Letter from John Bulmer 28 April 1881

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Transcription - Page 2

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Murray. I have questioned
Jenny Cooper & Billy McDougall
and they tell me they do not
remember any special
stick but that one was used
in that same way as on the
Murray and that the Corroborie
comes from the Melbourne side
it was first performed at Sale
Sending pipe clay day only
referred to the Kurnai. I do
not remember any being sent
on the Murray for that purpose
though they would send it
as an article of exchange to
tribes when they had some.

The formal messages
only referred to the Waimbio
I have not seen it among
the Kurnai but the fact
is the Kurnai have not
followed their natural habits

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for many years.
I will try to get all the
information as to gesture language
I dare say it will be very
interesting, Lamby is not
here at present, but the
blankets are coming that
will stir the old fellow
up to his duties!
I believe the blacks used
to have a great many
gestures to express what
they meant, though McDougall
seems to know very little
about them but the old
fellows will.

With kind regards to Mrs
Howitt
I remain
faithfully yours
John Bulmer

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Document Details

Date 28 Apr 1881
Letter From Bulmer, Reverend John
Letter To Howitt, Alfred William
Author
Country Australia
Colony/State
Holding Institution Museums Victoria
Collection Name Alfred W. Howitt Collection
Registration Number XM 85
Medium Letter
Region Gippsland
Locality Lake Tyers
Summary Content relates to region around Murray-Darling Junction and Lake Tyers, Gippsland. Discusses forms of communication between groups, including gesture language, message sticks and the impact of contact. Reverend Bulmer notes that he questioned Jenny Cooper and Billy McDougall.
Physical Description Letter, handwritten, ink. Signed and dated. Single folded sheet, three pages. Condition: good.