Aussie question; define 'blacktraggers?'

Subject: Aussie question; define 'blacktraggers?'
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 11:42 AM

Ok, I am not sure if I heard it right. The word is from "Such is Life" by Ted Egan and describes the 200 policemen after the Kellys as "blacktraggers". I can make an educated guess,but thought I would come to the experts.
thanks

Subject: RE: Aussie question; define 'blacktraggers?'
From: Kathryn
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 12:21 PM

Well what do you know, I came up as guest! Must have lost my cookie. this question was mine.
thanks
Kathryn

Subject: RE: Aussie question; define 'blacktraggers?'
From: Helen
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 04:45 PM

Hi Kathryn,

The word is "blacktrackers", the Australian Aboriginal men sometimes used to track/follow people through the bush, using their amazing bush skills and knowledge of the natural world. They were probably given little more than a bit of flour, sugar and tea for their help, but the police couldn't have done without them.

Helen

Subject: RE: Aussie question; define 'blacktraggers?'
From: Kathryn
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 04:49 PM

Ah, that helps make the song make more sense!! An interesting line. thanks so much, Helen.

Kathryn

Subject: RE: Aussie question; define 'blacktraggers?'
From: Helen
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 04:54 PM

You'll find a wealth of information if you do a Google search for either:

blacktrackers   

OR

"black trackers"

(with double quotes to search for the phrase)

Here is an interesting story about black trackers who were never paid their share of the reward for helping to capture Ned Kelly, and which shows the discriminatory behaviour towards Aboriginal people.

Tracking down a just reward: March 30 2000

Helen

Subject: RE: Aussie question; define 'blacktraggers?'
From: GUEST,Rowan
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 06:58 PM

And while you're trecking through the digital wilderness, keep an eye out for kadaitja men, famous for deluding even skilled black trackers, with feathers on their feet and the ability to create tracks leading in the opposite direction to their line of march. Greatly feared!

Cheers, Rowan