An Investigation into the Psychic Life of a Group of Australian Aborigines by Ronald Rose

A 47 page typescript paper entitled An Investigation into the Psychic Life of a Group of Australian Aborigines by Ronald Rose with annotations, corrections in pencil by Elkin.

Rose states on p2 that the people he and his wife investigated were for the most part "Bundulung-speaking natives whose tribal areas extended over the north coast of New South Wales. The principal work was done at Woodenbong and Tabulam (NSW) and Churchill (Qld)".

Many individuals are named in the ESP, PK and other tests; and many are named informants in the anecdotal accounts including on p17 Peter Briggs, Fred Cowlin (Clever Man) - Woodenbong; p17 Lillie Dunn - Pretty Gully (NSW) treated by Fred Cowlin; p18 Gordon Close - Woodenbong; p18 Owen Anderson - Churchill; p18 Rene Robinson recalls Derry, a clever man - Stony Gully; p18 Harry Monsell - Bowen, Birri Tribe; p18 Walter Page refers to a clever man named "Old Monty" (Robinson) at Lismore.

Contents:

Introduction

Experimental - ESP Tests, PK Tests

Meaningfulness of symbols [Psi Questionnaire]

Anecdotal accounts: cures p17-22; hypnotism p22-23; knowledge, foreknowledge, etc. of death, illness p23-30; psychic illness p30-31; the magic cord p32-34; fast travel p34-35; control of weather p35-36; hauntings, apparitions p36-38; "Poltergeist" phenomena p38-39; misc. sorcery p39-40; love magic p40-41; magic stones P41-42; trance p43; suggestibility p43-44

Discussion of some of the Phenomena

Conclusion

Language Groups: Woodenbong - Githabul; Tabulam - Waalubal (Bundjalung); Churchill - Jagara; Garumngar - [Waka speaking people].

Places primarily Woodenbong, Tabulam, Churchill, however there are many others with particular reference to the anecdotal accounts section.

Rose, Ronald, 1920-. (1957). Living magic : the realities underlying the psychical practices and beliefs of Australian Aborigines / Ronald Rose. London : Chatto & Windus https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/736752 (Accessed 15/07/2025)