2011 - Theses - Flinders University

Signed by MC Rosewall, and CH Downer, Coroner, who agreed an inquest was unnecessary.Nepabunna, December 22nd 1935The sun sends out gold with the last of its beams, braiding the edge of trees and buildingswith the dying light of the day. That’s when the motor car arrives, and when finally someonesteps over the threshold of that hut. By the time MC Rosewall and Coroner Downer reemerge,night has fallen. They have left a lamp burning by the body.The stars wheel by slowly this night, and no one sleeps. They gather together around fires,safe against the spirits of the night. Even Mrs Forbes remains in the Top Camp. The whitemen visit the fires, and talk to this one and that, and take notes to confirm their questions. Tedand Andy meet their gaze, stand up and speak quietly. Rebecca does her interview quickly, intight-lipped sentences, every muscle in her wiry frame taut, holding herself together. Nelliewill not speak at all save her first outburst. Others are casting glances about, and Nellie sits inthe doorway of her hut, silent.After completing their paperwork on the bonnet of the car, the men bury the body in thedark, away up the southern slope beyond the camp. Perhaps Sister Trevilion mopped up theblood in the hut meanwhile. And then the car pulls out.For the next five days, the yuras at Nepabunna mourn the udnyu, in their ways. Perhapsthere was blame, perhaps there was retribution, perhaps there was wailing or perhaps therewasn’t. The campfires kept burning. Nobody knew where his spirit was.137