Eva Blithe
From: Susan Swanborough [sue.swanborough@tesco.net] 30 Dec 02
Have you every heard of a Eva Blithe who became involved with the Kelly gang - heard this rumour for years associated with our family who emigrated to Australia  - and cannot get any info on her when they went to New Zealand? I know there are rumours and rumours - however a rumour that has been around our family has just been proved so perhaps this one was true.

Quinn Family Tree
From: Lola Rowe (Lloyd) [lola@winnet.com.au] 29 Dec 02
Please is there a Quinn family member that can write to the above address and answer questions on Ned Kellys Mum Ellen QUINN , I am trying to find if Old Jim Quinn, Ellens Dad, had a Brother John or Jack, that went to Canada, at about the same time, that Jim, the Patriach came to Australia. Jim Quinn, was quite a leader amongst the Irish families, as Ellen Quinn married Red Kelly, Jane Quinn married a Lloyd and Catherine Quinn married a Lloyd. I may be able to be introduced to somebody that can help with this line of the family.

Movie Release
From: Kevin Butler [kev_koala_au@hotmail.com] 29 Dec 02
As being a native of Kelly Country (Wangaratta), I feel as if the movie should be released in Wangaratta, which is in the area the Ned Kelly came from. Melbourne was more rich people that used to hang out in Melbourne bar ( ie Supteritendant Standish, Sir Redmond Barry and all the rest of the hobnobs in Melbounre) who didn't give a rats arse about the settlers of the north east of Victoria. Always harrasing the poor. I can see where Ned is coming from as I live in the area and can see the hiposcrocy of releasing the film in Melbourne. He was an outlaw back in 1880, but now he's a money making machine for the government. And many other companies...

Doogood Family
From: Nigel Hill [nigel.hill1@virgin.net] 24 Dec 02
I noticed on your web site a Tony Doogood. I am in the process of tracing the family history which has lead me to the Doogood family who lived in Cheltenham England in the 1880s. I was wondering if Tony Doogood was related to this family as I know that a Leonard Doogood moved to Australia in the late 1920s. If anyone can help me I would be most grateful. I'll ask around

The Last Outlaw
From: Jacqueline Sergeant [jacquelinex1@bigpond.com] 24 Dec 02
I am interested in purchasing a copy of the movie The Last Outlaw starring John Jarrett as Ned Kelly. Please forward any relevant information to the above email.

Ned Kelly
From: Calvin Foster [CAL_90@msn.com] 12 Dec 02
I am 13 and have been a ned kelly expert since I was 6 and have got 99% of all my facts out of Ian Jones NED KELLY A SHORT LIFE. So if you want to learn some facts about Ned, Joe, Dan, Steve, etc then buy the book. And don't forget Max Brown's book Australian Son

Re: The True History of The Kelly Gang
From: Paul O'Keefe [okeefe@smartchat.net.au] 10 Dec 02
As I and other Relatives of the Kelly gang have said on numerous occasions the Peter Carey Novel is Ficticious and as far as im concearned should be used in the same manner as any other fairy tale...It is loosly based on fact..and at times I think Peter has spent too much time living in New York (with his reference to cross dressing)have you got some sort facination with the subject Pete? In reference to Steve Hart's use of his sisters dress to sneek past police at a distance) For God's sake !!!! In those days people were lucky to own a pair of boots let alone prance around the countryside in drag and especially when there wanted by police...Oh but thats right Pete dont let facts get in the way of a good story.. and yes dead people carn't defend themselves from such slanderous accusations can they Pete? Nor can Ellen Kelly defend herself... on the way you portrayed her in your book... (who was a wonderful caring person who suffered more than any other woman should of in their lifetime). Hopefully one day we can slander your parents and/or relatives when they die.
Paul O'Keefe - Etty Hart's Great Great Grandson, Steve Harts Great Great Nephew

William Williamson
From: Cathy Kelly [cathykelly72@hotmail.com] 02 Dec 02
I am looking for information on my great grand father who road with ned kelly his name was William Williamson. If you have information can you contact me on the above address.

The Last Outlaw
From: Paul Emery [paulscooby1@msn.com] 27 Nov 02
I've been looking at your excellent website again and I noticed the information about the 80's series called "The Last Outlaw". I did not know that such a series had been made and I would be very interested in owning a copy of the series. Would you happen to know if it is available on video? I'm living in New Zealand and I realise that may make things even more difficult for me to obtain a copy of the series, any advice? I'd appreciate any help or advice that you could give me... Whether you are in New Zealand, Australia or Siberia it wont make a difference. Channel 7 refuse to release the movie... Maybe it's time for a petition!

re: Peter Carey: The True History of the Kelly Gang
From: Otto Stichter [ottostichter@hotkey.net.au] 26 Nov 02
The responses to my original e mail were unsatisfactory ie. 1. That some would have survived (I assume this was said flippantly) - Editor's response. 2. That these were not normal circumstances, that the police themselves were not all that innocent and that some would have deserved it anyway - Mr Sumner's e mail. I agree that the police did not behave credibly at Glenrowan. That, however, was after the event and even then does not justify murder. I agree that Kelly had a hard time of it. That is an explanation, not a defence. History should be looked at factually, warts and all. I admire and respect Kelly, but do not regard him as wholly good or wholly bad. Certainly he is not to be elevated to sainthood status. In our post Sept 11 world, his plan to kill the trainload of police would have resulted in his being labelled a terrorist. That he never harmed an innocent person, as Mr Sumner states, is due to Curnow's intervention at Glenrowan, not intent. So Otto, WHO shot the hostages?

New Ned Kelly forum created
From: Scot McPhie [scot@mango-a-gogo.com] 24 Nov 02
Hi - just letting you know I've just created a forum for discussing all things about Ned and his story it's at hostboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=3514 Hostboard are an excellent hosting service and I hope the forum will be a real success. Do you think you could create a link to it on your site, and maybe even mention it in that little window that comes up when you log in to Ironoutlaw. Yes of course...

Republican Ned?
From: Raymond Bell [raybell_scot@yahoo.com] 23 Nov 02
Great site, I've learnt a lot... however there's two things I'm looking for... one a lot more info on whether Kelly was an Australian republican, and also an image I've seen somewhere of Kelly and the police in a shootout in a wood. It's a woodcut I think, and it's pretty realistic in style i.e. Not Sidney Nolan. Also any information on the Quinns etc political involvement in Ireland itself. What, Sidney Nolan not realistic!

Dear Marion
From: Michael Sweet [msweet@sweetresults.com.au] 20 Nov 02
Dear Marion I do aplogise. I finally got organised and have a new e.mail adress now. Please do resend your email to me. I look forward to hearing from you and just can't wait for the new movie. Have a great day all. This is not a dating service!

re: Peter Carey: The True History of the Kelly Gang
From: Matt Sumner [normasum@ozemail.com.au] 16 Nov 02
I think under normal circumstances most people would agree that derailing a trainload of police and slaughtering the survivors is a despicable act. However the culmination of the Kelly outbreak at Glenrowan were hardly normal circumstances. Otto Stichner claims that the police involved would have been innocent victims of murder. I am sure that there were a great many policemen of decent character in the Victoria police at the time but I think it is now universally accepted that the force was hardly of the standard that we would expect of it today. Many of the officers involved at Glenrowan were guilty of reprehensible behaviour both at the siege and in the years preceding it. Would anyone really be too upset today if Ned's aim had been a little better and he had shot off a little more than Sgt Steele's hat? After Stringybark Creek Ned Kelly knew he would die at the hands of the police or on the gallows. There was no way out and he knew it yet he never harmed an innocent person. Even at Glenrowan when all was lost he declined to shoot policemen in the back. Ned Kelly went down facing his enemy in the most heroic way possible and is quite rightly remembered as a legend.

Ian Jones
From: Amy Thomas [amy_thomas@lothian.com.au] 14 Nov 02
Ian Jones fans out there will be pleased to hear that Lothian Books is publishing a revised, retitled edition of The Friendship that Destroyed Ned Kelly in February 2003. It is renamed The Fatal Friendship: Ned Kelly, Aaron Sherritt and Joe Byrne, and is a marvellous resource for those who crave Ian's in-depth research. He provides an updated and detailed account of the pivotal friendship that existed between Aaron and Joe, and wonderful detail of the unfolding historical drama they were such key players in. We are also publishing a new edition of Ian's seminal biography Ned Kelly: A Short Life in April 2003. Both books will be must-haves for the serious Kelly enthusiast.

Royal Commission Report
From: Marian [mandpmatta@yahoo.com.au] 25 Nov 02
In response to a query, the 1881 Royal Commission into the Victorian Police force has always been available to the public. It was reprinted by Heinemann in 1968 in a limited edition. Copies of both the reprint and the original are obtainable if you're lucky and have a few hundred dollars spare. There are also copies in the State Library of Victoria and other such places. Anyone who's truly interested in Ned's story should read it (a daunting task but definately worth the effort). While I'm writing, can Michael Sweet who has made a few contributions to this site let me know why emails to his address come flying back?

Peter Carey: The True History of the Kelly Gang
From: Otto Stichter [ottostichter@hotkey.net.au] 12 Nov 02
1. Love your site - spend many hours here and there browsing it. Am impressed with the depth of research, care and the dedication.
2. I have always admired NK but have nonetheless always had a problem with the fact that he was going to slaughter the train load of innocent policemen and civilians (driver etc)- not a hero's actions. And who killed the innocent civilians inside the Jones Inn?
3. Liked Carey's book

Weapons
From: Ian MacFarlane [ianmac@netconnect.com.au] 12 Nov 02
Hello. Nice Site. Easy Navigation. Well done! The info about the Kelly weapons seems a bit mixed up though. At Stringybark, for example there are two longarm weapons described in the text, but three such weapons shown in a photo. However, I am interested most in the Snider-Enfield, said to have been gained by the Kelly's at Euroa, named Betty. Is there a reference for this acquisition? I got the photographs out of The Last Outlaw souvenir guide. I will update them with new shots from the Ned: The Exhibition catalogue which also has a photo of Betty. You can buy a copy of the book in our Shop section

The Kelly Legend
From: Trevor Harbord [trevor.h@optusnet.com.au] 08 Nov 02
Gday all, Im a great admirer of Ned and his mates rare courage against injustice, and if I was alive in the North east Victoria district 1878-1880 would have assisted the gang in all ways possible even if it meant imprisonment under the ridicoulos laws of the time. I have no doubt if Ned and the boys were alive today they would be extremely happy with how the truth has come to light even if it cost them their lives. The truth coming out is largely a result of the Jerilderie and Cameron Letter and Ned speeches after the Euroa and Jerilderie bank robberies coming to light. A lot of this info is a result of Ian Jones and Keith McMenomy and John McQuiltons plus others research / work 1960 onwards. The Kelly gang legend will live for ever, they stood up for what they believed in , and were not caught by the yellow bellied police force of the time, but rather grew tired of outwitting them over 2 years and set it up to get the coppers to Glenrowan, to fight it to the death knowing it could be the end. Drawing the police to them would be the only way the police would encounter the gang short of Ned walking into the Benalla Police station and saying “I surrender”. Don’t forget the men who started it all, J. J. Kenneally and Max Brown.

A Question
From: Tabea Moos [TabeaM@t-online.de] 04 Nov 02
Hi, my name is Tabea Moos and I am from Germany. In my English lesson we are talking about Australia and the famous person. And my question is — Who is Ned Kelly and what does he do? Sorry for my English, I hope you can help me! You write better than many English speaking people. As for Ned, well he doesn’t do much at all any more. Why don’t you try looking at our History section.

Ned Kelly’s Retreat
From: Peter and Kerry [chunky@iprimus.com.au] 03 Nov 02
Hi guys. Just letting you know we heve the only restaurant in Australia keeping the Ned Kelly interest alive here in Adelaide. see us on nedkellysretreat.com. We are also looking at expanding the idea nationally. Any suggestions? Yes, just don’t make it tacky!

Interesting Character
From: Jacqui Rae Smith [smi07@boxhillhs.edu.vic.gov] 02 Nov 02
I think Ned Kelly is a very interesting character to do my studies on at this time. I am studying him because i am doing an assignment on a famous character from his era i have chosen him because he plays a very important part in australia's heritage who has placed a great influence on beliefs and goals. He helps us recognize how important life was in that era and gives us knowledge to understand the era back in those days.

Kelly in the Waranga district?
From: Allison Stanley [allie3612@yahoo.com] 25 Sep 02
Has anyone ever come across a reference to Ned Kelly being in the Waranga district (main towns are Colbinabbin, Rushworth and Murchison) at any point? I'm following up a local history snippet (I'm the local Librarian) which may turn out to be more “wishful thinking” long after the event!

re: Ned Kelly and family
From: Lola Rowe nee Lloyd [lola@winnet.com.au] 25 Sep 02
To Damien Mugavin, I only read your piece today, written in May 2002. What makes YOU think, that Ellen Kelly was immoral. Have you read a TRUE story of this Australian Son, Ned? I did not like your assumption. You do not sound as understanding as cousin Father Pat Mugavin. You do not sound like a true Australian, with a strong Irish background. Try looking at this piece of history from the “potato famine” time when Ned’s father, Red Kelly, was transported to Van Diemans Land.

Some news on The Kelly Gang movie
From: Noah Oneye [noahoneye@yahoo.com] 21 Sep 02
As far as the soundtrack goes, I know that Jack Melbourne is involved. He wrote a Ned Kelly concept album some years back, and recently returned to Australia to work on something for this picture. I know this, because my band and I played regularly at his bar in Taiwan. Just thought you'd like to know!

Such a Tragedy
From: Michael Sweet [mswwt@sweetresults.com.au] 13 Sep 02
I feel greatly agrieved that no matter what anyone ever does, none of us will ever get to meet Ned Kelly. I for one am intrigued by what exactly made him tick and I only wish that there were more photos of him becuase the ones that do exist give you a pretty good “sense of the man”. I wonder if you just happened to meet him, whether he would have been friendly towards strangers and polite (as i like to believe) or was he quite an eagressive, illiterate and nasty individual? Did he ever have any pets? Did he get into any fights when he was in gaol and what was the outcome? Why did he not get all of his mates to help him out at Glenrowan as planned (hardly the actions of a homocidal maniac). Why will I die never knowing the answers? Anyway, just ignore me if you found the tone of this message annoying I just really regret that no matter what I do, I will never really know Ned. If only my Time Machine worked!

Dutch Pub
From: Bronson Sainsbury [bronsonsainsbury@hotmail.com] 10 Sep 02
Congratulations on the website, it's a corker. Last year when I was in The Hauge in Holland my girlfriend and I stumbled across a little pub called 'Ned Kelly's' and of course we had to stop in for a beer. It was a friendly little establishment run by an Englishman and his wife and decorated with Kelly Gang paraphernalia. On the night we were there it was full of cheerful Scottish contractors who were only too happy for us to have a few Heinekens with them and the publican loves having Aussies in his pub. We ended up staying until after close and had a fantastic night. I cant remember the address (it's in the pub area of the city) but if anyone is ever in The Hague and feels thirsty I'd recommend stopping by for an ale or two and a friendly chat. Mmmm Heineken

re: The Bullets of Kelly's Creek
From: Marian Matta [mandpmatta@yahoo.com.au] 09 Sep 02
Re. Bill's interesting article, it's not surprising to know that Ned and the boys made their own bullets, etc. Bullet moulds were found (or perhaps that should read "found") at the Eleven Mile after the Fitzpatrick affair. Two bullets were cast by the police and given in evidence at the trial of Mrs Kelly and the two Bills. The doctor who examined Fitzpatrick agreed that one of them may have made the wound in his wrist. When Ned was being taken by train to his preliminary trial at Beechworth, he chatted to the police about this and that. I quote from the Weekly Times of August 7th, 1880, “He also boasted that he had manufactured his own cartridges, bullets and powder and asked Sergeant Steele if he had ever used any of the latter, and on being answered in the negative, said that he (Kelly) had never seen better and if a person once tried it he would never use any other”.

Wayward Documentary
From: Lisa [lisa@bigpond.com.au] 08 Sept 02
I was looking at your brilliant Ironoutlaw site, at the filmography / documentary section, when I just wondered if you had seen a documentary called Ned Kelly: the making of a myth. It is from 1980 that has Ian Jones and John McQuilton in Kelly Country talking about the boys. It is a really great documentary. Also just regarding the Ned Kelly look-a-like thing. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of him but there was an Australian actor in programs a few years ago named Andrew Williams who looked alot like Ned. Although not as handsome as Ned, he was good looking and big with dark hair. He was in things like E-Street and Melrose Place. He would have been perfect as Ned in a proper non fiction film about Ned, Dan, Joe and Steve. Thanks! Yes I remember Andrew Williams, he played the brooding under cover detective Jack Brown in E—Street, who enjoyed a glass of eggs and bourbon for breakfast. But why do I remember that?

Betty
From: Branko Diklitch [vlk22@hotmail.com] 07 Sep 02
Greetings, my compliments on a wonderful web sight. I would like to get a definitive idea what Betty Ned's favorite Snider Enfield looks like. On the weapons page you have several photos of guns. I assume not all are photos of the originals, because the Webley is a MKI which was not manufactured until seven years after Ned's death. So is one of the pictures actually Betty? Was Betty a civilian altered sporter or a more standard issue model? And what Mark is she? There is a magnificent photo of Betty in the Ned: The Exhibition book by Ian Jones on sale in our Shop section for only $5.95

Ned Kelly Debate
From: Natalie [creamy_soda88@hotmail.com] 07 Sep 02
Hi, I'm a student in year six and have found out today that i have a debate this thursday on That Ned Kelly is a Worthy Hero. I was just wanting to know if you had any imformation useful for the affirmative side and what your opinion about it is? I would greatly appreaciate it if you replied even after the debate has finished becuase i am very interested in Ned Kelly anyway. PS. Your site is great. There is no outright debate on the merits of Ned as a Legend but if you have some time take a look through the Feedback Vault of the past four years and you will get a better understanding as to what people really think and feel about Ned. Let me know how you went with your debate. If you send me some results I would be more than happy to publish them

Ned Kelly
From: Luke [lukenitschke51@hotmail.com] 06 Sep 02
it sucks that ned kelly was hung. he was the most famous autralian outlaw of all time, if only he knew how famous he would be today.

Ned Kelly look—a—likes
From: Michael [msweet@sweetresults.com.au] 04 Sep 02
Hey, does anybody else out there follow the Rugby League? Because the Newcastle Knights have a player called Steve Simpson who I reckon is a dead ringer for our favourite rebel — Ned Kelly. Any one else seen him and do you agree that there is a resemblance? Shouldn't he have a beard? Anyway, the idea is excellent! I'm going to start up a Ned Kelly look—a—like page. So come on people, send in your photos!

Fiction or Truth
From: Lola Rowe nee LLOYD [lola@winnet.com.au] 03 Sep 02
Please all you lovely people that request more information on Ned or his FICTIONAL daughter, It would be great if you read TRUE stories, starting with The Inner History of the Kelly Gang, by J.J. Keneally, or next best, works by Ian Jones, McMenomy, etc. The Inner history of the Kelly Gang, was written with the help of my Grandfather who was named the PROVIDOR. Ned’s first Cousin spoke and recorded this story with Mr Keneally, it was not to be printed till after Tom Lloyd Snrs. death. You can’t get much clearer than that!

A Short Life
From: Victoria Burrows [hrh_queen_of_middle_earth@yahoo.com] 03 Sep 02
Just a quick message to say that your site is great, after getting a cheap copy of Peter Carey's novel I had to come onto the net to find out more about Ned and your site was reccomended to me. Just want to say thanx for a great read and after reading your books section I am off to buy A Short Life, to get a little perspective before I visit Australia next year. I didn't know there were any direct flights from Middle Earth?

The Ned Kelly Song
From: Bill Butts [bbutts@tpg.com.au] 30 Aug 02
I was delighted to discover your wonderfully comprehensive site on Ned Kelly just a few days ago. I was doing a search in the hope of finding a source for some pictures that could be used to illustrate (on a home video) the Ned Kelly Song written and recorded by Tex Morton in 1939. I have a CD containing this song. I remember it (even the words) from my childhood days growing up in country NSW during the Second World War. Tex was very popular in the country then and I can still recall the words of several of his records. I note that you have not referenced this song on your site - I assume because it is not a complete coverage of the Kelly saga rather than because it is not known to you. If you are interested I can email you an MP3 copy. Would it be possible to get permission to use images from your site (or better still your CD) to make up a short video using The Ned Kelly Song as the audio and a selection of your images to illustrate each verse? I expect that there will be too many copyright problems, even though the final video would be shown only to the members of the Camcorder Club of which I am a member and not publicly. If this is not feasible, do you have any suggestions as to how appropriate images could be sourced and legally used? I look forward to your reply. I'd be more than happy for you to send me an MP3 of the song. Did Tex bring it out in a single, or more correctly a 78? Usually the Music section carries information on albums dedicated primarily to Kelly songs, not albums with a song or two about Ned, as it would be near impossible for me to categorise (like the Whitlams latest album or Midnight Oil’s Place Without A Postcard). This site depends on the support of many to keep growing because as the sole web master/designer, finding information and updating a site with over 230 pages (in my spare time) can be near impossible. So please, send in!

Ned Kelly
From: Jessica [Jess_saba92@www.ihostingshop.net] 31 Aug 02
Can you find me some real good information on Ned Kelly? Who?

Kelly Films
From: Matt Reid [lavengro@mac.com] 31 Aug 02
Please could you tell me how many Kelly films are in production and at what stage they’re at. Great website. There are a few movies being filmed at the moment but only one major motion picture, the one starring Heath ledger. And there are at least four documentaries under construction

Steve Hart Family Decendant
From: Paul O'Keefe [okeefe@smartchat.net.au] 29 Aug 02
Great to see such an educational and informative website. I only wish people would read Ned Kelly's A Short Life by Ian Jones, which is based on years of research, actual accounts and transcipts. Not the dribble Peter Carey wrote True History of the Kelly Gang which you will find in the FICTION section of your nearest bookstore which has done more harm than good to obscure and taint the Kelly Gang story.
Regards and Best Wishes,
Paul O'Keefe
Etty Hart's Great Great Grandson
Steve Hart's Great Great Nephew

re: Why Ned?
From: Andrew Tiernan [aandftiernan@austarnet.com.au] 25 Aug 02
In response to Marion. What I love about Ned Kelly is that he had substance and style. Even if he was not the guy many of us imagine him to be, he was truly one of a kind. So many elements of his story are unique, each providing a reason to generate people's interest. Even if you are a cynic and believe his actions to be purely criminal and self motivated you cannot deny the attraction to people of someone who showed bravery like he did at Glenrowen; manages to evade capture despite being outlawed for two years (Ben Hall and Johnny Gilbert lasted one week after being outlawed); carries out two superbly staged bank robberies and shares the spoils with the poor of the district; has the most remarkable dialogue with his sentencing judge after being told he would be hung; and then goes to his death with those immortal words 'Such Is Life'. This list could go on and on. Yet the most remarkable thing is that he was only 25 years old when he died - A Short Life but What a Life!! Bravo

The Kelly Gang
From: Sharon Hollingsworth [sharonandchuck@myfastmail.com] 23 Aug 02
Thank you for such a wonderful and imformative site! I am an American and had known of Ned Kelly since I was a child thanks to hearing about the the Mick Jagger movie, though I have never seen it. I am a big Heath Ledger fan and look forward to The Kelly Gang, which led me to the True History of the Kelly Gang book, which led me here to get the real facts! I wish I could find a copy of Our Sunshine to read, but it is out of print in America and I hope my library can get it through an inter-library loan, though I am not holding my breath! I have fallen completely under Ned's spell and buy into his whole story hook, line and sinker. I am much like Ned says in the Carey book “like a girl living in Romances and Histories always thinking of a braver better time”. Long live Ned! Yes, I’m sure there are a fair number of us waiting for the new movie!

Re: Good but bad...
From: Eddie Kelly [ek1880@hotmail.com] 22 Aug 02
Hello Mr webmaster of ironoutaw. Your site is very good. There are only 2 sites of this standard on the net. To Blake, if you consider that this site is second to the one you mention then I suggest you get new glasses. What? There is another site?

The Last Outlaw
From: Antoinette Porter [cap@twgs.qld.edu.au] 22 Aug 02
I was wondering if you would know where I would be able to purchase a copy of the video of the Channel 7 series The Last Outlaw? Arrr, another one who doesn’t read our feedback section! As I’ve said numerous times before, I have absolutely no idea. Even Ian Jones has no idea. In fact I’m thinking Channel 7 will probably never, ever, ever release it!

Orlando Bloom
From: Courtney Langston [shedevil16002002@yahoo.com] 21 Aug 02
Update me on the new movie and Orlando Bloom. And how did the gang split up? How did the gang split up? Well you could blame a few police bullets and a hangman’s noose...

Kelly Document
From: Gary Parker [justtattooed@hotmail.com] 20 Aug 02
Hello, i have a document that i have had in my possesion for 23 years. After reading your email vault it is apparent to me that you consider yourself to be a so called historian so could you please tell me the origins of this document? Gary sent this email without the accompanying “document” to read. Ignoring my reply asking him to send the “document” through, Gary sent me another email complaining I didn't answer his original question! Need I say any more...

Ned Kelly's Daughter
From: Barbara Bormes [moochiequin@yahoo.com] 17 Aug 02
Just finished reading Peter Carey's wonderful novel. Am curious about Mary Hearn and her daughter. What happened to them? It’s all FICTION to me...

Ned Kelly's Daughter
From: David Steinhoff [tdevil@optushome.com.au] 17 Aug 02
Did Ned Kelly really have a daughter and if so what was her name? What? Are we having a run of daughter enquiries today? Are we aware that the Booker Prize is awarded for the best FICTION?

The Last Outlaw — Update
From: Steve Gerlach [gerlach@ains.net.au] 16 Aug 02
Hi, just writing to see if there is any news on THE LAST OUTLAW DVD yet? Sure hope so! I can't believe it's taking this long. Now's the time to get it out there in the stores. Then again, I've been saying that since 1988 and I've had no luck! Sorry Steve, but there is still nothing from Channel Seven...

Re: Good but bad...
From: Blake McKowskie [masta3000@hotmail.com] 15 Aug 02
It sounds to me theirs a bit of jealousy as this is my real name and my real e-mail address. If you cant cope with that then it isn't my problem. And i never said that your site was ment to do with Mike Lawson. All i said was you dont consider involving him. And you normally never update your site. Well never used to anyway. And one more thing... you don't know anything about me so what makes you think i'm a kid? My actual age is 23. Thats way past a "KID". Do I need to remind everyone that it was you who first past judgment on me? I assumed your email address was fake because I attempted a reply on 08 Aug 02 only to receive the following message “following addresses had permanent fatal errors: masta3000@hotmail.com. Reason: requested action not taken: mailbox unavailable. User unknown. Action: failed. Requested action not taken: mailbox unavailable”. As for being jealous, I have no idea as to what you mean? Do you mean being jealous of a troublesome hotmail account? Or being jealous you have trouble stringing words together? Or am I jealous simply by excluding Mike? I wonder what he thinks about all this? He has his own web site and if you cared to read it more carefully you’d find my site has more than a passing influence. I must apologise though, based on your writing skills I had no idea you were 23!

Good but bad...
From: Blake McKowskie [masta3000@hotmail.com] 13 Aug 02
I am a good fan of Ned Kelly and have searches both, Your site and the webmaster Mike Lawsons site. As I have noticed you hardly ever update your site. And on top of that have met and are possibly good friends with Mike. I have not met either of you but you both have amazing sites. For my oppinion he has a better site as he has more positive achievment in his work. I recomend you update more often and show some satistafactory in Mike Lawson. Needless to say my site has nothing to do with Mike Lawson. I created the site in 1994 long before Mike was even wearing long pants. As for updates, just take a look at the home page. And guess what — it shows the actual date of uploading! Mike site is good but then again it should be as over 80 per cent of the content is mine. If you don't believe me just take a look at his Links page. And what ever happened to proper grammar? Kids...

re: Ned's handwriting
From: Angeline Baron [abbie38b@netscape.net] 09 Aug 02
Just a note to update Michael Sweet on my book. Thanks for your interest, Michael, by the way. Several people are featuring in the book: Ned Kelly, Joe Byrne, Aaron Sherritt, Alexander Fitzpatrick, as well as Sergeant Steele and Const McIntyre. I would love to include one of the wonderful women of the story, but to date have no samples to work with. I would dearly love a sample of Margaret Kelly's handwriting, as she was such an instrumental part of the Kelly story. You never know what will turn up, so I will keep my fingers crossed. And we will be displaying a sneak preview of Angeline’s book cover over the next few months...

Ned's Handwriting
From: Michael Sweet [msweet@sweetresults.com.au] 07 Aug 02
I remember previously reading about somebody who could analyse a persons handwriting to uncover truths about their deeper character and that this same person was currently analysing Ned's writing. I have been on the edge of my seat for ages waiting to hear about the results, but so far to no avail. Does anybody know anything about this and could someone please point me in the right direction to finding out more? Also, I wanted to say that the guys who put this site together are magnificent humans and we all owe a debt of gratitude to you for providing us with this awe inspiring site. Ned Kelly is definately one of the most interesting characters who ever walked the earth and I feel a great affinity for him and his plight. For example if some two faced, cabbage eared, manipulative, lying and cunning copper tried to sit my underaged sister on his knee and proceed to attempt to have his way with her, in my family home, there would be hell to pay.

Yet Ned was not entitled to react by law and this is the greatest trajedy of all — he wanted to go straight — but his feelings of love and honour could not allow him to sit idly by and he did what I trust most of us would do and protected his sister. What an outrage, that people believed the shady word of a renegade cop with a dark history over that of a man who cared more about his female family members than he did about his own neck.

Whilst there can be no doubts that the life of a bushranger would necessitate a rough and tough edge, with Ned, I feel, there is something of a noble gentleman inside trying to get out. But the prejudices and inequlity of Australian society created one set of rules for the hob-nobbers and another for the masses. Men like Ned were described as flash and that this should be knocked out of them. Why so? Is not flashness an asset that we all admire in a young man? But I could go on all day. I am not trying to paint Ned as an angel, but I do believe that the forces at work around him where the work of the devil and that those individuals who lied and cheated to get at him are now spending eternity in purgatory. Just my opinion. A sweet summary! As for the handwriting analysis, we are producing a book on behalf of Angeline Baron who will be writing about Joe Byrne. Expect to see the book on sale in early in 2003, so stand by for more info as it draws nearer.

James Murdock
From: Mary [jester11@hotkey.net.au] 07 Aug 02
What an absolutely brilliant website, well done. I came across you as I have been researching James Murdock (of the infamous twenty pounds), who is an ancestor of my husband. Your pages are so informative and well researched, a pleasure to read. Do you know where I could find out more about the execution and trial of James Murdock? I also noticed that James Kershaw junior (another of our ancestors) was listed as a Kelly sympathiser, this is great to know. Personally, I think Irish people were treated very badly by the English wherever they went. I think Ned was a victim of his times. Once again, thanks for a great website. Brilliant. Yes.

Mr Kelly
From: Jakob [itzcakas@hotmail.com] 07 Aug 02
Hello im a young student at Saint Ignatius College Riverview, and i was wondering if you could alret me of the relevance of Edward Kelly in todays society and how does it effect us as Australian's. THANKYOU! Somewhere among the 230 plus pages of Ironoutlaw.com is the answer...

Kelly House photo
From: Mark and Jelena [jmar96@bigpond.com] 04 Aug 02
I noticed some of the comments in the email section were of people looking for present photos of Kelly sites. I sent one of Kelly house at Greta. It is ok to use on the site for all to see. I have emailed it to people interstate and overseas and they have all been appreciative. Here is a quote from that fabulous book Ned: The Exhibition “Site of the Kelly Homestead at Eleven Mile Creek near Greta. This is the site of the ‘new’ house built by Ned Kelly for his mother in 1877, today marked by two later brick chimneys”.

The Last Outlaw
From: Lisa [lisa@bigpond.com.au] 02 Aug 02
I was wanting to please comment on the brilliant mini series The Last Outlaw, as people are always asking about it. About over 10 years ago after searching all over the place, I was able to find The Last Outlaw at the National Film & Sound Archive in Sydney,who let me hire it. It is a perfect copy,with the counter running across the lower part of the screen all the way through it. There are also numbers counting down between breaks where they would have put ads when they aired it in 1980. I don't know if they still hire it out, but it would be worth a try asking. I wanted to say also that Ironoutlaw is an amazing site, and from a Kelly Gang person like myself it is really appreciated.

re: Dan Kelly
From: Sam Hornery [matthornery@hotmail.com] 01 Aug 02
I am currently doing the HSC and am writing an essay on Ned Kelly for 3 unit History. My question is Ned Kelly; Hero or Villian and your site has been a tremendous amount of help to my research. It has come to my knowlegde however that there is an ongoing debate on whether or not Steve Hart and Dan Kelly did in fact escape the siege at Glenrowen. This would be a great help to my research if i could prove that Ned did in fact sacrifice himself so that Dan and Steve could escape. I was wondering if you had any information into this query that could be of use for me, as it would be a great help. Steve and Dan died at Glenrowan. They are buried in an unmarked grave in Greta Cemetery. The "escape" story is media hype stirred up by a few people hoping to cash in on the legend. Ned went back in a bid to rescue Dan and Steve

re: Why Ned?
From: Michael [msweet@sweetresults.com.au] 29 Jul 02
In answer to your question Marian, I would say that Australia is a very egalitarian society and this neccessarily involves a natural hatred towards injustice and a natural sympathy for the underdog. For me personally, Ned personifies courage in that he stood up for what was his right and said no to the squadrons of idiots who expected him to bow down and take their shit. We are still drawn to confirm and numerous injustices still exist today. I think that whilst the majority of Aussies abhor injustice, I believe that guys like Ned who stand up and fight for what they believe in is something rare. We internally all wish we would be courageous in certain circumstances but in reality, very few of us would act and that is what makes us human — our fear. The actions undertaken by Ned and the boys in the face of severe prejudice and steep odds are the acts of men who have managed to overcome their fear — heroes in my book. Cheers. Nicely put!

Why wear armour?
From: Ned [Zedned@aol.com] 28 Jul 02
Very interesting website on the famous Ned Kelly. I am been trying to find a good book on the outlaw in the US. I didn't see anything regarding why the heck did Ned Kelly decide to wear amour. Even today Kevlar vests at best can stop only small weapon fire. What was Ned Kelly thinking? I don't understand it. It was 1880 and the police weapons were not nearly so sophisticated. By simply counting the number of dints in his armour, it was quite effective at stopping bullets, unfortunately his arms and legs weren’t as effective...

Why Ned?
From: Marian Matta [mandpmatta@yahoo.com.au] 26 Jul 02
The other day I reread your section Why Ned? in which you detail your own Kelly history and the reason behind this excellent site. “Why Ned” is the question that currently intrigues me. Now we have decided(!) that Ned is a small-footed, well-build but not too big chap with an accent somewhere between Bryan Brown and Brendan Behan, I'd love people to attempt to explain why they have the Ned bug. Not the theories but your own personal feelings. Love him or hate him, I want to know why. Is it the legend or is it the man? Are we all secret revolutionaries? Are there some armour fetishists out there? Or do we just like a good yarn? I wait with bated breath. The gauntlet has been thrown so write in!

Kate Kelly
From: Daniel R [rolferino84@hotmail.com] 23 Jun 02
Are you aware of Sydney band The Whitlams? On their new album Torch the Moon they have a song called Kate Kelly about Ned's sister. It's a pretty good track and has all kinds of references to the Kelly family and Ned himself. It's so good in fact it might become the bands next single, placing it in the national spotlight, and might even rekindle the country's fascination with the outlaw. I suggest you write about it on your website, which is excellent - packed full of information. Yes, I first heard the Whitlams back in 1993 when I saw them play at the Punters Club in Fitzroy Street, Brunswick. And I’ll do a review of the song very soon in the More Music section. As for rekindling the country’s fascination with Ned, they’re a bit late for that...

A Family Relation?
From: Toby Bowering [toby_bowering@austarnet.com.au] 21 Jul 02
i have recently got hold off our family tree and a two page script on it and our relation to the Quin/kelly family i nedd some comfirmation and some things please only real researches replywe hav nt got time to waste i need to get in contact with IAN JONES he is the only person i will tell the family facts that i have please hurry as there are only a few old people that can tell the truth (if they will tell at all) Good God, use a spell checker!

Ring of Ned Kelly
From: Rocky Wall [rocky@wink.ie] 18 Jul 02
Hi There, I lived in Oz in the late eighty's and bought a Ned Kelly Ring, which I got modified for my wedding ring . Since been in an accident the ring had to be cut off. It has since been lost. I have been trying to trace replacement, but living in Ireland it has been like trying to catch the man himself. The ring was quite bulky with the mask and a gun in the right hand bending at the elbow and resting accross the chest. If you have any ideas I would be very greatfull. Many thanks. PS You have a great site. I hope it didn’t come off with the finger!

Lots of Things
From: Trevor Harbord [trevor.h@optusnet.com.au] 17 Jul 02
Gday folks, I just have a question (or 2). Dan kelly as you know spent several months in beechworth prison as did Steve Hart and Joe Byrne. Does anyone know where the standard prison mug shots are? Also did Wild Wright ever speak out about his accociation with the Kelly Gang in his later years / and does anyone have any general info on his life after the destruction of the Kelly gang? There was a great story about Wild in the Allan Nixon book Stand and Deliver

Dan Kelly
From: Kieran Magill [kieran_magill@hotmail.com] 14 Jul 02
Click here: Is this Dan Kelly?
During the early 80's I came into contact with an elderly gentleman by the name of Frank Hockens from Northern Qld. During his younger years he had been an airman stationed at Amberley airbase and had the privilege of interviewing one James Ryan who claimed to be Dan Kelly. Frank spent several weekends taking down conversations that he had with Mr Ryan. As Frank was getting on in years I agreed to take on his investigation of James Ryan's claim to be Dan Kelly. Information passed on to me from Frank proved to be inconsistent with what we now know to be fact.

Mr Ryan certainly had burns on his back & shoulders. He certainly was around the right age but then again he made errors in the names of his family,gave inaccurate accounts of his dealings with the police. He stated that he had crawled out of the blazing hotel but had turned back to rescue a child - when he had done so the rafters fell onto his back and he was burnt - once again dragging himself out, he had hidden in a gully until found several days later by a German migrant. All this without being seen by the police or the numerous crowd that had assembled to watch the building burn!

Paul Tully has certainly created a new tourist attraction for Ipswich however nothing in my research has given creedence to the belief that James Ryan was a member of the Kelly family. I do NOT believe that the man buried is Dan Kelly - taking a DNA sample won't prove beyond a doubt that he IS Dan Kelly - after all he gave his surname as RYAN and hadn't the RYAN family married into the KELLY family? I guess time will tell. I fully agree with you Kieran...

The Glenrowan Dinner
From: Lola [lola@winnet.com.au] 14 Jul 02
Who have we got protesting at Glenrowan the night of the dinner, flower pots and all. A curious listener...

The Armour
From: N Hawtin [nhawtin@iprimus.com.au] 13 Jul 02
Hi i am trying to find the plans to neds armour. I have recently met the decendant of the blacksmith who made these armours and would like to know which pieces are which. do you kno whwre i can find plans of the correct armours etc. I went  to the exibition but they wher mixed up. Any help would be appreciated. Anyone out there mapped the armour?

Production Company Information
From: Tony Slayter [uniquemotef@hotmail.com] 12 Jul 02
Hello, I am a Ned Kelly enthusiast and have a strong interest in sourcing the contact email adddresses of the production company shooting the new Ned Kelly movie (Our Sunshine)? This request or any further information regarding this would be much appreciated.

Ask a dumb question...
From: Krystina [krystina_witt@hotmail.com] 12 Jul 02
What did ned kelly do? just sit around all day killing people? In your opinion was ned kelly a hero or a villain? In my opinion I think you need some help.

Poor Ned
From: Mark and Jelena [jmar96@bigpond.com] 11 Jul 02
Can someone please help me out. I have been a Kelly collector for over 32 years. My partner is Canadian and doesn't know much of Ned. She decided to read Peter Carey's book. She can only see Ned as a murderer and thief. She cannot see and I have tried to educate her that Ned had a cause and was drivrn to his fate. She will not read Ian Jones's A Short Life. Please e mail me your thoughts. I also have some prints for sale (1 Limited)if anyone is interested. Moving Overseas! Canadian? I think you’ve just answered your own question...

Heath’s Kelly film
From: Keir Thomas [deruvspion@yahoo.com] 07 Jul 02
A bit of goss for your site and a query as well, if I may. I'm a shooter who uses the SSAA range at Little River in Victoria, down on the way to Geelong. Though the range is normally open Saturday, Sunday, Monday, next Monday shooting will cease at 3pm and the following the range will be closed. These developments are because certain scenes from the new Kelly film are being shot on the adjacent block (which looks to be the back paddock of private property) which has had a small collection of late 19th century houses and buildings errected on it. I tried to get in closer for more of a look, but to no avail. Might be of interest for those with a good lens and enthusiasm. My query is in regards to the statement on your site that explains how the Kelly armour was tested with a Martini Henry. I am currently researching a thesis in a related field and would be most interested to here where this reference comes from? Looks like they may be shooting the Stringybark Creek scene. The Martini Henry was part of the Stringybark haul the gang took from the heavily armed hunting party. They tested the rifle on the suits as they wanted to know if their armour would stop it’s bullets. Check out “A Short Life” for more details.

The Last Outlaw
From: Leon Welling [Leon.Welling@az1.bp.com] 03 Jul 02
Could you please inform me how I could find a copy of The Last Outlaw, starring John Jarrett and Steve Bisley. Thanks Heaps. With Channel 7 playing funny buggers, at this stage I've got no idea!

Bank Safe
From: Alister Greenlaw [alistergreenlaw@yahoo.com.au] 02 Jul 02
I am trying to locate the whereabouts of the bank safe from Jerilderie which was robbed by Ned Kelly. Do you know where it is, or can you suggest anybody that might know this information? Which bank?

J J Kenneally's Book
From: Kel [gill26p@tpg.com.au] 01 Jul 02
The cover shown in your Books section has Ned in Armour. I have a copy of Kenneally's book which has a man, not in armour, but bearded, wearing a hat and holding a rifle (part only shown) published by Reviews Pty Ltd, no date. The book also differs from the later re-prints commencing at chapter XXI. My book has this chapter as 'The Charred Bodies; XXII as 'Distribution of 8000 reward'. This chapter - which is the last one also has The Royal Commission info and Dixon's minority report. There is an Addenda following which is Dr Nicholson's affidavit. The book is 268 pages and printed by Wilke & Co.It is the only copy I have ever seen in over 35 years of research. Is it the first edition? Would you like me to e-mail you a scanned image of the cover for your use? Seems a couple of different covers were produced during the release of each edition, although Kenneally never had as many different covers as Peter Carey...