wet day like today was, you can hear your shoes slush in the sodden ground and can almost see the old house sink and rot into the bog it is built on. I would have loved to have seen some repair work done on the building, but all that I observed which was new at Beveridge were some road signs now pointing the way to the house. They should read " The Kelly House 1Km...drive quick...it may be gone soon". Why not ask all contributors to this site for a donation to go towards restoration (or even purchase) of the property? Put me down for $50 to start with.

Thankyou for your Ned Kelly site
From: Sue Robinson [anatomy@bigpond.com] 16 Aug 00
Just a quick note to say thankyou for your Ned Kelly site. My son who is in year 5 has chosen Ned for his 3 minute speech and we found your site to be superb for the information he is gathering. Thanks again for a superb site.

Ned Kelly the love story?
From: Adrien and Selena [sweetman@uq.net.au] 01 Aug 00
Is it possible, that the tale of Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang, could be one of, if not the worlds greatest love stories. Australians have been educated and told by history that Ned and the gang tried to derail the police train at Glenrowan in order to take hostages in return for his mothers freedom etc.... This, "by Neds own words, is true". But is it also very possible that Ned by his actions at Glenrowan and if the plan had gone his way, could then be with his sweetheart Kath Lloyd and avoid persecution. History has it that Katherine Lloyd saw Ned at Melbourne Gaol before his execution. Legend has it a Priest may have bound the two in matrimony during the visit. Ned Kelly may have been a champion horseman, and pretty fair fist fighter too. But he was a young man, perhaps a young man in love. Love is a pretty powerful tool.

Ned Kelly the comedy?
From: Heinz and Lyn Jablonski [heinzlyn@lisp.com.au] 22 Jul 00
With the centenary of federation coming up during 2001, our local armature theatrical group was thinking about putting on a comedy based on Ned Kelly.  Does anyone know of a musical comedy along this line? Cheers dears and thanks.

A dickhead called Alan Howe
From: Nicky Cowie [nickycowie@today.com.au] 19 Jul 00
Well my blood is fired - yet another inaccuracy is in print for all to believe and this one not written for Australian readers but the rest of the world! In Bill Bryson's new book 'Down Under' (an otherwise entertaining, insightful read about Australia) his explanation of our beloved icon is almost sacrilegious! Refer to pages 171 to 176...and I quote - "The story of Kelly is easily told. He was a murderous thug who deserved to be hanged and was." - it goes on and gets worse. He apparently has been dramatically misinformed by his 'old friend' Alan Howe (editor of the Sunday Herald-Sun).

Howe told him - "For three years, Kelly and his gang laid low, but in 1878 four policemen tracked them here. Somehow Kelly and his men captured and disarmed the policemen. Then they murdered three of them in a slow and pretty horrible way...Shot them in the balls and let them bleed to death. To maximize the pain and indignity." Sigh - What can I say? An aside - Has anyone noticed the pigeons no longer defecate on Sir Redmond Barry's statue? It seems someone has put long, painful looking spikes on his head to stop them! I for one say they should be removed and let the birds have their say! And just quietly, I absolutely think Ned Kelly was a bit of a hunk!!!

A brave man
From: Jack Brazel [bigboof88@hotmail.com] 09 Jul 00
When I heard about Ned I met him in Glenrowan when I was 7 from then I had a interst in Kelly and I see him as a brave man as none of you would ever stand up to the police he was a simple man I would do anything to see him would you and if I was his layer i would not stop to save do not think as him as a murder think as of him as a Australian.

How it all happened...
From: Jack Brazel (aged 11) [bigboof88@hotmail.com] 05 Jul 00
Here is a story for you. Forgive my spelling. I hope you like it.  If you want another one tell me:

I was grew up in Greata little did I know that I become the most famous Australian outlaw in history it started like this .  I was found guilty stealing horses I was put in jail for a few months later I saved a boy from a  fierce river he awarded me with a sash it came  one of my most valuable things to me . I was in trouble again with the law for helping a bushranger called Harry Power I did a few for it nearly got death then I got into trouble for giving a Chinese man a hard time I was put in Pentrige . When I  got out  a officer had paid a visit called constable Fistparct . She was put in jail a very hefty sentence I WAS FORCED OUTLAW I deloused war on richland orners we did robbies on everything we did euroa bank held up towns we did everything . They where so angry they delaced the outlaw act shoot us on the spot no questions asked  . I was furious I robbed banks they where furious When we where riding in wombat ranges we saw a camp of police camping at stringybark creek we obverse them for sometime Dan herd that some police wrere coming in we all rode in took h0old of the camp shot some them only one left I forced him to sit on the log I poked him in the ribs theey came in I said BAIL UP BAIL UP I AM NED KELLY AND THIS IS MY GUN BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM . I went after a coppper but I did't get him. We made our escape we held up Jeriderie it happen like this. We knocked on the police station I said there's a fight sombody will get hurt he ran into our hands we cuffed them threw them in the cells we took hold of the townand stole 5000 pounds from the bank of NSW they put 300 pounds on our heads we wrere delaced outlaws I was furious I WROTE A LETTER to the goverment how I was mistreted I also wrote Edwared kelly a forced outlaw . They wanted me badly they sent up blacktrackers they wrere mean they nearly caught me . Then things got bader Aron shrieet was a police informeer we exucted him by joe brynne dan knocked at the door anton wicks voice said i am lost help me he opened the door they slugged him the police gurds dived under the bed he therned to burn the house down but he did't they made there way to  our metting place.Then to glenrowan we knew there was a spicel polce train coming we took hold of the town at the ann jones inn we let a teacher ago called curnow then I herd dan say the bloody police train has arivved that teacher slip on us we put on our armour we attaced at the verandah I went ten meteres away from the others at the rear then I was brought down by a bloddy idot called Stelle I was captured  and I went  on trial  it was very unfair.I had the fafthful words ewared Kelly you will be hanged by the neck until dead and may god have mercy on you a day before  MY EXUCTION  dan came in digused as a woman i chaned cloths with him i walke out  of the jail i came back later and to see him hang  he said i supose it come to this such is life when they pulled the lever i left after that i gave up bushranging and became a human rights officer to see that every one was fariley treated i called myself john walker i never saw my family again.

Schoolboy recollections
From: Dr Denis Bourke [drdenis@malvern.hotkey.net.au] 05 Jul 00
A great site... I grew up in Benalla and recall as a schoolboy standing in awe of the tall bearded figure who was Jim Kelly who came into Benalla regularly prior to his death in 1947. At about this time the local newspaper funded a film on the Kellys which had Bob Chitty the legendary footballer as Ned, surely more appropriate than Mick Jagger !! I have a number of books not mentioned in your list:

NED KELLY BUSHRANGER by BRIAN CARROLL 1976 Lansdowne
THE KELLY GANG Edited by NANCY KEESING 1975 Ure Smith
NED A LEGEND by SUSANNE FERRIER 1984 William Collins
AUSTRALIAN SON by MAX BROWN 1948 Georgian House

Elijah Upjohn
From: Pat and Mike Mahoney [mahone@wn.com.au] 02 Jul 00
Does anyone know anything about Elijah Upjohn who was the hangman at Ned's death. Why was he gaol? What happened to him after the hanging? Am interested for family history purposes.

Not given a fair trial
From: Dorothy Upton [dodoe3179@yahoo.com.au] 02 Jul 00
I Have read and reread everything I can on Ned and his gang. Why was he not given a fair trial. Barry wouldn't let them change lawyers. He had a lawyer who was only 27 and had sat for his matriculation 3 times, no experience and this was to be one of the biggest cases in history.  The Crown were also given a lot more money towards their case against Ned. He was no murderer and bank robber. There were three oother ned Kellys at the same time robbing banks. Took his name. I think people have to get their facts right.