ON THE ORGANISATION OF AUSTRALIAN TRIBES. 97 
anthropological field, I have felt myself constrained to dissent. I feel it necessary to 
draw attention to them, as otherwise, if passed over in silence, it might seem that 
their accuracy is not to be doubted. 
Tt was understood between Mr. E. M. Curr and myself that any discussion of the 
matters in which we differed in opinion should be deferred until the publication of the 
present memoir. The lamented decease of Mr. Curr has rendered this impossible, 
and it must therefore be left to the decision of competent anthropologists as to which 
views are in the future to be received as authoritative. 
In order to bring into view all the points to which I desire to give pre-eminence 
it will be necessary to go over some of the ground already covered by certain papers 
of mine which have been published in the Transactions of the Anthropological 
Institute of Great Britain, and of the Anthropological Society of Washington. 
The various subjects to be discussed will fall naturally under the subjoined 
sections. 
This memoir, as its title indicates, deals with the ‘organisation of Australian 
tribes,” but it does not treat of every matter which may have, to some extent, a 
bearing on the social status. Such subjects as blood feuds, wizards and doctors, 
initiation ceremonies, food rules, which all have an influence upon society, are not 
touched upon. 
In order to avoid repetition, I now subjoin some short particulars as to the tribes 
quoted, and give the names of my authorities for the statements contained herein. 
I take this opportunity of thanking these gentlemen for their kind and willing aid to 
me in my inquiries, and for the patience with which they have borne the constant 
reiteration of my questions. j 
The information as to the Kurnai, Thed-dora, Murring, Wotjobaluk, and 
Woiworung I have carefully collected from the survivors of these tribes, as well 
as from personal observation of their customs. 
Wakelbura tribe, Belyando River, Queensland—Mr. J. C. Muirhead, of Elgin 
Downs. 
Turribul tribe, Maryborough, Queensland—Mr. Harry Aldridge and Mr. J. 
Petrie. 
Kuinmurbura tribe, Pine Mount, Rockhampton—My. W. H. Flowers. 
Kunandaburi tribe, Barcoo River, Queensland—Mr. W. J. O'Donnell, formerly 
of Mt. Howitt Station. 
Kamilaroi tribes, Maitland, New South Wales—Mr. C. Naseby, per Dr. Fraser, 
of West Maitland. 
