50

Union Street,
[Toowong],
January, 16th, 1941.

Dear [Mr. May],

I have your note of 14/1/41 to hand Re. the
native word "burra", in the kabi and, probably, some other
languages, burra means some, half,a number, a group or other
word of analogous meaning.meaning. As an affix to a substantive
it appears to have the meaning of a tribal ,locality group of
people as in the name of such a group of Yugumbir aborigines
near [Beaudesert], the Wangerri-burra or wallaby people.

This term may apply to [Darling Downs] tribes but I have no
knowledge thereof. By the way, I have no recol-
lection of comparing Goomeri and [Goomburra], nor do I think
that they are in any way related. Goomerri, otherwise
Goodmerri, means a shield. Dhu, in both Kabi and Wakki means
tree. Dhilvine (second i as in wine) is a [South Burnett]
name for the Ceratodus. Someone gave gave this name, under
the form of [Theebine] to a Railway station in the [Mary River
District],evidently in the belief that it was a local word.

The word Dhal or,as it more[mr?] often was pronounced, Jal,
(long a) means in the Wakka ([South Burnett] ) an adult male
person. It seems strange that the meanings of [Goomburra]
and [Toolburra],Two of the first established stations on the
[D.Downs] should be lost. Perhaps [Mr. Gunn] may know,
or failing that, may know of someone who possibly may know.

Yours faithfully
[FJWatson]
([F.J.Watson])