Your response to this work...
email
Why not talk back? I will answer.
Your thoughts are welcome and help to shape this site.
Send questions, comments, abuse, photographs...
or even a path with hypertext links like the one on 699
If you don't want you thoughts to be accessible,
then write `private' on the top of your message.
There are also other conversations
From: André Turcotte
and.turcotte@sympatico.ca
November 25, 2000
Subject: huard

J'aimerais bien avoir une photo d'un huard. J'ai eu l'occasion d'en cotoyer un cet été et je voudrais bien avoir un souvenir de cet oiseau charmeur.

J'attends de tes nouvelles...

Lou

From: Sosiawan
sosiawan@hotmail.com
November 3, 2000
Subject: greeting from yogyakarta

Dear, Sir.

I'm Sosiawan from yogyakarta-Indonesia. I need some photos of Aborigin Men in their traditional fashion and accesories, It would be great if you can do me a favour and send me some pictures.

Thank you very much for the very kind of you.

Regards. Sosiawan e-mail : sosiawan@hotmail.com

Reply November 3, 2000

From: Michelle Pfeifer
i_swear_i_eat@hotmail.com
October 21, 2000
Subject: indigenous people

Hey, I have a paper I am working on. The subject is, 'Should indigenous people have a homeland.' I have chosen to focus on the Aborigines. Is this really an issue, or is the fact that their culture is deminishing due to their lack of interest from future generations? I would REALLY appreciate your comment on this.

Thanks,

Michelle

p.s. Have their been any recent conflicts over Aborinine land?

Reply October 17, 2000

From: Christopher Sørum
m-soerum@online.no
October 20, 2000
Subject: Project

Hello Simon

Now my project is finished, I don't know haow it went, but I have a good feeling.

I wanted to thank you for your contribution and I was very happy when you responded to the e-mail I sent you.

We only used some of the information including a picture I found. I hope it was OK.

One more time thanks and good luck in the future with your homesite. It was a great homesite!!

About your question to publish our work on the homesite, I don't think we are interested because it's a powerpoint presentation and it take about 4 MB space.

Thanks anyway!!

Regards

Christopher

From: Jose
LS23@weber.edu
October 17, 2000
Subject: Australians

Hey simon,

I knows you have no idea who I am but I love boing informal about stuff. Who knows maybe one day I will get to meet you down under.

At the moment Im in a small school in the Central Western Part of the United States in The State of Utah. I have been trying to study alittle bit on The Native Americans and the problems they are experiencing in this country. I am aware that so called Aborigines (for lack of a better word) are also facing similar problems.

I am curently taking classes in anthropology as it is my minor and one of my classes involves Asian studies. We are not reading anything about Australia but I want to do a research paper on it so I can learn a littel bit about the aborigines, there history, the beliefs both everyday and spiritual and so on. Anyway I am not sure reading books will do me much good in thi spart of the world. I have decided to get all my info online but I would rather it be legitimate as in published by a legitimate establishment such as a university or cultural center or some other establishment of the sort.

Any ideas on some good sites. I have found "The Aboriginal Studies Virtual Library" online which is how I got to you. Anyway I just need some really good ources to use as references as I have to have atleast 5 references. I will use some books But I would also like to have some info from you. Any ideas???

Jose By the way my email address is okwiri-jayadha@Icestorm.net/com (which ever you choose, either works).

Hope to hear from you soon then.

Thanks.

Reply October 17, 2000

From: Christopher Sørum
m-soerum@online.no
October 16, 2000
Subject: Project

Hello, my name is Christopher and I live in Norway, I'm 16 years old and live in south.

I have a project now at my school and the subject we chose were Aborigines 'How has the aborigines adjusted to the modern world and how do they fit in among other'

This is our problem and I just wondered if you could help us a little bit sin syou have written a nice homepage about aborigines history. It would have been greate if you could help us and if it's Ok if we steel some information fro your homepage

Christopher Sørum from Nøtterøy, Norway

Reply October 17, 2000

From: Colleen Clifford
stuntcoach@hotmail.com
October 15, 2000
Subject: helpnonemergency

Hello from a small town in Missouri,USA.

I had the pleasure of visiting Aus. with a group of dancers that performed in and around the olympic venues.

Before we left the US I was troubled by the vague details our media portraid on the significance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I made it a point to ask a few aus. citizens about history etc. everyone was great! As I returned home I found I wasn't the only one interested in the truth and updates on the treaty,new constitution, and gov't format. I would love a list of books and or web sites (that are factual)about history good bad and ugly, plus the promise of the future.

Thank you so much for your time and energy.

Colleen Clifford 12811 ST. RT. FF Caulfield, Mo. 65626 USA

Reply October 16, 2000

From: Tony
arep769@wincoll.ac.uk
October 15, 2000
Subject: Your poem?

Hey again. I've got to say, I'm impressed with your attention to detail. Jealous would be more the word.

Ok, about King Billy...

Remember, I'm trying to find out stuff myself, but this is what the Dr -I have't got a reply from the museum yet- has unearthed so far. My main source book is 'Heaven's Command' by Jan Morris. From what I have heard, its as reliable as you can get.

He was not a king. When they Tasmanians were 'discovered' in 1642 by Abel Tasman, (I'm not sure whether he first found it. I think someone else found it before, but thought it was a protrusion from the mainland of Australia, not an island) The Tasmanians were a nomadic race. They traveled in seperate groups, and seem to have established no permanent settlements whatsoever. The leader of each of the groups was generally the father or the bravest hunter, and when two groups met, they would fight until one man on either side was killed, wherupon they stopped.

The Tasmanians had no religion, bar a few local spirits, no settlements, and no greater hierarchy than a head of the family. They would most definitely not have had a king. It was really the Westerns settlers who crowned him. I don't know whether this was a ceremonial thing which the natives were taught, or just a nick name that after a while was taken seriously. He did meet Queen Victoria's son, Alfred when he visited the island (1868), but I think he was more a spectacle, as the last male of his race than as a member of a royal family.

A brief history of the Tasmanian involvement with the English is impportant in understanding the King, and would begin in 1803, when it was claimed by the crown for an extension of the Australian penal colony. 1820, it was pretty much fully inhabited.

The Natives were a friendly bunch at first, not really understanding thier visitors. However, when they started to get shot by nobles for sport (less so) or raped and killed by escaped convicts (more so) and taken as illegal slaves in workshops, they started fighting back. They killed some farmers, which raised the price of meat on the island. That was all it took for the settlers to start considering the few hundred (there were a few thousand to begin with) remaining Tasmanians as a threat.

The first attempt at relocation (genocide) was one of those spectacularly stupid fiascos which make the British army famous. They quite literally decided to form a line of 2500 men which streatched all the way accross the island, and march the Tasmanians into a corner for deportation. Unfortunately, the annoying existence of a few mountains, rivers, valleys, trees and rocks foiled this otherwise brilliant military strategy. In the end, they captured two Tasmanians, one of which was a small child and the other of which later escaped. They killed four men in the process.

The second attempt brought out the entire Tasmanian population in the space of three years (1832-1835). A "dogmatic" man named George Robinson went into the bush with a bible, a whistle and a pretty Tasmanina girl he had rescued named 'Black Moll'. He persuaded them to relocatre to a marvellous new island that the British government were providing for them where they wouldn't be bothered anymore. That island was Flinders Isle. The remaining 200 odd remaining Tasmanins were shipped to a rock in the ocean and left there to de out. Robinson stayed with them to teach them religion, make sure they (Nomads) lived in the buildings provided and to stop them singing and dancing in thier hethan ways 'like good Christians.'

Eventually, the government decide the Tasmanina were no longer a threat and allowed the remaining 44 to return to Tasmania. King Billy was one of them. He and his fellow natives were a broken race, destroyed of hope and waiting to die. The remaining few lived in filth in the new settlement provided, prostituting and drinking. King Billy himself was a Whaler, and an alcoholic, as broken and destroyed as the rest of his people. He died of Diarrhoea in a pub toilet (1869), and was ceremoniously buried by his shipmates in a coffin with some native weapons, an opossum rug and his ship flag. The grave was later dug up by an unknown source and the skull was stolen. That just left old Truganinni, she died aged 77 in 1876, having lived the entire span of Tasmanian contact with the Western world. She had deard about king Billy, and begged her Western friends not to let anyone cut her up. She was buried in secret in the Cascades Female Factory, but was later dug up and displayed in the Tasmanian National Museum. The museum still have the body, but don't show it to anyone except those with a genuine scientific interest due to the current protests against such things.

There you go. Thats the general idea of it. Feel free to post this publicly in case its of use to anyone, and send it on to Morgan if you like.

Tony

From: Catherine Cox Walliss
yeti@picknowl.com.au
October 13, 2000
Subject: photographs

Dear Simon,

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. I lost the website and then found it again. I have scanned the index and found the photo. It is of a child standing looking at the camera and his/her mum is sitting behind facing away. At the bottom of the photograph it reads 'The flight of ducks Number 71'. I hope this is the screen number that you are looking for. Please let me know the cost and how you would like it to be paid for.

Cheers!

Catherine

Reply October 15, 2000

From: John Boulton
jboulton@senet.com.au
October 9, 2000
Subject: Lewis Harold Bell Lasseter

dear Simon,

I have recently developed an appetite for any information about the man and indeed the mystery. I seek all points of view and information on the man and his missions, having come across this site , could I impose upon you to make available the source for study or in fact purchase , if it is in the form of a saleable publication,

Kind regards in anticipation

John Boulton( jboulton@senet.com.au)

Reply October 11, 2000

From: Pamela Miller
pamanne3@home.com
October 9, 2000
Subject: Improve the quality of pics?

I took the liberty to do some adjusting to this pic. I couldn't do much as a lot of the information, pixels, had already been taken out by whoever redied them for the web.

hunting party

I converted this one to Black and White. I noticed some inconsistancy in how the pics were saved for the web. If they are saved as B&W they will load a lot faster as the file size should be smaller. Black and White photos scanned and saved in GIF format should be a lot cleaner and smaller.

men sitting

Pamela Miller

Reply October 6, 2000

From: Haley Elizabeth Strong
hstrong@indiana.edu
October 5, 2000
Subject: Flight of Ducks

Hello Mr Pockley.

I am a sophomore at Indiana University. I was recently given an assignment in one of my classes-the title of the class is 'Telling Tales Down Under' and it is about Australian literature and other aspects of it's history and the retelling of its history. The assignment in the class was is to give a 5-8 minute presentation on some aspect of Australia which ties in with the class. In searching for a topic, I came across your site.

I mostly want to tell you how completely impressed I am on its thoroughness. I have never seen such a well put together, very detailed website concerning such a topic of historical interest.

I am planning to do a presentation about your website (that is, if you have no objections.) Specifically, I am wanting to present the class with material about your father's (Doctor John Pockley) expedition in 1933. What I am curious about is if I could get a response from you on why you put together this page and what significance you think it has on educating the world on an aspect of cultural history in Australia? I would like to quote you in the project if that's okay.

Again, I think your site is very impressive and any response or advice on which parts of the page you find most interesting would be most appreciative. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Haley Elizabeth Strong
Indiana University

Reply October 6, 2000

From: Geraldine Wilson
glwilson@primus.com.au
September 30, 2000
Subject: Ernestine Hill - My Love Must Wait

I am researching about Ernestine Hill and her book My Love Must Wait. Can you help me at all?

Many thanks. Geraldine Wilson

Conference Facilitator and Presenter

Janus Consulting PO Box 335 Mount Martha Victoria Australia Phone/Fax/Message: 035976 1702 Email: glwilson@primus.com.au

ABN 97 896 380 486 Mobile: 0414 29 50 48

Reply October 4, 2000

From: Catherine Cox Walliss
yeti@picknowl.com.au
September 29, 2000
Subject: photographs

Dear Simon,

My name is Catherine Cox Walliss and Iam a school counsellor in SA. I am looking for some photographs of Aboriginal children to place in my house. My husband and myself are adopting from overseas and are wanting to display our own heritage in our house as well as cultures from abroad. I was wondering around on the internet and found your site. I really love your works and was wondering if you sell them. I would be interested in knowing the cost of either a slide or photograph that we could get blown up. Could you please reply with the costs. The photo of the child and its mother I am interested in.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely

Catherine Email: yeti@picknowl.com.au

Reply October 2, 2000

From: Coral Mitchell
kcms@iinet.net.au
September 21, 2000
Subject: wild ducks

Hi there

We have 2 wild ducks visit us at our house, at present they are having a great time in our swimming pool. We do not attempt to get too close to them, although they come right up to the back door. (guess they are looking for a place to nest as they have been exploring our garden ??) I would say one is a female & the other her mate. They are grey in colour with a bit of green under the wings cream colour head with black stripes.

We have given them bread & they eat it (I have heard you should not feed them bread ??) should we feed them with chook pellets ?? Also how long before any eggs hatch ????

Regards

Coral Mitchell

Reply September 21, 2000

From: Rogi Riverstone
rriverstone@webtv.net
September 12, 2000
Subject: e-zine article

ah, well, a small pointy thing lurking about makes it look home made....what can I say? the editorial staff worked all nite until 7am to get the current issue out and are all in bed, snuggling their kittens.

I can imagine the oddness of seeing oneself through a glass darkly. I live near Mexico. I get a kick out of the surprise on Mexican faces, when they discover I'm not a selfish spoiled ignorant gringa (from the masculine form, 'gringo', which literally means, 'green go': 'American money, go'.

Please understand, I'm writing for people of whom many are only recently online, and only because this little TV-set top box is simpler to use than a computer.

Yes, we see Oz as Crocodile Dundee, Vegimite, Fosters', 'Kookaburra In The Gumtree' ('tho we've no idea what either of those is) and Kangaroos. Most of us don't know about the history and traditions of Australia. Actually, there was a very funny episode of 'The Simpsos' cartoon in which Homer is thrilled to walk into an outback bar and order a beer bigger than he is......

We Americans don't think we have to learn about other cultures, I'm afraid. And our wealth makes it easy for us to get away with it. Japanese know English; Americans don't know Japanese.....

So, I'm writing to a group of people who sang 'Walzing Matilda' in elementary school but never learned what a 'tucker' is...

We're off to the Olympics on our TV sets this week. The boss asked me to cover the Olympics and Australia. Surfaris are an opportunity to take the readers to spots they might never discover otherwise. Yes, I mentioned the few images we Americans hold in our minds when we hear the word, "Australia," but I hope I gave a glimpse into the richness, the humor, the heart break, the soul of a truly marvelous continent/country.

The way I figure it, the national news and the Olympics coverage will cover the tourist stuff. I wanted people to meet you and the dentist on a camel and the Aboriginal Culture.... site.

Like I said in the article, my people were outlaws, renegades, poor, ridiculed, abandoned. The American image of 'hillbillies' is no better than and probably worse than our stereotypes of Aussies....

I'm glad I found you; your work has inspired me to rework my own pages -- again-into art rather than convention. One sees so many commercial sites online, one loses site of the artistic possibilities of this odd medium....wish I had a scanner and a digital camera......

From: Rogi Riverstone
rriverstone@webtv.net
September 12, 2000
Subject: e-zine article

too late, Simon.

The article's out. BUT your site is so exceptional (I'm not just talking Aussie wise, but universally) that I'm thinking of writing a feature on you. Frankly, I got so involved in the site, I didn't spend enough time on the overview. I'm sure you undestand.

I love non linear sites that are real webs.....

Must be morning in OZ; my email's filling up. I'm watching the evening news, myself......

You are linked in an article I wrote for http://net4tv.com 'Voice' called 'Surfari: Up Over Down Under,'

http://net4tv.com/voice/story.cfm?storyid=2806

Thanks,

Rogi

Reply September 10, 2000

From: Rogi Riverstone
rriverstone@webtv.net
September 10, 2000
Subject: e-zine article

beautiful site! I'm writing an article for http://net4tv.com 'Voice' on Australia. Could you possibly give me permission to use some of your graphics/photos? I'm planning to link back to you.

Reply September 10, 2000

From: Morgan Marshall
mmarshal@dicksonstreet.com
September 8, 2000
Subject: Billy and Aunt

Yes, King Billy.

Thank you bunches. I was watching a documentary on Australia and only got bits and pieces of this most interesting subject. Can you please tell me about him or give me a place to view information via internet?

Thank you Simon,

Morgan

Reply September 10, 2000

From: Morgan Marshall
mmarshal@dicksonstreet.com
September 7, 2000
Subject: Billy and Aunt

Hello,

I wish to know about a native man named Billy who was studied by scientist then died of causes. He had a aunt who was equally famous for study. Where can I find information and why were they so interesting?

Morgan

Reply September 7, 2000

From: Maud Scheydeker
scheydeker.e9709174@etudiant.univ-brest.fr
August 30, 2000
Subject: Research for a memoir

Hello!

I am a French studend who is desperatly looking for information! I am currently working on my Master of Arts the subject of which is:"The quest of identity of the Whites through the Aborigenes in the Australian post colonial novel". If you have read any novel corresponding to the subject, it would be very nice to communicate the title to me at this address:MAUD SCHEYDEKER@YAHOO.COM Thi will help me a lot to create my bibliography. Where I live it is difficult to obtain this kind of information.

Yours gratefully

Maud

Reply August 31, 2000

From: Charles Merrill
Charles6@aol.com
August 20, 2000
Subject: Churinga conversation

Dear Simon,

Harkey requested background information about my life as he had read in the Native American Repatriation Foundation newsletter about my step by step experiences of repatriating a churinga stone. I sent him newsclippings, and he replied and indirectly asked for a donation to take his family. (the newsclipping obituary stated that my late wife's father founded Johnson & Johnson Parmaceutical Co., so he may think I am loaded with money to burn) I don't know. The only information I have is what he posted to you. I received the same e-mail as your last posting thanking my organization, Citizens Against Discrimination. He left that out of the posting to you. I am not trying to make something out of nothing, just wondering why he traced my (paper trail) step by step exactly. The Torre Islands, the land council Alice Springs, ect. What reason would he have to go to the Torre Islands if his Churinga came from the region of Alice Springs? I am just curious as he wrote that he is writing an article. I intuitively find his carefully worded letters a bit fishy. Perhaps I am wrong.

Best regards Charles

From: Pippa Edwards
pippa2811@hotmail.com
August 20, 2000
Subject: Lasseters Reef

Hi again,

Just writing to say thankyou soooooo much for letting me use the story and replying about the diary entry. You're right its such a good story and i was so happy to find that there are people out there who put things on the net that you actually need for what you're searching for.Now i have so much info i 'm not that annoyed with my english tutor for giving us yet another assignment.Kepp up your great wok i'm so thankful for it!!!!!!!

Thanks, Pippa

From: Charles Merrill
Charles6@aol.com
August 18, 2000
Subject: Churinga conversation

Do you know John Harkey other than the conversation 2000? He solicited funds from me to pay his family's expenses to take a trip to Australia.

Thanks

Charles Merrill

Reply August 20, 2000

From: Pippa Edwards
pippa2811@hotmail.com
August 17, 2000
Subject: Lasseters Reef

dear sir,

i was reading through articles on lasseters reef and i came across your journal entry. I found this to be quite interesting and wondered if i might use it to help me with my english assignment. Of course i would aknowledge you but first i would like to know:

· is it taken from a copy of lasseters diary

or

· is it fiction based on facts.?

i would be very grateful if you could email me back at pippa2811@hotmail.com and tell and answer my questions and if possible grant your permission for my usage of it.

thanks again

sincerely, Pippa

Reply August 17, 2000

inbound message removed at request of Victor Hart

inbound message removed at request of Victor Hart

Reply August 16, 2000

From: John Harkey
johnharkey@sprynet.com
August 7, 2000
Subject: churinga repatriation

Dear Simon,

"How did I find Central Australia?," you ask. Well, I bought a ticket on the Ghan heading north from Adelaide and stepping aboard...

On the surface, it would seem that you and I had a very different experiences in Central Australia, principally because I left satisfied, with a feeling of completion. But I suspect that we both met and dealt with the same issues. There is no question that I was very fortunate. But the alliances with individuals who took my objective seriously and who gave the matter time brought my repatriation to a successful conclusion. Chiefly, I credit David Raftery, anthropologist with the CLC, with pulling the matter off and I know that he experienced a lot of satisfaction in the process, as well.

With Dave Richard's help, I found a home-stay with residents of Alice who couldn't have been nicer during my three weeks at their house. I attended five days of the Australian Rock Art Association's conference meeting several people who had an interest in some aspect of my quest. Dick Kimber was one of these. I met with Dick, too, at the end of my stay and reviewed the experiences with him, happily receiving his endorsement of the process.

I saw and spoke with Dave Richards several times, profitting by his company. Thank you very much, Simon, for that contact. I met with Gus Williams, also at your suggestion, who received me warmly at Hermannsburg. There was opportunity to meet with Max Stuart of the CLC and numerous people unanticipated who made my stay rich and memorable. There were several days of sightseeing, moon-lit walks and even a lunar eclipse! There is a lot of film to process and compiling of notes needed to pull the story together. Wish me more luck!

Please forgive the brevity of this note. But I hope it may give some satisfaction to your curiosity. Do you have any specific questions?

Until later, Yours Truly,

John Harkey

Reply August 7, 2000

inbound message removed at request of Victor Hart

Reply August 7, 2000

inbound message removed at request of Victor Hart

Reply August 7, 2000

From: John Harkey
johnharkey@sprynet.com
August 7, 2000
Subject: churinga repatriation

August 6, 2000

Simon Pockley - Flight of Ducks

Dear Simon,

As you will recall from our recent correspondences, I have been engaged in an effort to return to its traditional owners a churinga stone from Central Australia. I have just returned from Australia where a successful repatriation was accomplished. Many persons in Australia and the United States admitted me into their private and professional lives, generously offering their perspectives and guidance during this process. The ground research and contact with the stone's traditional owners was accomplished by persons at the Central Land Council in Alice Springs, to whom I am very grateful. There are many others who provided encouragement and advice that was indispensable. I want to thank you all broadly by the organizations you represent. These are the Strehlow Research Centre, the Australian Rock Art Association, the South Australian Museum, the State Library of South Australia, the Alice Springs Library, the Strehlow Research Foundation, the NTARIA Council of Hermannsburg, Flight of Ducks, the Ministry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, and in the United States, the Smithsonian Institution, Brown University, Southern Methodist University, the Kiwanis Club of Hartford, and the Providence Journal Company. Sincere thanks go to my hosts in Adelaide and Alice Springs and to all the wonderful people I met along the way.

If the details of my experiences and the insights gained during this process would be of interest or use to you, I would be very pleased to hear from you. I will respond to your comments and questions privately.

Sincerely,

John Harkey
90 Larch Street
Providence, RI
USA 02906
tel/fax (401) 831-1023
email: johnharkey@sprynet.com

Reply August 7, 2000

inbound message removed at request of Victor Hart

Reply August 7, 2000

Reply July 21, 2000

From: Jim Harris
jrharris@mninter.net
August 1, 2000
Subject: Credibility affected by Spelling etc.?

Hi Simon.

Sorry this is slow. No good excuse but busy, busy, busy. Note: this old e-mail program has no spell/grammar checker, so one or 2 errors may slip thru.

I believe I encountered your document as I was searching for information about Metadata Management. I am the lead in a newly formed function of our State of MN Dept of Transportation, that of Data Administration, and one of my duties is to define it and get started on the more important parts.

One of the (less-important, perhaps) topics is archiving or long-term storage, and I believe that specific search may have been the one that led to your doc. It seems there is a common position among "archivists" (is that a good term?) that there is no "solution" to the problem of the periodic obsolescence of data formats and media and their readers, drivers, and operating systems to run them on. The standard method of dealing with it appears to be to copy (and perhaps transform in some ways) data from nearly obsolete systems to current media and formats. This will probably happen about every 10 years.

I have not yet read the "ducky" stuff, due to other crises intervening, but plan to soon. If any other guidance occurs to you that I should consider also or instead, I would be happy to hear it from you.

Thanks for replying to my little jab.

Regards, Jim

From: John Haku
skynar@optushome.com.au
July 27, 2000
Subject: Fascinating Question.

I have a question which has fascinated me for quite sometime. Having read many reports relating to the Aboriginal People of Australia, either I've missed something or the reports has been misleading. In all the reports I've read, it appears that the Aboriginal People were never recognised as citizens of their own country. By either the government of the day or for that matter the crown until the '50s or '60s. I can find no information relating to why this appears to be the case. If the above statement is true, that the Aboriginal people were neither acknowledged or counted in the national census, then they as a nation of people didn't exist. If they didn't exist, who's laws did they break, why were some incarcerated and where did the stolen generation really start. Based on the limited information I have on this matter, I would appreciate being brought up to date with the history between the white mans regime and the Aboriginal People of Australia.

Thank you

Yours Faithfully John H

From: Peter Lee
sweatgland@picknowl.com.au
July 25, 2000
Subject: J.F.W. Schultz

Hi Simon

I was windering whether you might be able to assist in throwing some light on a small book I have, called "SOS ....Destined to Perish - !? (With the CHEVROLET to HERMANNSBURG)" It was published in 1938 by Auricht's Printing Office, Tanunda, SA and written by J.F.W. Schultz and has a previous owner's stamp: Arthur E Herrmann.

I am curious to discover whether Arthur Herrmann might have been related to the founder of Herrmannsburg. I can find no reference to neither he nor J Schultz on your site, but wondered whether you might know something of them. Do you happen to know when the Herrmannsburg Mission was founded - and by whom?

I have attached some photos of the book for your interest.

Hoping you might be able to help.

Regards, Peter

From: Jim Harris
jrharris@mninter.net
July 21, 2000
Subject: Credibility affected by Spelling etc.?

Hello.

I just thought you would like to know there are at least three errors, found by simply reading for content, on your WWW page

http://www.duckdigital.net/FOD/FOD0739.html

'Digtial' (twice) and 'pecular' are clearly typo's, and 'curating' and 'curation' are not normal words, of course. Since I'm sure you care about presenting a most positive image possible, you may want to fix them (which a spell/grammar checker certainly would have caught) and apply the same checking to your other writings. Am I wasting your time?

I agree you raise some interesting problems re archival storage; is there any progress yet?

Regards,

Jim

James R. 'Jim' Harris 1752 Forssa Way Eagan MN 55122-2658 651.452.8835 Please e-mail ATTACHed files (NOT INCLUDEd or ENCODEd)! I read Adobe Acrobat & nearly any spreadsheet or word-processing files but few databases. jrharris@mninter.net

Reply July 21, 2000

From: Daniel Stolper
dstolper@hotmail.com
June 24, 2000
Subject: aboriginal

Simon,

Thank You for your help on this matter. They proved quite interesting and yours was the only site on the internet it seems that had info on Lasseter at all... Shame Mr Lasseter didn't think to keep neater handwriting so this 15 year old boy could make some sense of it :)

Cheers,

From: Katja Horstmann
HOHorstmann@t-online.de
June 20, 2000
Subject: Report about the Aboriginees in Australia

My name is Katja Horstmann and I am studying tourism at a private school in Cologne.

For my studies, I want to write a report about the Aboriginees in Australia, how they live, what is their culture, what are their traditions and how are they influenced in their life by the tourism and by the Olympic Games.

I ask you to send me any information or addresses you can provide. Please answer at HOHorstmann@t-online.de

Regards, Katja Horstmann

Reply June 20, 2000

From: Nick Buettner
NBuettner@classroom.com
June 15, 2000
Subject: AustraliaQuest

My name is Nick Buettner and I am the Expedition Producer for a company called Classroom Connect. Our main purpose is to put together distance-learning projects for kids around the world. The reason I'm writing you today is because our next trip, AusraliaQuest, is set for October of this year.

Like our past trips, on AustraliaQuest a team of bicyclists and explorers will travel to Australia to try to answer a question or solve a mystery. Instead of us answering the question we elicit the help of schools throughout the world. Everyday the team will post a question to the kids asking them where we should go to learn a little more about our mystery. Wherever they send us, we will talk with local people and experts about life on Australia and report back to the students by written reports, photos, and videos on our bi-lingual website. There is also a mechanism in which kids can email the team with questions while they are in the field. On some of our past trips we have garnered as many as 62,000,000 hits to our website during a single 5 week trek. You can see an example of our trips at http://www.classroom.com and choose either AmericaQuest or IslandQuest.

The reason I am writing you today is because our team is currently trying to decide on the mystery and direction the team will go. We are right now looking at possibly trying to teach kids about the Aboriginal culture in Australia and you might be a good people talk to about that as well as helping us find a possible teammate for the Quest. My hope is that with your help we can put together a project that can honestly educate kids around the globe. Any help would be greatly appreciated and if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate letting me know. Sorry for the long email.

Sincerely,

Nick Buettner nbuettner@classroom.com ph. (612) 340-0757 fax (612) 340-0744

Reply June 15, 2000

From: Eddie Mulesky
edie@amerfash.com
June 15, 2000
Subject: ducks

i live on five acres in the mountains of san diego county and there is a duck pond on my property. i raised ducks and when they had feathers i put them on the pond, but we also get wild mallards which now have three babies. usually the babies all disappear soon after hatching but these three are getting bigger by the day. at what age can they fly away from predators? thanks for any help you can give me. edie@amerfash.com

From: Eugene Simon
ESimon@cybergraphic.com.au
June 14, 2000
Subject: Lionel Rose

Dear Simon

I am interested in collecting some information on the Australian Aboriginal Boxer, Lionel Rose. Can I request you to please point me in the right direction where I can get this information?

Regards Eugene Simon

Technical Writer Information Systems Cybergraphic Systems Ltd. Phone: 92616419

Reply June 14, 2000

From: Evan Spencer
evan@gold.net.au
June 13, 2000
Subject: lasseter

Thanks for that I am, When I finally get going with this I will run it past you for advice if that is okay.

From: Frank Bailey
fbailey@pathway.net
June 10, 2000
Subject: Walkabout

Dear Cobber,

Thanks much for your note of 30 May. Thanks for brief bio. A ranch in Montana is about ¾ way across U.S. A. Grove City PA (Pennsylvania) is 80 clicks. north of the city of Pittsburgh which used to make steel but everybody is mostly in business suits now. Sorry to hear about Gulpilil. I fear the Indians in Brazil will fair about as well as Gulpilil. Sad. The American Indians never assimilated either. But lots of them have a pickup truck and a hunting rifle and a bottle of booze. Some are running gambling casinos now but I doubt very much for their benefit. I will probably not get to Australia ever. I only like to shuttle between my forest and my boat plus see my kids. I am working on a bull roarer but will cover one surface with dimples like a golf ball. Willl let you know how it comes out. All for now. Got to pay some bills.

F. Bailey 415 Shady Drive Grove City, PA 16127-1925 U.S.A. 724-458-8306 fbailey@pathway.net fax 724 458 7426

From: Gina Dwamena
giina@hotmail.com
June 9, 2000
Subject: pls help

Dear Simon,

I would like that vey much. Thanks, i'm very grateful.

Gina

From: Gina Dwamena
giina@hotmail.com
June 8, 2000
Subject: pls help

Dear sir/madam,

I have keloid on my left ear, i've tried every medicine i have heard of, but its still not working. I recently had an operation but its came back

Please help me. I'm desperate.

Thanks you gina

Reply June 9, 2000

From: One of the Bostons
boston@wn.com.au
June 5, 2000
Subject: photographs

Hello, saw your web site. How do I access the photos?? Cannot see how.

P Boston

From: Sylvain F. Kessler
sfkessler@free.fr
June 2, 2000
Subject: Lorem Ipsum (unknown chars)

Hi Simon,

If you speak frensh you can get the purpose of LOREM IPSUM? @ http://sfk.free.fr I shall translate the site in english and spanish later. Every month I choose one to four site on the web and i make a link on my site.

Your site is very nice and interesting that why i link it.

See you Sylvain F. Kessler

From: Thom Shepard
thom_shepard@wgbh.org
June 2, 2000
Subject: DC Video Asset Management schema

Hi Simon,

This is a real honor to hear from you. Your 1997 article, "Killing the duck..." had a big impact on me when I was working on the Universal Preservation Format project here at WGBH (info.wgbh.org/upf). I followed the link you gave me and I am very impressed at what you are doing with XML/DC. I think XML is the greatest thing to happen to the Internet since, well, graphical browsers. Like the Dublin Core (in some ways), it is bridging the web and library communities. One question: what software is generating your xml? Because we are a Mac-centric institution, I've used FileMaker, which (despite its limitations as a web server and true relational (many-to-many) application, it can do wonders with text manipulation. I've used it in the past (pre-Filemaker 4.1) to generate static html pages for a number of WGBH sites: "Africans in America Resources" and "New Television Workshop Finding Aids." I am also (just for the fun of it!) using it to generate SQL scripts and static XML as Dublin Core (or actually any schema) tags. Anyway, I ask about the software because I noticed those FileMaker-type carriage return "boxes" at the start of each of your lines of XML. If not Filemaker, what do you use for a database? Finally, do you ever give presentations at conferences in the US? I go to a few each year and would certainly try to attend one of yours.

Thanks again,

Thom Shepard

From: Frank Bailey
fbailey@pathway.net
June 1, 2000
Subject: Walkabout

31 May, 1830 hours EDLST U.S.A 75 Degrees West Lo.

Hi Simon,

Thanks for your message concerning the 1971 movie Walkabout. Your comments well noted (note bene). Please bear with me for a moment. Here is the situation in which I saw the original motion picture, now a very long time ago. I had been working in the engineering office of a local shipyard since 1952, flickering flourescent lighting, secretaries in miniskirts, knee deep in blueprints, drinking gallons of coffee every day. raising three kids, paying mortgage, etc. and then I saw this movie. There was actually a place where there were very few people and lots and lots of out doors and no walls and no big pieces of steel ready to fall on somebody and labor problems, etc. At the time I thought it (the movie) was really great. Do you recall the scene near the end in the kitchen when the walls gave way to the out back and the great outdoors? Probably not because you said you did not watch to the end. Years later, I got a copy of the book and read it and really don't remember much about it except it might not have been similar to the movie. I do recall that the book turned out to be rather a "cult" book. At least that is what it said on the back cover. Not being cognizent of things Australian, this may not have been really true and I forget the author's name. In any event, the movie took me away from the shipyard for a while. I think the movie would have been much better without the way Gulpilil ended himself. In any event, I have adjusted to civilization by purchasing 13 wooded acres in the country, surrounded by farmland and more wooded acreage and at last have found some sort of peace. By the way, one of our chief engineers was an Aussie who wanted to build things which could only be done in the U.S. When the local steel industry went under and our company disintegrated, he formed his own company, turned into a millionaire, built the biggest house you ever saw and now shoots ground hogs out of his garden at 100 yards. A really great guy, named Briggs. I'm sorry but I take too too many things too seriously. I cannot comment intelligently on "the geographic impossibility of every second scene" and "jump cuts". I am just on old worn out engineer who loves the out of doors. On the up side, though, all is not lost, as you did say "What a curious film." Yes I thought so too. Au Revoir. If you are ever in my area, give me a call and I will roll out the carpet for you. Thanks much for your messages.

F. Bailey
415 Shady Drive
Grove City, PA 16127-1925
U.S.A.
724-458-8306
fbailey@pathway.net
fax 724 458 7426

Reply June 1, 2000

From: Sylvain F. Kessler
sfkessler@free.fr
May 29, 2000
Subject: Bienvenue

Bienvenue

Lorem Ipsum? : Les ?ditions des cultures du monde.

Reply May 31, 2000

From: Liz Dovey
Liz.Dovey@ea.gov.au
May 25, 2000
Subject: 'Creative criticism' of FOD

Dearest S

It was wonderful to have you visit here especially last night when I felt so bruised.

As promised, here are the details of the vehement criticism of FOD that I found last year that I mentioned in passing during last night's rambling conversation

· such times with you are just wonderful - The Alice Springs News site is still functioning; it's URL is: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews/ Unfortunately this defaults to today's news, so the introduction to the seven part series (although one part seems to be missing) by the "special correspondent" -about your site has gone, even though I saved the URL at the time; that's a shame, because it too was telling.

I'm almost positive the current website preparer, Erwin Chlanda, is the same one as at that time. The six parts I can find of the series are at (in date order):

http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews/0607.html
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews/0608.html
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews/0609.html
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews/0610.html
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews/0611.html
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews/0615.html

I really wish I had mentioned these at the time in our correspondence I assumed you knew!

Much love L [PS I'm happy for you to put this on FOD]

Note: the links above have been collated into a single screen

From: Daniel Stolper
dstolper@hotmail.com
May 23, 2000
Subject: Hello

Hello, I was wondering if you had any other information on Lasseter or some translations of his diaries as his English proves hard to read? Thank you for any assistance as it comes much appreciated. Bye

Reply May 31, 2000

From: Frank Bailey
fbailey@pathway.net
May 22, 2000
Subject: Walkabout

Mr. Pockley,

Isn't modern communication amazing? Thank you for your latest message. Please do not continue search unless I can do something for you. May I send you a book or something? I actually have no copy of the motion picture. It just stuck in my mind.II am a tree hugger) I have made your bull roarer for my grandson, 6 years old. It works. But only if the upper convex surface is roughened. I sanded smooth the upper surface first and could not get it to work. I then roughened the surface witrh a rasp and it worked fine. It appears that when it works, it rotates and winds up the string. The aerodynamics are most interestring. My grandson even got it to sound. I used the elliptical shape (like the Spitfire wing). The subject might make an interesting short article for The Amateur Yacht Research Societry.I wonder if there are other geometries which work. I left the underside smooth. I used a heavy piece of wood from the discarded pipe of an organ over 100 years old.

Very sincerely,

F. Bailey
415 Shady Drive
Grove City, PA 16127-1925
U.S.A.
724-458-8306
fbailey@pathway.net
fax 724 458 7426

Reply May 22, 2000

From: Frank Bailey
fbailey@pathway.net
May 19, 2000
Subject: Walkabout

Dear Mr. Pockley,

Thanks much for your response to my inquirey. You are most kind. Your website and poetry are most interesting.

Here is some data on the motion picture "Walkabout" containing a portion of a poem starting with words something like: "OH, I have ........" The film came out in 1971, 20th Century Fox. Story by Nicolas Roeg (born 1928) with a young Jenny Agutter, Luc Roeg, and Gulpilil. I was unaware that there might be more than one film with this title. Sorry to be such a pain. By the way, I am reading about Tasman and Torres. Great Stories!

F. Bailey
415 Shady Drive
Grove City, PA 16127-1925
U.S.A.
724-458-8306
fbailey@pathway.net
fax 724 458 7426

From: John Harkey
johnharkey@sprynet.com
May 18, 2000
Subject: Churinga

Dear Simon,

I would like to keep my correspondence with you off your web site from now on.

Regards, John Harkey.

(Request for privacy - message body not displayed) Reply May 19, 2000

From: Frank Bailey
fbailey@pathway.net
May 17, 2000
Subject: Walkabout

Hi Simon,

Sorry to bother you and no hurry on this subject but in the movie 'Walkabout' the opening sequence quoted a portion of a poem. It really gripped me and I have been unable to find who wrote it and where I might obtain a full printout. I read the book but there was no reference to it in the book. I appreciate your web page as I wish to make a bull roarer for my grandson. I am also getting very ancient myself and it will be dream time soon.

F. Bailey
415 Shady Drive
Grove City, PA 16127-1925
U.S.A.
724-458-8306
fbailey@pathway.net
fax 724 458 7426

Reply May 19, 2000

From: John Harkey
johnharkey@sprynet.com
May 17, 2000
Subject: repatriation of churinga

Dear Simon,

I am making an itinerary for my visit to Adelaide and to Alice Springs and wonder if you might give me a little more help. You once offered to put me in touch with Chris Anderson. Can you do that now? During my time in both cities, I hope to meet with persons who have either been involved with other tjurunga repatriations or who hold informed opinions regarding the issues surronding such an act. I am interested in speaking to Aboriginal and European journalists, writers, activists, critics of and beneficiaries of the repatriation of sacra.

If this is more than you wish to undertake, I certainly understand. In such a case, could you suggest other persons in Alice and/or Adelaide who might counsel me and lead me to the sources I am looking for? As always, thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, John Harkey.

Reply May 19, 2000

From: Steph
ssrescue@corplink.com.au
May 16, 2000
Subject: Info on aborigines

My name is Steph, I'm wondering if you could help me with my talk. My talk is on aborigines in the time of 1770 and 1851. I was just going to ask you if you could tell me what sort of things they went through and what they did. Who were famous for things they did and back then did they have any sacred places. If you think you have something that people would find interesting as well could you please send them to me.

From: Noel Ferry
noel_ferry@hotmail.com
May 14, 2000
Subject: green thoughts and more

He is much wider than you think and more buried in every culture than one would have thought as well. Have been back to Chartres cathedral and saw him there about 60 odd times. Have you been to Cahrtres? If yopu ever come to Europe, go there. Well worth the trip if only to go to this church alone.

I am interested in a green man consciousness in an an Australian context. Any leads at all over there?

Keep in touch or if anyone else is reading this note which will most probably be going on line, could they respond.

To the green man and all he represents.

Noel

From: Wendy Montroy
hlhrealty@wizard.com
May 14, 2000
Subject: Aborigines in New Zealand?

Thank you for responding so quickly. I guess then my question is, are the Maoris considered Aborigines? I know the Aborigines live in Australia but do they also live in New Zealand?

Thank you again,

Wendy

From: Wendy Montroy
hlhrealty@wizard.com
May 11, 2000
Subject: Aborigines in New Zealand?

Hi,

I am trying to find out if there are any Aborigines people living in New Zealand? I cannot find anything stating whether they do or don't live in New Zealand, or which parts of the islands they reside. If you could help it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

From: stiximaus
stiximaus@leo-one.at
May 11, 2000
Subject: information

I need some piece of information about Aborigines

From: Nally Family
nally_family@bigpond.com
May 9, 2000
Subject: Albert Namatjira

Where can I find something on Albert Namadjira the Artist?

Reply May 10, 2000

From: Douglas Schneible
ACGDOUG@aol.com
May 5, 2000
Subject: Rare " Important Aboriginal Artifacts JPEGS

Dear Simon,

Please find following several JPEGs of some rare and important Australian Aboriginal artifacts originally acquired some time ago from a family descendent of an old Southwest Queensland Ranch family (mothers side came from the Kimberley's; fathers side from swqueensland). I will send you a couple JPEGs of each piece. I can send more if you are interested. Prices are on request. A brief description follows:

1. Arnhem Land tortoise shell, circa l920'-1930's nice old pigment, one of the oldest i have ever seen, 9.5 " x 6.5 "

2. Hunting/killing Boomerang 28" long tip to tip, Kimberley's, fine old aged patina

3. Fine Woomera, Kimberley's, 34" long, heavily incised

4. Fine Shield, Kimberleys, 31.5" x 5.5" heavily incised one side, snake totems other

Plus two more rare pieces:

5. A Clan Totem Churinga , 44" x 3 ¾" with original white piping, acquired in l947 by a relocation officer

6. A Murrawirri sword boomerang, 56" x 3" old patina

Please advise me on which items might interest you and thanks for your inquiry.

Regards,

Douglas schneible

From: Douglas Schneible
ACGDOUG@aol.com
May 5, 2000
Subject: shipment and old bull roarer

hello Simon,

Your churinga was shipped today. Give it about 9-12 days. Also I have just listed a really neat old Australian &bull roarer& from my private collection, item # 319 856 819.

thanks once more for bidding and I hope we can do business again.

Douglas schneible

From: Priscilla Lawlor
Priscilla.Lawlor@cbr.defence.gov.au
May 4, 2000
Subject: Native Food Suppiers

Good Afternoon,

My name is Priscilla Lawlor and I am from the Department of Defence in Canberra. As the Staff Officer-Support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, I am trying to find a supplier of Indigenous Foods such as: Crocodile, Barramundi and other such Native foods. I would really appreciate any help that you can give me.

Kind Regards,

Priscilla Lawlor SO-Support R1-1-C084 Defence Equity Organisation Ph: (02)62654772 Fax: (02)62651799

From: Evan Spencer
evan@gold.net.au
May 3, 2000
Subject: lasseter

I am interested in his diaries, etc. I am interested in tracing his track, for a holiday with the family.

Reply June 13, 2000

From: Evan Spencer
evan@gold.net.au
May 3, 2000
Subject: lasseter

I wonder if you have any sites to obtain more information abaout lasseter

From: John Harkey
johnharkey@sprynet.com
April 29, 2000
Subject: tjurunga

Congratulations, Simon, on your new tjurunga board. I noted that you were the apparent sole bidder and asked my wife if she'd like another churinga. "No, one's enough"! How did you sneak this one past your spouse? Seriously-what was you motivation in buying it. Was it for the collection or were you rescuing it from the philistines?

Your idea that you physically join my repatriation quest surprises me. You have certainly already added much to my effort. If you can suggest where a twin effort might take us, I will listen.

Yes, thank you, I have been in touch with Richards, but briefly as he is "swamped"-by work or floods he did not say. I wrote him a note of introduction and explained that you had suggested his name. Then through a keystroke error, I sent that note to everyone on my Churinga list. So now, for better or worse, all our names are associated. I do not think I have done you any disservice. But with the hyper sensitivity surronding all this, that gaf was embarrasing.

Sorry.

For another repatriation story, see http:www.green.net.au/hindmarsh/support.htm.

Regards, John

Reply May 19, 2000

From: Douglas Schneible
ACGDOUG@aol.com
April 29, 2000
Subject: congrats/churinga

Thanks, i only received one email with the exp date.Please re email me your cc # in two separate emails.

thanks douglas

Ps also are you interested in just churingas, what about shields, tortoise shells, womeras, and boomers ? If you can give me a better idea of what you collect that would be very helpful. I bought a small but quality collection a few years ago and have some very nice things that i am thinking of selling!

From: David Nash
David.Nash@anu.edu.au
April 29, 2000
Subject: churinga

Wow.

See what you can find about provenance-the "tribe" named under the description of the shield (parallel - and cheaper!- auction item) is not known to me or some acquaintances who I would think would know, but I haven't looked it up in Tindale etc. I see Ray Station in the Auslig gazetteer tho.

-DGN

From: Douglas Schneible
ACGDOUG@aol.com
April 29, 2000
Subject: congrats/churinga

Hello again,

Do you collect larger and more valuable churingas? If so we have an extremely rare "totemic clan" wood churinga for sale about 44" long. Excellent quality and provenance. Please advise and thanks once more for your kind business.

Douglas schneible

From: Douglas Schneible
ACGDOUG@aol.com
April 28, 2000
Subject: congrats/churinga

Dear Dr. Pockley,

Thank you for your email. Shipment to Australia via us post air insured would cost about $18. Your total then would be US $103+$18= $121. I can take visa/mc and if you want, email me your cc # in two separate emails, the last one containing the exp. date. Thanks so much and again thank you for bidding!

Douglas schneible

From: eBay
aw-confirm@ebay.com
April 28, 2000
Subject: eBay Australia End of Auction - Item # 311464850 (Old Australia Aboriginal Wood Churinga NR!)

Dear drachm and simonpockley@gmail.com,

Congratulations - this auction successfully ended.

Item Title: Old Australia Aboriginal Wood Churinga NR! (Item #311464850)
Final price: US $102.50
Auction ended at: 28-Apr-00 12:56:05 EST
Total number of bids: 3
Seller User ID: drachm
Seller E-mail: acgdoug@aol.com
High-bidder User ID: simonpockley@gmail.com
High-bidder E-mail: simonpockley@gmail.com
Here's what to do next:

*The buyer and seller should contact each other within three business days to complete the sale. Not getting in touch leaves the contract in limbo and can earn you negative feedback. If you have trouble, though, just visit http://cgi3.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MemberSearchShow

*Help other eBay users by leaving feedback about your transaction, at http://cgi2.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?LeaveFeedbackShow&item=3114648 50

*This auction's results, including email addresses of all bidders, are available for 30 days at http://cgi.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=311464850

*If you've bought this item as a gift, you can let the lucky recipient know what's coming! As long as the seller has a positive feedback rating of at least 10, just visit http://cgi3.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewGiftAlert&item=311464850&u serid=simonpockley@gmail.com

*For further information and resources, visit http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/sellerguide/after-tips.html

Note to Bidders: If you're a winning bidder, send your payment to the seller. We're so glad your auction was successful, and we hope to see you at eBay again soon! And be sure to tell your friends about us - we'd love to see them here too. Trade On!

Item Description:

Here's a great collection starting piece that shouldn't cost you an arm and leg to add to your collection ! This GUARANTEED OLD & AUTHENTIC Australian Aboriginal wood churinga (Tjuringa), 18" in length, was collected at Ray Station, Southwest Queensland before 1920. It is significant because of the dramatic Aboriginal "concentric circles" incised upon it; three circles on the front and two on the reverse. Churingas are the most deeply personal item an Aboriginal possesses. Each person's churinga is like a "personal diary" or auto-biography marked with motifs representing life's major milestones and turning points, either spiritual or physical. Each simple line , dot, or circle, may represent initiation, elevation to a higher spiritual status, falling in love, birth or death of loved ones, an illness, dream vision, or a battle kill for example.. Each motif functions like a knotted string around your pinky, to remind you of somehting significant in your life. These motifs are personal to the owner and we can only guess at what each one definitely means. In the 1981-1982 exhibition book: ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA presented by the Australian Gallery Directors Council (a fabulous exhibition of important and significant Aboriginal material culture from Australia's leading museums), the authors include a section on probable decoding Aboriginal motifs such as these circles. We are photographing a portion of this page to pass onto you some of this fascinating information. "Concentric circles" may have multiple meanings such as campsites, breasts, stones, wells, rockholes, cloaca, fire, holes, fruit, or hills. Our specimen is beautifully incised and still retains most of its original red ochre patina but has suffered a bit and has been repaired as can be seen in the photos. These significant tribal artifacts are wonderful authentic histories and deserve great reverance. NO RESERVE!

From: Francesca Primavera
primeran@deakin.edu.au
April 28, 2000
Subject: questions for your talk

Hi Simon

Life is always a rush I hope it starts to slow down soon because I'm in real need of a break. Anyway onto more serious things. As we discussed at the meeting It would be great if you could give a brief overview of the background to the content of your work. It would also be good to hear you talking as the first person to present a PhD online. Perhaps you could discuss some of the difficulties experienced in doing a website as a PhD etc. This will lead in nicely from my discussion on deciding to do a website rather than a CD given your influence back in late 1996. Ann was also hoping you could show some of the photos you have on the website. If this si not possible you may want to explain the reason as you say about the public and private space. In my intervention I will aske what type of Cultural war emerged due to the inclusion of some photos and other visual material on your website.

And finally to what extent does working with aboriginal material involve dealing with "ideological fascism' ( Ann's words) Are all campaigners of the protection for aborignals knowledgeable about that which they protect? Again I will intervene and ask this- Has an industry of academics emerged in this area that cause more harm than good? If you have any questions please email me. See you on Friday.

Ciao e a presto

Francesca

From: Douglas Schneible
ACGDOUG@aol.com
April 28, 2000
Subject: congrats/churinga

hello

Thanks for bidding. You were high bidder on this neat piece. Please email me your address and if I ship in the continental USA your total cost would be $l02. + $9.50 s/I = $111.50 Please send payment to:

Douglas schneible
one clarendon avenue
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
Thanks for bidding!
Douglas

From: eBay
aw-confirm@ebay.com
April 27, 2000
Subject: eBay Australia Daily Status as of 26-Apr-00 19:46:00 EST

Dear simonpockley@gmail.com,

All information is current as of 26-Apr-00 19:46:00 EST Please visit eBay Australia for the latest information.

You are a high bidder on the following auctions:

311464850: Old Australia Aboriginal Wood Churinga NR!
Current bid: US $102.50
Auction ends on: 28-Apr-00 12:56:05 EST
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=311464850

Thank you for using eBay!

If you have already not done so today , if would not hurt to mention eBay Australia to your friends!

From: David Nash
David.Nash@anu.edu.au
April 26, 2000
Subject: churinga

$102.50 eh?! (Lemme know what happens!)

-DGN

From: David Nash
David.Nash@anu.edu.au
April 26, 2000
Subject: churinga

May be someone would want to bid on this at CLC or NLC????

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=311464850

From: Idowu Mosudi
idowum@netzero.net
April 26, 2000
Subject: information

Please forward me with more information about the historical background of the aborigin orgin and their present condition.

From: Angela Sweeney
sweenjajac@wave.co.nz
April 24, 2000
Subject: can you please help me?

Hi my name is Angela Sweeney and I am a student studying the Australian Aboriginies - the stolen children and assimilation. If you have any information regarding these topics, particularly the stolen children, then I would really appreciate it if you could send me some. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely

Angela Sweeney

From: Rhia Murch
riam@oznet.net
April 23, 2000
Subject: Murch's Hermannsburg film

Dear Simon,

It has been a long time since I have heard from you. Thought you might like to know that Murch's Hermannsburg film will be used in filming Robert Hughes Fatal Shore production. Can't tell you much about the date, or how it will be used, except it is a co production company. Have asked the copyright fee go to the Western Desert Kidney Dialysis appeal

. Hope you are well. cheeky and doing something interesting.

Regards

Ria

From: LAC
April 21, 2000
Subject: aborigines

I'm doing a project on Australia Aborigines and I was wondering if you could tell me some of the sources that you used.

Thanks! Interested in America

From: John Harkey
April 19, 2000
Subject: tjurunga

Dear Simon,

Your copies of Politics of the Secret arrived last week and I've been reading it since. Enthralling and very illuminating. Thank you very much. You've expanded my view on the matters considerably. I'm still planning to come to Alice in mid July for the conference and to speak with anyone who wants to talk to me re the churinga.

I will be staying in Alice for a week before and one after the conference and am looking for a home in which to rent a room. Do you have friends or professional acquaintances, preferably sensitive to the issues we've been discussing, who might have space to rent on a "bed and breakfast" basis? We'll talk again, I'm sure. Thanks again for taking the time and expense to help me. Do you like Jack Daniels whisky?

Regards, John Harkey

Reply April 19, 2000

From: Phillip Sadler
April 15, 2000
Subject: Lasseter's Diary

Dear Simon,

Is it possible to obtain a copy of Lasseter's Diary?

Postal Address: Phillip Sadler, 7 Valonia Rd., Langford. WA 6147

Yours faithfully,

Phillip Sadler

Reply April 16, 2000

From: Diane Emerson
April 8, 2000
Subject: cultural sensitive

I am looking flight details and prices for 2 adults travelling from Belfast to Perth, Australia via Bangkok on 12th June 2000 and returning 10th June 2001. Please reply to inform my of the best fligth prices and of any other fligths that may be suitable.

I look forward to your reply.

Best regards, Diane Emerson

Douglas & Grahame Ltd Tel +44 (0)28 9032 7777 Wellington House Fax +44 (0)28 9032 7700 322 Donegall Road BELFAST BT12 6FX

Reply April 8, 2000

From: leahkirk@collegeclub.com
April 8, 2000
Subject: cultural sensitive

Hi Simon Thankyou so much for e-mailing me back, I think this will help me alot. I will let you know what I find out.

Again thanks Leah

From: leahkirk@collegeclub.com
April 6, 2000
Subject: cultural sensitive

Hi, my name is Leah, I am a college student. I am doing a presentaion on cultrually sentive testing(like the gov. had seperate IQ tests for Blacks than he did for whites. What I want to know is if you can send me some info. on the questions that were on tests that the gov. used to deter minorities from:voting, going to school or anything else. Any response will be appreciated.

Thankyou, Leah

Reply April 6, 2000

From: Mary Katic [lalli@chariot.net.au]
April 4, 2000
Subject: aboriginal protection in South Australia

Are you able to shed light on an Act passed in 1911 which related to Aboriginal Protection policies in SA? My students are studying SA history and settler treatment of the Aboriginal people is one of our study areas.

Reply April 4, 2000

From: Jos? Borghino
March 31, 2000
Subject: The Flight of Ducks

Simon

Dale wasn't at the indecsw conference, but Libby Gleeson was, so I've passed your email on to her. Is it all reight if I also pass it on to Dale, I think she would be interested?

Cheers Jos?

Dear Ms Spender

My membership number is 9212661

I think I spoke to you in Sydney at the indecs event and promised to email you the uri of 'The Flight of Ducks' - maybe it was someone else there is nothing about people on the ASA website (a common omission)?

The work can be accessed at:

This is in case you want to use it for testing your ideas or whatever. At the time you were looking at some form of royalty system for on-line work.

I've been writing on-line since 1995 and have found the web to be a most rewarding space for a writer to work in. I feel fortunate that the work (above) has attracted over a million individuals (not hits), won international awards, and has even provided me with a steady income. From my superficial reading of the various newsletters you send out, I get the impression that many ASA members have yet to understand the new paradigms of working in a networked environment. This means that the restrictive access inherent in traditional notions of copyright is actually working against your members' interests.

I was half thinking of submitting an article about these issues to the ASA journal, but keep dismissing it as a waste of time - given your constituency.

Please feel free to contact me any time if you have any questions about 'The Flight of Ducks'. It is different from off-line work in that it is a live, constantly evolving, participatory work with its own contextual universe.

There is a description at:

Kind Regards Simon

From: John Harkey
March 30, 2000
Subject: tjurunga stone

Dear Simon,

Yes, please. I would be happy to have the copied monograph and a copy of Sacred Journey. I'm sure that you like to think of yourself in other ways, but for me-at present-you are my best window into the underside of the passions that surrond tjurunga. I am going to pursue the leads you've given me as far as I can. Do you know of sympathetic librarians or others who can lead me to books or newspaper archives with ancillary material? The library at AIATSIS gave me the brush-off. Others choose not to respond. Simon, I want to reimburse you for any expense you undertake on my behalf-I hope you will ask. But I expect that you won't. Instead think what I might do for you. I am in your debt.

Sincerely, John Hakey.

Reply Mar 30, 2000

From: John Harkey
March 30, 2000
Subject: tjurunga stone

Dear Simon,

Here in the United States, when we drop a bomb-shell on someone's desk, we usually say, "and have a nice day"!

Seriously, your letter didn't take me unaware of the issues, but you are the first to offer personal accounts of such things. I was very moved by the frankness of your response and I hope to hear more from you on the matters you outlined. I need to tell you that I intend to write about the process I am undertaking and will use your insights and experiences to further my investigations. I only ask that if you wish for your name not to be used in a manuscript or for me not to refer to you by name in my other correspondence, that you simply say so. You can be sure that this is a trust I will not violate. That said, I hope you will continue to be forthright with me. Your public presence on the web suggests that you are interested in doing so. Besides the overarching importance that I feel attends the act of repatriation, staying fully aware of the developing story of the repatriation is my second motivation. Therefore, I am very interested in taking all angles on the process. Have you written an account of your own repatriation efforts that I can read?

I am searching for the monograph you suggested. I am also going to consult an agent in the sale of ethnic antiquities. Phillip Jones is a name I do not know at the SA Museum. My correspondence has been with Phillip Clarke. Thank you again for your thoughts.

Regards, John Hakey.

Reply Mar 30, 2000

From: Thierry
March 29, 2000
Subject: Lasseter's reef

hi I am in the middel of doing research into lassaters lost reef. I came across the flights of ducks on the internet which seems to have very original info .could you tell me if and where I can buy this book

thank you thierry

Reply Mar 29, 2000

From: John Harkey
March 29, 2000
Subject: tjurunga stone

Dear Simon,

Thank you for your response to my query re Flight of Ducks. I was very moved by your statement, feeling that it mirrored my own situation at least in regards to your father, perhaps also in your relationship with tjurunga. Please read the following statement that is the beginning of my story. I wil spend more time with your website looking for themes or events that I want to know more about. I would very much like to know more about you and your father's story. Certainly I would like to correspond with anyone you might suggest who can give me more perspective on the realm into which I am about to venture. Presently, I plan to come to Alice Springs for the AURA 2000 conference in mid-July and spend up to a month in the environs. Perhaps we can meet.

Where do you live?

Bringing the Stone Home

Background

My father, Jarrott Harkey, acquired a tjurunga stone while passing through the desert west of Alice Springs in the mid 1960s. During a period of several years work as a seismologist in the Outback of Australia, he had stopped at a mission and purchased an Aboriginal artifact that appealed to his eye. Jarrott told the story this way: ?There was a whole box of these, or bag of them, at the Hermannsburg Mission, different kinds of rocks. And I picked this one out, one I thought was better defined than any of the others. This according to the story they gave me, was not directly from the Aborigines but from the pilfering by an early explorer who was one of the first ones to visit Ayers Rock and found these things in a cave in Ayers Rock.? I do not believe that my father realized at the time what he held in his hand.

This engraved stone sat on a shelf in our Dallas home keeping company with artifacts collected by my father during his travels around the world from the 1930s to the 1980s. About the tjurunga stone, he had often said that it should be returned to Australia although his death overtook this ambition. Now in my possession, I have taken up his wish and have initiated an effort to bring the stone home.

I have been guided in this effort by correspondents at the South Australia Museum, the Strehlow Research Center, the Central Land Council, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, and in the United States, the Smithsonian Institution, the American Museum of Natural History, Southern Methodist University and Brown University. The significance of the tjurunga stone was quickly made apparent to me, and my conversations opened several vistas into the history and religion of the Australian Aborigine. The process has become a quest for knowledge on my part. But more significantly, the process will hopefully lead to the reinvestment into that culture of a relic of the Aborigine?s Dreamtime that is yet imbued with the living spirit of an Mythic Ancestor.

During the last six months I have been seeking a path by which I might bring the stone home. Currently, the quest centers upon the question of provenance. Using photographs of the stone that I provided, investigations are being conducted by the Central Land Council, an Aboriginal institution based in Alice Springs. The process of identification must be approached with the utmost sensitivity and discretion. I am very fortunate to have the interested participation of sensitive and talented people who are commenting on or guiding the repatriation effort. My photographs of the tjurunga have been viewed by senior Aboriginal men and a general geographic area has been identified in which to concentrate the effort of provenancing. At present, David Raftery, anthropologist with the Central Land Council, is my interface with the Aboriginal community.

Best Regards,
John Harkey
90 Larch Street
Providence, RI 02906
USA
tel/fax (401) 831-1023

Reply Mar 29, 2000

From: Sarah
March 29, 2000
Subject: photo documentaries

I wandered onto your sight trying to research photo documentaries. Since I could find no explanation for what your pictures posted were, I am hoping you will e-mail me back, and explain a little of this to me.

Thanksomuch, Sarah

Reply Mar 29, 2000

From: Cassandra
March 28, 2000
Subject: ABORIGINAL MAKE UP

HI SIMON, NY NAME IS CASSANDRA AND I AM CURRENTLY UNDERTAKING A COURSE UB BEAUTY THERAPY. ONE OF MY SUBJECTS IS MAKE UP. I CURRENTLY HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT IN WHICH I HAVE TO STUDY A HISTORY OF MAKE UP. I HAVE DECIDED TO STUDY AND RESEARCH ABORIGINAL HISTORY. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD HELP ME IN FINDING SOME INFORMATION ON THIS PARTICULAR AREA AND PERHAPS IF YOU KNOW THE NAME OF ANY BOOKS THAT ARE AVAILABLE WHICH CAN HELP ME IN MY ASSIGNMENT. THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. KINDEST REGARDS.......CASS

Reply Mar 28, 2000

From: John Harkey
March 28, 2000
Subject: tjurunga stone

Dear Simon P.:

I found your web site in the process of researching the subject of tjurunga. I am in the process of repatriating to Australia a tjurunga that my father acquired in the 1960. Efforts to provenance the stone currently point to the McDonnell Ranges which I think are sketched in a map on one of your diary pages. I'm having some trouble reading the text. Do you have a transcription you can send me?

I am interested to know who you are and why this web site came to be. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
John Harkey
90 Larch Street Providence, RI USA
(401) 831-1023
email

Reply Mar 28, 2000

From: Pierdomenico Baccalario
March 16, 2000
Subject: hi friend

Simon,

thank you for yuor reply and excuse me for my terribile english. I read it very well, but i've not study his grammar in order to write something good... So... I don't understant the reason you speak about "sad" in William Bukley story. William Bukley left the aboriginal tribe and joined at the Batman crew... I've only find one or two lines about a "trading" between Batman e tre old-aborigins... for the land in which Batman builded Melbourne... Is this the "sad"?

I've choose Bukley because I want to speak of the aborigins of Victoria and their traditions... because I like very much the "song lines", "the dream time", and so on. I've read only one book (the only italian translation) of T.Strehlow (can i find something in e-book format? order them at Amazon store it's a very long thing... and i've not a lot of time!). So... I found the Bruce Chatwin diary and a lot of books about the convict, the Van Diemens Land, the history of bushranger... and so on. Nothing really ON Buckley. So... I've found anything sad, but the great story of a man and his 30 years alone, with the aborigin tribe. But... if you tell me that Bukely story has something sad... or something "against" the aborigins... I will immediatelly left it! Please, tell me more about ... "sad".

Thak you.

(sure i can let you read my book... but it's in italian language!)

See you.

Reply Mar 15, 2000

From: Pierdomenico Baccalario
March 12, 2000
Subject: hi friend

hi friend,

im a writer and im working on a story for children 12+; im searching a fun story of a bushranger (or european man) who spend time with aboriginal people. At this time im searching something about William Buckley, but i don't know if he can be the best man for my story.

Can you help me?

Reply Mar 15, 2000

From: Patricia Palmer
March 8, 2000
Subject: "Killing the Ducks"

Dear Mr. Pockley:

I went to your document "Killing the Duck to Keep the Quack" at the URL http://www.duckdigital.net/FOD/FOD0055.html It was very informative and thought provoking, providing some needed perspective for me into the issues of digital preservation. Thank you so much for that.

The lack of editing, however, proposed some challenges to reading it smoothly and following up on the cited references. The web exposes those who do not edit and I am compelled to bring typos and inconsistencies to your attention. I'm sure future readers will appreciate the corrections.

"Killing the Duck":

>In spite of Marshall McLuhan's book-bound insights ('the medium is the massage') the process of digitisation now allows us to separate content from the medium which carries it.

The correct quote is: THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE

"Killing the Duck":

>For example if the creator is not in a position to maintain digital information overtime but the information is considered to be significant, the National Library may well undertake the responsibility for maintaining it if another institution is not considered to be a more appropriate site." [quoting Maggie Jones]

Correct: ...maintain digital information OVER TIME but...

"Killing the Duck":

>The persistence of the QUERTY keyboard layout is further evidence that rationality does not always prevail.

Isn't is QWERTY?

"Killing the Duck":

> Neither, fully complies with the other or with the various W3C HTML specifications.

Correct: No comma necessary after NEITHER.

"Killing the Duck", parenthetical phrase in the quote regarding Deborah Woodyard's (NLA) email (Fri Oct 25 1996): (the dot dot dot she put in I guess to signify there was more discussion on the subject, but would optional if you don't like it)

Correct: 'the dot dot dot' is called an ELLIPSES. The phrase following the comma is incomplete. Perhaps it is meant to read: but IT would BE optional if you don't like it.

"Killing the Duck," quoting Maggie Jones:

>Much of the information is networked and has not tangible form. There is no obvious link to whose responsibility it is to maintain it, no obvious way of being able to tell whether it is in fact endangered, and no easy way to find it in the first place, much less make an assessment of its significance.

Correct: NO tangible form

And, the actual quote (I believe) is:

"In the case of networked information, when we don't have a tangible item owned by the Library, we have no obvious link to whose responsibility it is to maintain it, no obvious way of being able to tell whether it is in fact endangered, and no easy way to find it in the first place, much less make an assessment of its significance."

--Please quote correctly.

--Also, this quote is references citation #20, which is The Palace. I believe the reference should be to citation #19. All your reference notes are off at this point. The citation for The Palace references citation #21. Citation 21 references Sandbothe, M. [1997 July 30] The Transversal Logic of the World Wide Web: A Philosophical Analysis. [Obviously wrong. Link to #20, The Palace website]

The link to The Palace is particularly frustrating as the site will not allow the back button to take me back to your document.

"Killing the Duck":

>The impact of metadata on these snapshots, by networked providers, archivists, collectors, researchers, commentators and special interest groups is just beginning to be felt.

Correct: no comma is necessary after SNAPSHOTS

Patricia Palmer
a snaggle-toothed editor

Reply Mar 8, 2000

From:
March 7, 2000
Subject: aboriginal man with spear

For a seventh grade social studies class, what is an aboriginal spear made from? I know from a branch and covered with mud or clay. What is the end made from or of, stone, just a point, a fire-hardened point?

Thank you.

Reply Mar 7, 2000

From:
February 21, 2000
Subject: Katingura - Pintupi tribesman

Dear Simon.

I have a reproduced photo attributed to C.P. Mountford with the above title. I am seeking permission to use the photo in a publication. Have you any knowledge of this photo or can you direct me to a copyright holder?

Regards, Ralph Folds

Reply Feb 22, 2000

From: Beckky Shaffer
February 21, 2000
Subject: duck feet

My name is Becky and I received an answer for duck feet and why they do not freeze in water. Thanks for your help.

Received: James Mejeur

Hello Becky,

You asked a very good question. Ducks have some special mechanisms that keep their feet from freezing.

A duck's downy feathers and high pulse rate help it keep a normal body temperature of about 104 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter the weather. Ducks are able to maintain the temperature in their feet just above freezing. If you had your feet in ice cold water like ducks very quickly your whole body would be chilled.

In ducks (and many other birds), the arteries and veins in their legs are so close they touch. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins carry blood back to the heart. The blood moving from the bird's body to its feet is 104F. But, the blood in the veins of the foot is normally cool.

That means as the warm blood moves towards the feet in the arteries, the close-lying veins cool the blood. Likewise, as the cool blood moves from the foot back towards the bird's body, heat from the warm arteries warms the blood back to body temperature. Birds can also constrict the blood vessels in their feet to reduce the amount of blood flow there.

There is still the matter of "don't their feet just feel uncomfortably cold even though they have these special adaptations?" That is a bit harder to answer. At this time the best answer is I can give to that is that it just doesn't bother them. I have heard that they have fewer nerves in their legs and feet so they don't feel as much cold, but I can't confirm that theory.

I hope this has answered your question.

Good Luck

James Mejeur Curator of Birds National Aviary

Subject: Re: Katingura - Pintupi tribesman
From: Ralf Folds
February 21, 2000
Subject: Katingura - Pintupi tribesman

Simon

Thank you very much for your reply and the interesting debate you referred me to.

I am including the photo as an attachment - a scanned file. Somewhat ironically in the light of the trouble you have had the son of the man in the photo brought it to me, reproduced in a religious book from the 60s. He wanted it to be displayed and I followed his instructions. Contemporary Pintupi are interested in seeing the old photos and films these days, they also tell me they want their children to know about the early days,life in the bush etc.

available only with permission of owner

I will certainly ask the son's permission before using it for publication which leaves the question of copyright. If you could in any way assist in identifying the original source of the photo or otherwise assist I would be most appreciative.

regards, Ralph Folds

From: petulant5
February 20, 2000
Subject: reconciliation, colonialism and assimilation

dear Simon,

i am a year 12 student currently working on a major project worth 20% of my Studies of Religion H.S.C mark. the project is based on the impacts of colonisation on the culture and belief systems of the Australian Aboriginal peoples and of their neighbouring counterparts.as part of my project i am collecting data on the views of todays society and that of yesteryear upon the matter. in doing so i have devised a set of interview questions which i am hoping you may like to answer.i understand if time is a constraint and if so, just the fact that you have taken the time to read this is comforting to know.

interview:

Q1.what are your views of the early christianization process forced upon the Aboriginal peoples of australia? do you believe that it was done by the missionaries out of good will and through shear ignorance?

Q2.when the assimilation(contemporary) process occured, do you think that an element of spite was involved or do you think that ignorance was again at the root of this process?(OPTIONAL)

Q3. as an educated and free minded society, what questions do you belive we must ask ourselves upon the issue of reconciliation?

Q4.what is your stance upon the actions towards reconciliation by australias politicians?(OPTIONAL)

Q4.do you belive that there should be more imput upon the matter of reconciliation by the spirtual leaders of all religious traditions?

Q5. As a nation do you believe that we have grown in a sence and are willing to accept what has happened and say sorry?

Q6.todays generation have made "sorry books", have embrased australian aboriginal culture and have accepted what has happened, do you believe that this statement is true?

last of all i'd like to thank you for reading/completing this interview and i hope it will further our progressing views of reconciliation. If you have any last coments i would love to hear them and i would greatly appreciat them.if you have any suggestions on how i may reshape my questions or would like to forward this interview to interested parties i would be very greatful for the input, i belive that sharing information and each others views is a crusial step in self education and growth.

From: Fiona Reeves
February 15, 2000
Subject: Biblograhpy help!

Dear Simon,

Thank you very much for your help, I'm dashing off to uni right now, but will take up all your suggestions when I get home! The question, I think, is referring to the ancient/traditional art form - well at least that's how I read it! I must admit I haven't enjoyed a question so much before and have completely fallen for the Dreamtime paintings! I am coming to Australia in July to make a trip - too late to research the essay - but will enjoy having some knowledge when visiting museums etc. Once again, thanks very much for your help.

Best wishes, Fiona

From: vdaniels
February, 2000
Subject: ducks

just checking sites out nice one

From: Fiona Reeves
February 14, 2000
Subject: Biblograhpy help!

Hi! I'm a student at London University and am doing an essay on the significance of Aboriginal art in Australian history. I would be very grateful if you could recommend any books you think may help with answering this question. Many thanks - in advance!

Kind regards,

Fiona Reeves

fiona@reevesf.freeserve.co.uk

From: Ryan Frye-Pleasant
February, 2000
Subject:

The greatest achievement of the human spirit is to live up to one's opportunities, and to make the most of one's resources.
-- Vauvenargues

Karla Y.E. Frye, Ph.D.
314.535.2200
314.535.8999 - fax

Hello this is my moms email. I need you to send me info about how the aborigines are the minority in austriala.I need this asap because I have a report due on the 24th of feb.I really appreciate the help.

Thanks alot

Ryan Frye-Pleasant

From: Karrie Rufer
February 14, 2000
Subject: I was wondering

Hello, my name is Karrie and I was wondering if you could give me some information on the flight of ducks. I am trying to figure out exactly why ducks change formation and direction while flying on a moment-to-moment basis. Because, when you watch ducks in flight, they are constantly changing positions with another duck, and then sometimes the whole flock changes direction. If you could give me some type of answer, I'd greatly appreciate it. If not, any link or recommended site would be helpful.

Thank you. Karrie R.

From: Becky Shaffer
February 14, 2000
Subject: Duck feet

My name is Becky and I am doing a project in school. I know why ducks keep warm in the winter because they preen their feathers so water cannot get under them. I see ducks swimming in icy water. Why don't their feet get cold? Please email me as soon as possible so I can have the answer for my research paper.

Thanks Becky

From: Rebecca Bell
February, 2000
Subject: didg

try this http://didgeridoo-australia.com

From: Noel Ferry
February 2, 2000
Subject: I came across someone I know in the web

Simon,

Lots of things really.

The green man is something you may well be interested in. He is always associated with sacrifice and renewal, and if you stretch this analogy just a little further, he is someone who you will instantly recognise. Think of Robin Hood, Cernenuous, Jack of the Green, Morris Dancers, Merlin, Pan, Lord of the dance, the corn God, Attis, Orpheus,Tree of Jesse, Christ etc etc etc... all come from a vegetative structure.And they are all consorts to a goddess. That is the clue.

The green man is littered all over the great Cathedrals and in every small church all over Europe.Chartres has nearly one hundred for example, as does Exeter in Devon seeing as you mention Devon. We were down there in Devon during the Xmas break and one of the wardens of the church said to us that it must have been the work of pagans, missing the point of it all completely. . He is also tied up with the Knights templar and the masonic movenment as were a lot of the great Cathedrals in France. He was very strong at the same tiome as those great martriarchial figures of the middle ages were aroiund, Eleanor of Aquitaine and her great grand daughter, Blanche of Castille.This was also the time of the troubadors and the courts of love if you remember and the green man was big then too.

And who is the green man? Some say that he is that which generates and energises the place, who like the leaves in trees and plants, translates through photosynthesis, carbon etc into oxygen, and interesting enough, the green man has a foliate head with leaves coming out of th mouth, like the logos I would wager. So many layers this one. too many in many ways

What i am finding absolutely fascinating is all these links are here in Europe tied up with the church. I just said the 'Lord of the Dance' which interestingly, my daughters sang this morning at assembly in church.Although he now has a christian flavour, he goes back to the May pole dancing, Morris dancing, 'Jack in the Green', and the green man which goes into pre history.Go and have a look at any church in the new world and I doubt it is there is any reference at all to the green man. You see, Christian churches in the new world have nop reference to the land that they are on. All major religious centres today through the cathedrals are all on old religious sites, usually related to a goddess.

I am off to Chartres for a week over easter, ands I call this my parish church (loosley). It is the big one in France and perhaps the most important catholic building in the world.I was there for 10 days in 1986 and am looking forward to taking the digital camera with me to gather material for the book that i am also trying to get togethe (digital).

I think that this is an issue where Australia is going to have to come to terms with. We are supposedly a christian country, yet not really. We have to find some connection to the country/landscape and i feel that it is not going to be through a European religion. It is not going to be through giving Aboriginal people all the religosity either. We have to find that connection to landscape that makes sense.

I was interested in seeing an issue of 'the Australian's Review of Books' early last year that had a photo of a diogger with his face crumbling, like some craggy edifice that was being eroded. Time does this or an earthquake and in this case, I think both have happened. Unbderneath was coming through an Aborigianl; face. The analogy to me was that the local farmers i and in this case, a 5th generational Carpentarian farmer, were beginning to relate to the land on more levels thatn pure farming and aquistion.

Punch him into a big search engine and see where it takes you. Try Google first of all and then start wading through it.

You may well be able to help me. I am interested in visual diaries and the relationship between visual text and written text. I am only just beginning to get into the internet and have only recentlt begun to even look at HTML language. I realise whether I like it or not, i will have to come to terms with it. I am searching round for some cheap web stuff to practise on and am commited to a Mac Platform you see.I want to increasingly go digital with my work, having up till now a background in art teaching and photography. I see the computer interface fascinating

But I also have been writing poetry quite a lot and then using images to embellish and amplify and the other way round, statements in particular about my home Australia.

We will be here for two years then return back to Aussie so I am here to research a few things. I am interested in the Gothic period and cathedrals in particular and was interested in Margaret Wertheim's thesis about Cyberspace and the religious connections. I wrote a long poem about this analogy and if you are interested i could send it to you. I have a sneaky impression that you will be as there are some parallels with us.

I have sp[ent 10 years workling with Remote Indigenous Aboriginal people and have gleaned obviously quite a lot from this exposure, apart from many friends.This was where I first became aware of your work, as well as running into your friendship with a mutual mate, Dave Richards.

This may seem a lot of waffle on many levels, but white fellas have to do their dreaming. They can only do it after exploring their own basis thoroughly, and then not take anothers, but work out their own with contemporary relevance. I think it is starting to happen in Aussie, slowly.

I would welcome any thoughts and feelings on what i have tritten and would also ask perhaps that before you post my thoughts onto the web, ask as I may not want anything i write to you go that public.

I also have my main email address that it is easier to converse with me over. It is,

noel_ferry@hotmail.com

Drop me a line when you can as I would like to explore some themes with you as well.

Cheers and lots of it,

Noel

From: Britannica
February 1, 2000
Subject: Britannica Presents Internet Guide Awards

Dear Webmaster:

Britannica.com is contacting you because our editors have selected your site as one of the best on the Internet when reviewed for quality, accuracy of content, presentation and usability.

As a result, we would like to offer you the opportunity to join in the launch of our new link exchange program. This program will give you and other top quality sites the opportunity to add a Britannica search box to your site and thereby provide your users with direct access to Britannica?s awarding-winning content, including the trusted and authoritative Encyclopaedia Britannica.

The search box will be accompanied by an award, which will tell visitors to your site that Britannica editors have rated one of the most valuable and reliable on the Internet, in the company of an elite group of Web sites. You can choose to use the search box, the award or both. Most importantly, because each will open another browser window, your users will never have to leave your site to access Britannica content.

The following URL will lead you to the necessary tools to add the Britannica links to your search box: http://britannica.com/awards/awards.htm.

We know quality is always difficult to accomplish and maintain. Congratulations on being a selected member of the Britannica Internet Guide. We look forward to our growing association in the future. If you have any further questions, please contact us at link@us.britannica.com.

Regards,

The Staff at Britannica.com

From: Kangaball
January 31, 2000
Subject: Do all ducks fly?

My friend and I are having a debate. This is the question. Do all ducks fly?

From: Noel Ferry
January 30, 2000
Subject: I came across someone I know in the web

Simon,

just for the hell of it I typed my name on the search engine of my choice and up came your site and I scrolled down and up came my latter that i sent to you on Sept 5th. If I had known that my letter was to appear that publically, I may well have thought twice about putting it up there.

But apart from that, I have been in England for 4 months now, away from Aussie and we are still missing it, but are also reasonably settled here too.

Have you gheard of th green man at all? Now there is a story.

give me a burl,

Noel

From: Tina Stephenson
January 29, 2000
Subject: Aborginals and Dreams

Hi, I hope that you can help me. I am looking for a website with information involving aboriginals and there take on dreams. The history of dreams from the aboriginal point of view.

Thank-you Kindly

Tina Stephenson

From: Judie Newman
January 28, 2000
Subject:FOD

No but I managed to find a description in THES which gave enough info for the pamhlet - deadline then loomed. Thanks very much indeed.

Cheers, Judie

Professor Judie Newman
School of American & Canadian Studies
Trent Building Room B42
Tel (0115) 951 4351
Fax (0115) 951 4270
email Judith.Newman@nottingham.ac.uk
The University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham NG7 2RD
Great Britain

From: Judie Newman
January 19, 2000
Subject: doctorate

Dear Sir,

I am writing a pamphlet for the English association on the future of graduate studies 9essentially about the future shape of the doctorate.) I remember reading about the Flight of ducks as a new form of thesis in the Times Higher Ed Supplement and wanted to check it out online. But all I got was a flight of ducks and your e mail address. Could you possibly e mail with either a means of accessing the thesis or a description of its form? I am a Professor at Nottingham University, with publications in American and Postcolonial literature and will treat anything culturally sensitive with appropriate care.

Yours faithfully, Judie Newman

From:
January 3, 2000
Subject: ducks

why do ducks fly in a shape as a V ?

From: Nia Elliott
December 27, 1999
Subject: wood ducks

Hi im an eighth grader and i am doing a report on wood ducks. I was wondering if you could send me pictures and information on the wood ducks. i appreciate this very much

Thank you, Nia Elliott