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27
but rather that they are let into a fear of the swindles,
and the reasons for practising them to their own self-preservation
and advantage : at any rate a marked changed comes
over the lad about this time, and whereas previously
he could be taught and explained certain of the
phenomena that might ^be brought under his^ notice, it is almost futile
to attempt doing so subsequently. Hilsop indeed goes so
far as to suggest that th initiation ceremonies should
be definitely put a stop to for these reasons under the
powers laid down in Sect 31, sub sect 15. of the new Act:
there would be no difficulty in obtaining the necessary
information as to when these ceremonies are about to be
held.
23:24 Prayer, Sacrifice: Austerities. nil
25. Purification. During menstruation, the wife lives in camp
under the same roof as her husband. Hislop will enquire for
me as to any "purification" procedure after child-birth etc.
26. Special and Miscellaneous Ceremonies. Those connected with
death and burial are dealt with in Sect. 4. If a single man
dies the woman to whom he may have have been betrothed, but
not yet cohabited with, may be betrothed again or married
straight away. If married, his widow is annexed by the
deceased's eldest blood-brother who stands up to
have the spear thrown over him by the other brothers
who have next claim, for until this is done he knows that
his claim is not admitted (sect. 8.c): of course if there
is any dispute or unpleasantness about it, he may have to fight for her.
27. Superstitions. Whistling is not encouraged, specially
after dark: it is supposed to be the language of certain
spirits which, upon hearing it, might think they were
being mimicked. There is a great risk in crossing
water where a "yerroo" is supposed to live (sect. 14). A
mother when expecting her son's return to camp says she
can feel her breasts tingling upon near approach
in the neighbourhood. They have some curious super-
[written in margin] If stingaree is eaten, or been killed for their barbs, by any but old men, rain, thunder and lightning will ensue.