Records an anecdote about Ryan (snake catcher) being bitten by snakes collected by Australian Aboriginal [Tiwi] children. Purpose of the visit to the island(s) was to examine the Australian Aboriginal people [Tiwi] for body ‘scars’ and ‘boomerang legs’. Further relates the story of how the lugger St Francis built on Thursday Island in 1914, and on her maiden voyage, arrived at Bathurst Island after being lost at sea in the Indian Ocean and towed to Carnarvon (WA).

1. Photograph: ‘Brother Smith and the snake-catcher Ryan’ Note annotated ‘RANVR during Jap War’
Places mentioned: Bathurst Island (NT); Melville Island (NT); Apsley Strait (NT), Carnarvon (WA); Thursday Island (Qld)

People mentioned: Brother [Andrew] Smith (1901-?); Mr Ryan (snake catcher); Alfonso (Manilaman); Father [Francis Xavier] Gz[s]ell (1872-1960)

Medical condition mentioned: Boomerang legs (anteroposterior curvature of the leg below the knee)

Transport mentioned: St Francis (mission lugger)

Military Service mentioned: Australian Navy

Photo number/s as per Journal and Index of Photographs: 340