re: Steve Gerlach letter 02 Dec 01
From: Noeleen Lloyd [noeleenlloyd@hotmail.com] 07 Dec 01
I would like to say that Ian Jones is one of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever met. He has treated myself and my family with respect and somthing that can only be called freindship. Not only is he well respected as an expert in his field, but as a human being. He is a true gentleman. Ian gives his time generously, and not just to those who are closely connected as we family are. Anyone who knows Ian would give testament to the fact that he will answer any request made to him. Whilst I understand (sort of) that there are those fans out there who live and breathe Ned, get some perspective into your life. Ian's wife is very ill, and understand that when a loved one is ill, then that is where the priority lies. So Steve, I ask which is really more important, worrying about when a video will be made public or the health of his wife. I think we all know the answer to that question don't we. Noeleen Lloyd (great grandaughter of Tom Lloyd and great niece of Steve Hart) I am sure Steve Gerlach now wishes he left the part about Ian Jones being “not the most friendly of fellows” out of his email. To some people Ian may come across a bit eccentric but remember, Mr Jones has been fending questions about Ned long before most of us realised what an Australian icon Kelly really is. To prove a point, if anyone saw Ian Jones on the ABC’s Lateline head to head with that pissweak part–time historian Alex McDermott, they would realise what a consummate Kelly man Ian is. He easily showed McDermott up as someone who has spent a life in the education system without any knowledge of the real world. Sorry Alex but simply rehashing the Jerilderie Letter and getting it published doesn’t automatically make you an expert. It does however, make you a blatant opportunist.

re: Steve Gerlach letter 02 Dec 01
From: Brendan Pearse [brendan@nedtheexhibition.com] 06 Dec 01
I have just been reading the feedback on your excellent site and I came across the e-mail from Steve Gerlach re: The Last Outlaw. Just a couple of facts for Steve. Ian Jones has been a friend for over 5 years and I have been with him on several occassions when he has been phoned regarding The Last Outlaw. Ian's wife Bronwyn (co-creator of TLO) has been quite ill for a number of years and I am sure anybody would get sick of getting calls regarding something so trivial in Ian's life compared with the health of his wife. Secondly, Ian is Pegasus Productions and the company is not operating as such because they no longer make films or television specials. Third, Ian is busting his boiler trying to get it released on video. Ian being the honest person he is, is checking that any royalties and copyright payments are fullfilled, before the video can be released. Finally, Ian has lived and breathed Ned Kelly for just over 60 years and if it wasn't for Ian, the Kelly exhibition we are running along with all the books, movies and television specials wouldn't be happening now. While I am on my high horse, what has happened to the DNA tests on that poor man in Queensland? If he is Dan Kelly then I am Paul McCartney. Brendan Pearse, Director, Ned:The Exhibition and loyal friend of Ian Jones

The Last Outlaw
From: Steve Gerlach [gerlach@ains.net.au] 02 Dec 01
I have no need to tell you how excellent your site is - I'm sure you already know it. As an avid Kelly Buff and someone who has been trying to get THE LAST OUTLAW released in SOME form since the late 1980s, I'm glad to read that maybe this is now going to happen! I spent a lot of time bouncing between Channel 7, Pegusus Productions (who swiftly went out of business) and Mr Jones (not the most friendly of fellows), trying to get a deal done. I know people at Glenrowan who could sell a boxload of TLO every day of the week. I know people overseas who would kill for a copy! Anyway, if there is more news on the release, please let me know. A DVD with Director's comments, deleted scenes and Region Free would be wonderful!

Thoughts from Thomas Peter Lloyd’s Grandaughter
From: Lola Rowe nee Lloyd [Lola@winnet.com.au] 04 Dec 01
Up to this stage i have signed on and off with my married name, definately not admitting shame, but feeling that this is a large family, not wishing to annoy or embarress, family members, have kept a low profile, but time has come to sign off as a Grandaughter of Thomas Peter Lloyd, the 5th. and silent member, and Granddaughter of Rachel Hart, (sister of Steve's.) A fine family, my Mother who is still living aged 91 yrs.tells of her memories of staying the night with this family with her sister as a chaperone, while engaged to my Father Thomas Patrick Lloyd. Stories that gladden your heart, to know what kind of people they were, not the swearing rough type of woman that are portrayed in Mr. Carey's book. Thank you once again for my say.

Relatively Speaking
From: Lola [lola@winnet.com.au] 29 Nov 01
I am back on my bandwagon, if all you lovely people profess to want to know and learn about Ned, please read "The Inner History of the Kelly Gang" by J.J.Keneally a book based on the words of Thomas Peter Lloyd, cousin, friend and Confidant. Also read what you can of the royal Commission on the Police Force of the time, and find the Members of that force who were discharged from the Victorian Police Force, even go back further and read of the "Potato Famine" in Ireland before Red Kelly came to this Country. As a youngster I visited Jim Kelly, the Griffiths, and sat with my Grandma Rachel nee Hart. They were fine people. So get on with this DNA and lets hear the true facts on Dan and Steve, Thanks Ellen and Noeleen for your words of wisdom as well as many others.

Thoughts from Tom Lloyd’s Great Grand Daughter
From: Noeleen Lloyd [noeleenlloyd@hotmail.com] 27 Nov 01
My name is Noeleen Lloyd and I am the Great Grand Daughter of Tom Lloyd. I am also the Great grand niece of Steve Hart. Few people are aware that after Maggie died, tom married Steve's sister Rachel and went on to have 7 more children. As a memeber of this family I want to lend my support to what Ellen Hollow has written. We too rarely speak out as this family has copped so much over the years and grieved long and hard over the events of 1880. Ned and the other boys have gone on to beocme part of Australian history. All that the family ever asks is that this history be treated with dignity and respect, remembering that you are not talking about myhtical figures, but living breathing men who had families that had to live in the district and continue to do so to this day. People say "oh, it was so long ago".

RUBBISH!!! My fathers generation, all the cousins, (and there are many) only too well remember their aunts, uncles & grandparents. People who were alive and well during the years the boys were active. These families are alive and well and still living in the Greta District, as I am. As a member of the Hart family I question the written and verbal comment, "most of the descendants of the Hart Family knew that Steve never died at Glenrowan" Oh really??? Why is it that there are people who consider that they know more than the family? Is it for money or fame? Time has come to pass where those who had first hand knowledge have all gone. It is easy to say that "my mother knew..." or " I spoke to..." who can ask those people. It seems that there are "experts" who know far more than the family could ever know, interesting considering that they were not the ones who lived the life.

There are others who treat Ned, Dan, Steve and Joe as the men they were. Men, who lived, breathed and died with familes grieving. Families who still feel strong today. We are not apathetic as some are quoted as saying, merely private. There are those who have taken the time to get to know and understand, these few have become like family members, understanding what it is like to have your family histroy so public. On a brighter note, I would like to congratulate you on your site. Informative, interesting and NOT TACKY!!! Keep it up. Great forum to hear what people ahve to say. I would also encourage people to visit "Ned The Exhibition". Myself, my father and daughter attended the Friday night Dinner along with other members of our extended family. It was a chance to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. The exhibition will take Ned in a direction that it should. I have so much more to say, but will leave that for another time.

Thanks to you and Peter Carey
From: Andrew Weltchek [weltchek@marcusattorneys.com] 26 Nov 01
I just finished The True History of the Kelly Gang, by Peter Carey and went looking for Kelly history. Luckily, I found your excellent site. What a treat. Incredibly comprehensive, yet clear and well designed. Balanced I think. Altogether, just what I wanted to learn more about the Kellys. As for The True History. I can't speak for its accuracy, but I encourage others to read it as literature. An exciting story told in an absolutely unique and compelling voice. And now that I've seen the original source material on your site, I see that Carey got that right. Thanks again

Charity Begins at HomeSTEAD
From: Gary OBrien [gary.obrien@sun.com] 23 Nov 01
Guys, you realise that 5000 donations of $50 would get the money up to save and restore the homestead... .its an interesting prospect when looked at from this angle. We know many people want it to happen and I am sure the Gov/nat trust would be persuaded to contribute to some extent, not to mention some fund raising and minor corporate support that could be drumed up. All of which reduces the $50 figure and gives some excess to be used for certificates/photos/opening event etc. for those who contributed. We all talk some much about making it happen but this has to be the best time to do it, the public exposure has never been so gret = press interest, and with the great tools we have in the exhibition and the last outlaw web site (surely now the icon of Kelly info) this is the time to go for it. Lets do things like get 2cents from every bottle of kelly soft drink sold from the lable of the bechworth cordial joint..etc there are many opportunities I can think of that would bring in a couple of grand here and there and if you add these to a 'save your piece of history' type campaign for individuals to donate in return for a certificate etc it must be doable.. with that I step off my soap box! By the way I'll put the firts $50 in and I'll be there to buy the first devonshire tea from Dave.

Federation Peoplescape Launch - Spot The Ned
From: Robert Jan [zerog_robjan@hotmail.com] 22 Nov 01
Greetings fellow Neddites! On Sunday, November 25th 2001, at 8.30 P.M, ABC television will be broadcasting the Peoplescape concert, marking the launch of the Federation Peoplescape project itself. As you may know the Peoplescape project is a community art project installation on the main lawn of Parliament House, Canberra. 5000 figures depicting Australians whom the nominees believe have contributed to our history have been set up en masse for a three week exhibition. My submission, in case you haven't already guessed, was Mr Edward Kelly, represented in full (reasonably accurate!) armour in the style of a brass rubbing made from the tomb that he will never (?) have. Yes, I would have liked to have 'executed' him in metal, as my armouring inclination would normally lead me to, but the figures are relatively lightly built and wouldn't support the weight. Will Ned get his five seconds of fame on national T.V or will the "parcel of big, ugly, fat-necked, wombat-headed, big-bellied, magpie-legged, narrow-hipped, splay footed sons of Irish baliffs or English landlords" conspire to keep him in the background? Tune in and play "Spot The Neddy!"; at the very least you'll be entertained by the concert! Such is media life... Incidentally, if any 'sympathizers" happen to be in Canberra during the exhibition and manage to track Ned down please let me know who ended up being 'partnered' with him back-to-back! (The figures are designed to be doubled up!) God forgive it should be Sir Redmond Barry, or somesuch other whimsically ironic selection, though Ned did say he'd "See you where I am going"!

B. W. Cookson
From: Warren Packer [wazzaand.jane@ozemail.com] 17 Nov 01
Congratulations on a top site,it is both informative and well researched through your site I have had the chance to display my 1881 copy of the Royal Commission Book at Ned the Exhibition. Now the reason for my email, I was wondering if you or anybody could help me locate a copy of "The Kelly Gang from Within" by B.W.Cookson which ran in the Sydney Sun from 27 August until 24 September 1911. As I am currently researching the life of Jim Kelly.

Knockers Continued
From: Trevor Harbord [trevor.h@optusnet.com.au] 08 Nov 01
G’day again, just a quick note to say the main thing I wanted to get accross but failed to say yesterday Brad is your site is numero uno (number 1). It is a fantastic site with mountains of information. Before recently getting onto the net I was having trouble getting any info. Top job, well done.

Dan Kelly’s DNA
From: Ian W. Anderson [ander@midcoast.com.au] 8 Nov 01
Could you kindly inform me if you know anything of a DNA test that is supposed to be in the process of being undertaken by a Mr.Tim Anson of Adelaide on the remains of a Mr. Charles D.Tindall (buried Toowoomba) in order to establish if he is, as he claimed to be, Dan Kelly,the brother of Ned. My interest is because back in 1942 I and some army mates had a few drinks in the Fernvale (near Ipswich) Hotel with Charles during which he claimed to be Dan Kelly and at the same time showed us a very scared back, caused, he said by the fire at Glenrowen.

Well Done
From: Lynelle Crawford [dcrawford@ozemail.com.au] 08 Nov 01
Let me compliment you on the updated site. It's very informative. I didn't know before that there was more involved with Ned Kelly's story than just his robberies and capture at Glenrown in 1880. I suppose that is why he is better known then any of the other bushrangers.

Tom Baxter and THAT skull
From: Ellen Hollow [hollow@alphalink.com.au] 08 Nov 01
Below is a copy of a letter I wrote to Jon Faine, ABC morning program with regards to Tom Baxter, dated 27 March 2001:

Dear Jon,
Unfortunately I was unable to listen to your interview with the “Custodian” of the skull of Ned Kelly, due to a funeral service I had to attend at 10.30 a.m. today. I am writing to request that Tom Baxter not be given any further publicity. This is what he wants so please do not feed his need. The reason I ask is two fold. Firstly, he has gained enough notoriety already for an act for which he should not be proud. Secondly the constant publicity regarding this and other family matters are very disturbing for the Kelly Descendants. Believe me Margaret, Catherine and Grace left quite an ever growing dynasty. Normally I keep a low profile as to my family lineage, (as do other family members) but for the press to heed my request I must reveal that I am a descendant of Catherine (Kate )Foster nee Kelly. The Herald Sun have “backed off” on this issue and other matters after my request to Derek Ballintine some eighteen months ago. On this, the skull issue, Fr Peter Norton and I have become comrades in arms.

He is willing to act as a mediator between Tom Baxter and Museum Victoria. However, the skull needs to be proven to be what it is claimed. I am one of three living Kelly descendants here in Melbourne of the remaining eight donors suitable for the very accurate though costly, cross matching of Mitochondrial DNA samples. (Mitochondrial DNA is only passed along the female line.) I have offered my DNA but to date Tom Baxter will not surrender the skull for testing.

His reasons for holding the skull and interest in the resting place are not relevant. The skull belongs to the government. The government executed Ned and the remains are their responsibility. It was disgusting enough to have the skull on show in the first place. Those family who live in the North East do not want to see yet another tourist attraction if the skull was to be returned to Greta and buried with Ellen, which seems to be what Tom Baxter thinks would be right and proper. Let Ellen and Ned rest quietly and anonymously. Leave Tom Baxter with his trophy. It is of no value if there is disinterest. I am the family custodian of our history which is well documented, back to 1779 in Ireland. We are well organised and have a member for each line responsible for hatches, matches and dispatches. I ask you to please remember it is our family, not public property. As a farm hand from the WA bush this is Tom’s one shot at fame. So why would Baxter let a simple thing like facts get in the way of a good story?

Knockers
From: Trevor Harbord [trevor.h@optusnet.com.au] 07 Nov 01
I have been interested in Victorian history of the mid to late 19th century, and since about 1993-4 have become an avid follower of the Ned Kelly story. Its good to see most people can see the saga for what it appears to be but every now and then we come across a do gooder who wants to ignore the facts and call the Ned and his mates cold blooded murderers. Some uninformed people actually believe Ned Kelly is no better than Martin Bryant and Chopper Read (which is like comparing Mother theresa to Charlie Manson) and I am not suprised as some people are so uneducated about the whole saga or have only heard the McIntyre / Redmond Barry / Fitzpatrick version. The reason for this I feel is the education dept portrays the redmond barry version in a majority of cases to our children and our newspapers hand pick what the majority of us are permitted to read and until the last 10 or 20 years there were a lot more gaps in the story to what their now is. Here is a copy of a letter I recently emailed to The Herald Sun re: an article from author E Penzig. They declined to print for their own reasons:

Anyone summarising Edward Kelly simply as a triple murderer and mutilator has either relatives in the police force, has TOTALLY ignored the facts or is simply a bloody idiot. There is no proof the so called police mutilations is anything more than a member of the police forces magination running riot or of a animal feeding on a corpse. Any review of Kelly material anywhere would undoubtly back the fact Ned Kellys character held no more flaws than the average person and claims of mutilation of the dead police at Stringybark are I believe ludicrous. If we have a police dept more evolved than that of 1880 we can be thankful of people like Ned, and his death would not have been in vain. The majority of oz may feel Ned Kelly is a Robin Hood type character which may not be a bad thing as I feel we need those who question and (where required) rebel against unfair treatment from our peace officers/ protection from harassment is a basic right of ours under our most basic human and civil rights. I am not anti police, there is no doubt a vast majority of officers are dedicated totally to the public. On the other hand I know that a small percentage are like the worst criminals we would fear in our nightmares but they have licence to do what they feel. Theirs is to serve and protect us and not in reverse. A corrected summary of E Penzigs version of Ned being a triple murderer and mutilator would be: skilled bushman / devoted son, on a negative side horse thief and victim of police harassement. Get it right.

Praise and Constructive Criticism
From: Kevin Apgar [kapgar5@hotmail.com] 7 Nov 01
First, thank you for a very informative and well designed website. I am extremely impressed. The story of Ned Kelly is one that I, coming from the land of the James Gang and the Earp brothers, had never before heard. However, I'm confused about one thing... the picture entitled “Ned the Boxer” states that he is “stripped for his bare knuckle fight.” However, unless your use of stripped is more colloquial and I'm unaware of the meaning you're using, he is clearly not stripped, per se, as you can see cuffs from his sleeves and the legs of his pants. I suppose another explanation would be that he is stripped of his famed suit of armor, but, if so, you might want to clarify. Also, there are a couple of instances in which “gaol” has been mis-typed as “goal” (caption by the picture of Jim Kelly, for instance). Overall, though, your site is incredible. Thanks for that, I guess the spell checker missed that one

Thanks , well done
From: John and James Beckley [JohnFBeckley@bigpond.com] 06 Nov 01
Well done , a fantastic , informative site. Any thoughts on including a chart on the events in Ned’s life?

A New Zealand Member of the Kelly Gang?
From: Maggie Hillock [mhillock48@aol.com] 30 Oct 01
My granddad always used to say his uncle had been in the Ned Kelly Gang. To be honest - I can't find any links. He was a McArthur, his wife was a Simpson, he had a couple of uncles by marriage - Cameron and McGrath, but I they don't relate to Steve Hart, the Kelly brothers, Joe Byrne or even (heaven forbid) Aaron Sherritt. Were these the only men in Ned's gang, or did the gang include others? While there's a certain cache in claiming such membership, I would like to know for sure whether my family has this claim to fame. By the way, as far as I know I am no relation to Barry McArthur. Any info you can give me would be helpful. My grandfather's family settled in Dunedin from Glasgow in the 1860s but, as you know, people travelled between NZ and Oz very freely in those days.

Uppy as Ned Kelly
From: John Bishop [Bishshat@aol.com] 26 Oct 01
My Bear Uppy as Ned...
Check out the bear site at UppyAlf.co.uk/

Surf City
From: John Evans [johnevans@optusnet.com.au] 23 Oct 01
I have just browsed through your Ironoutlaw website, after seeing it advertised in the Herald Sun in their "Surf City" article. I am 60 years old, and have been a "fan" of Ned Kelly from my late teens. I have quite a few books on Ned, some very good, some rubbish. My favourite, and one I feel comes very close to the real truth, is "The Inner History of the Kelly Gang", by J. J. Kenneally. I feel this book gives Ned a bit of justice. I have also stood on the site of his cabin at Greta, on the Eleven Mile Creek, an experience I found quite moving. I have browsed through your article on Ned's history and downfall, and feel you also have shown the real truth. I feel Ned was a "scalawag" of his times and environment, but the police force and the justice system of the time had a lot to answer for, as was proved by the Royal Commission. I intend to study your website in a lot more detail, but what I have seen so far has moved me to comment, and thank you.

Great Work
From: Wayne Skerry [skeaa@netcon.com.au] 23 Oct 01
Just a quick note to say that my wife and myself think that you have an excellent sight here, the best on Ned that we have found to date. Keep up the great work. Do you have any sort of membership of any sort for this site?

Excellent
From: Robert Jan [zerog_robjan@hotmail.com] 22 Oct 01
Hi folks. What an excellent "InterNed" site! I wish I'd discovered it before I finished my standing figure for the Federation Peoplescape project (5000 figures of people who have contributed to the building of the nation... I did Mr E. Kelly, of course!) but "Such Is Art!" As an armourer / artist I can see that I'm going to be bookmarking your site for future reference. Well done!

New Film
From: Hugh Devlin [Half.Daft@btinternet.com] 15 Oct 01
Great site. As for the new film hope they ditch Brad and get Johnny Depp, he would make a great Ned Kelly. Also a part somewhere for his great freind Irishman Shane MacGowan genius songwriter. He would come up with a classic folksong for Ned as would his other great pal Nick Cave would tell you, a pardon for Ned. Nick Cave shold be in it too but who’s gonna listen? Such is life, shug...

The Kelly Story
From: Warren Trick [warrentrick@hotmail.com] 11 Oct 01
I've been fascinated by the Kelly story for almost all of my 59 years, started out I suppose, in the usual way hearing the stories from my parents then reading most of the colourful but highly inaccurate books of the 50's. As I grew older I began to appreciate the much broader picture the Kelly saga played in the early years of the colony. The politics, the struggle of poor disadvantaged settlers against the establishment, crooked cops, good cops,and a team of four young men suddenly finding themselves in a situation (Stringybark Creek) that I'm sure was one, as the media likes to say “went terribly wrong” but from that moment on the die was cast.I read somewhere that Ned was a “magnificently flawed bastard” and I reckon that's a pretty fair summation. In his 25 years of life the strength of his character and personality shine through. A great story yet to be told accurateley and fairly as a film. Maybe I'm a bit hard to please.

I can't get over stumbling on a group of Kellyphiles, I've always thought that there was only Ian Jones (whom I've never met, but always read avidly) and a few other anonymous souls interested in great Australian story, sit's really marvellous to meet you all. At this point I should stand up and state my beliefs, in the interest of good debate. I think that M. Shone 21 Jul 2001 is right saying that Carey's book, great novel that it is, is just that. The true story doesn't need embellishment. I enjoyed Ellen Hollow's letter. My feelings exactly Ellen, “The facts are as history records them”. The Last Outlaw was agood show but John Jarrat, to my mind, wasn't a good Kelly, not half tough enough, and the final last stand at Glenrowan, as Ned came out of the bush had none of the frosty, misty,drama we've been led to appreciate. Any way that's enough from me, thanks again for the site i’ll keep in touch.

Mick Jagger
From: Don Macleod [nedlives@iprimus.com.au] 06 Oct 01
You're a dead set wanker mate, you do nothing but bag this version of ned all through your site, but why don't you tell people what you just got at auction. Wanker! Yes I bought the CD as I loved the music but, like most normal people I had trouble digesting the movie. Obviously your taste buds are A LOT different to mine

Solid Gold
From: Norm Ambrey [ntambrey@webexpress.net.au] 04 Oct 01
Hi, I had to view your site to see if you had listed the book I just discovered at a second hand bookstore. The Authentic Illustrated Story by Keith McMenomy in perfect condition . Paid $50 for it now I don't feel so bad. It's the best I've seen so far. I found a few different ones from the local library. Most notably The Friendship That Destroyed The Kelly Gang about Joe Byrne and Aaron Sherritt. This is the first time I've seen this web-site I'll need to come back to it and have a good look around. The museum display sounds good unfortunately I was hoping to bring my family down to Victoria towards the end of 2002 or early 2003. My wife and I have been down there before checking out Kelly Country. The movie of The Last Outlaw I recorded it when it was first presented. It's been a treasure. It opened my eyes and stirred my curiosity enough to keep searching for more imformation and light on this intriguing character family and friends. Keep up the great work fellow Kelly sympathiser

You've got to be joking!
From: Lola Rowe [lola@winnet.com.au] 01 Oct 01
What is going on? Who believes that Dan and Steve ran away and let Ned be hanged, while doing nothing? Tom Lloyd, Richard Hart, etc. would not have accepted the young fellows running off to Queensland. Tell us more!

Enquiry from the West
From: Tony Shepherd [shepherd@space.net.au] 28 Sep 01
Hi. Thanks for your excellent web site. For those of us living in the West who are interested in the life of Ned Kelly, his family and others who lived during those defining times it provides an excellent source of information. It certainly fills a gap in an otherwise frustrating experience living so far from where it all happened thus not having easy access to the places and people. I am planning my first trip East in the new year to take in the Exhibition and visit those 'sacred' places which I have been reading about for so many years. I am particularly keen to get off the beaten track and avoid the 'commercialism' associated with Ned and was wondering if you could direct me to a person or literature that could assist someone like me who does not know the area and wishes to visit the lesser known/popular sites.

What is your opinion on the story concerning the investigation into whether Dan and Steve escaped the Inn fire and went on to live in obscurity and have families, many whom are claiming this ancestory? I heard this story on a radio program over here in Perth today and it sounded like a serious investigation using DNA samples and so on? There is a claim that there was a cellar under the Inn which Dan and Steve hid and later escaped from? Did the cellar exist? Anyway keep up the good work and I can't wait to get lost in 'Kelly country' for a while.

Neil Jordan
From: Aidan Phelan [Angela_Thornton@Optusnet.com.au] 19 Sep 01
I am a fanatic Kelly enthusiast, and have been for te best part of 4 years or so. I am 15 at present but I have read Ian Jones' book 'A short life' enough times to be able to get my facts reletively correct. I was suprised to here the film rights for Peter Carey's version of the Kelly story were given to Irish director Neil Jordan. Jordan as far as I know is not one to go all Hollywood exadjurration on a story, so my guess is that the article you put up about his film was slightly incorrect. The person who wrote the article obviously hadn't heard anything about the film previously to writing his article. Neil Jordan said that he would look at Australian and Irish actors for the lead part, not Hollywood celebrities like Brad Pitt. My guess is that director Jordan would be considering Pitt for the role of George King, the Californian who became Ned's stepfather. Anyway that's my say, keep the good work up on the sight, in my opinion it's the best presented and most definitive Kelly sight on the web. Cheers!

James Wallace
From: Di Ellis [pellis@vtown.com.au] 10 Sep 01
Hello, I find the Iron-outlaw site very interesting. I have had an interest in the Kelly story for a long time. My gr-grandfather, James Wallace was a local teacher who was associated with the gang and a lifetime friend of Joe Byrne. I am hoping that someone who uses your site may have some info on James or more importantly a photo of him, I have been searching for a long time and only have one of him in later life. Would be thrilled with any info, I have all the relevant info of him in the Royal Commision and in John McQuiltons book.

Website
From: Neal C [neal@tac.com.au] 08 Sep 01
WOW! Well done on the web site so far!! I say so far because it appears there is more fascinating information to come! Certainly at the top of my “favourites”.

Ned Kelly
From: Edward [drink_man10@hotmail.com] 09 Aug 01
its people like Ned Kelly that make me proud to call myself Australian. If we could all follow in his steps mabay our country wouldnt be so f*cked at the moment. Its about time that Australia should band together and stand up on our own. Its people like Ned Kelly that once made this country great. And i stress ONCE mabay u agree with me mabay not but i fight for our country. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi!

Umm...
From: Elevie [harty_p@bigpond.com] 06 Aug 01
It is hard to suggest about what i think about ned kelly and the gang. I'm not quite sure what to suggest! Cause i don;t really know anything about his past. I think that his family or the genaration that have passed would be rather shocked. Excellent summary for a visitor from Mars...

The Griffiths Family
From: Maria Jackman [rosemaryherewane@hotmail.com] 04 Aug 01
Hi there, In the 1930's I went to school with Ned's grandneices and nephews the Griffiths family. Their grandmother was Grace Kelly. Early 1940's I actually met Ned Kelly's brother Jim Kelly. I was about 12 or 13 and he about 81. He died about 1945. Some of the grand children still live up in the North East. I can vividly remember the day when Mrs Griffiths introduced me to her Uncle Jim, when we were in Wangaratta. I went home to dad and told him... He said “That's Jim Kelly... Ned Kelly's brother!” Feel free to email me, I would be pleased to hear from anyone that has some connections.

The Last Outlaw
From: Gary O'Brien [garyo@netscape.com] 31 Jul 01
I am looking for a copy of the1980 Last Outlaw movie but cant find it anywher. Searching on the link on this site also drew a blank, can anyone assist? Also has anyone been to the Quinn house in Wallan or know where it is? BTW first class web site...

An open letter from Gary Dean
From: Gary Dean [gdean@cnl.com.au] 30 Jul 01
Dear Brad, I checked up on your site the other day, which I regularly do, and read with interest, some of your email. I don’t mind criticism, providing it is constructive, and backed up with facts, but some of their comments were potentially damaging. People’s opinions are based on what they read, or are told, and I feel that I probably need to inform them, and the public, of why I have been working on the theory, that perhaps Dan and Steve didn’t die at Glenrowan after all. I don’t blame people for making these statements or comments, because that would have been precisely my reaction, even up until only six or seven years ago.

However, I have been doing my homework, and I question everything. I have clocked up thirty-four years of research into the Kelly Outbreak. My great-grandmother was a close friend of Ellen “Nell” Kelly. Two of my relatives married the sons of William Williamson, the next door neighbour, who was sentenced to six years gaol. The work that I have compiled is not just my own research, but the work of many individuals. Thanks to the numerous number of people, whom I have come into contact with through my shop in Glenrowan, and others who have sought me out, some real breakthroughs have been made in regard to this story, and many others. I spend on average, in excess of thirty hours every week, researching, compiling information, and writing, and never have enough time to follow up all the leads.

I have never received one cent from any government department or individual to help me in my research. The 4X4 magazine gave us the use of a vehicle, when we last went to Queensland, but that is all the monetary assistance that I have ever had.

I challenge Glen Davis, Trevor Sargeant, Ian Jones, or anybody for that matter, to prove to me conclusively, that Dan Kelly and Steve Hart died at Glenrowan on 28th June 1880. Where is the evidence? No post-mortem or coronial inquiry was carried out to ascertain, the cause of death, or the identity of those two remains raked out of the ashes of the Glenrowan Inn, after it was burnt down. Their identification was no more than pure speculation, as a consequence of information received from some of the former prisoners, who escaped from the Inn during the siege, and Ned. It should also be remembered that at least six of those people were staunch Kelly sympathisers, and their statements may not have been totally reliable.

Does anybody know where the two coffins were buried in the Greta cemetery, or where the remains of those two bodies were finally buried? I have done the research and know exactly where they are, and much more, which in many ways, is why I am so suspicious. Why did the families not want a post-mortem carried out, and why did they go to so much trouble to hide, not only the remains, but also the place where the two empty coffins were buried?

Most of the descendants of the Hart family knew that Steve never died at Glenrowan, while on the other hand, very few of the Kelly family had any idea. Some close friends of mine, who are Kelly family descendants, now look back and realise, that many of the actions and antics of their parents were highly suspicious, and were obviously hiding something. I have conclusive proof, that Jim Kelly visited his brother Dan, in late1934 and 1935, in southern Queensland. This information not only comes from family descendants, but also from Dan’s off-sider at the time, Ernie McPherson. Was Ned a blatant liar, or was he trying to tell us something during the following incidents:

1. After Ned was captured, the newspaper reporter, Carrington, interviewed him and later wrote: “He fainted once or twice, but uttered no word of complaint about his wounds. I had several conversations with him, and he told me that he was sick of his life, as he was hunted like a dog, and could get no rest and didn’t care a bugger what became of him. . . . He told me several times that Byrne, Dan Kelly and Hart had escaped, and that the people in the hotel were those they had stuck-up. This of course, was a lie, and what his object was in telling it is difficult to say.” Ned was drifting in and out of consciousness at this stage, how much control would he have had over the things that he said? Was Ned referring to the three men when he told him they had escaped, or did Carrington misread what he was saying? In any case, why mention that they had escaped?

2. When Ned was being accompanied by Sergeant Steele and Constables’ McIntyre, Bracken, and Faulkner, from Melbourne to Beechworth, by train, his only comment on passing through Glenrowan was; “that a good man (Byrne) had fallen there, and he pointed out the tree where he himself fell.” Why did he not mention his brother, of whom he had promised his mother he would look after, or Steve Hart?

3. When Mr. C. A. Smythe was giving his opening address for the prosecution, at Beechworth, he said: “He proposed to deal with the case in the same manner as with any ordinary case of murder, and in the first instance, would proceed on the charge that the prisoner wilfully and deliberately murdered Lonigan. Lonigan was a constable of police stationed at Mansfield, and was one of a party of four police who started in October, 1878, to arrest Edward and Dan Kelly, for whom warrants had been issued. Edward was the prisoner in the dock, and Daniel was no more. (Ned here looked at his sister, (Maggie) rose up, and smiled.” What was the message exchanged here between these two? Why would Ned be smiling at the mention of the death of Dan?

4. Just before Redmond Barry pronounced the sentence of death, he said to Ned: “Your unfortunate and miserable companions have died a death which probably you might rather envy, but you are not afforded the opportunity” Ned replied: “I don’t think there is much proof that they did die that death!” What is Ned referring to here? Is it the way in which his associates died, or is he questioning the fact that they are not dead.

Over the years since the siege, many people have made claims to be either Dan Kelly or Steve Hart. Most of these people, it appears by my research, were either family descendants, or former associates of the gang, who knew the true story, and in later life wanted to tell what they knew. But rather than point the finger at the real men, and endanger their lives, they pretended to in fact be the former outlaws themselves.

I am almost totally convinced that the story is true. Next year I will publish all the details, of what I have discovered so far, both on the internet, and also in a documentary. I will be very interested to hear the comments, once all the documented evidence, archival footage, photographs, oral history and DNA, have been presented.

re: An open letter from Gary Dean
From: Ellen Hollow [hollow@alphalink.com.au] 19 Aug 01
This unproven myth has been around for years and raises it's head every so often. The story first appeared, I believe , in The Truth in 1930's, then in People Magazine in 1960's. These claims were later reprinted in The Australian Pensioner as fortnightly feature October - November 1983. Tales and Legends of the Canberra Pioneers included yet again another account. The Courier Mail, September 1996 revived the story along with The Boarder Mail when Garry Dean edited the memoirs of the late Donald Hamlbeton Johnson in a book titled Horseman Bold.

The varying tales are supposed to be accounts of persons, long dead, who between eighty and one hundred and ten years ago saw, spoke to, worked with, lived next door to etc. etc. and have been handed down from generation to generation. As with all good yarns growing with each re–telling. The story which seems to have been given the most publicity is the memoirs of the late Donald Hamlbeton Johnson. These memoirs lay claim to this gentleman being the grand nephew of Steve Hart. The story also claims that Steve Hart went by the name Fred Layton and that a man known as Jack Day was Daniel Kelly. I won't bore you with the genealogy of the descendants of Fred Layton, but there is not a shred of primary evidence to link them to Steve Hart.

To put this rumour to bed once and for all, has no one considered the very accurate though costly, cross matching of Mitochondrial DNA samples. Mitochondrial DNA is only passed along the female line. Jack Day never had issue. However, in the memoirs of Donald Hamlbeton Johnson there was made a claim as to the knowledge of the location of the burial place of the alledged Dan Kelly. If this body was produced for DNA testing there are three suitable donors in Victoria, and five interstate. I have offered my DNA and all the documentation to support my lineage. In the past there has been no interest. I believe this disinterest is because the rumour is exactly that. It is not up to me to speak on behalf of the Hart descendants I am sure there are several suitable descendants of Steve Hart's sisters who's DNA could be matched against the DNA of Fred Layton or his descendants.

Unable to be proven, but worthy of some consideration is my family oral history. Over the years as this and other stories have appeared in the press or other publications, naturally the family have discussed and investigated the possibility of any truth in these theories and rumours. My late Mother and her brother lived with their Mother Gertrude Cavanagh and Great Grandmother, Ellen Kelly, from 1917 until her death 1923. The family moved back to the original home for several reasons. Ellen was in poor physical health crippled with arthritis, Jim was ageing and he was the only family member left at home after the enlistment in the Armed Forces by both my grand uncle Frederick Foster and my grandfather Douglas Cavanagh. Both my Mother and her brother dismissed the story and were insistent that the claim Dan Kelly and Steve Hart fleeing to Queensland Story had no basis for truth.

Their reasons:
• There would have been contact made with the family
• This never occurred. My mother was sure she would have known
• Jim was never away from Greta for any length of time and certainly not long enough to visit Queeensland as claimed in the memoirs of Donald Hamlbeton Johnson

As to Mr Dean's suspicions as to why there was no post mortem or coronial inquiry. The bodies were handed over to the family on the day of the seige, they were badly burned, both families would have been in a state of shock and the general chaos fom the events of that day would have impacted on the families involved , the town population and the officials involved. I believe the facts are as history records them.

Ned!
From: Allan M Nixon [uteman@origin.net.au] 30 Jul 01
Just found your site. On the day Ned's amour shoulder plate sold for $150,000 plus it never ceases to amaze how Ned excites still. As the author of Stand & Deliver - 100 Australian Bushrangers, I have spent some 25 plus years collecting bushranger 'stuff'. As a friend of Ian Jones, I was pleased to introduce him to my old publisher Lothian, and of course Ian's great book on Ned has become THE book on Ned. I was also pleased to give him my files on Harry Power for his book. Good to see Ian is patron to the exhibition on Ned at Old Melbourne Gaol. Congratulations on the site a most interesting read and great design. I dont do much work on bushrangers now, working on other books, but always glad to see others continuing the research. Great to see more and more information coming to light. Keep up the good work!

School Project
From: Brogan Goode [sales@goodesolutions.com] 30 Jul 01
Hi - I am 12 and go to Surfers Paradise State School. I am doing a project on Ned and really enjoyed your site. I was able to use your information and pictures and I didn't realise just how much information there is on him. Thank you for putting all this cool information together.

Books on Ned
From: M Shone [mshone@bigpond.com] 21 Jul 01
I have just read Peter Carey's book. To anyone who does not know to much about Ned Kelly this book could be very misleading. It is a novel. Ian Jones's books on Ned are really in my opinion the only ones that I would use as a reference. My Children have both done school assignments on Ned and have used Ian's books. Not only are they accurate but they also put a picture in their minds of the story. On a recent camping trip in the Woolshed valley my son has become even more fascinated with this very important part of Australia's History. This is really a great site for anything Ned.

God save the Queen?
From: Robin Livingstone [robin@irelandclick.com] 19 Jul 01
How come you all seem to love Ned Kelly so much and yet you (I’m guessing she means Australia) voted against a republic? How do you think Ned would have felt if he'd have known that 120 years after his death there would be a little union jack in the corner of the Australian flag? What's with that? Do you hope that the rest of us won't notice or something? Do you still bow and scrape to the queen's guy in that big house with the white feathers in his hat? And, finally, would you all be really upset if I suggested that the reason you love beating the Poms at sport so much is because in every aspect of life that really matters you continue to prostrate yourselves before them? Just a thought. Best wishes from Ireland. I voted for a Republic. I even handed out How to Vote YES cards...

Mike has a Ned Kelly Website!
From: Mike Lawson [nedkelly8@optusnet.com.au] 17 Jul 01
My name is Mike and i am only 14 and i have made my own Ned kelly page, so anyone who wants to look and please sign my guestbook at homepages.about.com/kellygang

The Last Outlaw
From: Andre Van Schoenberg [dtt@mail.iinet.net.au] 12 Jul 01
I am a Ned Kelly fan and I would really like to have a copy of The Last Outlaw starring John Jarrett. I have tried to get a copy of this from Canberra's archives and through Channel 7 but NO-ONE will release a copy to me. I am really disappointed as I thought that when I found it in the archives I would be able to get a copy of Telex - my questions are: Why is it so difficult to get a copy of this mini series when it was on the internet to say that it was available? Why wont the copyright owner give permission for me to have a copy? Why hasn't this mini series been shown on tlelvision again? (I am surprised that Kerry Stokes doesn't show this instead of other re runs and is there any one out there who can provide me with a copy? Stand by, rumour has it your prayers may be answered yet!

Ned Kelly
From: Mike Lawson [nedkelly8@optusnet.com.au] 12 Jul 01
I have a question for you. I am a huge Kelly fan I know all about the Kelly gang and there exploits have been reading up and looking at websites for just over 5 and a half years, anyway I was recently reading another book and all the books say is that Ned and Dan just met up with Joe and Steve in the ranges, I was wandering if you Know how the gang met and was formed, I recently bought the movie Bail Up! I read your review on it and I liked the movie also and the movie just said that they just met up also, and do you know were I could find anymore Kelly movies I want to start my own collection, and thanks for your advice, I went out and bought the book you suggested called Ned Kelly Country it came in handy, thanks.