Dawson reports the existence of permanent and temporary dwellings in his tribes. "The men share the labour of making the permanent dwelling, but the women are compelled to erect the smaller one."[854] The women carry in bags on their back all domestic utensils, as sticks, tinder for producing fire, gum for cement, shells, tools, charms and food. The custom of carrying burning fire-sticks is also reported by Dawson.[855] And in another place we read: "After marriage the women are compelled to do all the hard work of erecting habitations, collecting fuel and water, carrying burdens, procuring roots and delicacies of various kinds, making baskets for cooking roots and other purposes, preparing food, and attending to the children. The only work the men do in time of peace is to hunt for opossums and large animals of various kinds, and to make rugs and weapons."[856] [854] It is probable that these are innovations since the advent of white men. See Howitt, _Kam. and Kurn._, p. 206. [855] J. Dawson, p. 11. [856] _Ibid._, pp. 36, 37. A still clearer picture of the division of labour between the sexes is drawn by Curr in his Memoirs. On the march the men carried the arms and their personal effects; the women had to carry all the other implements as well as the small children. The supply of vegetable food belonged to them.[857] When several families camped together the women went in parties to procure roots, small animals and other food, carrying babies on their backs and followed by other children. The men, in parties of three or four, went out hunting. After returning to camp, each party cooked its food. The men, however, gave to their wives only the remainder of their food, sharing it first with the children; it seems, therefore, that the food supply provided by the female was much more regular and reliable, and therefore of greater importance to the family, than the man's share.[858] And again we read: "At the family fires the father generally cooked the animals which he brought home, and the woman the roots which were her contribution."[859] [857] _Recollections_, p. 251. [858] _Recollections_, p. 256. [859] _Ibid._ Speaking of all the Australian tribes in general, Curr says: "Among the Australian blacks the common occupations of the men are the manufacture of arms and implements for hunting, fishing and occasionally war. The women generally procure and cook vegetables and fish, collect wood for fire, manufacture nets and bags. On the march the woman carries child, household effects, fire-stick, and digs for roots and vegetables."[860] "Wives have to undergo all the drudgery of the camp and the march, have the poorest food and the hardest work."[861] This statement gives quite clearly the division of labour, the greater share falling on the wife. [860] Curr, _A.R._, i. p. 99. [861] _Ibid._, p. 110.