Correspondence Relating to Arrangements Concerning AP Elkin's Field Work

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This item relates to the following language groups: Arabana, Arunda, Diyari, Kuyani, Aluridja [Luritja], and Yandruwandha. There is also reference to the Nyulnyul/Nyul Nyul of the Beagle Bay region in Western Australia.

A folder containing 22 letters and notes, and one telegram. The entries are handwritten in black and blue ink, and are in typescript. 

Elkin is the primary recipient of the correspondence, which deals with the South Australian field trip and associated issues, such as the availability of the local Indigenous groups.

1. Ernest R Kempe (sgd.), 23/09/1929, Macumba Station via Oodnadatta regarding Elkin's field trip, copy;

2. SH Stanes (sgd.), 24/09/1929, Erlunda Station, Rumbalara via Maree regarding Elkin's field trip, copy;

3. AR Radcliffe-Brown, 13/11/1929, Department of Anthropology, University of Sydney, regarding the above mentioned letters seeking comment;

4. SD Porteus, Professor of Clinical Psychology, 18/12/1929, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, regarding aspects of the spiritual culture of the Nyulnyul/Nyul Nyul peoples of Beagle Bay, WA;

5. AR Radcliffe-Brown, 24/12/1929, on Australian National Research Council Committee of Anthropological Research letterhead, regarding Elkin's South Australian field trip;

6. Henry G Chapman, 9/01/1930, Hon Treasurer, Australian National Research Council (ANRC), regarding salary matters;

7. Ernest R Kempe, 11/01/1930, Macumba Station, Oodnadatta, regarding Elkin's field trip and special reference to the Urabanna and Dieri peoples, and of the Arunta;

8. AR Radcliffe-Brown, 01/02/1930, Angledool, seeking advice from Elkin regarding Gerhardt Laves intention to visit Western Australia to undertake field research;

9. Gerhardt Laves, 10/02/1930, no address, seeking advice from Elkin regarding his field trip;

10. Sid Stanes, 22/02/1930, Erlunda Station, Rumbalara via Maree, regarding Elkin's field trip;

11. G [?] Aiston, 05/04/1930, Mulka via Maree, regarding Elkin's field trip, advising him about the Dieri people and their cultural material;

12. Les Bunt, Manager, 05/06/1930, Innamincka Station, acknowledging Elkin's field trip;

13. AE Gerard, 07/06/1930, President of the United Aborigines Mission, South Australia Council, Adelaide, seeking Elkin's advice regarding the suitability of Moorilyanna Station as an Industrial Mission Station for the Aboriginal people;

14. N [?] Done, 18/06/1930, Morpeth, regarding local flooding with a reference to Mrs Elkin and baby;

15. AJ Gibson, 18/06/1930, Honorary Secretary, Australian National Research Council (ANRC), Sydney, regarding field trip grants;

16. A Rowland, 22/06/1930, Mirra Mutta, advising Elkin of their willingness to assist during his field trip;

17. Constable Halloran, 24/11/1930, a received telegram, advising a meeting date with Elkin;

18. A Rowland, undated, offering his assistance during Elkin's field trip;

19. Superintendent of the Aboriginals Department, South Australia, 09/12/1930, regarding the unfortunate timing of Elkin's field trip, there is mention of the unavailability of the local people due to their movements;

20. Hugh M Wath, 14/01/1931, Mount Margaret, Morgans, WA, regarding Elkin's assistance in understanding the local language and includes one page of the local language.

The file also contains correspondence (two letters) to Professor AR Radcliffe-Brown:

1. Ernest R Kemp (sgd), 23/09/1929, Macumba Station via Oodnadatta, regarding Elkin's field trip and advising Radcliffe-Brown of his assistance to Elkin, copy;

2. SH Stanes (sgd), 24/09/1930, Erlunda Station, Rumbalara via Maree, regarding Elkin's field trip and advising Radcliffe-Brown of his willingness to assist Elkin, copy.

The file also contains one letter from Elkin:

1. President of the United Aborigines' Mission, Adelaide, 23/06/1930, responding to their letter dated 07/06/1930, whereby Elkin provides the advice requested.

Additionally, there is one page of notes, handwritten in black ink, which appear not to be related to this item (correspondence).

Places: Oodnadatta, Hermannsburg Mission, Macumba Station, Erlunda Station - Rumbalara via Maree, Mount Margaret, Morgans, Innamincka Station, Beagle Bay.