Narional Archives of Australia
Darwin Office
CRS F126 Item 33
Halfcaste Institution Alice Springs 1940 - 1941
Copyright P J Mackett 2007
18. 3.1940 From Northern territory Administration to Deputy Director
of Native Affairs Alice Springs
Mentions halfcaste girl E Ward.
6. 3.1940 From P J Reilly Alice Springs to Deputy Director
of Native Affairs Darwin
Mentions halfcastes
Peggy Wallace
Mary Rivers
Eileen Briscoe
5. 2.1940 Native Affairs Branch Darwin to Patrol Officer Strehlow
Mentions Joe Croft and schooling in South Australia.
21. 5.1940 From Patrol Officer Strehlow to Director of Native Affairs Darwin
Ruby Onions has very defective eyesight and is clearly
incapavble of continuing with her school work at the
Halfcaste Institution. In addition, she appears to be
well over the age of 14. Recommends age be recorded
as 15 years and to be made available for employment
which places no undue strain on her eyes.
4. 3.1940 From Half-caste Institution Alice Springs to Director
of Native Affairs Darwin
Mentions that before being employed by Dr Reilly
Mary Rivers was employed in Port Augusta by Mrs G Webb
for the last four years. Mary had not been in the
Institution before and would be placed in employment
as soon as possible.
8. 5.1940 From Alice Springs Hospital to DNA Darwin About Ruby Onions.
Onions, a lubra camping at Heavitrrr Gap, states
that Ruby Onions is her daughter by William Liddle, and that she
was born in the camp at Tempe Downs homestead. Later Onions
took the child to Doctor Stone's camp, where she remained
some time. A half-caste woman called Alice eventually took the
child Ruby to the Jay Creek Institution. She remembers that at
this time Mr Freeman was the Superintendent of the Institution.
Alice Perkins, commonly called Mrs Costello, states that she and
Joe Costello were living at Doctor Stone's when Onions and the
child Ruby were in the native camp there. Alice Perkins has a
child known as Michael Costello, who is now fifteen years of age.
When Michael was aged one year, the child Ruby was running around
the camp at Doctor Stone's. Alice took Ruby to Jay Creek to the
Institution; at that time she judges Ruby to have been six years
old.
Joseph Costello remembers the child Ruby at
Doctor Stone's, and also that Alice took her to the Jay. He
considers the child was about six years old at that time.
Inquiries at the Half-caste Home show that no record exists of
Ruby Onion's admittance, and her listed age of twelve is merely
an estimate.
The girl Ruby herself, is obviously well advanced
into adolescence, with prominent breasts and other secondary
characteristics, and appears to be at least fifteen years old.
Furthermore, Ruby has such defective eyesight that
by my order she discontinued attending school some time ago.
7. 6.1940 From Native Affairs Branch to Mrs Rivers, Half-caste Institution Alice Springs
I have been informed that your husband is seeking
a divorce from you on the grounds of desertion, and I should
be glad if you would advise me if you can recollect the date
you ceased to live with him in Darwin.
For your information I might state that you and Mr
Rivers occupied the half-caste house in Thomas Street on
26. 8.1934, and that you left him between that date and 17th
October 1935, when you departed from Darwin with Mr and Mrs
G Webb.
2. 6.1940 From R H Purvis Wood Green Station Central Australia to
the Minister of the Interior about Topsy Glynn.
Enclosed is a letter which I wish you to show
to the Minister and if possible get this ridiculous state of
affairs altered. I would explain that this girl is the daughter
of James Glynn, halfcaste and a lubra.
Glynn some years ago took Mr F R W Scott to
Oodnadatta from Stirling Station for medical aid, while on the
trip (by buggy approx 1919) his lubra (the mother of Topsy)
was killed by the blacks, and Glynn gave the girl to bring
up as it was almost impossible for him to do so in his nomadic
job of stockman.
In due course I prevailed upon the late
Commissioner of Police R Stott to let the girl go to the
institution, this he allowed although the girl is not a half-
caste, conditionally that I took her out and gave her a job
on the station when she had finished schooling. This I did, and
the girl remained here with quarters of her own. In 1936 the
girl gave birth to a child and stated that Ron Price was the father,
this fact was admitted by Price, later I reported the birth and
M C Muldoon came here on the case.
In 1939, another child was born to her and Alf
Price, brother of the father of her first child was the father.
This birth wqas reported. I had occasion to take the girl with
her second child to the doctor and then after all the years,
it was deemed fit to put her back in the institution.
.........................................................
The point that is altogether out of the question is
the matter of the 'undertaking'. I ask, is it possible for anyone
to exercise more than the ordinary care about a home, and I would
point out that even with the supposed care taken at the institution
the following girls have had children while inmates or at least
inmates for most of the time, (1) Tilly Tilmouth who has 2 children
(2) Myrtle MacDonald, also 2, (3) Milly Woodforde, (4) Melta
Palmer who has had 4, 2 of them died, (5) May Hill (6) Eileen
Pristowe, (7) Hilda Stirling who has 2, (8) Hetty Turner or Perkins
who has had 4 since being in the institution, (9) Jessie Reid, there
are no doubt others but this list will show that even where there
is a chance apparently no undertaking is given by the person
in charge, who is a public servant being paid to do this with
his other duties.
.................................................................
PS I would point out that the person of whom the undertaking
is asked is 25 years old.
30. 7.1940 From Half-caste Institution To director of Native Affairs Alice Springs
about Topsy Glynn.
Report re: Topsy Glynn three quarter caste female aboriginal, inmate
of Half-caste Institution Alice Springs.
Topsy Glynn aged 23 years approximately, admitted Institution 12th Sept 1939.
Offspring :-
Rona Glynn aged 3 1/2 years, born Wood Green Station 24. 9.1936
admitted Institution 2nd October, 1939.
Freda Glynn aged 11 mths, born Wood Green Station 24. 8.1939,
admitted Institution 12th September, 1939.
Topsy Glynn was admitted to this Institution for the following reasons :-
1. Her infant, Freda, then aged 19 days, was in need of constant attention,
her umbilical cord being in such a condition as to require daisy
hospital treatment at the Institution for about six weeks.
2. Her presence was required here pending the termination of inquiries
then being made in an endeavour to establish the parentage of the
above mentioned infant.
3. In view of the promiscous manner in which Topsy was giving birth
to half-caste infants at Wood Green station it was, and still is,
considered to be in the girls best interests for her and her children
to remain in the Institution.
Topsy states that she had been employed by Mr R H Purvis
as housemaid and cook and had also done stockwork and windmill
repair work around the station and in return had only received clothing
and rations. Topsy also states that she does not want to re-enter the
employ of Mr Purvis preferring to remain in the Institution with her
children.
Topsy is on the staff of the Institution in the
position of laundress and appears to be quite happy and contented.
9. 8.1940 From Aborigines Department Adelaide to Patrol Officer Alice Springs
The arrangement between the Resident Medical Officer at
Alice Springs and Ethen Pondi is purely a personal one, and no
agreement, so far as I know, has been made.
14.11.1940 From Northern Territory Administration to Patrol Officer Jay Creek
I understand that Topsy Glynn is again in the employ of Mr Purvis.
18.11.1940 To Patrol Officer Strehlow
Topsy Glynn is now being employed by
Mr R Purvis who has been allowed to take her out of the H/C Instn.
under a proper agreement identical with those which govern the
employment of halfcaste girls in the township.
1. 4.1941 From Native Affairs Darwin to P O Strehlow
The members of the Hampton family were originally
inmates of the CMS Mission Roper River from where they
proceeded to Darwin and were later admitted to the Half-caste
Institution at Darwin and Alice Springs respectively.
. 4.1941 Letter from Mr W Bray and his wife, both half-castes
to the Protector of Aboriginals protesting the proposed
removal of their children from Central Australia.
Parents and all children, except one, born at the
Arltunga Goldfields. The eldest, Norman, was born
at Deep Well, part of the east-west running James
Range.
13. 5.1941 From P O Strehlow to Director of Native Affairs Darwin
I have interviewed Suptd. McCoy concerning baby Norah (your
memorandum dated 6th May, 31/3).
He informs me that he had taken the child to the Halfcaste
Institution, where she promptly developed diarrhoea, and hence had
to be returned to the Hospital.
24. 3.1941 From P O Strehlow to Director of Native Affairs Darwin
Application by Mrs Sarah Hampton for the custody of her three
sons Walter, Gerald and John who are in the Half-caste
Institution Alice Springs.
20. 3.1941 From Half-caste Institution Alice Springs to Deputy Director
of Native Affairs Alice Springs.
20. 3.1941 From Half-caste Institution Alice Springs to Deputy
Director of Native Affairs Alice Springs
Details of the Hampton family :-
There are nine children
Reginald, aged 16 years, residing with parents
Noel, aged 14 years, Garage Assistant, Alice Springs
Walter, aged 12 years, inmate Half-caste Institution
Gerald, aged 11 years, inmate Half-caste Institution
John, aged 10 years, inmate Half-caste Institution
Cyril, aged 9 years, residing with parents
Ken, aged 6 years, residing with parents
Arnold, aged 2 years, residing with parents
Baby, male, born January 1941
8. 8.1941 From Department of Health Alice Springs to P O Strehlow
about half-caste baby Dusty.
This baby has now been an inmate of this
institution for several weeks. She was found in a box
in the Charles Creek. She is quite healthy.
I should be glad of your decision
regarding what is to be done with her. Alternatives
worthy of consideration are
(1) Admission to Mareeba Babies' Hospital for
feeding till completely weaned; and
(2) Transfer to the care of the nuns at Bathurst
Island Mission.
She is approximately 7 - 8 months old,
and has been baptised by Father Eather.
13.12.1941 Letter from G A Johannsen to Director of Native Affairs Darwin
Mentions very light half-caste Mavis Webb aged 16 years.
14. 8.1941 From Native Affairs Darwin to Dr P J Reilly Alice Springs
Dr Reilly wants to remove half-caste child Elkin
outside the Northern territory.
26. 5.1941 Nominal Roll Half-caste Institution Alice Springs - Catholic Religion
Evacuation to Northern Missions 26th May 1941
(NB States 26th May 1940 but should be 1941)
Girls
No. Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Date Discharged
1 Ivy Dempsey H/C 11 3 27. 8.1938 26. 5.1941
2 Mary Bailey H/C 2 18. 3.1941 26. 5.1941
3 Nora Sullivan H/C 1 1/2 2. 5.1941 26. 5.1941
Boys
No. Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Date Discharged
1 Dinny Dunn H/C 12 3 27. 8.1938 26. 5.1941
2 Peter Brogan H/C 12 4 9. 8.1934 26. 5.1941
3 Sonny Tennant (Bennett) H/C 11 3/4 7 1. 2.1934 26. 5.1941
4 Stanley Peckham H/C 11 1/2 7 4.10.1937 26. 5.1941
5 George Peckham H/C 8 1/2 4 4.10.1937 26. 5.1941
6 Darcy Ferber 7/8 Abo 7 1 31. 3.1941 26. 5.1941
7 Jimmy O'Donoughue H/C 5 3/4 1 27. 8.1938 26. 5.1941
NB Re 'Date Admission' where No Record appears it can be taken
as prior to 5th March, 1937.
26. 5.1941 Nominal Roll Half-caste Institution Alice Springs - Methodist Religion
Evacuation to Northern Missions 26th May 1941
Girls
No. Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Date Discharged
1 Ruby Onions H/C 16 No Record 26. 5.1941 Defective eyes
2 Nancy Jones H/C 14 3 19. 3.1938 26. 5.1941
3 Clara Henty H/C 12 1/4 5 No Record 26. 5.1941
4 Amy Tennant H/C 12 1/4 6 1. 2.1934 26. 5.1941
5 Lorna Tennant H/C 12 1/4 6 1. 2.1934 26. 5.1941
6 Claudette Colbert H/C 10 1/2 3 31.10.1938 26. 5.1941
7 Ruby Braun H/C 10 1/2 4 20. 1.1934 26. 5.1941
8 Edie Waters H/C 10 3/4 2 12. 5.1934 26. 5.1941
9 Jessie Waters H/C 10 1/2 3 12. 5.1934 26. 5.1941
10 Daisy Murphy H/C 10 1/2 5 25.11.1934 26. 5.1941
11 Mona Waters H/C 9 1/2 4 12. 5.1934 26. 5.1941
12 Annie Wauchope H/C 9 1/2 2 9. 5.1934 26. 5.1941
13 Ruby Willis H/C 9 1/2 1 10.11.1938 26. 5.1941
14 Dolly Scrymgour H/C 8 3/4 2 28. 7.1936 26. 5.1941
15 Amy Scrymgour H/C 8 3/4 2 28. 7.1936 26. 5.1941
16 Nancy Cameron H/C 8 1/2 3 No Record 26. 5.1941
17 Gladys Long H/C 7 1 12.12.1938 26. 5.1941
18 Florrie Barrow H/C 5 1/2 1 18.12.1939 26. 5.1941
19 Betty Davis 3/4 Abo 6 1/2 1 10. 3.1941 26. 5.1941
Boys
No. Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Date Discharged
1 Jimmy Ryan H/C 11 3/4 4 18. 5.1937 26. 5.1941
2 Billy Ryan H/C 10 3 18. 5.1937 26. 5.1941
3 James Wauchope H/C 9 1/2 4 3. 1.1937 26. 5.1941
4 Lennie Bell H/C 9 4 12. 5.1934 26. 5.1941
5 Jack Clancy H/C 9 3 1. 3.1934 26. 5.1941
6 Ronnie Roberts H/C 8 3 28. 5.1938 26. 5.1941
7 Dick Tennant H/C 7 3/4 1 27. 8.1938 26. 5.1941
8 Happy Marshall H/C 7 3/4 1 6. 3.1939 26. 5.1941
9 Jack Daly H/C 7 1 6. 3.1939 26. 5.1941
NB Re 'Date Admission' where No Record appears it can be taken
as prior to 5th March, 1937.
3. 8.1941 From Half-caste Institute Alice Springs to Native
Affairs Branch Darwin.
Re Gladys Casey
I regret having to report that this girl
has shown no improvement since she was admitted to this
Institution from Darwin on the 14th May 1940.
Casey has expressed a desire to proceed to
the Methodist Mission with the Methodist children and after
consultation with Patrol Officer Strehlow she is to be permitted to
join the party leaving here on the 4th inst.
3. 8.1941 From Half-caste Institute Alice Springs to Native
Affairs Branch Darwin.
Re Mrs Lucy O'Connell nee White
In response to a request made by the Police on
behalf of the above named adult female half-caste permission
has been granted to her to proceed to Birdum with the children
being evacuated to NT Missions from here on the 4th inst.
The behaviour of this girl since her arrival in Alice
Springs has been of a most disturbing character and she has been
the medium of causing considerable unrest and trouble amongst
inmates of this Institution admitted from Darwin culminating in
one girl being dismissed by her employer.
4. 8.1941 Nominal Roll Half-caste Institution Alice Springs
Nominal Roll for children for Evacuation to N.T. Missions
Methodist
Girls
Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Notes
Gladys Casey H/C 18 14. 5.1940 Incorrigable
Molly Stone H/C 13 6 25.12.1932
Lily Kunoth H/C 13 6 No Record
Nettie Waters H/C 13 6 12. 5.1934
Audrey Waters H/C 8 2 12. 5.1934
Lynda Vale H/C 7 1 8.10.1939
Boys
Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Notes
Jack Scrymgour H/C 10 1/4 4 10. 3.1934
Robert Rendell H/C 7 1/2 2 17.12.1938
Johny Hunter H/C 6 1/4 1 28. 7.1936
Teddy Borlace H/C 2 1/2 17. 6.1940
Alec Ross H/C 5 3/4 1 9. 3.1940
Charlie Hayes H/C 2 1/2 26. 8.1940
Catholic
Mrs Daisy Liddy H/C 44 1/2 8. 6.1936
Girls
Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Notes
Evlyn Liddy Q/C 8 3/4 8. 6.1936
Boys
Name Caste Age Sch Grade Date Admission Notes
Albert Clayton H/C 14 6 No Record
Billy Presley H/C 12 6 20. 6.1939
Ambrose Tomlins H/C 11 6 No Record
Teddy Henry H/C 12 1/2 4 18. 5.1937
Michael Heenan H/C 10 1/4 4 No Record
Lawrence Presley H/C 10 1/2 5 20. 6.1939
John Liddy H/C 10 1/2 5 8. 6.1936
Alfie Liddle H/C 10 1/4 4 8. 6.1936
Lawrence Liddy H/C 9 1/2 4 8. 6.1936
Reginald Liddy H/C 9 1/2 4 8. 6.1936
Jimmy Graham H/C 7 1 6. 3.1939
Toby Liddy H/C 6 1/2 1 6. 3.1939
Jack Long H/C 2 1/2 From Jay Creek Reserve
Church of England
Mrs Daisy Liddy H/C 44 1/2 8. 6.1936
Daisy Ferber 7/8 Abo 6 1/2 1 13. 8.1936 For Medical Attention
20. 6.1941 From Native Affairs Darwin to Halfcaste Institution Alice Springs
Re Willie Cassidy and Duke Cassidy
I might state for your information that on
the 1st November 1932, the then Chief Protector, Dr Cook,
advised George W Ellis of Creswell Downs via Anthonys
Lagoon, that if he desired that Willie and Duke should be
returned to him at Creswell or elsewhere when they came of
age to leave the Institution no obstacle would be placed in
his way, providing he was in a position to safeguard their
future. Enquiries are being made and no finality can
be reached until definite assurance is received from Mr
Ellis. It is hoped that a decision can be conveyed to
you before the evacuation of your institution is completed.
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