Reports on Aboriginal People on Western Australian stations 1899-1902
| Please be aware that the reports include the names of deceased people and descriptions which may be culturally sensitive |
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The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. EEL CREEK STATION (DeGrey). Owned by Messrs. C. Coppin and Sons. There are about 10 old natives on this place, eight of whom I say. They all appeared to be doing well, and as the working natives are well fed, the old people get their share. There is also any quantity of fish in the pools, and twine is given them, of which they make nets. I gave Mr. Coppin an order on the police at Marble Bar for 10 blankets, there being 70 out there, and Mr Coppin told me he could get them over all right. I saw two natives working at the sawpit here; they were doing good work. I also saw the smartest half-caste (about 18) seen during my travels. Eighteen men, from 17 to 40, including one half-caste boy of 18; 20 females, from 15 to 40; seven children, two months to seven years, including two half-castes (boy and girl), seven years and three months. No deaths. One birth (three months ago). Scale of rations: - 28lbs. flour, 7lbs. meat, 3lbs. sugar, ¼lb. tea, 2 stick tobacco, per man and woman, per week. The natives appeared happy and contented, and were well fed; some of them were not quite so well clothed as others I have seen. Mr Coppin has promised to send me his views on the signing question. Mr. Coppin and family showed me every kindness lending me a horse to ride to Warrawagine and back, in the meantime feeding my team on hay. I have, etc., G. S. OLIVERY, Travelling Inspector. Mundabullanganna, 30th December, 1900. |
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. MUCCAN (DeGrey). - Messrs. Ball and Corbett. Managed by Mr. W. Ball. There was only one old woman (blind) on this station, and none on relief. Fifteen men, from 20 to 45; 20 women, from 15 to 40; one half-caste boy, eight years; nine boys, four to 13; six girls, four to 13. Scale of rations (very liberal): 36lbs. flour, ¼ sheep, 2 sticks tobacco, man and woman, every eight days. The natives here are all well fed and clothed. Mr. Ball told me they were rather difficult to handle sometimes, being a very mixed lot, and want constant supervision. I left some medicine with Mr. Ball for a woman suffering from syphilis. No births or deaths. I have, etc., G. S. OLIVEY, Travelling Inspector. Mundabullanganna, 30th December, 1900. |
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. COONGAN STATION (Coongan River). - Owned by Messrs. Robinson and Co. Managed by Mr. J. F. S. Robinson. This is a station on the Coongan, the homestead being on the main road, and Mr. Robinson having a wayside license. The natives, men and women, are used for station work principally, one of the latter being employed by Mrs. Robinson in the house. There are three old people here, all very old. These, being old servants, are fed by the firm. Nine men and boys, 14 to 80; nine women, 14 to 80; five boys and one girl, 15 months to 10 years; one birth, 15 months ago. No deaths. Scale of rations (very liberal): 20 lbs. flour, 3lbs. sugar, ½lb. tea, 20 lbs. meat, 2 sticks tobacco every week, for man and woman. Guns and dogs are allowed the natives. My attention having been called to the fact that Mr. Robinson was in the habit of signing natives, I spoke to him on the subject, and found that he had been appointed to witness contracts by Colonel Angelo, when G. R. in Roebourne, some years ago, for the Roebourne district. On my pointing out to him that being no longer in the Roebourne district, he could not legally witness agreements, Mr. Robinson at once decided to sign no more. I should be obliged if you would let me know fully how the law stands as regards tampering with an assigned servant (native). I have, etc., G. S. OLIVEY, Travelling Inspector. Mundabullanganna, 30th December, 1900. |
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. WARRALONG (Coongan River). - Messrs. Hardie Bros. Managed by Mr. T. Hardie, J.P. There are a few old natives on this place, but they were away at the time of my visit. Mr Hardie told me they were cared for by the firm and would not be allowed to starve. Fifteen men, from 20 to 65; 15 women, from 20 to 65; six boys, 15 months to 12 years (one half-caste, five years); one girl three years; two deaths (one general decay, one influenza); two births, 15 months ago. Scale of rations: 30lbs. flour, 3lbs. sugar, ¼lb. tea, 2 sticks tobacco, man and woman, per week, for those who do not eat meat; 20lbs. flour and 10lbs. of meat for those that will eat meat. The majority of these natives do not eat meat for months together. They go into mourning for some relation, which takes the form abstention from meat - that is, mutton and beef. This custom holds from here right down the DeGrey River. Natives do all the shearing. Mr Hardie is in favour of signing, and is going to send in his views. I have, etc., G. S. OLIVEY, Travelling Inspector. Mundabullanganna, 30th December, 1900. |
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. ETTRICK (DeGrey). - Messers. Hardie and Duff. I saw three old women here, kept by the station. Nine men 17 to 50; six women, 20 to 40; children - one boy, 10; one boy six; one half-caste boy, three; two girls, two and four. No births or deaths. These natives seldom eat meat, Cooking done by native women. Shearing by natives. Mr Hardie was was away, only a young fellow being in charge. Nearly all the natives were away for a holiday. I have, ect., G. S. OLIVEY, Travelling Inspector. Mundabullanganna, 30th December, 1900. |