Presentation of Australian Folklore No. 9 to Russell Ward - Welcoming Speech

Abstract

May I start by welcoming you all here this afternoon , visitors, colleagues , and friends. I am sure I speak for you all when I also say how pleased we are that Russel and Jeane could be with us this afternoon. Our purpose in corning together is to launch a special edition of Australian Folklore which is dedicated to Russel Ward, in recognition of the role he has played in fostering studies of the Australian people, their attitudes, values and popular culture. It is customary on such occasions to review the distinguished guest's published works, but I am not going to do that for two reasons. Firstly, one could talk at great length about Russel's achievement and I have been asked to keep my remarks brief; secondly, as friends and colleagues you all know how important that achievement has been, you don't need me to remind you. Suffice it to say that Russel's publications occupy over one and a half pages on the microfiche catalogue and that they range over the fields of history, literature and folksong. I will restrict myself, therefore, to a few comments on Russel's role as one of the well-springs for the study of the Australian people and their folklore.