Carrolup Management
NOTE: This post contains terms and descriptions of events that may be upsetting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers. The use of historic terminology is included to reflect the attitude and behaviours of the time.
Carrolup Management
CARING FOR THE NATIVES IN THE GREAT SOUTHERN AND SOUTH-WEST.
CHIEF PROTECTOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
A.O. NEVILLE
Chief Protector of Aborigines.
West Australian
2 October 1915 – P12
The Chief Protector of Aborigines, Mr. A. O. Neville, has forwarded the following interesting report to the honorary Minister, Mr. Underwood:
I recently visited various towns adjacent to the Great Southern line, as well as the new native settlement at Carrolup, 20 miles west of Katanning, mainly with a view to ultimately inducing all the infirm and indigent natives now being rationed by the department in the South-West to settle at Carrolup, and also with a view to having the children in the various camps sent to Carrolup, in order that they may receive education.
I first visited the settlement at Carrolup and was very pleased to find that matters were very satisfactory. Since the natives were removed from Katanning to Carrolup about three months ago, there has been no trouble whatever in respect to drink or immorality. the some 60 natives I saw appeared to be perfectly happy and contented with their lot. There are some 20 children attending school, which is, at present, held in the newly erected ration shed. Mrs. Fryer, wife of the manager, acts as teacher and seems to have been successful so far in interesting the children in their work. Some of the children had, of course, previously attended Katanning school, and have, therefore, had some previous teaching.
The principal work done since Mr. Fryer, the manager, took charge in the beginning of June last, consist of the erection of a substantial ration store, the fencing in of some six acres, enclosing the compound where the buildings are to be erected, clearing and burning-off of the scrub and trees within this area, and the erection of native camps and certain buildings for Miss Lock, the representative of the Australian Aborigines’ Mission. I was very glad to find that the natives were working well under the direction of Mr. Fryer, who seems to be able to get them to do what he wants. Even the women have been gathering the scrub together to be burnt and have done useful work.
As you are aware, the Carrolup settlement has been started on Water Reserve 9089, which so far the Water Supply Department have declined to give up for the purposes of this department, The actual reserve consists of some 700 acres, only about 80 of which are fit for cultivation, with these 80 acres lying along both sides of the river.
My predecessor’s opinion was that the settlement might be made self-supporting by the cultivation of these 80 acres, principally for the growing of vegetables for sale at Katanning, and also the rearing of poultry. However, from inquiries I have made, I have no hesitation in saying that it will be quite hopeless to expect the place to be self-supporting in the manner suggested. In the first place Katanning appears to be quite well supplied with vegetables, poultry, and eggs nearer at hand, and the revenue, supposing we were able to sell the produce, would be insufficient to support the natives who require to be maintained.
After going into the matter very thoroughly and discussing it with those in a position to know, I consider that the settlement can be made not only self-supporting, but a payable proposition, providing sufficient land is made available for running, say, 1,000 sheep. The sheep industry is understood by the natives, practically all the natives in the South-West having had experience in this direction. Moreover, we should be much more likely to induce the natives to work in this direction than in the more intensive cultivation of land to be devoted to vegetables, etc. I am aware that there is poison on the land in the vicinity, but this applies equally to other areas taken up by various settlers who are, at the present time, running large flocks of sheep.
In view of what I have stated in the foregoing, I propose that at least 10,000 acres of land should be reserved in some form or another, for the use of this department in connection with the Carrolup Native Settlement. I am certain that if this is done, the settlement can be made a great success under careful management. To endeavour to establish the station on the present area of 700 acres only, and that 700 acres not vested for the use of aboriginals with only 80 acres fit for cultivation, appears to me to be an unsatisfactory proposition. It would hamper the department considerably in the future concentration of the natives on the reserve, and increase the expense. The water in the Carrolup River is brackish, and at the present time the residents on the reserve are not using it for drinking purposes. They obtain drinking water either from a tank recently erected by the department, or from a soak on the land of a neighbouring settler. Such being the case, it appears to be useless to hold the reserve for water purposes, and I trust that the Water Supply Department may be induced to relinquish it. Everyone in the vicinity with whom I spoke on the subject agreed that the water would not only never be required for Katanning but was also unfit for a domestic water supply. At the end of this minute, I have made certain recommendations in this and other respects.
The next matter which I think requires urgent consideration is the necessity for provision being made at the settlement for the reception of Aboriginal and half-caste children thrown on the care of the department from time to time. Since I took up this position there has been quite a number of such children for whom it is necessary to make some provision, either by sending them to one of the missions, at a cost of 10d. per head per day to the department, or by the department itself taking charge of them and placing them under its own care. The latter, of course, is the one at which I am aiming as being by far the cheapest, and perhaps in the long run, the most satisfactory. I propose, therefore, to erect a dormitory capable of housing 30 or 40 children, together with a dining room, in which they may have their meals. Such buildings can be constructed of bush timber, and these is sufficient iron on the reserve from the supply which we sent down from the old Welshpool settlement to roof the build this.
In the various camps that I have visited during the week, there are numbers of half-caste children, some of whom are as white as any of our own children, and who should be under proper care and receiving education. The course that I propose will enable this to be done, and I am convinced of the necessity for some immediate steps being taken in this direction. In regard concentration of natives along the Great Southern line, at Carrolup, the Government has been spending between £900 and £1,000 a year amongst the following places: Kellerberrin, Quairading, Beverley, and Gnowangerup, and I am of opinion that perhaps half of this amount can be saved by concentrating the natives that have been receiving relief at these places, at Carrolup. At the present time there is no necessity for able-bodied natives without families to be rationed in the south-west, though I found several receiving rations, who should have been working for their living. The old people, however, and the children, must be looked after, and I estimate that there are at Gnowangerup some 14 persons, at Beverley about 30, and at Quairading and Kellerberrin a lesser number, who would be far better at Carrolup. By moving those referred to to the settlement we need not ration any other natives in the places mentioned. The removal of these natives would add perhaps 40 children to the school and be the means of educating those children that have so far had no chance. There are others here and there who would have to come in later on.
At Beverley there is already a native school, costing the Government £144 a year. If the natives can be induced to go to Carrolup, I consider that the school should be closed and the teacher transferred to Carrolup, as with the influx of population, the manager’s wife will have quite enough to do without undertaking the teaching of the children as well. This department should pay the teacher’s salary, instead of the Education Department doing so. Her salary is £130 per annum, plus £12 allowance.
I spoke to the natives at the camp, which is on the border of the town, and it was agreed that two of their number should proceed to Carrolup at the expense of the department, and visit the settlement, with a view to their reporting to the others on their return. It is probable that most of the natives will decide to go down. It is, of course, within the power of the Minister, under the Act, to place natives within a reserve, but it is my idea to induce these natives to go to Carrolup of their own free will, as I feel sure once they got there, they will be satisfied and content to remain. There are, however, some families that will have to be moved should they refuse to go, as they are a burden on the department, and the children are not being properly looked after. This is mostly in the case of women, who have lost their husbands, and have large families.
The Quairading natives, on the other hand, were much more intractable, and declined to consider any other proposition than that of sending their children to the Quairading school. This concession has been refused, and I pointed out to them that there was no chance of their children receiving education at Quairading, and they had better consider letting them go to Carrolup. The difficulty, of course, at Quairading, is that two or three of the natives with big families are in possession of town lots. whereon they have erected huts, in which they are living, and they naturally do not wish to shift. These townsite lots overlook the town and are splendidly situated. The natives at this place appear to be better educated and more progressive than in the other places I visited, and certainly appear to know their own minds on the subject of the education of their children.
On looking into the matter of rationing natives at Carrolup, I find that, based on the present number of natives, a saving of something like £50 a year can be made by sending the rations in bulk from Perth.
Two storekeepers in Katanning have quoted, and I consider their prices altogether too high, and I see no reason why we should not supply direct, and so save the money. The ration store is now ready, and three months’ supplies at a time can be forwarded as soon as the road from Katanning is passable, which should be in a week or two. The conveyance of rations from Katanning to Carrolup is, of course, a difficulty, but if we could get the flour carted, I think if the manager is supplied with a horse and cart, he should be able to do the rest. In my opinion the provision of a horse and spring cart is essential. A cart can be obtained in Katanning for about £18, while the sergeant of police has at present in his hands a farmer’s intestate estate, comprised in which are several horses, shortly to be put up for sale, one of which could be obtained for Carrolup.
In regard to the manager, Mr. William John Fryer, you will recollect that he was appointed at a salary of £130 a year, as from April 16, subject to six months’ probation, to be manager and teacher of the native settlement on Reserve No. 9089 at Carrolup. Mr. Fryers period of probation will terminate on October 16 next, and I have much pleasure in recommending that his permanent appointment be approved. Under section 11 of the Aborigines Act the Government may appoint fit and proper persons to be superintendents of reserves. I think, therefore, that Mr. Fryer should receive the title of Superintendent of the Carrolup Native Reserve and Settlement. I also consider that he should be supplied, on behalf of himself and his wife, with flour, tea, sugar, and meat by the department. In other words, that he should receive £130 a year, free quarters, and maintenance to the extent just referred to.
Mr. Fryer has not asked that he should receive maintenance, but I think he is deserving of it in view of the fact that both he and his wife are working for the department, and the salary of £130 per annum is little enough for the services being performed.
I now beg to recommend as follows:
(1) That Reserve 9089, at present a water reserve, be definitely vested in the department for the use of aboriginals. That the area enclosed within the red line on the litho, be also reserved for the use of Aboriginals. (This has been temporarily earmarked.) That Locations Nos. 3513/415, hatched in red, which were taken up over a year ago, and on which no work whatever has been done by the persons taking up the land, be declared forfeited and be included in the reserve. That the area bordered in yellow be reserved for the use of the department in some form or another. It may not be necessary to create the whole of this area a Class “A” reserve. I consider, however, that the 3.000 or so acres within the red line referred to should be reserved for the use of aboriginals.
(2) That aboriginal and half-caste children consigned to the care of the department, instead of being sent to missions should, as far as possible, be located at Carrolup, and that the necessary provision be made for them. This will entail practically no expense beyond rationing to the department and will save the 10d. per head per day which would have to be paid to the missions.
(3) That rations in bulk be forwarded from Perth by the department so long as the present difference in prices exists.
(4) That a horse and cart be supplied, as well as a light plough and harrow, the latter being required for the cultivation of the land for the production of vegetables and fodder for use at the settlement.
i5) That as soon as practicable the native school at Beverley be closed and the teacher transferred to Carrolup. This recommendation being contingent upon the natives being removed from Beverley to Carrolup. Also, that this department should pay the salary of the teacher, instead of the Education Department doing so as at present.
(6) That Mr. Fryer be appointed Superintendent of the Carrolup Native Reserve and Settlement, at a salary of £130 per annum, quarters and maintenance, as from October 16 next.
(7) That the native reserve in Katanning be cancelled, being no longer required.
In conclusion, I feel confident that if my recommendations are approved, and are gradually put into effect, a considerable saving in the cost of the maintenance of natives in the Great Southern and South-West districts can be effected. The children that are growing up can be turned into useful workers instead of becoming a nuisance to the inhabitants of every town near which they are settled. There is no doubt that the concentration of’ the natives at Carrolup will be a great relief to the residents of those towns near which they are camped and will be to the ultimate advantage of the natives themselves. I am convinced that if the scheme is carefully managed and constantly supervised it can be made self-supporting within a comparatively short period. As a result of my visit I anticipate that, apart from my recommendations and suggestions contained in the foregoing, I can effect a considerable saving in other directions.
Carrolup Management
CARROLUP RIVER HISTORY
AGE-OLD MEETING PLACE OF NATIVES
Great Southern Herald
16 December 1949 – P5
In the most appropriate setting of the Carrolup Native Settlement, an interesting paper of the early history of the age-old meeting place of natives was given by the Settlement headmaster, Mr Ned White, to members of the Katanning Historical Society at its meeting on December 3. The Historical Society meeting at Carrolup was arranged by Mr. White and his paper dealt with the broad issues of the native question.
In the light of the social changes sweeping over the nations of the world, there are definite signs of an upsurge by the minority and backward people for equality and progress. So it is with the fast vanishing Aboriginal race of Australia, one of the most ancient and backward in the world – a Stone age man – who inhabits this continent of ours. Nomadic in his instincts, yet governed by tribal laws, living and hunting in the most primitive manner. Somehow, very little is known of their origin and dim past. Perhaps when the proud Pharaohs of Egypt were building their pyramids in the valley of the Nile or when the Israelites in bondage wept by the Euphrates and when Alexander’s shining legions crossed the mighty Himalayas’ and poured down the valley of the Indes, these nomadic blacks of this great south land walked backwards and forwards across this country in their struggle for existence – the inevitable search for food.
Confining these general remarks to the present local history of Carrolup, it is well for us to ask such questions as: “Why was this site chosen for a settlement?” “What was it that attracted the natives here before the coming of the white man?” It is interesting from the standpoint of this Society, that interesting and valuable light has been thrown on this place, by such sterling pioneers as Mr. and Mrs. Schubert, who in 1904, decided to take up land on the banks of this river. There were no roads in those days, so they literally had to hack a way through this virgin bush. These folks came from the drier areas of South Australia and were attracted to this site by the abundance of water, the beautiful natural flow and the possibilities the land offered.
A word about this bush land.
It was covered with thick heavy trees while the banks of the river were overgrown with bulrushes and water lilies. The water itself was fresh and good for drinking. Today in contrast, due to the clearing of the land, the salt has come up and the resulting brackish water has destroyed many of those beautiful bushes that once adorned the banks. The natives were seen to make their camp or mia-mias on the banks of what is known in the Aboriginal tongue at the Quangering Pool. Here they would stay for short periods at a time and then move off.
Then others would come in the course of their wanderings, break their journey home, to rest, as it were, until the urge to go walkabout compelled them to move on. If you take a cursory glance at the topography of this district it will be observed that due to the permanent water supply and abundance of the same, natives from the Albany-Wagin district would naturally call here to rest or hunt before they moved on. These natives mostly came here during the summer months. In the winter water was plentiful everywhere hence natives travelled further afield. Who knows than that we are now standing on ground which perhaps has borne witness to the activities of native life, drama and corroboree dating back thousands of years.
In 1914, a missionary by the name of Miss Loche, a person after the calibre of Mrs. Daisy Bates, came out here in a horse and buggy and pitched her tent alongside the home of Mrs. Schubert. Later, as he got to know the natives better, Mr. Schubert helped to build her a thatched room, on the site of the present farm shed and, living there permanently, she carried on her works of mercy.
The Government assisted her by making this place a ration station, where natives received a certain amount of flour, tea and sugar. In all these years of association with the real Aborigines, Mr. Schubert states that he found them honest and straight forward; they gave no trouble, nor did they steal or beg. If perchance they wanted some luxuries the white man had, such as watermelons, fruit and poultry they always brought the choice kangaroo tail in exchange. Their strong sense of independence built up over the ages revealed itself in this way.
Very often, in those early days, it took these sturdy pioneers a day to travel to Katanning to obtain stores and a day to return and, during this absence, the natives never touched a thing on the farm. Now, in contrast, as the half-caste population began to appear, customs and manners seemed to change. One amusing incident is told by the same person. A beautiful patch of watermelons was about to be picked. Every day the owner would survey the work of his hands. At last he decided to pick the crop, when to his dismay, he discovered each watermelon was hollow, the contents had been carefully scooped out. This was done by creeping on the melon patch by night, then each melon was turned over, a hole cut in the rind and the insides eaten. Then the plug was placed in the hole and the melon turned over and placed as before. Can you imagine the frustration of the owner?
The banks of these pools must bear witness to the age-old corroborees or native dances. These symbolic ceremonies were performed with all the dignity of their barbaric ideas. Mr. and Mrs. Schubert were once privileged to witness the weird corroboree when death occurred. The wailing and dancing are still vivid in their memories. Briefly, the leading native, or medicine man, was painted in white ochre and decorated in the most hideous manner so as to appear terrible. This, it was explained, was to frighten away the evil spirits. In later years, as more land was taken up in the surrounding districts, the natural hunting grounds of the natives became limited. They began to appear on this place more frequently until finally the Government declared it a reserve. When the work of caring for the natives became too much for the missionary the Government took it over and formed a permanent settlement in 1914. It was managed for a few years then it was closed and later reopened about the year 1939.
With the rapid increase of the half-caste populations, it became apparent a little more than handing out rations should be done. There was the health of the natives to consider, the education of children and the care of the aged. Other problems of delinquency appeared and throughout the country the problem has developed into a national one.
Now what of the future?
Anthropologists have made a great study of this race and they are agreed that they can and will take their places in our civilisation. However, it will take a little more than handing out rations to accomplish this. Already many of these dark-skinned children are in the third and fourth generation and it is heartening to see the response and the results of their present education. We must not be guided by sentiment but by a practical understanding of our responsibilities. What is needed is a sympathetic understanding, a constructive policy and a helpful hand to do what we can to make these people valuable citizens.
Carrolup Management
FURTHER READING
Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management. Carrolup Management.