Reports on Aboriginal People on stations in WA 1899-1902

Please be aware that the reports include the names of deceased people and descriptions which may be culturally sensitive
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. BEAGLE BAY MISSION. - I arrived at the Mission on the 14th ult., after a somewhat rough trip overland, and was most kindly welcomed by the Superintendent, the Rev. Father Walter, and also Father White. On approaching the station, I could not help noticing the dilapidated state of the temporary-looking buildings, mere frameworks of timber, with paper-bark walls and iron roof, certainly very primitive looking structures after 10 years' work. 1. Condition of Children. - At present there are 19 boys, from five to 17 and 10 girls, from three to 15 (as per accompanying list), at the Mission. Of these 29, 17 are attending the school (as per accompanying list.) These children all look well, happy and contented. Only one, a little girl, was under treatment for a scrofulous disease, very common amongst natives. Style of teaching and subjects taught. - Father White appears to have struck the right method of instructing these natives. I was very pleased at the attention evident interest taken by all, boys and girls, in what they were doing. The senior boys read from the Royal School Primer (one herewith) Nos. 1 and 2, pages 26; others Nos. 1, 2 and 3, page 10; others A.B.c. Only two of the boys taken over by Father White. Some of them now read the above fairly well, slowly of course, but without many mistakes. What I considered such a good sign was evident interest shown by the remainder when one boy was reading. Some of these boys can also write from a copy correctly. Unfortunately I came away without a sample of what they have done, but will ask Father White to send some on by first chance. I consider these boys and girls have made remarkable strides, considering they have only been under their present instructor about two months, and I feel sure that with more facilities in the way of materials (copy books, reading books, etc.) as per list attached, they will do well; many of them can count and write up to 100 correctly, Father White, very wisely, does not attempt too much at a time; the school hours are only two each day, with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Saints' days. During the day they all work, some making bricks, others repairing fences, others doing stock work amongst cattle, etc.; and if they are inclined to be idle, the threat of not being allowed to attend school has an instant effect. Other subjects taught include dictation on a small scale to senior boys, also, arithmetic has just been commenced. Religious instruction is given for about half-an-hour each day. Being so pleased with the improvement shown, I promised Father White to use my best endeavours to obtain the articles as per list herewith. The whole lot will only amount to very little, but will mean a good deal to the school, as they are certainly very short of everything at present. Adult Natives. - There were 67 adult natives (39 males and 28 females) at the mission during my visit. At Mass on Sunday, 19th May, there were present 37 men and 24 women, together with the 17 school children. These natives were all well-dressed, clean and respectable, and, I am pleased to say, behaved most decorously in every respect. They sing hymns in their own lingo (taught them by the Trappists), and made the responses very audibly and, apparently, correctly. Father White preached a short sermon in very simple language; one of the senior boys, John by name, stood up and interpreted in his own language, and did it most fluently. Some of these natives work at the Mission, others are employed on board the turtle schooner, and some on board the Mission schooner; a few do very little. The superintendent told me there was very little fighting amongst the natives now; just after they arrived there were one or two rows, resulting in severe cuts, etc. I am sending with this report four monthly returns of natives, either sick or unable to work, but being fed by the Mission. I may here mention that Father Walter goes on the principle of no work no food. One of the Brothers, Matthias by name, visits the sick every evening, and dresses any wounds, etc. The day previous to my departure, a native came in with a very bad attack of syphillis ; he was in a terrible state ; I dressed him and left a quantity of medicine with instructions for this case and other similar ones. There was only one other case of syphillis amongst these natives, that of a young woman ; I also left medicine for her. These monthly returns are to be kept regularly in future. The school boys sleep about 100 yards from the church, but as soon as the new house is built they will be housed in the building now used as a dormitory, etc. The general tone of the young natives seems good ; they are respectful, smart and apparently good workers, and seems very happy. The superintendent tells me the old lustful corroborees have been put a stop to ; they are now only allowed to take part in harmless dancing, etc. I questioned some of them, and found they have a good idea of a Supreme being and Jesus Christ ; in fact, all I saw leads me to believe that those natives under the direct supervision of the people in charge have benefited considerably from the instruction imparted and being in contact with men who have given up their lives for this cause. Some of the older natives are employed carrying water, cutting firewood, cooking for the natives, and as general helps about the place. One man, about 35, a cripple, who gets about on his knees, has both legs contracted on his thighs ; this man is a very constant attendant at service twice a day, and works at cutting firewood ; he is a strong, healthy native, above the knees. The women mostly work in the garden, watering, carrying manure, etc. Service is held twice daily for the natives. Everything is done methodically, and the bell ringing at daylight and horn sounded ; the bell again sounds at sunrise for Mass, when most of the working natives attend. On cold mornings I noticed they were not so punctual in appearing on the scene, but that is a very common failing amongst natives. Formerly, I believe, the natives were fed almost entirely on rice, but they got damper twice a week, and meat on Sundays and Saints' days (averaging twice a week). I strongly urged the superintendent to improve their diet still more by giving them meat at least once every day, and assured him he would find the benefit in many ways, as by getting more work out of those employed, and attracting others to the Mission when the news got around. Father Walter has decided to do this,and only awaits a stockman who has been engaged, when the cattle will be straightened up, a very needful process, they having degenerated terribly during the last 10 years. There can be no question that the natives get plenty to eat now, but they naturally get very tired of rice constantly, and would heartily welcome a change. Father Walter has also arranged with man in charge of the boat to catch fish for the general consumption. Building, etc. - As will be seen from the accompanying sheets of improvements, the buildings for the most part are very poor concerns. I cannot understand any men putting up such flimsy structures; the contrast of the new regime is very striking. The present superintendent has only been on the spot a little over two months, and has already caused to be made 11,000 bricks. He was told there was no clay or stone available for building purposes, but soon after his arrival set to work and found an inexhaustible supply of good clay, at once improved a pug mill and got to work, and, notwithstanding immense trouble with the mill - it, being made of wood, would not stand the strain - has turned out the above number of bricks, which only remain to be burnt. An iron mill has now been made, and was working most satisfactorable practical experience, having been 10 years in the Cameroons, amongst African blacks, and had great success in establishing and carrying on missionary endeavours in that country. He is a very energetic, hard-working man, and, I feel sure, in the course of a few years will make this Mission self-supporting. An immense amount of work has been done by Trappists, but unfortunately there appears to have been a sad want of method. Being very shorthanded of late years, the gardens, fences, etc., have been neglected a good deal, but there are very evident signs of methodical work now being done. There can be no doubt that at present the effects of the missionary efforts are beneficial; it remains to be proved if they are lasting. It is the intention of the superintendent to get more lay Brothers out; he has sent home for a mechanic and carpenter amongst others, and on their arrival will have the boys taught different trades. A Sisterhood is also to be formed as soon as accommodation can be found for the Sisters. A girls' school will then be formed, and the Sisters will take entire charge of the female part of the community. Father Walter informed me he was willing to take any number of half-castes from any part and educate them. He suggested, when possible, help should be obtained from the Father; this, of course, is a very difficult matter, and can only be hoped for in a very small number of cases. The Turtle Company's Tinning Works, at Beagle Bay, about seven miles from the Mission, is undoubtedly a source of great attraction to the Mission natives; they are able to get plenty to eat there, and do very little for it. It is to be hoped this factory will shortly be shifted away from the bay, the water there having become very bad of late. Should such be the case, some at least of the natives habitually hanging about this camp will repair to the Mission, and may be induced to do good work. Many pearlers make this Bay a place of call for water, etc., during the early part of the season, and I fear will always be a source of annoyance to the Mission, and are sure to draw a good many of the natives away, temporarily, at all events. To guard against the younger members of the Mission being thus led away into mischief, I consider it is absolutely necessary that the Institution be recognised as an industrial school, and that the superintendent should be certified as a fit person to manage it according to the Act 38 Vict, No. 10 (Industrial Schools). If something of this sort is not done, the superintendent cannot exercise the authority necessary to work a school in a proper manner. I have much pleasure in stating both Father Walter and Father White are men well fitted to be given this authority, and are not likely to abuse it in any way. In conclusion, I can only add that if the present superintendent goes on as he has begun, and carries out all that he has in view, there can be little doubt he will make a success of this Mission, and should be the means of turning out many useful and well-behaved natives, both male and female. I should here like to express my hearty thanks to the superintendent, Father White, and the Brothers of the Mission for their kindness and the assistance so heartily given me in carrying out my work. I have, etc., G. S. OLIVEY Travelling Inspector. Broome, 5th June, 1901.
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. DISASTER BAY. - A mission Station was started at this place, 30 miles East of Beagle Bay, some three or four years ago, by the Trappists, in conjunction with the head station, but was abandoned 12 months since. A few weeks back it was again taken in hand by Father Janny, one of the former Trappists, and is now under the supervision of Father Walter. There were formerly 52 natives (male and female) here; there are now only 35, 12 men and boys, and 15 women (one a half-caste), and two younger boys of 12 months and two years. Of these women, one of 35 is blind; one of 40 nearly so; and three are unable to work, from 40 to 65 or 70. All were well dressed, although anything but clean. The six boys are to be sent to the school at Beagle Bay shortly. The contrast between this place and the head station was very striking, everything being very dirty and untidy, including the natives; the boy doing the cooking apparently washed very seldom. A good deal of work must have been done here, but having been abandoned for 12 months the place was terribly overgrown with very rank grass, trees, etc. Ten natives (men) were employed clearing away the overgrowth around the spring; 20 others were digging ground preparatory to sowing haricot beans, etc. The women were carrying sand to bank up the channel conveying water to to the kitchen. The only building here of any consequence is one composed of iron and timber, strongly put together and in very good order, divided into a small chapel and dwelling room and store combined. This building, land, etc., has been valued on a separate sheet and enclosed with the others. The regularity and precision so noticeable at Beagle Bay were wanting here. A short service is held about 7 a.m., and again at dark; these services are shorter than at Beagle Bay. The natives are fed on rice three times a day; they get sufficient, but I do not think will ever work satisfactorily unless they get a fair allowance of animal food. The behaviour at the services was equally good with that at the head station. I have, ect., G. S. OLIVEY, Travelling Inspector. Broome, 5th June, 1901.
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. BEAGLE BAY. - The W.A. Turtle Co. have their works at this Bay and appear to be a source of constant attraction to a good number of natives. At times there are as many as 150 natives here; at the time of my visit there were only about 50 or 60 all told; of these eight men and boys, from 12 to 20, were working on the "John Elizabeth" a schooner owned by the Turtle Co. Captain Morrisey told me none of these boys were signed ; at the time I have an idea they ought to be under some sort of agreement, and referred the matter to Mr. Warton, who told me they certainly ought to be so according to the Act bearing on taking natives to sea ; this subject I shall hope to discuss with you on my arrival in Perth. Captain Morrisey tells me these boys make capital sailor, and he prefers them to Asiatics. Some native men and women, about six of each sex, were working, or pretending to work for Mr. Spurge (manager of the company). The men were doing very little, the women doing most of the work. At this camp I saw one old women of 70 ; she appeared to have good sight and was attacking a large fish vigorously when seen. One man of about 35 was suffering from tertiary syphillis, the cartilage of his nose being eaten away, and he was in a bad state generally. Upon my return to the Mission, I sent pills, etc., to Mr. Spurge, jun., for this man, with full instructions. There were five children, one a half-caste of 11 (this boy we took up to the Mission with the mother's consent, so that he will now be educated), two boys and two girls, from three to 11 years. There were also two younger children of about one year. There are five natives working on the Mission schooner, under a half-caste captain, William by name ; he was born in Cossackand seems to be a very intelligent man, and is well-spoken of by everyone. There is every probability that this Company will shift their works to Broome, the water at Beagle Bay having become very salt of late ; should they do so it will doubtless prove a blessing to the Mission, as now this camp is an undoubted source of attraction to natives who want to loaf, as here they can always get plenty of tucker and do little or nothing for it. All the natives appeared sleek and well. I have, etc., G.S. OLIVEY, Travelling Inspector. S.s Australind, 13th June, 1901.
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Perth. BROOME. - Previous to my arrival at this town I heard the state of affairs was anything but what it should be, and found I had not been misinformed; in fact they were even worse than painted. In the Asiatic quarter of the town it is impossible to walk along the main streets any time in the day without seeing natives, men, women, and children, lying and loafing about, sometimes right in the street, at others between the houses. They rarely appeared to be doing any work; at times a few might be seen carrying wood or water. The majority of these loafers were women, for the most part under 30 years of age. In no other town visited have I seen such a scandalous state of affairs. The women are all well dressed, and are seen at or about sundown carrying food away with them to the camps. A big majority of these natives camp about a mile out of town, others only a few hundred yards. With P.C. Zum Felde I visited the outlying camp one evening, when we saw about 150 men, women, and children; of these the men were a fine, strong, sturdy-looking lot, fat and sleek; very few of them were to be seen in the town; they will not work, but live on the women. The constable ascertained that many of these natives come from many miles inland, doubtless attracted by the easy life to be led if they have a young gin. On another occasion I went round the Asiactic quarters at night with Corporal Fox. At first we only found two women; these were both married to Manillamen. Later on we struck a camp of West Indian negro, Justinian Farrel by name, where we found four native women camped under a tarpaulin at the back. With this man were two others, one a white man, the other a South Sea Islander. There were also two children, one half-caste girl of five. Corporal Fox quickly hunted these women, and warned Farrel not to let this kind of thing occur again. This man Farrel is now doing a month's imprisonment for stealing a blanket from an old native woman; he got off very lightly, and had I been present I should have endeavoured to persuade the magistrate to deal much more severely with him. Unfortunately P.C. Zum Felde left for La Grange Bay shortly after my arrival in Broome, consequently I was not able to gain as much insight into all that goes on as if I had been there. I have interviewed several of the leading residents of Broome, and they all tell me the same thing, that they can seldom get a native (man) to do any work; some of them will perhaps work for a day or two and then clear out, and it is very certain while those women are allowed to remain in the town and make a good living by prostitution the men will not do anything more than they can help; it is very noticeable that the majority of the unattached men are elderly, that is to say, about 40. Shortly after my arrival in Broome I called on Father Nicholas, who is in charge of the Mission there, and was shown over the houses of the women (native) married to Manillamen and West Indians. There were seven married couples altogether, two being West Indians from St. Vincent, three Manillamen, and the other two aboriginals. They each had comfortable little cottages, built on small blocks bought by the Church and held in the woman's name; they were all very clean and tidy. Amongst these people were six children; one half-caste girl of eight has been adopted by a West Indian and his wife, and has been sent to school, the man, Philip O'Brien Taylor, paying 4s. per month for her; one girl of two years, offspring of one of the aboriginal couples; two girls, one of five, at school, and one of the aboriginal couples; two girls, one of five, at school, and one of seven months, are the daughters of a Manillaman. There can be no doubt these native women all seem very happy and contented, and have certainly been raised above their ordinary level; all their surroundings were neat, clean and tidy, but for all that the system of marrying Asiatics to aboriginal women should be stopped by law. In many cases the Asiatics really buy the women from the native husband, the latter thinking he will be able to get her back later on, is only too willing to let her go; he naturally is very angry when he finds too late that he has lost her entirely. I had a long talk with Father NIcholas on this subject. He told me he would much rather marry black with black, but asked, when Manillamen came to him wishing to be married to an aboriginal woman, and the latter was willing, what was he to do? I am glad to sat both Father Walter and Father White, at Beagle Bay, are opposed to these mixed marriages, and do not intend to sanction them, but in Broome, I fear, unless the law forbids it, of course, bound to keep in touch with his people, the Manillamen, and I have been told that these marriages all mean money to the Church. He asked my opinion, which J gave as distinctly opposed to the system. Father Nicholas would like to see the idle natives all kept on reserves outside the town. He complained bitterly of the present state of affairsa nd informed me that if a reserve were granted some little distance out of Broome he would go there and live amongst the natives himself, only coming into Broome on Sundays from the service, etc. I certainly think he is sincere in his endeavours to do good to the natives, but would no doubt like to assist his own people as well. I am sending herewith a list of converts, etc., made out by this gentleman, for your information. In Broome there are a certain number of natives signed to Asiatics. The R. M. (Mr Warton) informed me he considered this should be left to the discretion of the magistrate. This is a subject that requires careful consideration. Personally I do not think it desirable that natives should be signed to any Asiatic, but upon my arrival in Perth hope to discuss this matter with you. While in Broome I saw several natives, said to be from Port Darwin or Queensland, obtaining liquor at the hotels. These boys make a boast of being able to. This state of affairs should not be allowed to exist any longer and can easily be altered by omitting the word "Western" from the Act. There is no doubt these natives supply those born in this State with liquor, and I cannot see why a Queensland boy should be able to get in W. A. what he cannot obtain in his own country. I approached Mr. Warton on the subject of keeping unemployed natives out of town, thereby putting a stop to the existing scandalous state of affairs, but could get very little satisfaction out of him; he was willing to have them kept out at night, but said they did no harm in the day and did a certain amount of work, and were necessary, etc. As far as I could make out, there are not a great many in the town at night, although no doubt at times there are; it ended in my taking no further action until I have seen and consulted you on the subject. I cannot see what benefit a lot of loafing women and children can be to anyone, whites or Asiactics. If this sort of thing is allowed to continue, it means the extintion of the race, and that before many years. I would suggest that all unsigned natives, men and women, be kept out of the towns, both day and night, and anyone found in their camps without good and sufficient reason be liable to a heavy penalty. If some such step is taken, many of those now loafing and living on their women would go back inland to their own country and obtain an honest living. At one of the hotels natives are employed; one woman at least camps just at the back of the premises, and I was told by several people a great deal of immorality takes place here. I have seen the woman there by day, but not at night. This hotel is much frequented by the coloured men. I have, etc., G. S. OLIVEY, Travelling Inspector. s.s. Australind, 13th June, 1901.
La Grange Bay, 14th May, 1901. To G. S. Olivey, Esq., Broome, Inspector of Aborigines. In complying with your request of reporting on the aborigines in the Broome district, I beg to state as follows: - Condition. - The natives throughout the district during the last four years have degraded, physically and morally, to such extent that they almost became useless, except living on the proceeds of their women earned through prostitution, and many offacts are now to be found in a state of semi-starvation, if not relieved by the Aborigines Department. The tribal laws and customs have been anulled through the natives coming into constant contact with Asiatics. Where in former days old men had the young women, who supported them through hunting, to-day most women are in the hands of the young men and boys (who by tribal law are not entitled to them), having stolen them from their rightful owners by brute force, leaving the old to fossick for themselves, whilst the young men, with their so-procured women, follow up the pearling boats or go into Broome (where there is a great demand for them), a distance of from 100 to 150 miles, trading their women, aged from 10 to 40 years, to all comers for prostitution, and thus make a living in ease and laziness. Remedy - The only way, I think, this state of affairs could be improved is to keep the natives away from town and creek where boats are calling for water, and prohibit any person from cohabiting with natives, as at present the police have no power to do anything ; and, further, it should not be lawful for any coloured man to employ natives. I am sure if the natives are kept away from these harbours of debauchery they will again improve, and no support be needed for any of them ; but if no steps be taken to amend this state of affairs, instead of relieving 31 in the district the number will increase to 100 in a very short time, as all the offcast will fall on the Aborigines Department for support. The approximate number of natives now loafing in Broome district, and mostly living on prostitution, is as follows : - Whistler's Creek and La Grange Bay, 450; Broome, 300 ; Beagle Bay, 150 ; King Sound, Cygnet Bay, 200. Out of above, 300 are young men and boys, 150 under age and old men, and the balance (550) women and children. Venereal Diseases have now a solid footing, and cause great damage. Gonorrhoea and internal gonorrhoea (the latter most damaging to natives) and syphilis have also a footing, with a great variety of Eastern skin diseases raging throughout the district; and I have no doubt that venereal will stamp the race out of existence in the course of only a short time. I have seen many camps of half-caste women suffering from loathsome venereal, and in one of them saw nine women of all ages, every one with sores all over her body, dying a miserable and slow death. At King Sound, this year, I don't think that a single woman could be found, if in contact with Asiatics, who did not suffer from venereal, and at Beagle Bay things were nearly as bad. At La Grange Bay and Whistler's Creek, where for eight months in the year an average of 150 coloured men come into contact fortnightly with the natives, I think will speak for itself; and Broome is as bad as any part of the district, if not worse. I may state that I saw girls from 11 to 13 years suffering from venereal disease. Procuring native girls of tender age for prostitution is very common, and during the last four years four Asiatics were committed for trial for this crime: two were sentenced to imprisonment, but the other two were discharged on insufficient evidence. Last year I made inquiries on this matter at La Grange Bay and Whistler's Creek, and eleven cases came under my notice where the girls were from 10 to 13 years, and only in one case obtained evidence to warrant prosecution. The Asiactic was committed for trial but subsequently discharged at sessions on insufficient evidence. This crime is very hard to suppress as it requires corroborative evidence, and cannot be stamped out if natives are to be allowed to come into contact with Asiatics. The trading with young girls is very profitable to the natives, as for one night's debauchery from 10s. to £2 10s. is paid in rations and clothing. I may state that young girls are procured by Asiatics throughout the district. Liquor is not supplied to natives to any extent, although on various occasions mobs have been drunk at Whistler's Creek and Beagle Bay, but I have no doubt that this crime will increase, as Asiatics give anything to natives if in their possession, for meeting their own ends, and the police not in the vicinity, and I believe that this offence is committed in Broome more than anywhere. I regret having to state that a far greater evil is approaching, viz., opium, which on several occasions has been introduced to natives, but so far has not gained footing. Marriages of native girls to coloured men I think the most absurd action ever permitted. In most cases these women have a native husband and are sold by them for a good price. The native thinks he can reclaim her whenever he likes, and in cases where the woman is not willing fear and intimidation are brought into action; when the native objects or does not know the meaning of marriage, bribe and false representation are used, and after the marriage is performed the law will protect them and threats may be used. I have known several cases where the natives objected, but their complaint never reached the authority until too late, and of cases where natives claimed their women, which of course was useless; and I am of opinion that only fear keeps natives from committing crime, if not murder. I must state having noticed that most Asiatics married never after follow up their usual occupation but loaf and impose on others. I may state one case where a Manilla-man was married at the Mission a few years ago: he is now employed on a lugger here, he keeps a woman here and his lawful wife kept by the Mission. He has not been near Beagle Bay for nearly 12 months. I am sure that most of these women, in time, will be deserted, and they and their children will fall on the Aborigines Department for support, and as their children will have all the vice of the Asiatic mixed with the black blood of the mother, will prove a nuisance, if not criminals, to the country. Native food. - The district throughout is plentifully supplied with game, sufficient to support double the present number of natives, and the sea and creeks are full with fish and shellfish, and the bush has an unlimited supply of native fruits and roots to keep all natives through the year in splendid health and condition without any support whatever. In conclusion, I beg to state that about 75 per cent of the whites in the district are against amendments, and would sooner have things continued as at present. JOHN ZUM FELDE, P.C.

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