Page:Native Tribes of South-East Australia.djvu/604

578 necessary to say that the roaring and booming noise which Mr. Scott heard was the sound of the bull-roarers at the lesser enclosure, which is the equivalent of the lesser Bunan of the Kuringal. No better description could be given of the uproar made by near a score of bull-roarers, as I heard it at the Kurnai Jeraeil.

I feel no doubt that the equivalent of the Yuin Kuringal extends up the coast, northwards, as far as Port Macquarie.

Before proceeding to describe the Burbung of the Wiradjuri, which is the analogue of the Kuringal, I shall complete what I have to record as to the ceremonies of tribes on the east coast, leaving to a later part an account of those of the tribes on the coast of southern Queensland.

I have not been able to obtain any information as to the initiation ceremonies of the tribes along the great extent of coast from Port Macquarie to the boundary of Queensland, where we find the Chepara tribe.

Its initiation ceremonies were held when the principal Headman, after consultation with the other men of importance, sent his messenger (Buira) (usually his Kanil, that is, sister's son), who carried with him two objects which certified his message. One was the message-stick called Kabugabul-bajeru, the markings on which are always the same, and are well known to the Headmen as calling the people together. The other is the Bribbun, or bull-roarer. This latter is kept very secret and hidden by the Headman until wanted for the ceremonies. It is held to possess a mysterious and secret power. Women and children are not permitted to see it, and if seen by a woman, or if shown to one by a man, the penalty is death, in the latter case to both.

The messenger goes the whole round of the tribe, carrying with him not only the message-stick and bull-roarer, but also a spear, to the point of which is attached a bag containing small quartz crystals. These emblems he shows to the Headmen of the several clans, who in due course bring their people to the ceremonies.