paddymelon-stick

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


a stick used by theaborigines for knocking paddymelons (q.v.) on the head.

1851. J. Henderson, `Excursions in New South Wales,' vol.ii. p. 129:

«These are hunted in the brushes and killed with paddy mellunsticks with which they are knocked down. These sticks areabout 2 feet long and an inch or less in diameter.»

1881. A. C. Grant, `Bush Life in Queensland,' vol. i.p. 56:

«Nulla-mullahs, paddy-melon sticks, boomerangs, tomahawks,and heelimen or shields lay about in every direction.»

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