Item 03: 'The Aborigines of Australia. A Lecture by Wm. Ridley M.A.', 14 September 1864. - Page 46

But  they ascribe creation to one being

"Baiame": On the Namoi they told me that Baiame does not appear to them;

but thunder is his voice.   Of providence,

wisdom and Justice as attributes of the  

One Creator they appear to have no

knowledge;   but as to the fact of their

tradition that there is one Creator the

proof is ample.

In all parts of the country there are  

somewhat similar rites obscured in the initiation

of their young men to the rights of manhood.

In many tribes the knocking out of a front tooth

is one part of the ceremony;   in all, rasting

and seclusion are enforced for some days in the  

candidates for admission to the brotherhood.

(here is a picture of a corroborree)

Various customs prevail as to the disposal of the  

dead.   

In the north eastern interior? burial is

p....?;   and the cemeteries.   Along the coast

northward the aboriginies have a singular way of  

showing their respect and affection for departed friends.   They

cut long stripes or ribands of their skins and carry these