ABORIGINES’ FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

QUARTERLY BULLETINS

Page

19392

Annual Report…………2-3

Point McLeay…………4, 5

Point Pearce…………4, 5

Forrest River, W.A.………6

C.M.S. in North Australia………7

Koonibba…………7-8

Methodist Mission in North Australia……8

Ernabella…………9

U.A.M. in South Australia……… 10-11

ASSOCIATION GRANTS FOR THE NEW YEAR……11

1940

Executive Report…………12

Point McLeay and Point Pearce………13

Fowler’s Bay and Port Augusta……14

Work among the Aranda and Luritja Tribes……15

Missionary Movements in Western Australia……16

The Northern Territory Aborigines……17

The United Aborigines’ Mission………18

The Future of Point McLeay……… 19-20

Association Grants Recommended for 1941……20

A NATIONAL POLICY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES …21-23

Point McLeay as a Native Village Settlement ……24-25

Proclamation of 1836………26

Number of Aborigines in Australia……26

1941

Various Articles……… 27-28

The Situation at Ooldea………29-30

Inasmuch as Ye Did It Not ………31-32

Map of Missions in Australia………33

1939

Issued by the Executive for private circulation among the officers and members of the A.F.A. for their information and use at the Committee Meetings of the Association.

Committee Meeting – December 6th 1939. Executive Report.

The Aborigines Bill passed both Houses of Parliament and when it receives the Governor’s signature will become operative in the New Year. The old Advisory Council will then pass out of existence after more than twenty years’ service for the aborigines.

The Bill was well supported in Parliament, particular stress was, however, laid upon the necessity of having the right kind of people on the Board, with some intimate knowledge of aboriginal problems. The Board will probably function in February or March of the new year, with Mr. W. R. Penhall as Secretary of same.

The natives themselves are well pleased with the new measure, and have decided not to ask for any representation on the Board, as they did when the preceding measure was before Parliament, as they consider that the Association will safeguard their interests and will see that they are treated fairly. The natives want the Association to be their representative on the Council and they propose to petition the Government accordingly.

Following the last meeting of the Committee, the President on behalf of the Association made a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrie in appreciation of their 25 years’ service at Point McLeay, and wished them continued success in their good work. The recipients expressed their warmest thanks to the members of the Association for their gifts and good wishes for their future well being.

Among the visitors during the quarter to the office of the Association were the following: -- Rev. H. L. Taylor, who had a conversation with the Secretary over matters connected with the new Presbyterian Mission for the aborigines at Ernabella. Mr. W. Leathbridge, Missionary from Groote Island, who gave some interesting information about the work carried on among the aborigines living on that island. Mr. A. Wyld called to discuss matters in relation to developments connected with the new reserve at Port Augusta. Mr. Wyld asked that the mission should have a place among the annual grants made by the A.F.A. to Societies working among aborigines.

The new movements at Whyalla affect the aborigines for there has been a camping ground in that locality for many years. The Broken Hill Co. desire this to be closed and another site be chosen elsewhere for camping purposes. The Executive after investigating the matter recommended to the Government the transference of the natives to the new Port Augusta reserve where education for their children could be provided and rations supplied them.

This plan is considered preferable to their camping in close proximity to a rising town which would lead to their deterioration and ruin. The Whyalla and Port Augusta natives belong to the same tribe so that there is no reason why they should not dwell happily together there, under the care and protection of a Christian mission.

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The question of a reserve for the natives at Ooldea has been for a long time under consideration. It is pleasing to know that the land and the remaining wells at Ooldea have now been re-transferred from the Commonwealth to the State and the transfer of the pipe line is all that is now necessary to complete the transaction. When this is done a reserve covering approximately a thousand square miles of country will be declared, which will include the wells referred to along with the country where the important rites and ceremonies of the natives have been held for centuries and which is regarded by them as hallowed ground. While appreciating what is proposed the Executive desires that the Pidinga waters – some 30 miles distant from Ooldea – should be incorporated in the reserve so as to provide necessities for the natives in their walkabouts and insure a water supply to those who desire to camp in that locality.

The new regulations issued by the Commissioner of Commonwealth Railways forbidding aborigines to travel on express trains have reached the Association and enquiries are being made from the Commissioner as to why they have been introduced, and whether the regulations affect natives travelling on ordinary trains as well; or if they apply only to the East-West Railway. The Executive believes that the new regulations have been introduced to provide that natives shall be decently dressed when travelling on the Railways but the fullest enquiries will be made by the Association on the subject.

The question of the future administration of Melville Island has come up again for consideration and the Executive considers the Association should reaffirm its opinion that this Island should be entirely reserved for the aborigines. It is at present leased to Vesteys Brothers who make no use of it whatever. There has been a serious decline in the population there and a general deterioration of the aboriginal tribes in all regions where pearling boats have been calling. This decline it is assumed is due to the sale of lubras to Japanese and Malays and to disease. The Executive recommends to the General Committee the following resolution: The Aborigines’ Friends’ Association strongly urges the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to proclaim Melville Island an aboriginal reserve so that proper protection may be given to the natives from contact with buffalo hunters and pearling crews operating in Australian waters.

Arrangements are being made for the distribution of Christmas Cheer among the aborigines. The Poonindie Trust Fund has donated £50 toward the movement and the Association will provide a similar amount to make up the £100 necessary to meet requirements. The organization of this movement is left in the hands of the Secretary. The distribution of this Christmas cheer covers a very wide area extending from Point McLeay in the South to Hermannsburg in Central Australia, and care is exercised that the needy are not forgotten, for first consideration is given to the old, sick, infirm and blind natives in this distribution. This friendly gesture at Christmas time is most warmly appreciated by the aborigines.

This issue of the Bulletin is of special importance for it contains an interesting and informative record of what is being done by the various missions throughout Australia to help the aborigines. It is fitting that the members of the Committee should be brought into touch with the wider Australian aspect of missionary effort, especially as we are asked to give such work our practical sympathy and support. The information given is really educational, and fully justifies the Association in standing by these missionary organizations in their efforts to make Christ known to the aborigines of this great continent.

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WHAT IS BEING DONE BY CHRISTIAN MISSIONS TO HELP THE ABORIGINES.

POINT McLEAY.

Notwithstanding fairly prevalent sickness among the natives during the winter and that fact that, unfortunately, the Missioner, Mr. H. E. Read, was obliged on one or two occasions to be absent through sickness, the work on the whole has been well sustained. Particulars of attendance at services which have been carefully compiled show that the average attendance in the morning has been 23 adults and 25 children and in the evening 46 adults and 12 children, which is a slight increase as compared with the previous year. Mr. Read with his long experience of dealing with natives is showing considerable adaptability both in his personal contact with the residents of the Station and also in the presentation of his message on Sundays and other occasions.

He has carefully re-organised the religious and social life of the Church and with whom the happiest relations have been maintained. Mr. Read is in particular desirous of strengthening the moral and spiritual life of the children and young people. He thinks that the gambling habit, unfortunately, secures too early, a hold upon the population, and he is endeavouring to counteract this tendency by active measures. Though he has not been admitted into the membership of the small committee which manages the fine new social hall, which was opened by the Commissioner of Public Works during the year, Mr. Read is exhibited a keen interest in this method of providing for the social side of the life of the population at the Station.

For a while the members of the Kindergarten Department of the Sunday School were allowed to use one of the back rooms of the hall on Sunday afternoons, at that time not utilised for other purposes, but by a recent order of the responsible minister such use has had to be discontinued. This is to be much regretted since there is not room in the church to properly deal with little people at the same time that the Sunday School is being conducted for elder boys and girls. It is to be hoped that the official attitude could be at least modified, and in this respect the Governors of the Parkin Mission would much value any co-operation which could be rendered by members of the A.F.A.

Mr. Read has a project for converting the present vestry into the Children’s Church, which he desires to see furnished very beautifully so as to make an early and favourable impression upon the young life. Such a project may have to be considerably modified or held in abeyance if the Kindergarten cannot be accommodated in the back room of the hall. The annual function continues to be a strong feature in the life of the Station and preparations are now being put in hand for the Christmas Celebrations.

Mr. Read would welcome visits on Sunday afternoons from those who are interested in the religious side of the work, and especially such visitors as would be prepared to adopt a practical attitude to the religious aspect of this undertaking.

POINT PEARCE.

It was my privilege to minister at Point Pearce Station for four years as part of my responsibility in the Maitland Circuit of the Methodist Church. During that period I came into close contact with the natives and saw much of their individual and collective life. Taken as a whole they are shy and reserved, but as one makes personal contact a notable confidence is revealed, and approach becomes easier.

My experience has proved that they are very susceptible to good. Some have said that they are more readily influenced by evil, but I firmly believe that the native reacts more readily to the best, especially when left to act upon his own responsibility. The Government staff at the Station has proved helpful and kindly to the natives. Discipline has generally been well maintained both during hours of work, and in the after village life. The close kindly oversight is usually all that is needed,

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and should the firmer hand be required they know that it will be administered in justice. The Staff Nurse performs a gracious ministry among the sick, and is available by day or night. It is impossible to speak too highly of this work, especially among the women and children.

I was much perplexed by the fact that the natives had no reading matter of any kind, and more so upon learning that they loved reading. Through the funds supplied by this Association to our work at the Station, and with the assistance of sympathetic friends, a Library of 800 volumes was opened free to the natives.

Their spiritual life is in the care of the Church of England and Methodist Church, the former conducting regular morning and the latter regular evening services. The Sunday School is undenominational, although the last three Superintendents have been Methodists. There is no question of the sincerity of a true Christian Native. Their faith is as astounding in its simplicity as it is transforming in its reality, the following is an example –

Walter Hughes was born at Point Pearce, and early came under Christian influence. His father was Superintendent of the Sunday School. In early life Walter became a Christian, and upon the death of his father he took charge of the school. Although only a young man his Christian life was felt through the village, and wherever he went. Three years ago he suddenly passed away, and the Station admitted that he was the last man that could be spared. His body was laid to rest by six local Preachers of the Maitland Methodist Church, and the largest concourse of white visitors and natives ever seen at the Station, bore testimony of his wonderful life.

If this is possible through the broken ministries of the Churches, what could be accomplished by a resident Christian Social Worker ? The importance of this need is seen in the aimlessness of boys and girls leaving school at 14 years. They have no occupation, but wander about subject to many temptations. Here is a wonderful opportunity for Occupational Training under a suitable Christian Leader. Numbers of these young folk show marked ability in handicrafts and drawing, but after School days there is no further training and they lapse into indifference.

Some of us hope that one day this training will be possible, so that the aboriginal life may be developed and made worthy of being absorbed in the Australian race.

MEDICAL WORK AT POINT McLEAY AND POINT PEARCE.

At Point McLeay there is a hospital in which accommodation is provided for the treatment of mild cases of sickness and also maternity cases. Seventeen babies were born during the past twelve months. There is a double-certificated Sister in charge of the medical work under Dr. Turner of Tailem Bend, and also an up-to-date dispensary. Provision is also made for infant welfare work. Patients needing special treatment are transferred to the Murray Bridge Hospital or the Adelaide Hospital. In addition, the Sister in charge visits the people suffering from minor ailments, affording treatment in their own homes. The medical, dental and optical treatment provided is of a very high standard.

At Point Pearce Station, there is an up-to-date dispensary and consulting room. There is no Hospital building on the Station, ordinary ailments being treated in the homes of the patients. Serious cases of sickness and difficult maternity cases are transferred to the Wallaroo Hospital. Fifteen babies were born during the past year. There is a fully qualified Sister in charge of the medical work, under Dr. Wells of Maitland. Visiting Dentists and Opticians dental and optical treatment as required.

In the treatment of some cases of both Stations, notably maternity cases, where the unfortunate mother has made no provision for the coming of the baby, the generous gifts of the Aborigines’ Friends’ Association have been of great assistance.

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The annual grant received makes possible the provision of ‘little extras’ which may turn the scale in favor of many patients. In some cases special boots and slippers etc. have been purchased, also tobacco and cigarettes for patients in the Adelaide Hospital. In other cases patients in the convalescent stage have been provided with necessary clothing to enable them to move about the ward dressed like the white patients around them. The assistance rendered to sick natives by the Association is of inestimable value, and is greatly appreciated.

FORREST RIVER MISSION -- West Australia.

During the year, Miss E. M. Gillespie has been appointed as teacher; Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Davidson resigned owing to the ill-health of Mrs. Davidson and their baby, and Mr. Lawrence has taken the place of Mr. Davidson, but the Committee has been unable to procure the services of a suitable nurse to fill the vacancy made by Mrs. Davidson.

Mr. L. Mills completed his term of service and returned to Perth, and Mr. J. B. Gribble, who has previously worked at Forrest River, has taken his place. Reports received from the Superintendent show that the Staff is working happily together. In February Miss Hahn went to Perth for her two months furlough, and during that time spoke of her work at the Mission.

The launch at present is causing much anxiety, and the engine will have to be replaced as soon as possible. It has had very heavy loads during the past year in conveying extra loads of building material from Wyndham, and the river conditions are always difficult, and the wear and tear very great. The building improvements previously made are now in use, and are filling a long-overdue need, especially the girls’ dormitory, the previous one having been destroyed by a willy-willy.